La Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos es una rama del servicio militar organizada dentro del Departamento de la Fuerza Aérea , uno de los tres departamentos militares del Departamento de Defensa . La Fuerza Aérea a través del Departamento de la Fuerza Aérea está dirigida por el Secretario civil de la Fuerza Aérea , quien depende del Secretario de Defensa y es designado por el Presidente con la confirmación del Senado . El oficial militar de mayor rango en la Fuerza Aérea es el Jefe de Estado Mayor de la Fuerza Aérea , quien ejerce supervisión sobre las unidades de la Fuerza Aérea y sirve como uno de los Jefes de Estado Mayor Conjunto . Según lo indicado por el Secretario de Defensa y el Secretario de la Fuerza Aérea, ciertos componentes de la Fuerza Aérea están asignados a comandos combatientes unificados . A los comandantes combatientes se les delega la autoridad operativa de las fuerzas que se les asignan, mientras que el Secretario de la Fuerza Aérea y el Jefe de Estado Mayor de la Fuerza Aérea conservan la autoridad administrativa sobre sus miembros.
Además de realizar operaciones aéreas independientes, la Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos brinda apoyo aéreo a las fuerzas terrestres y navales y ayuda en la recuperación de tropas en el campo. En 2020 [update], el servicio opera aproximadamente 5.500 aviones militares [13] y aproximadamente 400 misiles balísticos intercontinentales . [14] La fuerza aérea más grande del mundo, tiene un presupuesto de 179,7 mil millones de dólares [15] [16] [17] y es la segunda rama de servicio más grande de las Fuerzas Armadas de los EE. UU., con 321,848 aviadores en servicio activo , [f] [2] 147,879 personal civil, [g] 68.927 aviadores de reserva , [h] [2] 105.104 aviadores de la Guardia Nacional Aérea , [i] [2] y aproximadamente 65.000 auxiliares de la Patrulla Aérea Civil . [4]
En general, la Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos incluirá fuerzas de aviación tanto de combate como de servicio que no estén asignadas de otra manera. Estará organizado, entrenado y equipado principalmente para operaciones aéreas ofensivas y defensivas rápidas y sostenidas. La Fuerza Aérea será responsable de la preparación de las fuerzas aéreas necesarias para el desarrollo efectivo de la guerra, salvo que se le asigne lo contrario y, de acuerdo con los planes integrados de movilización conjunta, de la expansión de los componentes de la Fuerza Aérea en tiempos de paz para satisfacer las necesidades de guerra.
La sección 9062 del Título 10 del Código de EE. UU. define el propósito de la USAF como: [18]
preservar la paz y la seguridad y velar por la defensa de los Estados Unidos, los Territorios, Commonwealths y posesiones, y cualquier área ocupada por los Estados Unidos;
apoyar la política nacional;
implementar objetivos nacionales;
para superar a cualquier nación responsable de actos agresivos que pongan en peligro la paz y la seguridad de los Estados Unidos.
Misiones principales
Las cinco misiones principales de la Fuerza Aérea no han cambiado drásticamente desde que la Fuerza Aérea se independizó en 1947, pero han evolucionado y ahora se articulan como superioridad aérea, ISR (inteligencia, vigilancia y reconocimiento) global integrado, movilidad global rápida y ataque global. y mando y control. El propósito de todas estas misiones principales es proporcionar lo que la Fuerza Aérea define como vigilancia global, alcance global y poder global. [19]
Superioridad aérea
La superioridad aérea es "ese grado de dominio en la batalla aérea de una fuerza sobre otra que permite la realización de operaciones por parte de la primera y sus fuerzas terrestres, marítimas, aéreas y de operaciones especiales relacionadas en un momento y lugar determinado sin interferencia prohibitiva por parte de la fuerza aérea". fuerza contraria" (JP 1-02). [20] [21] [22] [23]
La ofensiva contraaérea (OCA) se define como "operaciones ofensivas para destruir, perturbar o neutralizar aviones, misiles, plataformas de lanzamiento y sus estructuras y sistemas de apoyo enemigos, antes y después del lanzamiento, pero lo más cerca posible de su fuente" ( JP 1-02). OCA es el método preferido para contrarrestar las amenazas aéreas y de misiles, ya que intenta derrotar al enemigo más cerca de su fuente y normalmente disfruta de la iniciativa. OCA comprende operaciones de ataque, barrido, escolta y supresión/destrucción de la defensa aérea enemiga. [20]
El Contra-Aéreo Defensivo (DCA) se define como "todas las medidas defensivas diseñadas para detectar, identificar, interceptar y destruir o anular las fuerzas enemigas que intentan penetrar o atacar a través del espacio aéreo amigo" (JP 1-02). En conjunto con las operaciones de OCA, un objetivo principal de las operaciones de DCA es proporcionar un área desde la cual las fuerzas puedan operar, a salvo de amenazas aéreas y de misiles. La misión del DCA comprende medidas de defensa tanto activas como pasivas. La defensa activa es "el empleo de acciones ofensivas limitadas y contraataques para negar un área o posición en disputa al enemigo" (JP 1-02). Incluye tanto la defensa contra misiles balísticos como la defensa contra amenazas aéreas y abarca la defensa puntual, la defensa de área y la defensa de activos aéreos de alto valor. La defensa pasiva son "medidas tomadas para reducir la probabilidad y minimizar los efectos del daño causado por una acción hostil sin la intención de tomar la iniciativa" (JP 1-02). Incluye detección y advertencia; defensa química, biológica, radiológica y nuclear; camuflaje, ocultamiento y engaño; endurecimiento; reconstitución; dispersión; redundancia; y movilidad, contramedidas y sigilo. [20]
El control del espacio aéreo es "un proceso utilizado para aumentar la eficacia operativa mediante la promoción del uso seguro, eficiente y flexible del espacio aéreo" (JP 1-02). Promueve el uso seguro, eficiente y flexible del espacio aéreo, mitiga el riesgo de fratricidio, mejora las operaciones tanto ofensivas como defensivas y permite una mayor agilidad de las operaciones aéreas en su conjunto. Elimina conflictos y facilita la integración de operaciones aéreas conjuntas. [20]
ISR global integrado
La inteligencia, vigilancia y reconocimiento (ISR) globales integrados es la sincronización e integración de la planificación y operación de sensores, activos y sistemas de procesamiento, explotación y difusión en todo el mundo para llevar a cabo operaciones actuales y futuras. [20]
Un avión de reconocimiento estratégico Air Force RQ-4
