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{{redirect|USAF}} {{Redirect|The U.S. Air Force|the song|The U.S. Air Force (song)}}
[[Image:b52.climbout.arp.jpg|thumb|right|[[B-52|Boeing B-52]] strategic bomber taking off.]]
The '''United States Air Force''' ('''USAF''') is the air service branch of the country's armed forces, and is part of the [[Department of Defense]]. It was founded on 1 August 1907 as part of the United States Army Signal Corps, and then re-established in 1947 as a service branch in its own right.


The '''United States Air Force''' ('''USAF''') is one of the seven [[Uniformed services of the United States]] whose primary mission focus is on [[air superiority]]. Previously part of the [[United States Army]], the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on [[September 18]], [[1947]].<ref>80 P.L. 235, 61 Stat. 495 (1947); Air Force Link, (2006)''[http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2 Factsheets: The U.S. Air Force]''. Retrieved April 7, 2006.</ref>
==References==
{{reflist}}


The USAF is the largest and most technologically advanced [[air force]] in the world, with about 6013 manned aircraft in service (4,282 USAF; 1,321 [[Air National Guard]]; and 410 [[Air Force Reserve]]); approximately 160 [[Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle]]s, 2161 [[Cruise missile|Air-Launched Cruise Missile]]s, and 580 [[Intercontinental Ballistic Missile]]s;<ref name =USAFsize/> and as of [[September 30]], [[2006]], had 334,200 personnel on [[active duty]], 120,369 in the [[Air Force Reserve Command|Selected and Individual Ready Reserves]], and 107,000 in the [[Air National Guard]]. An additional 10,675 personnel were in the Standby Reserve, and the Air Force employed 168,558 civilian personnel.<ref name="USAFsize"> {{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = | url = http://www.afa.org/magazine/may2007/0507structure.pdf| title = 2007 USAF Almanac: USAF Personnel Strength| format = | work = | publisher = ''AIR FORCE Magazine''| accessdate = 4 May| accessyear = 2007}}</ref>
[[Category:Reviewed Passed if Improved]]


The USAF is currently undergoing a massive Reduction-in-Force (RIF). Because of budget constraints, the USAF will reduce the service's current size by 40,000 full time equivalent positions by 2011, with approximately half to be eliminated in FY 2007. Approximately 35,000 active duty positions, or one year's cycle of enlistments and retirements, will be eliminated over 5 years.<ref>Air Force Print News, (2006). ''[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123021367 Force shaping necessary for AF budgetary management]''. Retrieved June 8, 2006.</ref> The current size of the active-duty force is roughly 70% of that of the USAF at the end of the first [[Gulf War]] in 1991.<ref name="downsize"> {{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = | url = http://www.afa.org/magazine/may2006/0506structure.pdf| title = 2006 USAF Almanac: USAF Personnel Strength| format = | work = | publisher = ''AIR FORCE Magazine''| accessdate = 20 Jan | accessyear = 2007}} 1991 510,000; 2006 352,000</ref>
[[Category:Suggestion Bot Tag]]
 
Not all of the United States' military combat aircraft are operated by the USAF.  The [[United States Army]] operates its own helicopters, mostly for support of ground combatants; it as well maintains a small fleet of fixed wing aircraft (mostly [[Unmanned Aerial Vehicles]]). The [[United States Navy|Navy]] is responsible for the aircraft operating on its [[aircraft carrier]]s and [[Naval air station]]s, and the [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] operates its own combat and transport aircraft. The [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] also maintains transport and search-and-rescue aircraft, which may be used in a combat and law enforcement role. All branches of the U.S. military operate helicopters.
 
The Department of the Air Force is headed by the civilian [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]] who heads administrative affairs. The Department of the Air Force is a division of the [[United States Department of Defense]] which is headed by the [[United States Secretary of Defense]]. The highest ranking military officer in the department is the [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|Chief of Staff of the Air Force]].
 
