Editing United States Armed Forces (section)

===U.S. Air Force===
{{main|United States Air Force}}
[[File:Stealth-y patrol - 090421-F-0000B-301.jpg|thumb|A [[B-2A Spirit]] stealth bomber from the [[509th Bomb Wing]] escorted by two [[F-22A Raptor]] stealth fighters from the [[3rd Wing]]]]
The [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) is the United States Armed Forces' air force. Originally established in 1947 when it gained independence from the U.S. Army, it traces its history back through the [[United States Army Air Forces]], [[United States Army Air Corps]], [[United States Army Air Service]], the [[Division of Military Aeronautics]], [[Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps]], to the birth of [[Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps]] on 1 August 1907. The U.S. Air Force serves as the principal air service, responsible for [[aerial warfare]] operations. The U.S. Air Force is composed of the Regular Air Force, [[United States Air Force Reserve|Air Force Reserve]], and [[Air National Guard]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/|title=About Us|website=www.af.mil}}</ref>

The U.S. Air Force is organized under the [[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]], which is a military department under the leadership of the [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|secretary of the Air Force]] and [[United States Under Secretary of the Air Force|under secretary of the Air Force]]. The U.S. Air Force itself is led by the [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|chief of staff of the Air Force]] and [[Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|vice chief of staff of the Air Force]], both [[general (United States)|general]]s who are advised by the [[chief master sergeant of the Air Force]].

The five core missions of the Air Force are:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/DocumentFile/Documents/2015/Future_Operating_Concept.pdf |title=Air Force Future Operating Concept: A View of the Air Force in 2035 |date=September 2015 |website=airforcemag.com |access-date=28 September 2021 }}</ref>
*[[Aerial warfare|Air superiority]]
*[[intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|Global integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance]]
*[[airlift|Rapid global mobility]]
*[[Strategic bombing|Global strike]]
*[[Command and control]]

[[File:C17 DF-SD-06-03299.jpg|thumb|Air Mobility Command [[C-17 Globemaster]]s performing low-level flight training]]
The eight specified functions of the Air Force are:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.doctrine.af.mil/Portals/61/documents/Airman_Development/PurpleBook.pdf|title=The Joint Team|website=doctrine.af.mil}}{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
# Conduct [[nuclear warfare|nuclear operations]] in support of strategic deterrence, to include providing and maintaining nuclear surety and capabilities.
# Conduct offensive and defensive operations, to include appropriate [[air defense|air]] and [[missile defense]], to gain and maintain [[air superiority]] and [[air supremacy]] as required, to enable the conduct of operations by U.S. and allied land, sea, air, space, and special operations forces.
#Conduct global precision attack, to include [[strategic bombing|strategic attack]], [[air interdiction|interdiction]], [[close air support]], and prompt global strike.
# Provide timely, globally integrated [[intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance]] capability and capacity from forward deployed locations and globally distributed centers to support world-wide operations.
# Provide rapid global mobility to employ and sustain organic air and space forces and other military service and U. S. Special Operations Command forces, as directed, to include [[military transport aircraft|airlift forces]] for [[airborne forces|airborne operations]], air logistical support, [[Aerial refueling|tanker forces]] for in-flight refueling, and assets for [[aeromedical evacuation]].  
#  Provide agile combat support to enhance the air and space campaign and the deployment, employment, sustainment, and redeployment of air and space forces and other forces operating within the air and space domains, to include joint air and space bases, and for the Armed Forces other than which is organic to the individual military services and U.S. Special Operations Command in coordination with the other military services, combatant commands, and U.S. Government departments and agencies.
#  Conduct global personnel recovery operations including theater-wide combat and civil search and rescue in coordination with the other military services, combatant commands, and DoD components.
#  Conduct globally integrated command and control for air and space operations.

