AFH 1 · Chapter 5 · Section 5.15

Levels of Command and Responsibility

Part of Military Organization and Command · 5 sections · ~3086 words · WAPS PFE study material

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Levels of Command — CSAF and Air Staff Office Symbols

Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF)

CSAF Appointment

The Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF) is a USAF General Officer appointed for FOUR years by the U.S. President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

CSAF Authority

The CSAF is:

Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of the Air Force
Presides over the Air Staff

CSAF Functions

The CSAF:

Acts as an agent in carrying out recommendations or plans by the Secretary
Exercises supervision consistent with the authority assigned to commanders of unified or specified CCMDs and organizations of the USAF

CSAF as JCS Member

As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the CSAF informs the Secretary of the Air Force regarding military advice rendered by the Joint Chiefs of Staff on matters affecting the Department of the Air Force, to the extent that such action does not impair the independence or performance of required duties as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Air Staff

Air Staff Function

The Air Staff supports the CSAF in carrying out his or her responsibilities.

Air Staff Composition

The Air Staff is composed of:

Chief of Staff
Vice Chief of Staff
Deputy Chiefs of Staff
Assistant Chiefs of Staff
Surgeon General of the Air Force
The Judge Advocate General of the Air Force
Chief of the Air Force Reserve
Other USAF and civilian employees in the Department of the Air Force assigned or detailed to the Air Staff

Two-Letter Organizations

Responsibilities are organized based on functional two-letter organizations. Some organizations can be merged under one commander/director and will have similarly merged office symbols.

USAF Office Symbol Codes

USAF Office Symbol Codes.

A1 — Manpower, Personnel, and Services
A2/6 — Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Cyber Effects Operations
A3 — Operations
A4 — Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection
A5/7 — Strategy, Integration, and Requirements
A6 — Communications
A8 — Strategic Plans and Programs
A10 — Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration (as designated by USAF)

Levels of Command — Field Operating Agencies (FOA) and Direct Reporting Units (DRU)

Field Operating Agencies (FOA)

FOA Definition

Field Operating Agencies (FOA) are USAF subdivisions directly subordinate to a HAF functional manager.

FOA Function

A FOA performs field activities beyond the scope of major commands.

FOA Activities

The activities are:

Specialized
Or associated with a USAF-wide mission

…and do NOT include functions performed in management headquarters (such as Headquarters Air Mobility Command), unless specifically directed by a Department of Defense authority.

FOA Examples

FOA Examples.

Air Force Personnel Center
Air Force Office of Special Investigations

Direct Reporting Units (DRU)

DRU Definition

Direct Reporting Units (DRU) are USAF subdivisions directly subordinate to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

DRU Function

A DRU performs a mission that does NOT fit into any of the major commands but has many of the same administrative and organizational responsibilities.

DRU Examples

DRU Examples.

Air Force District of Washington (AFDW)
USAF Academy

Air Force District of Washington (AFDW)

AFDW Foundation

The Air Force District of Washington (AFDW), headquartered at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, is a DRU to HAF, reporting to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

AFDW Reactivation

AFDW 2005 Reactivation

AFDW was reactivated in 2005 to address three broad objectives:

Align the USAF command structure in the National Capital Region (NCR) and abroad
Improve USAF support to the Joint Force Headquarters-NCR (JFHQ-NCR)
Designate a single voice for USAF cross-service issues in the NCR

AFDW Service Components

AFDW serves as the USAF Service Component:

For coordination purposes to JFHQ-NCR
Supporting command to the Defense Health Agency National Capital Region Medical Directorate

JFHQ-NCR Transition

When the JFHQ-NCR transitions to the Joint Task Force NCR (JTF-NCR):

The 320th Air Expeditionary Wing (320 AEW) activates
And becomes the USAF Service Component of JTF-NCR

Dual-Hatted Commander

Dual-Hatted AFDW Commander

When activated, the Commander of AFDW is dual hatted as the Commander, 320 AEW.

AFDW Reference

AFMD 13 Reference

Air Force Mission Directive 13 delineates missions and clarifies assigned duties applicable to AFDW in both its worldwide USAF role and its JTF-NCR USAF Service Component role.