==Mission==
1. According to the [[National Security Act of 1947]] (61 Stat. 502) which created the Air Force:
<blockquote>
''In general the United States Air Force shall include [[aviation]] forces both [[combat]] and service not otherwise assigned. It shall be organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained offensive and defensive air operations. The Air Force shall be responsible for the preparation of the air forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned and, in accordance with integrated joint mobilization plans, for the expansion of the peacetime components of the Air Force to meet the needs of war.''
</blockquote>
 
2. §8062 of Title 10 US Code ([http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode10/usc_sec_10_00008062----000-.html 10 USC 8062]) defines the purpose of the Air Force as:
*to preserve the peace and security, and provide for the defense, of the United States, the Territories, Commonwealths, and possessions, and any areas occupied by the United States;
*to support national policy;
*to implement national objectives;
*to overcome any nations responsible for aggressive acts that imperil the peace and security of the United States.
{{Infobox Military Unit
|unit_name= United States Air Force
|image= [[Image:United States Air Force logo, blue and silver.jpg|center|250px]]
|caption= The official logo of the United States Air Force
|dates= 1947 -
|country= [[United States of America|United States]]
|allegiance=
|branch= [[Air Force]]
|type=
|role= "To provide sovereign options for the defense of the United States and its global interests. To fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace"
|size= 351,800 active personnel<br>6,217 aircraft, of which 2,055 are fighters<br>1900 ICBMs
|command_structure= [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]
|garrison= [[The Pentagon]]
|garrison_label= Headquarters
|nickname=
|patron=
|motto= ''Aim High'' <small></small>
|colors=
|colors_label=
|march= [[The U.S. Air Force (song)|Off We Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder]]
|mascot=
|battles= [[Korean War]]<br>[[Vietnam War]]<br>[[Operation Desert Storm]]<br>[[Operation Deliberate Force]]<br>[[Operation Desert Fox]]<br>[[Operation Allied Force]]<br>[[Operation Enduring Freedom]]<br>[[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]
|anniversaries=
|decorations=
|battle_honours=
<!-- Commanders -->
|commander1= President [[George W. Bush]]<br>'''''(Commander-in-Chief)'''''<br>[[Michael Wynne]]<br>'''''(Secretary of the Air Force)'''''
|commander1_label= Civilian leadership
|commander2= General [[T. Michael Moseley]]<br>'''''(Chief of Staff of the Air Force)'''''<br>Chief Master Sergeant [[Rodney J. McKinley]]<br>'''''(Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force)'''''
|commander2_label= Military leadership
|notable_commanders=
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol= [[Image:Flag of the United States Air Force.png|200px]]
|identification_symbol_label= Air Force flag
|identification_symbol_2= [[Image:Usaf roundel.png|150px]]
|identification_symbol_2_label= Roundel
<!-- Aircraft -->
|aircraft_attack= [[F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15E]], [[F-117 Nighthawk|F-117]], [[A-10 Thunderbolt II|A-10]], [[Lockheed AC-130]]
|aircraft_bomber= [[B-52 Stratofortress|B-52H]], [[B-1 Lancer|B-1B]], [[B-2 Spirit|B-2]]
|aircraft_Command_and_Control= 
|aircraft_electronic=[[E-3 Sentry|E-3]], [[E-8 Joint STARS|E-8]], [[EC-130]], [[Boeing EC-135|EC-135]]
|aircraft_fighter= [[F-22 Raptor|F-22]], [[F-15 Eagle|F-15C]], [[F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]]
|aircraft_interceptor=
|aircraft_patrol=
|aircraft_recon= [[Lockheed U-2|U-2]], [[Boeing RC-135|RC-135]], [[RQ-4 Global Hawk|Q-4]], [[RQ-1 Predator|Q-1]]
|aircraft_trainer= [[T-6 Texan II|T-6]], [[Cessna T-37|T-37]], [[T-38 Talon|T-38]], [[Boeing T-43|T-43]], [[T-1A Jayhawk|T-1]], [[TG-10]]
|aircraft_transport= [[C-17 Globemaster III|C-17]], [[C-5 Galaxy|C-5]], [[C-130 Hercules|C-130]], [[C-135]], [[VC-25]], [[Boeing C-32|C-32]], [[McDonnell Douglas C-9|C-9]], [[V-22 Osprey|CV-22]], [[Gulfstream G500/G550|C-37]], [[Learjet 35A|C-21]], [[C-12 Huron|C-12]], [[C-40 Clipper|C-40]], [[KC-10 Extender|KC-10]], [[KC-135 Stratotanker]]
}}
3. The stated mission of the USAF today is to "deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interests &mdash; to fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace".<ref>Air Force Link, (2005). ''[http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123013440 Air Force releases new mission statement]''. Retrieved December 8, 2005.</ref>
 