Planificar y dirigir es "la determinación de los requisitos de inteligencia, el desarrollo de una arquitectura de inteligencia adecuada, la preparación de un plan de recopilación y la emisión de órdenes y solicitudes a las agencias de recopilación de información" (JP 2-01, Apoyo de inteligencia nacional y conjunto a operaciones militares). Estas actividades permiten la sincronización e integración de actividades/recursos de recopilación, procesamiento, explotación, análisis y difusión para cumplir con los requisitos de información de los tomadores de decisiones nacionales y militares. [20]
La recopilación es "la adquisición de información y el suministro de esta información a los elementos de procesamiento" (JP 2-01). Proporciona la capacidad de obtener la información necesaria para satisfacer las necesidades de inteligencia (mediante el uso de fuentes y métodos en todos los dominios). Las actividades de recopilación abarcan el rango de operaciones militares (ROMO). [20]
El procesamiento y la explotación es "la conversión de la información recopilada en formas adecuadas para la producción de inteligencia" (JP 2-01). Proporciona la capacidad de transformar, extraer y poner a disposición la información recopilada adecuada para análisis o acciones posteriores en ROMO. [20]
Análisis y producción es "la conversión de información procesada en inteligencia mediante la integración, evaluación, análisis e interpretación de todos los datos fuente y la preparación de productos de inteligencia en apoyo de los requisitos de usuario conocidos o previstos" (JP 2-01). Proporciona la capacidad de integrar, evaluar e interpretar información de fuentes disponibles para crear un producto de inteligencia terminado para su presentación o difusión a fin de permitir una mayor conciencia situacional. [20]
La difusión e integración es "la entrega de inteligencia a los usuarios en una forma adecuada y la aplicación de la inteligencia a misiones, tareas y funciones apropiadas" (JP 2-01). Proporciona la capacidad de presentar productos de información e inteligencia en toda la ROMO, lo que permite comprender el entorno operativo a los responsables de la toma de decisiones militares y nacionales. [20]
Rápida movilidad global
Un KC-46 Pegasus de la Fuerza Aérea reposta un C-17A Globemaster III
La movilidad global rápida es el despliegue, empleo, mantenimiento, aumento y redespliegue oportunos de fuerzas y capacidades militares en toda la ROMO. Proporciona a las fuerzas militares conjuntas la capacidad de desplazarse de un lugar a otro conservando al mismo tiempo la capacidad de cumplir su misión principal. La Movilidad Global Rápida es esencial para prácticamente todas las operaciones militares, ya que permite a las fuerzas llegar rápidamente a destinos nacionales o extranjeros, tomando así la iniciativa a través de la velocidad y la sorpresa. [20]
El transporte aéreo son "operaciones para transportar y entregar fuerzas y material a través del aire en apoyo de objetivos estratégicos, operativos o tácticos" (Anexo 3-17, Operaciones de movilidad aérea). Las opciones rápidas y flexibles que ofrece el transporte aéreo permiten a las fuerzas militares y a los líderes nacionales la capacidad de responder y operar en una variedad de situaciones y plazos. La capacidad de alcance global del transporte aéreo brinda la posibilidad de aplicar el poder estadounidense en todo el mundo mediante el envío de fuerzas a lugares en crisis. Sirve como una presencia estadounidense que demuestra determinación y compasión en las crisis humanitarias. [20]
El reabastecimiento de combustible en vuelo es "el reabastecimiento de combustible de una aeronave en vuelo por otra aeronave" (JP 1-02). El reabastecimiento de combustible en vuelo amplía la presencia, aumenta el alcance y sirve como multiplicador de fuerza. Permite que los activos aéreos lleguen más rápidamente a cualquier punto problemático en todo el mundo con menos dependencia de bases avanzadas o autorizaciones de sobrevuelo/aterrizaje. El reabastecimiento de combustible en vuelo amplía significativamente las opciones disponibles para un comandante al aumentar el alcance, la carga útil, la persistencia y la flexibilidad de los aviones receptores. [20]
La evacuación aeromédica es "el movimiento de pacientes bajo supervisión médica hacia y entre centros de tratamiento médico por transporte aéreo" (JP 1-02). JP 4-02, Apoyo al servicio de salud, lo define además como "el movimiento de alas fijas de víctimas reguladas hacia y entre instalaciones de tratamiento médico, utilizando estructuras de aviones de movilidad orgánica y/o contratada, con tripulaciones aéreas entrenadas explícitamente para esta misión". Las fuerzas de evacuación aeromédica pueden operar tan lejos como los aviones de ala fija pueden realizar operaciones aéreas. [20]
Huelga mundial
El ataque de precisión global es la capacidad de mantener en riesgo o atacar rápida y persistentemente, con una amplia gama de municiones, cualquier objetivo y crear efectos rápidos, decisivos y precisos en múltiples dominios. [20]
Un A-10 de la Fuerza Aérea demostrando apoyo aéreo cercano en Nellis AFB
El ataque estratégico se define como "una acción ofensiva específicamente seleccionada para lograr objetivos estratégicos nacionales. Estos ataques buscan debilitar la capacidad o la voluntad del adversario de participar en un conflicto, y pueden lograr objetivos estratégicos sin necesariamente tener que lograr objetivos operacionales como condición previa" (Anexo 3 –70, Ataque Estratégico). [20]
La interdicción aérea se define como "operaciones aéreas realizadas para desviar, perturbar, retrasar o destruir el potencial militar del enemigo antes de que pueda aplicarse eficazmente contra fuerzas amigas, o para lograr de otro modo los objetivos del JFC. La interdicción aérea se lleva a cabo a tal distancia de las fuerzas amigas fuerzas que no se requiere una integración detallada de cada misión aérea con el fuego y movimiento de fuerzas amigas" (Anexo 3-03, Operaciones Contraterrestres). [20]
El apoyo aéreo cercano se define como "la acción aérea de aeronaves de alas fijas y giratorias contra objetivos hostiles que se encuentran muy cerca de fuerzas amigas y que requieren una integración detallada de cada misión aérea con el fuego y movimiento de esas fuerzas" (JP 1- 02). Esto puede ser como un evento planificado previamente o bajo demanda desde una postura de alerta (terrestre o aérea). Se puede realizar a través de ROMO. [20]
El propósito de las operaciones de disuasión nuclear (NDO) es operar, mantener y proteger las fuerzas nucleares para lograr una capacidad asegurada para disuadir a un adversario de tomar medidas contra intereses vitales de Estados Unidos. En caso de que la disuasión fracase, Estados Unidos debería poder responder adecuadamente con opciones nucleares. Los subelementos de esta función son: [20]