Levels of Command — Major Commands (MAJCOMs), Lead MAJCOM, and Component MAJCOM

MAJCOM Foundation

MAJCOM Organization

Major commands (MAJCOM) are organized:

Functionally in the United States
Geographically overseas

MAJCOM Definition

A MAJCOM represents a major USAF subdivision having a specific portion of the USAF mission. Each MAJCOM is directly subordinate to HAF.

MAJCOM Interrelation

MAJCOMs are interrelated and complementary, providing:

Offensive elements
Defensive elements
Support elements

Operational vs Support Commands

Operational Command

An operational command consists (in whole or in part) of:

Strategic forces
Tactical forces
Space forces
Defense forces
Or flying forces that directly support such forces

Support Command

A support command may provide:

Supplies
Weapon systems
Support systems
Operational support equipment
Combat material
Maintenance
Surface transportation
Education and training
Special services
Other supported organizations

Two Specialized MAJCOM Types

2 Specialized MAJCOM Types

Within the USAF MAJCOM structure, there are TWO specialized types of MAJCOMs:

Lead MAJCOMs
Component MAJCOMs (C-MAJCOM)

Lead MAJCOM

Lead MAJCOM Definition

A Lead MAJCOM is the type of MAJCOM that consolidates responsibilities for a particular function in a single MAJCOM, supporting the entire USAF, as applicable.

Lead MAJCOM Example

For example, Air Education and Training Command is the Lead MAJCOM for education and training for the USAF.

Component MAJCOM (C-MAJCOM)

C-MAJCOM Definition

A Component MAJCOM (C-MAJCOM) is the type of MAJCOM that is the USAF Component to a unified CCMD.

C-MAJCOM Composition

A C-MAJCOM is:

Commanded by the Commander of Air Force Forces
Includes supporting staff
One or more Component Numbered Air Forces (through which it presents its forces to the CCDR)
All assigned and attached forces

C-MAJCOM Function

The C-MAJCOM integrates, at the strategic level, component activities across all phases of conflict.

C-MAJCOM Example

An example of a C-MAJCOM is Pacific Air Forces, the USAF Component to United States Indo-Pacific Command.

Both Roles Possible

A MAJCOM can be BOTH a Lead MAJCOM and a C-MAJCOM.

MAJCOM References

For additional information on component relationships and roles:

AF Doctrine Volume 1, *Command*
AF Doctrine Annex 3-30, *Command and Control*
AFI 38-101

Levels of Command — ACC, AMC, PACAF, USAFE-AFAFRICA

Air Combat Command (ACC)

ACC Foundation

Air Combat Command (ACC) was activated as a MAJCOM on 1 June 1992, and is headquartered at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

ACC Mission

ACC is the primary provider of air combat forces to America's warfighting commanders.

ACC Specific Mission

ACC's mission is to support global implementation of the national security strategy by operating:

Fighter aircraft
Bomber aircraft
Reconnaissance aircraft
Battle-management aircraft
Electronic-combat aircraft

…and provides command, control, communications, and intelligence systems, and conducts global information operations.

ACC Functions

ACC:

Organizes, trains, equips, and maintains combat-ready forces for rapid deployment and employment
Ensures strategic air defense forces are ready to meet the challenges of peacetime air sovereignty and wartime air defense
Develops strategy, doctrine, concepts, tactics, and procedures for airpower employment
Provides conventional and information warfare forces to all unified commands to ensure air and information superiority for warfighters and national decision-makers
Has responsibility for inland search and rescue operations in the 48 contiguous states

ACC Numbers

ACC operates:

More than 1,300 aircraft
34 wings
19 bases
More than 70 worldwide operating locations
94,000 Total Force members

Air Mobility Command (AMC)

AMC Foundation

Air Mobility Command (AMC) was activated as a MAJCOM on 1 June 1992, is headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and is the USAF Component to U.S. Transportation Command.

AMC Mission

AMC's mission is to provide global air mobility, the right effects, right place, right time.

AMC Functions

The command:

Plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian support at home and around the world
Provides airlift and aerial refueling for all U.S. Armed Forces

AMC Aircraft Types

Many special duty and operational support aircraft and stateside aeromedical evacuation missions are assigned to AMC.