===Search and rescue===
 
The '''National Search and Rescue Plan''' designates the [[United States Coast Guard]] as the federal agency responsible for ''maritime'' search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, and the United States Air Force as the federal agency responsible for ''inland'' SAR. Both agencies maintain Rescue Coordination Centers to coordinate this effort.[http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-o/g-opr/nsarc/nsarc.htm]
 
* [[United States Air Force Rescue Coordination Center]]
 
==History==
{{main|History of the United States Air Force}}
The United States Air Force became a separate military service on [[September 18]] [[1947]], with the implementation of the [[National Security Act of 1947]].<ref>U.S. Intelligence Community (October 2004). ''[http://www.intelligence.gov/0-natsecact_1947.shtml National Security Act of 1947]''. Retrieved [[April 14]] [[2006]].</ref> The Act created the [[United States Department of Defense]], which was composed of three branches, the Army, Navy and a newly-created Air Force.<ref>U.S. Department of State(2006). ''[http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/cwr/17603.htm National Security Act of 1947]''. Retrieved [[April 14]] [[2006]].</ref> Prior to 1947, the responsibility for military aviation was divided between the Army (for land-based operations) and the Navy, for sea-based operations from [[aircraft carrier]] and [[amphibious warfare|amphibious]] aircraft. The Army created the first antecedent of the Air Force in 1907, which through a succession of changes of organization, titles, and missions advanced toward eventual separation 40 years later. The predecessor organizations of today's U.S. Air Force are:
*[[Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps]] ([[August 1]] [[1907]] to [[July 18]] [[1914]])
*[[Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps]] ([[July 18]] [[1914]] to [[May 20]] [[1918]])
*[[Division of Military Aeronautics]] ([[May 20]] [[1918]] to [[May 24]] [[1918]])
*[[U.S. Army Air Service]] ([[May 24]] [[1918]] to [[July 2]] [[1926]])
*[[U.S. Army Air Corps]] ([[July 2]] [[1926]] to [[June 20]] [[1941]]) and
*[[U.S. Army Air Forces]] ([[June 20]] [[1941]] to [[September 17]] [[1947]])
 
===Wars===
The United States Air Force has been involved in many wars, conflicts, and operations since its conception; these include:
 
* [[World War I]]<ref> Air Force Pamphlet 36-2241 (1 July 2007). ''[http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/pubfiles/af/36/afpam36-2241/afpam36-2241.pdf].''</ref> [Aviation Section, US Army Signal Corps]
* [[World War II, air war]][Army Air Forces]
* [[The Cold War]]
* [[Korean War|The Korean War]]
* [[The Vietnam War]]
* [[Operation Eagle Claw]]
* [[Operation Urgent Fury]]
* [[United States invasion of Panama|The United States invasion of Panama]]
* [[Operation Eldorado Canyon]]
* [[The Gulf War]]
* [[Operation Northern Watch]]
* [[Operation Southern Watch]]
* [[Kosovo War|The Kosovo War]]
* [[Operation Enduring Freedom]]
* [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]
 
