Nicholas Van Wormer - The Ultimate Air Force Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Surviving Boot Camp

This section of The Ultimate Guide to Air Force Basic Training will provide you with a basic understanding of what the Air Force is, how it operates, and the types of jobs available within this branch of the service.

Air Force History

The U.S. Air Force, the newest branch of the American military, was created officially in 1947, just two years after World War II ended. Prior to that, the Army Air Corps was responsible for air operations.

After World War II, military officials and politicians realized the importance and effectiveness that air power played during military operations. In order for American air power to meet its full potential, it would have to operate as a separate entity apart from the Army. The National Security Act of 1947 created a separate division of the U.S. Military called The United States Air Force.

Once the Air Force was created, an operating structure had to be established. Here is the current Air Force organization structure:

The Office of the Secretary of the Air Force : The highest positions of the Air Force are found within this office. The SECAF answers directly to the president and the secretary of defense.

Major Commands : These are separate divisions of the Air Force, each with its own mission. During basic training you will be under the Air Education and Training Command (AETC).

Numbered Air Force : These are divisions under Major Commands. Each Numbered Air Force is divided into four levels. (1) Wing: The Wing is responsible for a specific base, operation, or mission. The Wing consists of about 1,000 - 5,000 personnel; (2) Group: A Group has a specific mission under the wing and consists of about 500 - 2,000 personnel; (3) Squadron: A Squadron consists of about 50 - 750 personnel; (4) Flight: The Flight is the lowest level in the Air Force and operates within a given squadron. You will be assigned to a numbered flight during basic training.

Air Force Mission

This was the original mission of the Air Force: The Air Force is organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained air offensive and defensive operations.

This mission statement was developed after World War II, when air battles, dog fights, and bombing runs were used extensively to defeat an enemy who also had substantial air power to challenge us. With each new war, the Air Force restructured its tactics and priorities. The most drastic change came in 2005, when the Air Force changed its mission statement to reflect present day operations. The changed Air Force mission statement read as follows: Deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interests to fly and fight in Air, Space and Cyberspace.

This statement represented the change in technology, including space and cyberspace. However, it wasnt long until the mission statement was changed yet again. In 2008, the Air Force simplified the statement. The current Air Force mission statement (and the one you will learn in basic training), is: Fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace.

Todays Air Force

With advancement in air technology, the Air Force has expanded its role within the military. One area in which the Air Force has grown is transportation. Modern aircraft can transport supplies and airmen faster than ships, and deliver its cargo directly to a final destination. The Air Force also focuses on aircraft designed for reconnaissance and information gathering. Today, the Air Force inventory consists of more cargo, support, and information gathering aircraft than fighter jets.

As part of its new mission, the Air Force is focused on responding to both combat and non-combat situations within a very short period of time. As a result, a new priority is to have the capability to deploy both supplies and personnel quickly to any part of the world. This requires highly trained personnel prepared to leave on short notice.