====Combat Air Force====
{{main|Air Combat Command|Air Force Global Strike Command|Air Force Special Operations Command}}
[[File:90th Fighter Squadron - F-22s.jpg|thumb|Two [[F-22A Raptor]]s from the [[90th Fighter Squadron]]]]
The Combat Air Force (CAF) comprises the majority of the Air Force's combat power, consisting of its [[Fighter aircraft|fighter]], [[bomber]], [[intercontinental ballistic missile]], and [[special operations]] forces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/PDF/DocumentFile/Documents/2010/CAF_StratPlan2010_091610.pdf|title=Securing the High Ground|website=airandspaceforces.com}}</ref>

The Air Force's fighter forces are led by [[Air Combat Command]]'s [[Fifteenth Air Force]], with other fighter units under [[Pacific Air Forces]] and [[United States Air Forces in Europe]]. Air Force fighters are predominantly used to achieve air superiority and strike enemy ground and naval forces. The Air Force operates an expanding force of [[fifth-generation fighters]]. The [[F-22A Raptor]] stealth fighter is designed to replace the F-15C in [[air superiority]] operations carrying two [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] and six [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] missiles. It also has a significant air-to-ground mission, carrying two [[Joint Direct Attack Munition|GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munition]] bombs, in addition to two AIM-9 and two AIM-120 missiles.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104506/f-22-raptor/ | title=F-22 Raptor | work=Air Force }}</ref> Ultimately, the F-22 is intended to be replaced by the [[sixth-generation fighter]], [[Next Generation Air Dominance]] program.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2022/08/if-congress-blocks-f-22-retirements-expect-impact-to-air-force-drone-programs-hunter/#:~:text=The%20Air%20Force%20plans%20to,replace%20the%20F%2D22%20Raptor | title=If Congress blocks F-22 retirements, expect impact to Air Force drone programs: Hunter | date=16 August 2022 }}</ref> The F-22 is complemented by the more numerous [[F-35A Lightning II]] multi-role stealth fighters, which are in the process of replacing the F-16C fighters and A-10 attack aircraft in air superiority and ground attack roles, to include the [[nuclear warfare|nuclear strike mission]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/478441/f-35a-lightning-ii/ | title=F-35A Lightning II | work=Air Force }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/f-35-completes-final-test-for-nuclear-capable-b61-series-weapons/ | title=F-35 Completes Final Test for Nuclear-Capable B61 Series Weapons | date=5 October 2021 }}</ref>

The Air Force still operates an extremely sizable force of [[fourth-generation fighter]]s. The [[F-15C Eagle]] is a dedicated air superiority fighter, while the [[F-15E Strike Eagle]] has been modified to be a dual-role [[strike fighter]], carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104501/f-15-eagle/ | title=F-15 Eagle | work=Air Force }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104499/f-15e-strike-eagle/ | title=F-15E Strike Eagle | work=Air Force }}</ref> The F-15C Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle are both being replaced by the [[F-15EX Eagle II]], which is significantly more advanced.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/f-15ex-could-replace-strike-eagle-fleet-in-addition-to-older-c-d-models-usaf-says/ | title=F-15EX Could Replace Strike Eagle Fleet, in Addition to Older C/D Models, USAF Says | date=30 July 2020 }}</ref> The [[F-16C Fighting Falcon]] is a multirole fighter that has served as the primary Air Force fighter for decades, including as a dual-capable tactical nuclear strike fighter.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104505/f-16-fighting-falcon/ | title=F-16 Fighting Falcon | work=Air Force }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/the-one-way-nuclear-mission/ | title=The One-Way Nuclear Mission }}</ref> The [[A-10C Thunderbolt II]] [[attack aircraft]] has been the first Air Force fighter specifically designed for [[close air support]] missions, operating against enemy ground forces and light naval ships with its [[GAU-8 Avenger]] gatling cannon and array of air-to-ground munitions.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104490/a-10c-thunderbolt-ii/ | title=A-10C Thunderbolt II | work=Air Force }}</ref>