Asegurar/Disuadir/Disuadir es un conjunto de misiones derivadas de la preparación de la Fuerza Aérea para llevar a cabo la misión de operaciones de ataque nuclear, así como de acciones específicas tomadas para asegurar a los aliados como parte de la disuasión extendida. Disuadir a otros de adquirir o proliferar armas de destrucción masiva y entregarlas contribuye a promover la seguridad y también es una parte integral de esta misión. Además, se requieren diferentes estrategias de disuasión para disuadir a diversos adversarios, ya sean un Estado nación o un actor no estatal o transnacional. La Fuerza Aérea mantiene y presenta capacidades disuasorias creíbles a través de demostraciones y ejercicios visibles exitosos que aseguran a los aliados, disuaden la proliferación, disuaden a adversarios potenciales de acciones que amenazan la seguridad nacional de los EE. UU. o a las poblaciones, y despliegan fuerzas militares de los EE. UU., sus aliados y amigos. [20]
El ataque nuclear es la capacidad de las fuerzas nucleares para atacar con rapidez y precisión objetivos que el enemigo aprecia de manera devastadora. Si ocurre una crisis, la rápida generación y, si es necesario, el despliegue de capacidades de ataque nuclear demostrará la determinación de Estados Unidos y puede incitar a un adversario a alterar el curso de acción que considera amenazante para nuestro interés nacional. Si la disuasión falla, el Presidente puede autorizar una respuesta precisa y adaptada para poner fin al conflicto al nivel más bajo posible y conducir a un rápido cese de las hostilidades. Después del conflicto, la regeneración de una capacidad de disuasión nuclear creíble disuadirá de nuevas agresiones. La Fuerza Aérea puede presentar una postura de fuerza creíble ya sea en los Estados Unidos continentales , dentro de un teatro de operaciones, o en ambos para disuadir eficazmente a la variedad de adversarios potenciales previstos en el siglo XXI. Esto requiere la capacidad de atacar objetivos a nivel mundial utilizando una variedad de métodos; por lo tanto, la Fuerza Aérea debe poseer la capacidad de incorporar, entrenar, asignar, educar y ejercitar a individuos y unidades para ejecutar de manera rápida y efectiva misiones que apoyen los objetivos del NDO de EE. UU. Finalmente, la Fuerza Aérea ejercita y evalúa periódicamente todos los aspectos de las operaciones nucleares para garantizar altos niveles de desempeño. [20]
La garantía nuclear garantiza la seguridad, la protección y la eficacia de las operaciones nucleares. Debido a su importancia política y militar, su poder destructivo y las posibles consecuencias de un accidente o acto no autorizado, las armas nucleares y los sistemas de armas nucleares requieren una consideración y protección especiales contra los riesgos y amenazas inherentes a sus entornos de tiempos de paz y de guerra. En conjunto con otras entidades dentro de los Departamentos de Defensa o Energía, la Fuerza Aérea logra un alto nivel de protección a través de un estricto programa de garantía nuclear. Este programa se aplica al material, personal y procedimientos que contribuyen a la seguridad, protección y control de las armas nucleares, garantizando así que no haya accidentes, incidentes, pérdidas o uso no autorizado o accidental (un incidente de Broken Arrow ) nucleares. La Fuerza Aérea continúa buscando armas nucleares seguras y efectivas de acuerdo con los requisitos operacionales. Los adversarios, los aliados y el pueblo estadounidense deben tener mucha confianza en la capacidad de la Fuerza Aérea para proteger las armas nucleares contra accidentes, robos, pérdidas y usos accidentales o no autorizados. Este compromiso diario con operaciones nucleares precisas y confiables es la piedra angular de la credibilidad de la misión del NDO. Mando, control y comunicaciones nucleares positivos; seguridad eficaz de las armas nucleares; y un sólido apoyo de combate son esenciales para la función general del NDO. [20]
Comando y control
Mando y control es "el ejercicio de autoridad y dirección por parte de un comandante debidamente designado sobre las fuerzas asignadas y adjuntas en el cumplimiento de la misión. Las funciones de mando y control se realizan a través de una disposición de personal, equipo, comunicaciones, instalaciones y procedimientos empleados por un comandante en la planificación, dirección, coordinación y control de fuerzas y operaciones en el cumplimiento de la misión" (JP 1-02). Esta función principal incluye todas las capacidades y actividades relacionadas con el C2 asociadas con operaciones de apoyo aéreo, ciberespacial, nuclear y de combate ágil para lograr objetivos estratégicos, operativos y tácticos. [20]
En el nivel estratégico de mando y control, Estados Unidos determina los objetivos y la orientación de seguridad nacional o multinacional, y desarrolla y utiliza recursos nacionales para lograr estos objetivos. Estos objetivos nacionales, a su vez, proporcionan la dirección para desarrollar objetivos militares generales, que se utilizan para desarrollar los objetivos y la estrategia para cada teatro. [20]
En el nivel operativo, el mando y control, las campañas y las operaciones principales se planifican, conducen, sostienen y evalúan para lograr objetivos estratégicos dentro de los teatros o áreas de operaciones. Estas actividades implican una dimensión de tiempo o espacio más amplia que las tácticas; Proporcionan los medios mediante los cuales se explotan los éxitos tácticos para lograr objetivos estratégicos y operativos. [20]
El comando y control de nivel táctico es donde se libran batallas y enfrentamientos individuales. El nivel táctico de la guerra tiene que ver con cómo se emplean las fuerzas y los detalles de cómo se llevan a cabo los enfrentamientos y se atacan los objetivos. El objetivo del nivel táctico C2 es lograr la intención del comandante y los efectos deseados ganando y manteniendo la iniciativa ofensiva. [20]
Historia
Los orígenes de la Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos se remontan al Cuerpo de Globos del Ejército de la Unión de la Guerra Civil Estadounidense . El Union Balloon Corps, establecido por el aeronauta Thaddeus SC Lowe , proporcionó reconocimiento aéreo para el Ejército de la Unión . Este uso temprano de globos con fines militares marcó el comienzo de la guerra aérea moderna y sentó las bases para el desarrollo de la Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos. [24]
El Departamento de Guerra de Estados Unidos creó el primer antecedente de la Fuerza Aérea de Estados Unidos, como parte del Ejército de Estados Unidos, el 1 de agosto de 1907, que a través de una sucesión de cambios de organización, títulos y misiones avanzó hacia una eventual independencia 40 años después. En la Segunda Guerra Mundial , casi 68.000 aviadores estadounidenses murieron ayudando a ganar la guerra, y sólo la infantería sufrió más bajas. [25] En la práctica, las Fuerzas Aéreas del Ejército de los EE. UU. ( USAAF ) fueron prácticamente independientes del Ejército durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial, y en prácticamente todos los sentidos funcionaron como una rama de servicio independiente, pero los aviadores aún presionaron por una independencia formal. [26] La Ley de Seguridad Nacional de 1947 fue firmada el 26 de julio de 1947, por la que se creaba el Departamento de la Fuerza Aérea , pero no fue hasta el 18 de septiembre de 1947, cuando el primer secretario de la Fuerza Aérea, W. Stuart Symington , prestó juramento. Al asumir el cargo, la Fuerza Aérea se formó oficialmente como una rama de servicio independiente. [27] [28]