===Humanitarian operations===
The U.S. Air Force has taken part in numerous humanitarian operations. Some of the more major ones include the following:<ref>The primary source for the humanitarian operations of the USAF is the United States Air Force Supervisory Examination Study Guide (2005)</ref>
*[[Berlin Blockade#The Berlin Airlift|Berlin Airlift (Operation Vittles), 1948-1949]]
*[[Operation Safe Haven (1957)|Operation Safe Haven, 1956-1957]]
*Operations [[Operation Babylift|Babylift]], [[Operation New Life|New Life]], [[Operation Frequent Wind|Frequent Wind]], and [[Operation New Arrivals|New Arrivals]], 1975
*[[Operation Provide Comfort]], 1991
*[[Operation Sea Angel]], 1991
*[[Operation Provide Hope]], 1992-1993
 
==Administrative organization==
{{main|Organizational structure and hierarchy of the United States Air Force}}
 
The Air Force is one of three [[service departments]], and is managed by the (civilian) [[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]]. Guidance is provided by the [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the Air Force]](SECAF) and the Secretary's staff and advisors. The military leadership is the [[Air Staff (United States)|Air Staff]], lead by the [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|Chief of Staff]].
 
USAF direct subordinate commands and units are the [[List of United States Air Force Field Operating Agencies|Field Operating Agency]] (FOA), [[Direct Reporting Unit]] (DRU), and the currently unused Separate Operating Agency.
 
The [[List of Major Commands of the United States Air Force|Major Command]] (MAJCOM) is the superior hierarchical level of command. The [[List of Numbered Air Forces of the United States Air Force|Numbered Air Force]] (NAF) is a level of command directly under the MAJCOM, followed by Operational Command ''(now unused)'', [[Air Division]] ''(also now unused)'', [[List of Wings of the United States Air Force|Wing]], [[List of United States Air Force Groups|Group]], [[List of United States Air Force squadrons|Squadron]], and Flight.
 
==Operational organization==
<!--[[Image:AF-Logo.svg|thumb|150px|The official symbol of the USAF. The wings represent the enlisted force. The sphere within the star represents the globe. The star represents the officer corps. The three diamonds represent the USAF core values]]-->
The above organizational structure is responsible for the peacetime Organization, Equipping, and Training of aerospace units for operational missions. When required to support operational missions, the [[National Command Authority]] directs a Change in Operational Control (CHOP) of these units from their peacetime alignment to a geographic or functional [[Unified Combatant Command]] (CCDR). In the case of AFSPC, AFSOC, PACAF, and USAFE units, forces are normally employed in-place under their existing CCDR. Likewise, AMC forces operating in support roles retain their componency to [[USTRANSCOM]] unless chopped to a Regional CCDR.
 
See [[air warfare planning]] for a general view of air warfare doctrine and missions.
 
===Aerospace Expeditionary Task Force===
CHOPPED units are referred to as "forces". The top-level structure of these forces is the [[Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force]] (AETF). The AETF is the Air Force presentation of forces to a CCDR for the employment of Air Power. Each CCDR is supported by a standing Component Numbered Air Force (C-NAF) to provide planning and execution of aerospace forces in support of CCDR requirements. Each C-NAF consists of a Commander, Air Force Forces (COMAFFOR) and AFFOR/A-staff, and an Air Operations Center (AOC). As needed to support multiple Joint Force Commanders (JFC) in the COCOM's Area of Responsibility (AOR), the C-NAF may deploy Air Component Coordinate Elements (ACCE) to liaise with the JFC. If the Air Force possesses the most strategic air assets in a JFC's area of operations, the COMAFFOR will also serve as the Joint Forces Air Component Commander (JFACC).
 
===Commander, Air Force Forces===
The Commander, Air Force Forces (COMAFFOR) is the senior Air Force officer responsible for the employment of Air Power in support of JFC objectives. The COMAFFOR has a special staff and an A-Staff to ensure assigned or attached forces are properly organized, equipped, and trained to support the operational mission.
 
====Air Operations Center====
The [[Air Operations Center]] (AOC) is the JFACC's [[Command and Control (Military)|Command and Control]] (C²) center. This center is responsible for planning and executing air power missions in support of JFC objectives.
 
