United States Air Force

The United States Air Force (USAF) is one of the eight uniformed services that make up the United States Armed Forces. It is responsible for the defence of the airspace above the United States. The United States Air Force was first founded on August 1, 1907 as a component of the United States Army Signal Corps. However, in 1947, with the passage of the National Security Act of 1947, the USAF transitioned into its current role as a distinct branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is the fourth branch of the United States Armed Forces in order of precedence and the second youngest in terms of age. The United States Air Force defines its primary responsibilities as maintaining air superiority, conducting worldwide integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations; ensuring quick global mobility; conducting global strikes; and maintaining command and control.

The Department of the Air Force is one of the three military departments that make up the Department of Defense. The United States Air Force is a military service branch that is structured inside the Department of the Air Force. The civilian Secretary of the Air Force is in charge of the Air Force via the Department of the Air Force. This position reports to the Secretary of Defense and is selected by the President, who then must get Senate confirmation of the appointment. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force is the military official with the highest rank in the Air Force. In addition to exercising supervision over Air Force units, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force serves as one of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A number of Air Force components have been designated for deployment with various unified combatant commands in accordance with directives issued by the Secretaries of Defense and the Air Force. The operational power of the forces assigned to combatant commanders is entrusted to them, but the administrative authority over their personnel is retained by the Secretary of the Air Force and the Top aide of the Air Force.

The United States Air Force is responsible for a variety of missions, including autonomous air operations, providing air support for land and naval forces, and assisting in the recovery of personnel who are currently deployed. More than 5,369 military aircraft and 406 intercontinental ballistic missiles are under this service's control as of the year 2017. It is the second biggest military branch and has a budget of $156.3 billion. It also includes 172,857 civilian staff, 329,614 active duty airmen, 69,056 reserve airmen, and 107,414 airmen in the Air National Guard.