La ley creó el Establecimiento Militar Nacional (rebautizado Departamento de Defensa en 1949), que estaba compuesto por tres Departamentos Militares subordinados, a saber, el Departamento del Ejército , el Departamento de la Marina y el recién creado Departamento de la Fuerza Aérea. [29] Antes de 1947, la responsabilidad de la aviación militar estaba compartida entre las Fuerzas Aéreas del Ejército y sus organizaciones predecesoras (para operaciones terrestres), la Armada (para operaciones marítimas desde portaaviones y aviones anfibios ) y la Marina. Cuerpo (para apoyo aéreo cercano a las operaciones del Cuerpo de Marines). La década de 1940 resultó ser importante para la aviación militar también en otros sentidos. En 1947, el capitán de la Fuerza Aérea Chuck Yeager rompió la barrera del sonido en su avión propulsado por cohetes X-1, iniciando una nueva era de la aeronáutica en Estados Unidos. [30]
Rondas que han aparecido en aviones militares estadounidenses 1.) 5/1917–2/1918 2.) 2/1918–8/1919 3.) 8/1919–5/1942 4.) 5/1942–6/1943 5. ) 6/1943–9/1943 6.) 9/1943–1/1947 7.) 1/1947–
Antepasados
Las organizaciones predecesoras en el Ejército de la Fuerza Aérea actual son:
A principios de la década de 2000, dos proyectos de adquisición de aviones de la USAF tardaron más de lo esperado: los programas KC-X y F-35 . Como resultado, la USAF estaba estableciendo nuevos récords en cuanto a edad promedio de los aviones. [32]
Desde 2005, la USAF ha puesto un fuerte enfoque en la mejora del Entrenamiento Militar Básico (BMT) para el personal alistado. Si bien el intenso entrenamiento se ha vuelto más largo, también ha cambiado para incluir una fase de despliegue. Esta fase de despliegue, ahora llamada BEAST, coloca a los alumnos en un entorno de combate simulado que pueden experimentar una vez que se despliegan. Si bien los alumnos abordan las enormes carreras de obstáculos junto con BEAST, las otras partes incluyen defender y proteger su base de operaciones, formar una estructura de liderazgo, dirigir la búsqueda y recuperación, y el cuidado básico de autoayuda por parte de compañeros. Durante este evento, los Instructores de Entrenamiento Militar (MTI) actúan como mentores y fuerzas opuestas en un ejercicio de despliegue. [33] En noviembre de 2022, la USAF anunció que descontinuará BEAST y lo reemplazará con otro programa de entrenamiento de despliegue llamado PACER FORGE. [34] [35]
En 2007, la USAF emprendió una Reducción de Fuerzas (RIF). Debido a restricciones presupuestarias, la USAF planeó reducir el tamaño del servicio de 360.000 efectivos en servicio activo a 316.000. [36] El tamaño de la fuerza en servicio activo en 2007 era aproximadamente el 64% de lo que era la USAF al final de la primera Guerra del Golfo en 1991. [37] Sin embargo, la reducción terminó en aproximadamente 330.000 efectivos en 2008 en para satisfacer la señal de demanda de los comandantes combatientes y los requisitos asociados de la misión. [36] Estas mismas limitaciones han visto una fuerte reducción en las horas de vuelo para el entrenamiento de la tripulación desde 2005 [38] y el Jefe Adjunto de Estado Mayor para Mano de Obra y Personal dirige las evaluaciones de tiempo de los aviadores. [39]
El 5 de junio de 2008, el secretario de Defensa, Robert Gates, aceptó las dimisiones tanto del secretario de la Fuerza Aérea , Michael Wynne , como del jefe de Estado Mayor de la Fuerza Aérea , general T. Michael Moseley . En su decisión de despedir a ambos hombres, Gates citó "problemas sistémicos asociados con... la disminución del enfoque y desempeño de la misión nuclear de la Fuerza Aérea". [40] Gates no mencionó que se había enfrentado repetidamente con Wynne y Moseley por otras importantes cuestiones no nucleares relacionadas con el servicio. [40] Esto siguió a una investigación sobre dos incidentes relacionados con el mal manejo de armas nucleares : específicamente un incidente con armas nucleares a bordo de un vuelo B-52 entre Minot AFB y Barksdale AFB , y un envío accidental de componentes de armas nucleares a Taiwán. [41] Para poner más énfasis en los activos nucleares, la USAF estableció el Comando de Ataque Global de la Fuerza Aérea con enfoque nuclear el 24 de octubre de 2008, que luego asumió el control de todos los aviones bombarderos de la USAF. [42]
El 26 de junio de 2009, la USAF publicó un plan de estructura de fuerza que recortaba los aviones de combate y cambiaba recursos para apoyar mejor la guerra nuclear, irregular y de información. [43] El 23 de julio de 2009, la USAF publicó su Plan de vuelo del sistema aéreo no tripulado (UAS), que detalla los planes de UAS de la Fuerza Aérea hasta 2047. [44] Un tercio de los aviones que la USAF planeaba comprar en el futuro iban a ser no tripulados. . [45] Según el científico jefe de la Fuerza Aérea, Greg Zacharias , la USAF anticipa tener armas hipersónicas para la década de 2020, vehículos aéreos hipersónicos no tripulados (también conocidos como vehículos pilotados remotamente o RPA) para la década de 2030 y aviones RPA hipersónicos recuperables para la década de 2040. . [46] La USAF tiene la intención de desplegar un avión de combate de sexta generación a mediados de la década de 2030. [46]
El 22 de octubre de 2023, la USAF llevó a cabo su primer ejercicio trilateral con las fuerzas aéreas de Corea del Sur y Japón cerca de la Península de Corea. [47] El 29 de noviembre de 2023, un Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey de la USAF se estrelló en la isla japonesa de Yakushima y mató a 1 aviador. [48] [49]
La Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos ha estado involucrada en muchas guerras, conflictos y operaciones utilizando operaciones aéreas militares. La USAF posee el linaje y la herencia de sus organizaciones predecesoras, que desempeñaron un papel fundamental en las operaciones militares estadounidenses desde 1907:
Además, dado que la USAF eclipsa a todos los demás componentes aéreos estadounidenses y aliados, a menudo brinda apoyo a las fuerzas aliadas en conflictos en los que Estados Unidos no estaría involucrado, como la campaña francesa de 2013 en Mali . [89]
Varios miembros del personal de la Fuerza Aérea posan durante la celebración del 74th cumpleaños de la Fuerza Aérea en el Pentágono (17 de septiembre de 2021).