[[File:B-52 and B-2.jpg|thumb|A [[B-52 Stratofortress]] of the [[2nd Bomb Wing]] and a [[B-2A Spirit]] of the [[509th Bomb Wing]] flying in formation]]
The Air Force's bomber forces are organized under [[Air Force Global Strike Command]]'s [[Eighth Air Force]], executing long-range strike operations. The [[B-2A Spirit]] stealth bomber is capable of conducting both conventional and nuclear strike operations flying through air defenses.<ref name="auto12">{{cite web | url=https://www.afgsc.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Article/630717/b-2-spirit/ | title=B-2 Spirit | work=Air Force Global Strike Command AFSTRAT-AIR }}</ref> The [[B-1B Lancer]], in contrast, is a supersonic bomber that carries only conventional munitions and serves as the backbone of the bomber force.<ref name="auto12"/> Both the B-2A Spirit and the B-1B Lancer are being replaced by the [[B-21 Raider]] stealth bomber, which can be equipped with both conventional and nuclear munitions.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2682973/b-21-raider/ | title=B-21 Raider | work=Air Force }}</ref> The [[B-52H Stratofortress]] is a long-range, [[heavy bomber]] that the Air Force has flown since the 1950s and operates a variety of conventional and nuclear munitions, including the [[AGM-86 ALCM|AGM-86 air-launched cruise missile]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104465/b-52h-stratofortress/ | title=B-52H Stratofortress | work=Air Force }}</ref>

The Air Force's intercontinental ballistic missile forces are organized under Air Force Global Strike Command's [[Twentieth Air Force]], serving as the land component of the [[nuclear triad]]. The [[LGM-30G Minuteman III]] serves as the only ballistic missile operated by the Air Force, with 400 stationed in hardened silos.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104466/lgm-30g-minuteman-iii/ | title=LGM-30G Minuteman III | work=Air Force }}</ref> The LGM-30G will be replaced by the [[LGM-35A Sentinel]] intercontinental ballistic missile.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/sentinel-icbm-on-track-for-flight-test-this-year-senior-usaf-official/ | title=Sentinel ICBM 'on track' for flight test this year: Senior USAF official | date=16 February 2023 }}</ref>

[[File:CV-22 Ospreys over Tokyo.jpg|thumb|A formation of [[CV-22 Osprey]]s from the [[353rd Special Operations Group]]]]

The Air Force's special operations forces are organized under [[Air Force Special Operations Command]], consisting of both special operations aviation and Air Force special tactics airmen on the ground. The [[AC-130J Ghostrider]] [[gunship]]s have the primary mission of [[close air support]] and [[air interdiction]], using cannons and precision guided munitions.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/467756/ac-130j-ghostrider/ | title=AC-130J Ghostrider | work=Air Force }}</ref> The [[MC-130J Commando II]], also a variant of the C-130 Hercules, fly exfiltration and resupply operations for special operations forces, along with conducting air-to-air refueling for helicopters.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104510/mc-130j-commando-ii/ | title=MC-130J Commando II | work=Air Force }}</ref> The [[CV-22 Osprey]] is a tiltrotor aircraft used for the infiltration and exfiltration of special operations forces.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104531/cv-22-osprey/ | title=CV-22 Osprey | work=Air Force }}</ref> While not under Air Force Special Operations Command, rescue operations are supported by the [[HC-130J Combat King II]] and [[HH-60W Jolly Green II]] combat rescue aircraft.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/08/12/combat-rescue-helicopter-cuts-trigger-cost-overrun-air-force-says/ | title=Combat rescue helicopter cuts trigger cost overrun, Air Force says | date=12 August 2022 }}</ref> The [[MQ-9 Reaper]] also serves as a remotely piloted intelligence and strike aircraft, serving under Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Combat Command.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104470/mq-9-reaper/ | title=MQ-9 Reaper | work=Air Force }}</ref>[[File:USAF HH-60 evac scenario.jpg|thumb|Air Force [[Pararescue]] with a [[HH-60]] helicopter in the background]]