===Air Expeditionary Wings/Groups/Squadrons===
The AETF generates air power to support COCOM objectives from [[Air Expeditionary Wing]]s (AEW) or Air Expeditionary Groups (AEG). These units are responsible for receiving combat forces from Air Force MAJCOMs, preparing these forces for operational missions, launching and recovering these forces, and eventually returning forces to the MAJCOMs. Theater Air Control Systems control employment of forces during these missions.
 
==Vocations==
The vast majority of Air Force members remain on the ground. There are hundreds of support positions which are necessary to the success of a mission.
 
The classification of an Air Force job is the [[Air Force Specialty Code]] (AFSC). They range from flight combat operations such as a gunner, to working in a dining facility to ensure that members are properly fed. There are many different jobs in fields such as computer specialties, mechanic specialties, [[Aircrew Badge#Air Force|enlisted aircrew]], medical specialties, civil engineering, public affairs, hospitality, law, drug counseling, mail operations, [[Air Force Security Forces|security forces]], and search and rescue specialties.
 
Perhaps the most dangerous Air Force jobs are [[Pararescue]], [[Air Force Special Tactics#Combat Control|Combat Control]], [[Air Force Special Operations Weather Technician|Combat Weather]] and [[Tactical Air Control Party]], who deploy with [[infantry]] and [[special operations]] units who rescue downed or isolated personnel, call in [[air strike]]s and set up landing zones in forward locations. Most of these are [[enlisted]] positions.
 
Nearly all enlisted jobs are "entry level," meaning that the Air Force provides all training. Some enlistees are able to choose a particular job, or at least a field before actually joining, while others are assigned an AFSC at Basic Training. After Basic Military Training, new Air Force members attend a technical training school where they learn their particular AFSC. Second Air Force, a part of Air Education and Training Command is responsible for nearly all technical training.
 
Training programs vary in length; for example, 3M0X1 (Services) has 31 days of tech school training, while 1C2X1 (Combat Control) is 35 weeks long with 10 separate courses. 1N3X4 (Cryptologic Linguist) and 1A8X1 (Airborne Linguist) requires a language course ranging from 23 to 63 weeks, and a 4 to 5 month course. Some AFSC's have even longer training.
 
==Aircraft==
{{main|List of military aircraft of the United States}}
[[Image:b52.climbout.arp.jpg|thumb|right|[[B-52 Stratofortress|Boeing B-52]] strategic bomber taking off]]
 
The United States Air Force has over 7,500 aircraft commissioned as of 2004. Until 1962, the Army and Air Force maintained one system of aircraft naming, while the U.S. Navy maintained a separate system. In 1962, these were unified into a single system heavily reflecting the Army/Air Force method. For more complete information on the workings of this system, refer to [[United States Department of Defense Aerospace Vehicle Designations]].
 
===Historic aircraft===
* [[P-47]],  Thunderbolt, [[World War II, air war|WW2]] fighter
* [[P-51]],  Mustang, [[World War II, air war|WW2]] fighter
* [[B-17]], [[World War II, air war|WW2]] heavy bomber
* [[B-29]], [[World War II, air war|WW2]] heavy bomber
* [[B-52]]
===Current aircraft of the USAF:===
 