La cultura de la Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos está impulsada principalmente por los pilotos, al principio aquellos que pilotean bombarderos (impulsados originalmente por Bomber Mafia ), seguidos por los cazas ( Fighter Mafia ). [102] [103] [104]
Daniel L. Magruder Jr. define la cultura de la USAF como una combinación de la aplicación rigurosa de tecnología avanzada, el individualismo y la teoría progresista del poder aéreo. [111] El mayor general Charles J. Dunlap Jr. agrega que la cultura de la Fuerza Aérea de EE. UU. también incluye un igualitarismo generado por oficiales que se perciben a sí mismos como los principales "guerreros" de su servicio que trabajan con pequeños grupos de aviadores alistados, ya sea como tripulación de servicio o como tripulación a bordo. de sus aviones. Los oficiales de la Fuerza Aérea nunca sintieron que necesitaban la "distancia" social formal de su fuerza alistada que es común en otras fuerzas armadas estadounidenses. Aunque el paradigma está cambiando, durante la mayor parte de su historia, la Fuerza Aérea, completamente a diferencia de sus servicios hermanos, ha sido una organización en la que lucharon principalmente sus oficiales, no su fuerza alistada, siendo esta última principalmente una fuerza de apoyo de retaguardia. Cuando la fuerza alistada estaba en peligro, como los miembros de la tripulación de aviones con tripulación múltiple, la estrecha camaradería del riesgo compartido en espacios reducidos creó tradiciones que dieron forma a un tipo algo diferente de relación entre oficial y alistados que la que existe en otras partes del ejército. [112]
Se han citado cuestiones culturales y profesionales en la Fuerza Aérea de EE. UU. como una de las razones de la escasez de operadores de vehículos aéreos no tripulados necesarios . [113] A pesar de la demanda de vehículos aéreos no tripulados o drones para brindar cobertura las 24 horas del día a las tropas estadounidenses durante la guerra de Irak, [114] la USAF no estableció un nuevo campo profesional para pilotarlos hasta el último año de esa guerra y en 2014. volvió a cambiar su plan de estudios de entrenamiento de RPA, ante las grandes pérdidas de aviones en entrenamiento, [115] y en respuesta a un informe de la GAO que criticaba el manejo de los programas de drones. [116] Paul Scharre ha informado que la división cultural entre la USAF y el Ejército de los EE. UU. ha impedido que ambos servicios adopten las innovaciones de manejo de drones de cada uno. [117]
Muchas de las tradiciones formales e informales de la Fuerza Aérea de los EE. UU. son una fusión de aquellas tomadas de la Royal Air Force (por ejemplo, cenas en restaurantes/noches de comedor) o las experiencias de sus organizaciones predecesoras, como el Servicio Aéreo del Ejército de los EE. UU. , el Cuerpo Aéreo del Ejército de los EE. UU. y las Fuerzas Aéreas del Ejército de EE. UU . Algunas de estas tradiciones van desde "Etiquetas con nombres del viernes" en unidades voladoras hasta un "Mes del bigote" anual. [118] [119] El uso de "monedas de desafío" se remonta a la Primera Guerra Mundial cuando un miembro de uno de los escuadrones aéreos compró medallones completos de su unidad con su emblema, [120] mientras que otra tradición cultural exclusiva de la Fuerza Aérea es el " pisotón de techo ", practicado por los aviadores para dar la bienvenida a un nuevo comandante o para conmemorar otro evento, como un retiro. [121] [122]
Organización
Organización de la Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos dentro del Departamento de Defensa
La USAF, incluido su Componente de Reserva Aérea (por ejemplo, Reserva de la Fuerza Aérea + Guardia Nacional Aérea), posee un total de 302 escuadrones voladores. [141]
Instalaciones de la Fuerza Aérea de EE. UU. ubicadas dentro de los Estados Unidos continentales. Las bases conjuntas con presencia de la fuerza aérea tienen el prefijo JB.
Instalaciones de la Fuerza Aérea de EE. UU. ubicadas en el Pacífico, Asia Oriental y Sudeste Asiático. Diego García está más allá de los límites del mapa y, por lo tanto, no se muestra.
La misión principal de PACAF es proporcionar capacidades integradas de la Fuerza Aérea expedicionaria del Comando del Pacífico de EE. UU. para defender la Patria, promover la estabilidad, disuadir/disuadir la agresión y derrotar rápidamente a los enemigos. PACAF tiene sus raíces en la activación de las Fuerzas Aéreas del Lejano Oriente, el 3 de agosto de 1944, en Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Constaba de tres fuerzas aéreas numeradas (5.ª, 7.ª y 13.ª) que apoyaban operaciones de combate en el Teatro del Pacífico de la Segunda Guerra Mundial.