Air Force Special Tactics are the ground special warfare force of the U.S. Air Force, integrating air-ground operations. Special Tactics conduct four core missions. Global access teams assess and open airfields, ranging from international airports to dirt strips, in permissive or hostile locations to facilitate the landing and operation of air forces. Precision strike teams are trained to direct aircraft and other forces to conduct kinetic and non-kinetic strikes, as well as humanitarian aid drops. Special Tactics teams also conduct personnel recovery missions, possessing significant medical and rescue experience. Finally, Special Operations Surgical Teams conduct surgery and medical operations in battlefield operations in support of special operations.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airforcespecialtactics.af.mil/About/Mission/ | title=Mission }}</ref>

The Air Force also operates a wide array of [[reconnaissance aircraft]] under Air Combat Command's [[Sixteenth Air Force]], including the [[RQ-4 Global Hawk]] drone, [[U-2 Dragon Lady]], and [[RC-135 Rivet Joint]]. Air Force operations are typically supported by command and control aircraft, such as the [[E-3 Sentry]] [[airborne warning and control system]]. The E-3 Sentry is in the process of being replaced by the [[E-7A Wedgetail]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104504/e-3-sentry-awacs/ | title=E-3 Sentry (AWACS) | work=Air Force }}</ref>

====Mobility Air Force====
{{main|Air Mobility Command}}

[[File:Boeing Flight Test & Evaluation (28081863073).jpg|thumb|A [[KC-46A Pegasus]] refueling a [[C-17A Globemaster III]]]]

The Mobility Air Force (MAF) is organized under Air Mobility Command and comprises the Air Force's [[Military transport aircraft|airlift]], [[Aerial refueling|air refueling]], and [[aeromedical evacuation]] forces.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.amc.af.mil/About-Us/ | title=Gen. Minihan Keynote Intro for A/TA 2021 }}</ref>

The airlift forces operate three different major aircraft. The [[C-5M Super Galaxy]] is the largest aircraft in the Air Force, serving as a strategic transport aircraft.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104492/c-5m-super-galaxy/ | title=C-5M Super Galaxy | work=Air Force }}</ref> The [[C-17A Globemaster III]] is the airlift force's most flexible aircraft, conducting both strategic and tactical airlift operations. It is also capable of conducting airborne operations for the Army and aerial resupply through airdropping cargo.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1529726/c-17-globemaster-iii/ | title=C-17 Globemaster III | work=Air Force }}</ref> Finally, the [[C-130J Super Hercules]] is a tactical airlifter, conducting both cargo airlift and supporting Army airborne operations.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1555054/c-130-hercules/ | title=C-130 Hercules | work=Air Force }}</ref> Other major airlift platforms include the [[VC-25]], which serves as the personal plane of the [[president of the United States]], better known as [[Air Force One]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104588/vc-25-air-force-one/ | title=VC-25 – Air Force One | work=Air Force }}</ref>

The Air Force also operates three major aerial refueling tankers. The [[KC-46A Pegasus]] is its most modern tanker, replacing the aging [[KC-10A Extender]]s.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104537/kc-46a-pegasus/ | title=KC-46A Pegasus | work=Air Force }}</ref> The remaining tanker is the [[KC-135 Stratotanker]], which has flown since the 1950s.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1529736/kc-135-stratotanker/ | title=KC-135 Stratotanker }}</ref> Tankers are also capable of conducting limited airlift operations.