{|
|- valign=top
|
* [[A-10 Thunderbolt II|O/A-10A/C Thunderbolt ]]
* [[An-26]]<!--flown by the 6th SOS at Hurlburt Field-->
* [[B-1 Lancer|B-1B Lancer]]
* [[B-2 Spirit|B-2A Spirit]]
* [[B-52|B-52H Stratofortress]]
* [[C-5 Galaxy|C-5A/B/C/M Galaxy]]
* [[KC-10 Extender|KC-10A Extender]]
* [[C-12 Huron|C-12C/D/F Huron]]
* [[C-17 Globemaster III|C-17A Globemaster III]]
* [[C-20 Gulfstream III|C-20A/B/C Gulfstream III]]
* C-20H Gulfstream IV
* [[Learjet 35A|C-21]]A Learjet
* [[Boeing C-22|C-22B]]
* [[VC-25A]] (Air Force One)
* [[C-26 Metroliner|C-26B]]
* [[BAe 125|C-29A]] (HS.125-800)
* [[Boeing C-32|C-32A]]
* [[C-37 Gulfstream V|C-37A Gulfstream V]]
* [[C-38 Courier|C-38A Astra]]
* [[C-40 Clipper|C-40B]]
|
* [[CASA C.212 Aviocar|C-41A]]
* [[C-130 Hercules|C-130E/H/J Hercules]]
* [[AC-130|AC-130H/U Spectre/Spooky II]]
* HC-130H/N
* LC-130H
* [[MC-130 Combat Talon/Combat Spear|MC-130E/H/W Combat Talon/Combat Spear]]
* WC-130J
* [[C-135|C-135C/E/K Stratolifter]]
* NC-135B/E/W
* [[KC-135 Stratotanker|KC-135E/R/T Stratotanker]]
* EC-137D Stratoliner
* [[VC-137]]C
* CN-235-100
* [[E-3 Sentry|E-3B/C Sentry]]
* [[Boeing E-4B|E-4B]]
* [[E-8 Joint STARS|E-8C JSTARS]]
* E-9A
* [[F-15 Eagle|F-15A/B/C/D Eagle]]
* [[F-15E Strike Eagle]]
|
* [[F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16A/B/C/D Fighting Falcon]]
* [[F-22 Raptor|F-22A Raptor]]
* [[F-117 Nighthawk|F-117A Nighthawk]]
* [[MH-53|MH-53J/M Pave Low III/IV]]
* [[HH-60|HH-60G Pave Hawk]]
* [[Mi-8]]
* [[CH-53 Sea Stallion|NCH-53A Sea Stallion]]
* NT-39A/B Sabreliner
* OC-135B
* [[RQ-1 Predator|M/RQ-1A/B Predator]]
* [[RQ-4 Global Hawk|RQ-4A Global Hawk]]
* [[MQ-9 Reaper]]
* [[Boeing RC-135|RC-135S/U/V/W]]
* [[T-1A Jayhawk]]
* [[T-6 Texan II]]
* [[Cessna T-37|T-37B Tweet]]
* [[T-38 Talon|(A)T-38A/B/C Talon]]
 
|
* [[Boeing T-43]]
* TC-18E
* TC-135S/W
* TE-8A
* TG-3A
* TG-4A
* TG-7A
* TG-9A
* [[TG-10|TG-10B/C/D]]
* TG-11A
* TG-15A/B
* [[UH-1N Twin Huey|UH-1N Iroquois]]
* [[Lockheed U-2|U-2R/S Dragon Lady]]
* UC-26C
* UV-18A/B Twin Otter
* UV-20A Chiricua
* [[V-22 Osprey|CV-22B Osprey]]
* U-28A
* WC-135C/W
|}
 
==Culture==
===Uniforms===
{{main|United States Air Force uniform}}
United States Air Force personnel wear uniforms which are distinct from those of the other branches of the United States Armed Forces. The current uniform is an olive drab/black/brown and tan combination called the [[Battle Dress Uniform]] (BDU). Members deployed to an AOR wear a variation of the BDU, tan/brown and black in color, called the Desert Camouflage Uniform (DCU). A new uniform called the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) is currently being distributed some bases, and in a memo from HQ AFPC at Randolph AFB dated September 2007, will be distributed to basic trainees in their clothing issue starting October 2007. The ABU is already authorized for wear, and is scheduled to completely replace the BDU and DCU by November 2011.
 
===Awards and badges===
In addition to basic uniform clothing, [[Badges of the United States Air Force|various badges]] are used by the USAF to indicate a job assignment or qualification-level for a given assignment. Badges can also be used as merit-based or service-based [[Awards and decorations of the United States Air Force|awards]]. Over time, [[Obsolete badges of the United States military|various badges]] have been discontinued and are no longer distributed.
 