Instalaciones y ubicaciones de la Fuerza Aérea de EE. UU. en Medio Oriente, Asia central y Asia meridional.
Las operaciones de la Fuerza Aérea de los EE. UU. en Medio Oriente , Asia Central y parte del Sur de Asia son supervisadas por el Comando Central de las Fuerzas Aéreas de los EE. UU. (USAFCENT). Es parte del Comando de Combate Aéreo y tiene su sede en Shaw AFB en Carolina del Sur. Es el componente aéreo del Comando Central de EE. UU. , con la misión de entregar poder aéreo para la seguridad y la estabilidad de la región. El área de responsabilidad de USAFCENT cubre Afganistán, Bahrein, Egipto, Irán, Irak, Jordania, Kazajstán, Kuwait, Kirguistán, Líbano, Omán, Pakistán, Qatar, Arabia Saudita, Siria, Tayikistán, Turkmenistán, Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Uzbekistán y Yemen. [283]
The organizational structure as shown above is responsible for the peacetime organization, equipping, and training of air units for operational missions. When required to support operational missions, the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) directs the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF) to execute a Change in Operational Control (CHOP) of these units from their administrative alignment to the operational command of a RegionalCombatant commander (CCDR).[291] 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.
Air Expeditionary Task Force
"Chopped" units are referred to as forces. The top-level structure of these forces is the Air 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 air 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 CCMD'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 preponderance of air forces 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 USAF 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 (C2) center. Several AOCs have been established throughout the Air Force worldwide. These centers are responsible for planning and executing air power missions in support of JFC objectives.[292]
Air Expeditionary Wings/Groups/Squadrons
The AETF generates air power to support CCMD objectives from Air Expeditionary Wings (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.[293][294]
Personnel
The classification of any USAF job for officers or enlisted airmen is the Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC).
AFSCs range from officer specialties such as pilot, combat systems officer, special tactics, nuclear and missile operations, intelligence, cyberspace operations, judge advocate general (JAG), medical doctor, nurse or other fields, to various enlisted specialties. The latter range from flight combat operations such as loadmaster, to working in a dining facility to ensure that Airmen are properly fed. There are additional occupational fields such as computer specialties, mechanic specialties, enlisted aircrew, communication systems, cyberspace operations, avionics technicians, medical specialties, civil engineering, public affairs, hospitality, law, drug counseling, mail operations, security forces, and search and rescue specialties.[295]
Nearly all enlisted career fields are "entry level", meaning that the USAF provides all training. Some enlistees are able to choose a particular field, or at least a field before actually joining, while others are assigned an AFSC at Basic Military Training (BMT). After BMT, new enlisted airmen 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 enlisted technical training.[304][305]
Training programs vary in length; for example, 3M0X1 (Services) has 29 days of tech school training, while 3E8X1 (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) is one year of training with a preliminary school and a main school consisting of over ten separate divisions, sometimes taking students close to two years to complete. Officer technical training conducted by Second Air Force can also vary by AFSC, while flight training for aeronautically rated officers conducted by AETC's Nineteenth Air Force can last well in excess of one year.[306]
USAF rank is divided between enlisted airmen, non-commissioned officers, and commissioned officers, and ranges from the enlisted Airman Basic (E-1) to the commissioned officer rank of General (O-10), however in times of war officers may be appointed to the higher grade of General of the Air Force. Enlisted promotions are granted based on a combination of test scores, years of experience, and selection board approval while officer promotions are based on time-in-grade and a promotion selection board. Promotions among enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers are generally designated by increasing numbers of insignia chevrons.[307] Commissioned officer rank is designated by bars, oak leaves, a silver eagle, and anywhere from one to five stars.[308] General of the Air Force Henry "Hap" Arnold is the only individual in the history of the US Air Force to attain the rank of five-star general.[309]
As of 30 June 2017, 70% of the Air Force is White, 15% Black and 4.8% Asian. The average age is 35 and 21% of its members are female.[310]
Commissioned officers
The commissioned officer ranks of the USAF are divided into three categories: company grade officers, field grade officers, and general officers. Company grade officers are those officers in pay grades O-1 to O-3, while field grade officers are those in pay grades O-4 to O-6, and general officers are those in pay grades of O-7 and above.[311]
Air Force officer promotions are governed by the Defense Officer Personnel Management Act of 1980 and its companion Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act (ROPMA) for officers in the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard.[312] DOPMA also establishes limits on the number of officers that can serve at any given time in the Air Force. Currently, promotion from second lieutenant to first lieutenant is virtually guaranteed after two years of satisfactory service. The promotion from first lieutenant to captain is competitive after successfully completing another two years of service, with a selection rate varying between 99% and 100%. Promotion to major through major general is through a formal selection board process, while promotions to lieutenant general and general are contingent upon nomination to specific general officer positions and subject to U.S. Senate approval.
During the board process, an officer's record is reviewed by a selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. At the 10 to 11-year mark, captains will take part in a selection board to major. If not selected, they will meet a follow-on board to determine if they will be allowed to remain in the Air Force. Promotion from major to lieutenant colonel is similar and occurs approximately between the fourteen year and the fifteen year mark, where a certain percentage of majors will be in zone (i.e., "on time") or above zone (i.e., "late") for promotion to lieutenant colonel.[313] This process will repeat at the 18-year mark to the 21-year mark for promotion to full colonel.
