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Air Force Units

The Air Force is composed of an active-duty component and two reserve components: the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard. The operational Air Force is organized through major commands, field operating agencies and direct reporting units, with wings serving as the basic unit for generating and employing combat capability, supported by subordinate elements including numbered air forces, groups, squadrons and flights.

Section

2+Airmen

Formed of two or more airmen, this is also referred to as an "element" in basic training.

Flight

Broken into three types, flights can be numbered, alphabetical or functional. A flight comprises individual airmen or sections.

Squadron

Commanded By:

major icon

Major

OR
leutenant colonel icon

Lieutenant
Colonel

35+Airmen

Squadrons consist of two or more flights. They are the lowest level of command with a headquarters element, usually identified by number and function, such as the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron.

Group

Commanded By:

Colonel icon

Colonel

400+Airmen

Groups consist of two or more squadrons whose functions are similar to what the group is named for, such as two or more squadrons supporting medical functions are part of a medical group. Groups mostly take on the number of the wing to which they’re assigned. For instance, the 9th Medical Group is part of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing.

Wing

Commanded By:

Colonel icon

Colonel

OR
Brigadier General icon

Brigadier
General

1,000+Airmen

Wings comprise two or more groups. There are two types of wings: composite and objective. Composite wings operate more than one kind of aircraft and may be configured as self-contained units designated for quick air intervention anywhere in the world. Others are based on objective: operational, air base or specialized mission. Wings typically contain an operations group, a maintenance group, a support group and a medical group. The 165th Airlift Wing is an example.

Numbered Air Force

Commanded By:

major general icon

Major
General

OR
lieutenant general icon

Lieutenant General

Wings, squadrons and groups can all be assigned to a numbered air force, which usually has a geographical assignment. First Air Force, for example, ensures the air sovereignty and air defense of the continental United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Major Command

Commanded By:

general icon

General

Major commands, or MAJCOMs, can be organized two ways: by mission, such as Global Strike Command or Mobility Command, or by region outside the continental United States, such as Pacific Air Forces. Major commands report directly to the Department of the Air Force.

THERE ARE
319,506
ACTIVE-DUTY AIRMEN IN THE AIR FORCE

Priorities

In a graphic, orange beams connect satellites spread around the Earth as seen from space..

Build the Space Force

Prioritize the newest branch of the armed services to protect, defend, and fight in, through and from the ultimate high ground.

A beam of white light shoots from deserted terrain into a night sky.

Modernize the Air and Space Forces

Build a lethal and ready force capable of competing, deterring, and if necessary, fighting and winning in a war with a nuclear peer.

Three service members wearing combat gear sit inside the cockpit of a military vehicle..

Grow strong leaders and resilient families

Create a culture of trust that values every individual and their family while developing and managing unique talents.

A military aircraft flies overhead against a blue sky leaving a trail of smoke..

Strengthen allies and partners

Deepen and develop all alliances and partnerships with a specific focus on the Indo-Pacific and European regions.

Air Force 101

The Department of the Air Force oversees both the Air Force and Space Force. The Air Force focuses on five core functions — air superiority, global strike, rapid global mobility, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, and command and control — to deliver air power in support of national objectives.

Aim High ... Fly-Fight-Win

Airmen chose "Aim High … Fly-Fight-Win" as their motto through a service-wide vote in 2010. It replaced the previous "Above All" motto, capturing the Air Force mindset: dream big, soar higher than anyone else, bring the heat when needed and always come out on top.

What Is Being an Airman All About?

Airmen live and serve with a commitment to these three core pillars. They represent the moral foundation, selfless dedication and professional standards expected of all Air Force personnel.

Integrity FirstService Before SelfExcellence in All We Do

September 18, 1947

After 40 years of proving airpower was the future through two world wars, the aviation unit finally earned its wings as an independent service. What began as the Army Signal Corps' Aeronautical Division in 1907 — handling "military ballooning" — became the mighty Air Force on Sept. 18, 1947.

Learn More Take the Quiz

The Air Force Flag

The Air Force flag features a bald eagle over a crest with 13 stars representing the original colonies. The blue represents the sky, the primary domain of Air Force operations, while gold symbolizes the sun and excellence in all endeavors.

'The U.S. Air Force'

Composed by Robert MacArthur Crawford in 1938, the Air Force song was originally called "Army Air Corps" and later adapted when the Air Force became an independent service. It is played at graduations, ceremonies and official events.

More Than an Airman

More than just pilots proudly flying the skies, airmen go above and beyond the call of duty.

A close-up of an airman wearing protective gear flying downward in a cockpit against a cloudy, blue sky.

The Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force demonstration squadron. It performs for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, it aims to excite and inspire the public. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds team demonstrates the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multirole fighter jet: the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Watch Learn More
A decathlete jumps over a hurdle in a track field during a sunny day.

The Air Force World Class Athlete Program transforms elite airmen into Olympic champions, offering active-duty, guard and reserve service members the opportunity to train full-time for up to three years while chasing their Olympic dreams.

One Airman's Journey
An airman sings on a stage with a microphone while flanked by an ensemble of musicians playing instruments and wearing Air Force attire.

Featuring the nation's finest professional musicians, Air Force bands honor, inspire and connect with communities worldwide, reaching more than six million listeners at roughly 5,000 live and televised performances each year.

Watch

Other Military Services

There are a few distinct exceptions in the structure of each military service. Select a service to learn more.

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Army
marine corps seal

Marine Corps
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air force seal

Air Force
Space Force seal

Space Force