===Grade Structure and Insignias===
{{seealso|United States Air Force officer rank insignia}}
{{seealso|United States Air Force enlisted rank insignia}}
The standard USAF uniform is also decorated with an insignia to designate rank. USAF rank is divided between [[Enlisted rank|enlisted]] airmen, non-commissioned officers, and commissioned officers, and ranges from "airman basic" to the commissioned rank of [[general]]. Promotions are granted based on a combination of test scores, years of experience, and selection board approval. Promotions among enlisted men and non-commissioned officers rankings are generally designated by increasing numbers of insignia chevrons. Commissioned officer rank is designated by bars, oak leaves, a silver eagle, and anywhere from one to five (only in war-time) stars.
 
''For cadet rank at the U.S. Air Force Academy, see [[United States Air Force Academy Cadet Insignia]].''
 
===Motto===
The United States Air Force does not have an official motto, but there are numerous unofficial slogans such as "Nothing Comes Close" and ''Un Ab Alto'' ([[Latin language|Latin]] for "One Over All"). For many years, the U.S. Air Force used "Aim High" as its recruiting motto; more recently, they have used "Cross Into the Blue", "We've been waiting for you" and "Do Something Amazing".
 
Each wing, group, or squadron usually has its own motto(s). Information and logos can usually be found on the wing, group, or squadron websites.<ref>Military-quotes.com (2006). ''[http://www.military-quotes.com/mottos/US-Air-Force.htm US Air Force Mottos]''. Retrieved 4 June 2006.</ref>
 
[[Airman's Creed|The Airman's Creed]] is a statement introduced in the spring of 2007 to summarize the culture of the Air Force.
 
==The USAF and UFOs==
{{main|Project Sign}}
{{main|Project Grudge}}
{{main|Project Blue Book}}
{{main|Project Twinkle}}
In 1947, the USAF began [[Project Sign]], a study of [[unidentified flying object]]s that would be twice revived (first as [[Project Grudge]] and finally as [[Project Blue Book]]) and which would last until 1969.<ref>[http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=188 Unidentified Flying Objects and Air Force Project Blue Book (USAF Fact Sheet 95-03], updated October, 2005); URL retrieved 25June 2007</ref> The USAF's institutional attitude towards UFOs would vary drastically over the years, but the Air Force remains strongly associated with at least the early years of the "flying saucer" era: the term "unidentified flying object" was coined by U.S. Air Force officer [[Edward J. Ruppelt]]. [[Project Twinkle]], mostly unrelated to other UConsistSAF UFO studies, was set up in the late 1940s to investigate the mysterious "[[green fireballs]]" which appeared over several Air Force facilities.
 
==Notes and References==
<div class="references-small">
<references/>
</div>
References to U.S. Army predecessors of today's U.S. Air Force are cited under their respective articles.
 
==See also==
{{portalpar|Military of the United States|Flag of the United States.svg|65}}
{{commons|United States Air Force}}
{{portal|United States Air Force|Seal of the US Air Force.svg}}
{{wikisource-author}}
* [[Air Force Aeronautical Ratings]]
* [[Air Force Association]]
* [[Air Force Combat Ammunition Center]]
* [[Air Force Medical Service]]
* [[Air Force Knowledge Now]]
* [[Air Force Specialty Code]]
* [[Air National Guard]]
* [[Aviation Nation]]
* [[Civil Air Patrol]]
* [[Comparative military ranks]]
* [[List of active United States military aircraft]]
* [[List of air forces]]
* [[List of Famous Airmen]]
* [[List of military aircraft of the United States]]
* [[List of U.S. Air Force bases]]
* [[List of Wings of the United States Air Force]]
* [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]]
* [[Ranks and Insignia of NATO]]
* [[Service bands#Air Force Band|U.S. Air Force Band]]
* [[Strategic Air Command]]
* [[The U.S. Air Force (song)|"The U.S. Air Force"]], the official song of the USAF
* [[United States Air Force Academy]]
* [[U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds]]
 