The Air Force has the largest ratio of general officers to total strength of all of the U.S. Armed Forces and this ratio has continued to increase even as the force has shrunk from its Cold War highs.[314]
Warrant officers
Although provisions were made in Title 10 of the United States Code for the Secretary of the Air Force to appoint warrant officers, the Air Force had not used warrant officer grades for many years, and, along with the Space Force, were the only U.S. Armed Services not to do so until 2024. The Air Force inherited warrant officer ranks from the Army at its inception in 1947. The Air Force stopped appointing warrant officers in 1959,[316] the same year the first promotions were made to the new top enlisted grade, Chief Master Sergeant. Most of the existing Air Force warrant officers entered the commissioned officer ranks during the 1960s, but small numbers continued to exist in the warrant officer grades for the next 21 years.[citation needed]
The last active duty Air Force warrant officer, CWO4 James H. Long, retired in 1980, and the last Air Force Reserve warrant officer, CWO4 Bob Barrow, retired in 1992.[317] Upon his retirement, he was honorarily promoted to CWO5, the only person in the Air Force ever to hold this grade.[316] Since Barrow's retirement, the Air Force warrant officer ranks, while still authorized by law, were not used.[317]
It was announced at the AFA Warfare Symposium on February 12, 2024, that warrant officer ranks in the cyber and information technology fields would be reintroduced, beginning in FY25. It was stated that this effort was to retain talent in these technical fields for airmen who did not wish to pursue a leadership path.[318] An initial class of 30 warrant officers 1s to begin training in the summer 2024.[319][318]
Enlisted airmen
Pararescuemen and a simulated "survivor" watch as an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter comes in for a landing
Enlisted airmen have pay grades from E-1 (entry level) to E-9 (senior enlisted).[320] While all USAF personnel, enlisted and officer, are referred to as airmen, in the same manner that all Army personnel, enlisted and officer, are referred to as soldiers, the term also refers to the pay grades of E-1 through E-4, which are below the level of non-commissioned officers (NCOs). Above the pay grade of E-4 (i.e., pay grades E-5 through E-9) all ranks fall into the category of NCO and are further subdivided into "NCOs" (pay grades E-5 and E-6) and "senior NCOs" (pay grades E-7 through E-9); the term "junior NCO" is sometimes used to refer to staff sergeants and technical sergeants (pay grades E-5 and E-6).[321]
The USAF, along with the US Space Force, are the only branches of the U.S. military where NCO status is achieved when an enlisted person reaches the pay grade of E-5. In all other branches, NCO status is generally achieved at the pay grade of E-4 (e.g., a corporal in the Army[l] and Marine Corps, Petty Officer Third Class in the Navy and Coast Guard). The Air Force mirrored the Army from 1976 to 1991 with an E-4 being either a senior airman wearing three stripes without a star or a sergeant (referred to as "buck sergeant"), which was noted by the presence of the central star and considered an NCO. Despite not being an NCO, a senior airman who has completed Airman Leadership School can be a supervisor according to the AFI 36–2618.[323]
Uniforms
The first USAF dress uniform, in 1947, was dubbed and patented "Uxbridge blue" after "Uxbridge 1683 blue", developed at the former Bachman-Uxbridge Worsted Company.[325] The current service dress uniform, which was adopted in 1994, consists of a three-button coat with decorative pockets, matching trousers, and either a service cap or flight cap, all in Shade 1620, "Air Force blue" (a darker purplish-blue).[326] This is worn with a light blue shirt (shade 1550) and shade 1620 herringbone patterned necktie. Silver "U.S." pins are worn on the collar of the coat, with a surrounding silver ring for enlisted airmen. Enlisted airmen wear sleeve rank on both the jacket and shirt, while officers wear metal rank insignia pinned onto the epaulet loops on the coat, and Air Force blue slide-on epaulet loops on the shirt. USAF personnel assigned to base honor guard duties wear, for certain occasions, a modified version of the standard service dress uniform that includes silver trim on the sleeves and trousers, with the addition of a ceremonial belt (if necessary), service cap with silver trim and Hap Arnold Device (instead of the seal of the United States worn on the regular cap), and a silver aiguillette placed on the left shoulder seam and all devices and accoutrements.
In addition to basic uniform clothing, various badges are used by the USAF to indicate a billet assignment or qualification-level for a given assignment. Badges can also be used as merit-based or service-based awards. Over time, various badges have been discontinued and are no longer distributed.[329]
Training
U.S. Air Force trainee demonstrating a butt stroke on a strike dummy as part of Basic Military Training.
All enlisted Airmen attend Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas for 7+1⁄2 weeks.[330] Individuals who have prior service of over 24 months of active duty in the other service branches who seek to enlist in the Air Force must go through a 10-day Air Force familiarization course rather than enlisted BMT, however prior service opportunities are severely limited.[331][332]
The Air Force also provides Commissioned Officer Training (COT) for officers of all three components who are direct-commissioned into medicine, law, religion, biological sciences, or healthcare administration. COT is fully integrated into the OTS program and today encompasses extensive coursework as well as field exercises in leadership, confidence, fitness, and deployed-environment operations.[333]
Air Force Fitness Test
USAF Airmen training at Lackland AFB
The US Air Force Fitness Test (AFFT) is designed to test the abdominal circumference, muscular strength/endurance and cardiovascular respiratory fitness of airmen in the USAF. As part of the Fit to Fight program, the USAF adopted a more stringent physical fitness assessment; the new fitness program was put into effect on 1 June 2010. The annual ergo-cycle test which the USAF had used for several years had been replaced in 2004. In the AFFT, Airmen are given a score based on performance consisting of four components: waist circumference, the sit-up, the push-up, and a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) run. Airmen can potentially earn a score of 100, with the run counting as 60%, waist circumference as 20%, and both strength tests counting as 10% each. A passing score is 75 points. Effective 1 July 2010, the AFFT is administered by the base Fitness Assessment Cell (FAC), and is required twice a year. Personnel earning a score over 90% may test once a year. Additionally, only meeting the minimum standards on each one of these tests will not get you a passing score of 75%, and failing any one component will result in a failure for the entire test.[334]
Aircraft inventory
The U.S. Air Force has a total force of approximately 5,500 aircraft.[13] Of these, an estimated 4,131 are in active service.[335] 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 and Air Force method. For more complete information on the workings of this system, refer to United States military aircraft designation systems. The various aircraft of the Air Force include:
The attack aircraft[336] of the USAF are designed to attack targets on the ground and are often deployed as close air support for, and in proximity to, U.S. ground forces. The proximity to friendly forces require precision strikes from these aircraft that are not always possible with bomber aircraft. Their role is tactical rather than strategic, operating at the front of the battle rather than against targets deeper in the enemy's rear. Current USAF attack aircraft are operated by Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, and Air Force Special Operations Command. On 1 August 2022, USSOCOM selected the Air Tractor-L3Harris AT-802U Sky Warden as a result of the Armed Overwatch program, awarding an indefinite quantity contract (IDIQ) to deliver as many as 75 aircraft.[337]
US Air Force bombers are strategic weapons, primarily used for long range strike missions with either conventional or nuclear ordnance. Traditionally used for attacking strategic targets, today many bombers are also used in the tactical mission, such as providing close air support for ground forces and tactical interdiction missions.[342] All Air Force bombers are under Global Strike Command.[343]
The service's B-2A aircraft entered service in the 1990s, its B-1B aircraft in the 1980s and its current B-52H aircraft in the early 1960s. The B-52 Stratofortress airframe design is over 60 years old and the B-52H aircraft currently in the active inventory were all built between 1960 and 1962. The B-52H is scheduled to remain in service for another 30 years, which would keep the airframe in service for nearly 90 years, an unprecedented length of service for any aircraft. The B-21 is projected to replace the B-52 and parts of the B-1B force by the mid-2020s.[344]
Cargo aircraft are typically used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the world, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in uncontrolled airspace. The workhorses of the USAF airlift forces are the C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, and C-5 Galaxy. The CV-22 is used by the Air Force for special operations. It conducts long-range, special operations missions, and is equipped with extra fuel tanks and terrain-following radar. Some aircraft serve specialized cargo and transport roles such as executive or embassy support (C-12), Antarctic support (LC-130H), and AFSOC support (C-27J and C-146A). Although most of the US Air Force's cargo aircraft were specially designed with the Air Force in mind, some aircraft such as the C-12 Huron (Beechcraft Super King Air) and C-146 (Dornier 328) are militarized conversions of existing civilian aircraft. Transport aircraft are operated by Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, and United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa.