====Air Force commands====
The U.S. Air Force is organized into nine major commands, which conduct the majority of the service's organize, train, and equip functions. It commands forces attached to the combatant commands as joint force air component commands.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/PDF/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents%2F2013%2FMay%202013%2F0513MC_RC.pdf |title=Major Commands and Reserve Components |website=airforcemag.com |date=30 September 2012 |access-date=28 September 2021 }}</ref>
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan=2|Name
!Mission
!Headquarters
|-
|[[File:Headquarters US Air Force Badge.png|75px]]
|[[Headquarters Air Force]] (HAF) 
| Air Force service headquarters led by the [[chief of staff of the United States Air Force|chief of staff of the Air Force]]. 
|[[The Pentagon]], Virginia
|-
!colspan=4| Major Commands and Air National Guard
|-
|[[File:ACC Shield.svg|75px]]
|[[Air Combat Command]] (ACC)
| Primary provider of combat air forces to the unified combatant commands. Air Combat Command operates fighter, reconnaissance, battle-management, and electronic-combat aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.acc.af.mil/About-Us/|title=About Us|website=www.acc.af.mil}}</ref>
|[[Joint Base Langley-Eustis]], Virginia
|-
|[[File:Air Education and Training Command.svg|75px]]
|[[Air Education and Training Command]] (AETC)
|Recruits, trains, and educates airmen and develops Air Force doctrine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aetc.af.mil/About-Us/|title=Air Education and Training Command > About Us|website=www.aetc.af.mil}}</ref>
|[[Joint Base San Antonio]], Texas
|-
|[[File:Air Force Global Strike Command.svg|75px]] 
|[[Air Force Global Strike Command]] (AFGSC)
| Operates the Air Force strategic bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile forces. Air Force component and joint force air component command for [[United States Strategic Command]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afgsc.af.mil/About/|title=About|website=www.afgsc.af.mil}}</ref>
|[[Barksdale Air Force Base]], Louisiana 
|-
|[[File:Air Force Materiel Command shield.svg|75px]]
|[[Air Force Materiel Command]] (AFMC)
|Manages installation and mission support, discovery and development, test and evaluation, and life cycle management services and sustainment for every major Air Force weapon system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afmc.af.mil/About-Us/|title=About Us|website=www.afmc.af.mil}}</ref>
|[[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]], Ohio
|-
|[[File:Air Force Reserve Command.svg|75px]]
|[[Air Force Reserve Command]] (AFRC)
|Manages Air Force reserve forces.
|[[Robins Air Force Base]], Georgia
|-
|[[File:Shield of the United States Air Force Special Operations Command.svg|75px]]
|[[Air Force Special Operations Command]] (AFSOC)
| Organizes, trains, and equips air commandos. Air Force component and joint force air component command for [[United States Special Operations Command]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afsoc.af.mil/About-Us/|title=About Us|website=www.afsoc.af.mil}}</ref>
| [[Hurlburt Field]], Florida
|-
|[[File:Air Mobility Command.svg|75px]]
|[[Air Mobility Command]] (AMC)
| Primary provider of air mobility forces to the unified combatant commands. Air Force component and joint force air component command for [[United States Transportation Command]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amc.af.mil/About-Us/|title=Gen. Minihan Keynote Intro for A/TA 2021|website=www.amc.af.mil}}</ref>
| [[Scott Air Force Base]], Illinois
|-
|[[File:Pacific Air Forces.svg|75px]]
|[[Pacific Air Forces]] (PACAF)
|Air Force component and joint force air component command for [[United States Indo-Pacific Command]].
|[[Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam]], Hawaii
|-
|[[File:United States Air Forces in Europe.svg|75px]] [[File:United States Air Forces in Africa.svg|75px]]
|[[United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa]] (USAFE-AFAFRICA)
|Air Force component and joint force air component command for [[United States European Command]] and [[United States Africa Command]].
|[[Ramstein Air Base]], Germany
|-
|[[file:US-AirNationalGuard-2007Emblem.svg|75px]]
|[[Air National Guard]] (ANG)
|Air Force component of the [[National Guard (United States)|National Guard]].
|[[The Pentagon]], Virginia 
|-
|}