==Bibliography==
* Boyne, Walter J. ''Beyond the Wild Blue: A History of the U.S. Air Force, 1947-2007'' (2007), popular [http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Wild-Blue-History-1947-2007/dp/0312358113/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1210610500&sr=8-2 excerpt and text search]
* Buckley, John. ''Air Power in the Age of Total War'' (1999) [http://www.amazon.com/Air-Power-Age-Total-War/dp/025321324X/ref=pd_sim_b_img_1 excerpt and text search]
* Budiansky, Stephen. ''Air Power: The Men, Machines, and Ideas That Revolutionized War, from Kitty Hawk to Iraq'' (2005) [http://www.amazon.com/Air-Power-Machines-Ideas-Revolutionized/dp/014303474X/ref=pd_sim_b_title_3 excerpt and text search]
* [https://www.aef.org/media/reports/Coldwar.pdf John T. Correll, ''The Air Force and the Cold War'' (2002), short official history of USAF]
* [http://www.afa.org/magazine/July2002/0702eaf.asp Correll, John T. "The EAF in Peace and War." ''Air Force Magazine'' 85:24-31 July 2002] on WW1
* Daso, Dik, ed. ''U.S. Air Force: A Complete History'' (2006), 640pp; large format, illustrated with  1500 photos [http://www.amazon.com/Force-Lauter-Levins-Military-History/dp/0883631148/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1210609110&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]
* Futrell, Robert F. ''Ideas, Concepts, Doctrine: A History of Basic Thinking in the United States Air Force, 1907-1984'' (2 vols., Air University) [http://aupress.au.af.mil/Books/Ideas_v1/Ideas_vI.pdf vol 1], [http://aupress.au.af.mil/Books/Ideas_vol2/Ideas_vol2.pdf vol 2] comprehensive history of doctrine
* Futrell, Robert F. ''The United States Air Force in Korea; 1950–1953'' (1983).
*  Alfred Goldberg. ''A History of the United States Air Force, 1907-1957'' (ISBN 0-405-03763-5) (1972)
* [http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/apj/3spr90.html Maj Roger F. Kropf, "The US Air Force in Korea: Problems That Hindered the Effectiveness of Air Power," ''Airpower Journal'' (spr 1990)]
* Gross, Charles Joseph. ''American Military Aviation: The Indispensable Arm'' (2005)
* Sherry, Michael S. ''The Rise of American Air Power: The Creation of rmageddon'' (1989), 435pp; history of ideas [http://www.amazon.com/Rise-American-Air-Power-Armageddon/dp/0300044143/ref=pd_sim_b_title_11 excerpt and text search]
* ''United States Air Force: History and Guide to Resources'' (ISBN 1-4116-3638-4)
* [http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/titleindex.htm Air Force official histories (mostly pamphlets)]
 
===World War II===
see [[World War II, air war/Bibliography]]
* [https://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/Annotations/cravenAAFWWII.htm Craven, Wesley and James Cate, eds. ''The Army Air Forces In World War II''] official history. (1948-55; also reprinted)
** [http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/aaf_wwii-v1.pdf Volume One: ''Plans and Early Operations January 1939 to August 1942'']
** [http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/aaf_wwii-v2.pdf Volume Two: '' Europe: Torch to Pointblank August 1942 to December 1943'']
** [http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/aaf_wwii-v3.pdf Volume Three: ''Europe: Argument to V-E Day January 1944 to May 1945'']
** [http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/aaf_wwii-v4.pdf Volume Four: ''The Pacific: Guadalcanal to Saipan August 1942 to July 1944'']
** [http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/aaf_wwii-v5.pdf Volume Five: ''The Pacific: Matterhorn to Nagasaki June 1944 to August 1945'']
** [http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/aaf_wwii-v6.pdf Volume Six: ''Men and Planes'']
** [http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/aaf_wwii-v7.pdf Volume Seven: ''Services Around the World'']
* [http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/titleindex.htm Air Force official histories (mostly pamphlets)]

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Boeing B-52 strategic bomber taking off.

The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the country's armed forces, and is part of the Department of Defense. It was founded on 1 August 1907 as part of the United States Army Signal Corps, and then re-established in 1947 as a service branch in its own right.

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