The purpose of electronic warfare is to deny the opponent an advantage in the EMS and ensure friendly, unimpeded access to the EM spectrum portion of the information environment. Electronic warfare aircraft are used to keep airspaces friendly, and send critical information to anyone who needs it. They are often called "the eye in the sky". The roles of the aircraft vary greatly among the different variants to include electronic warfare and jamming (EC-130H), psychological operations and communications (EC-130J), airborne early warning and control (E-3), airborne command post (E-4B), range control (E-9A), and communications relay (E-11A, EQ-4B).
The fighter aircraft of the USAF are small, fast, and maneuverable military aircraft primarily used for air-to-air combat. Many of these fighters have secondary ground-attack capabilities, and some are dual-roled as fighter-bombers (e.g., the F-16 Fighting Falcon); the term "fighter" is also sometimes used colloquially for dedicated ground-attack aircraft, such as the F-117 Nighthawk. Other missions include interception of bombers and other fighters, reconnaissance, and patrol. The F-16 is currently used by the USAF Air Demonstration squadron, the Thunderbirds, while a small number of both man-rated and non-man-rated F-4 Phantom II are retained as QF-4 aircraft for use as full-scale aerial targets (FSATs) or as part of the USAF Heritage Flight program. These extant QF-4 aircraft are being replaced in the FSAT role by early model F-16 aircraft converted to QF-16 configuration. The USAF had 2,025 fighters in service as of September 2012.[369]
These aircraft are used for search and rescue and combat search and rescue on land or sea. The HC-130N/P aircraft are being replaced by newer HC-130J models. HH-60W are replacement aircraft for "G" models that have been lost in combat operations or accidents. New HH-60W helicopters are under development to replace both the "G" and "W" model Pave Hawks. The Air Force also has four HH-60U "Ghost Hawks", which are converted "M" variants. They are based out of Area 51.[378]
The USAF's KC-135 and KC-10 aerial refueling aircraft are based on civilian jets. The USAF aircraft are equipped primarily for providing the fuel via a tail-mounted refueling boom, and can be equipped with "probe and drogue" refueling systems. Air-to-air refueling is extensively used in large-scale operations and also used in normal operations; fighters, bombers, and cargo aircraft rely heavily on the lesser-known "tanker" aircraft. This makes these aircraft an essential part of the Air Force's global mobility and the U.S. force projection. The KC-46A Pegasus began to be delivered to USAF units starting in 2019.
Specialized multi-mission aircraft provide support for global special operations missions. These aircraft conduct infiltration, exfiltration, resupply, and refueling for SOF teams from improvised or otherwise short runways. The MC-130J is currently being fielded to replace "H" and "P" models used by U.S. Special Operations Command. The MC-12W is used in the "intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance" (ISR) role.
Initial generations of RPAs were primarily surveillance aircraft, but some were fitted with weaponry (such as the MQ-1 Predator, which used AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles). An armed RPA is known as an "unmanned combat aerial vehicle" (UCAV).
The reconnaissance aircraft of the USAF are used for monitoring enemy activity, originally carrying no armament. Although the U-2 is designated as a "utility" aircraft, it is a reconnaissance platform. The roles of the aircraft vary greatly among the different variants to include general monitoring, ballistic missile monitoring (RC-135S), electronic intelligence gathering (RC-135U), signal intelligence gathering (RC-135V/W), and high altitude surveillance (U-2)
Several unmanned remotely controlled reconnaissance aircraft (RPAs), have been developed and deployed. Recently, the RPAs have been seen to offer the possibility of cheaper, more capable fighting machines that can be used without risk to aircrews.
Utility aircraft are used basically for what they are needed for at the time. For example, a Huey may be used to transport personnel around a large base or launch site, while it can also be used for evacuation. These aircraft are all around use aircraft.
These aircraft are used for the transportation of Very Important Persons (VIPs). Notable people include the president, vice president, cabinet secretaries, government officials (e.g., senators and representatives), the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other key personnel.
^This reflects all Department of the Air Force civilian employees, the Dept of the Air Force manages the civilian employee programs for both the Air Force and Space Force. This is not inclusive of contract personnel.
^This reflects all Department of the Air Force civilian employees, the Dept of the Air Force manages the civilian employee programs for both the Air Force and Space Force. This is not inclusive of any contract personnel[3]
^FY23 Projected End Strength
^FY23 Projected End Strength
^Reserved for wartime use only.
^ No periods are used in actual grade abbreviation, only in press releases to conform with AP standards.[315]
^However, the Army has dual ranks at the E-4 paygrade with Specialists not considered NCOs. From the 1980s, the Army corporal rank came to be awarded infrequently and was rarely found in units, but since 2021 E-4 graduates of the Basic Leader Course are promoted to corporal before further advancement.[322]
^ a b cAir Force first sergeants are considered temporary and lateral ranks and are senior to their non-diamond counterparts. First sergeants revert to their permanent rank within their paygrade upon leaving assignment.[324]
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Cuartel general, Fuerza Aérea de los Estados Unidos (HQ USAF):
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