AMC Numbers

AMC has:

One Numbered Air Force
17 wings
Two airlift groups
One air base group
Nearly 133,700 Total Force members

Pacific Air Forces (PACAF)

PACAF Foundation

Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) was activated as a MAJCOM on 3 August 1944, is headquartered at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and is the USAF Component of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

PACAF Mission

PACAF's mission is to:

Deliver rapid and precise air and cyberspace capabilities to protect and defend the United States, its territories, allies, and partners
Provide integrated air and missile warning and defense
Promote interoperability throughout the area of responsibility
Maintain strategic access and freedom of movement across all domains
Respond across the full spectrum of military contingencies to restore regional security

PACAF AOR Scale

PACAF's area of responsibility is home to:

60 percent of the world's population
In 36 nations
Across 52 percent of the Earth's surface
16 time zones
More than 1,000 languages spoken

Strategic Triangle

The unique location of the strategic triangle (Hawaii-Guam-Alaska) gives our nation persistent presence and options to project airpower from sovereign territory.

PACAF Numbers

PACAF has:

Approximately 46,000 military and civilian personnel
Serving in nine strategic locations and numerous smaller facilities, primarily in Hawaii, Alaska, Japan, Guam, and the Republic of Korea
Approximately 320 fighter, tanker, cargo, air battle management, surveillance, rescue, and attack aircraft
Approximately 100 additional deployed aircraft rotating on Guam

USAFE-AFAFRICA

USAFE-AFAFRICA Foundation

United States Air Forces in Europe & Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) was activated as a MAJCOM on 20 April 2012 and is headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

USAFE-AFAFRICA Dual Role

USAFE-AFAFRICA is a combined organization that provides two separate CCMDs:

USAFE is the USAF Service Component to U.S. European Command
AFAFRICA is the USAF Service Component to U.S. Africa Command

Blended Staff

Both USAFE and AFAFRICA, which function together as a blended USAFE-AFAFRICA staff, are commanded by the same General Officer with two separate and distinct roles and authorities.

USAFE-AFAFRICA Mission

USAFE-AFAFRICA plans, conducts, controls, coordinates, and supports air and space operations in:

Europe
Parts of Asia
All of Africa except for Egypt

…to achieve United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization objectives.

USAFE-AFAFRICA Combat Wings

As part of its mission, USAFE-AFAFRICA commands USAF units maintaining combat-ready wings based on Great Britain to Turkey.

USAFE-AFAFRICA AOR Scale

USAFE-AFAFRICA directs air operations in a theater spanning:

Three continents
More than 19 million square miles
104 independent states
More than a quarter of the world's population
More than a quarter of the world's gross domestic product

USAFE-AFAFRICA Numbers

USAFE-AFAFRICA consists of:

One Numbered Air Force
Seven main operating bases
114 geographically separated locations
More than 35,000 Total Force members
About 217 aircraft and a full complement of conventional weapons

Levels of Command — AETC, AFMC, AFSOC, AFGSC, AFRC

Air Education and Training Command (AETC)

AETC Foundation

On 1 July 1993, the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) was activated as a MAJCOM and is headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.

AETC Mission

AETC's mission is to Recruit, train and educate exceptional Airmen.

AETC Function

AETC develops America's young men and women who have volunteered to serve their country, into Airmen, motivating them to embrace the USAF culture by teaching (by our example) the USAF and USSF core values.

AETC Reach

AETC's training mission makes it the FIRST command to touch the lives of nearly every USAF member.

AETC Numbers

Over the years, more than 25 million students have graduated from AETC. AETC includes:

USAF Recruiting Service
Two Numbered Air Forces
The Air University
Operates 12 major installations and supports tenant units on numerous bases across the globe

Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC)

AFMC Foundation

Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) was activated as a MAJCOM on 1 July 1992 and is headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

AFMC Mission

AFMC's mission is to equip the USAF for world-dominant airpower.

AFMC Function

AFMC delivers war-winning expeditionary capabilities to the warfighter through:

Development and transition of technology
Professional acquisition management
Exacting test and evaluation
World-class sustainment of all USAF weapon systems

AFMC Cradle-to-Grave

AFMC fulfills its mission of equipping the USAF with the best weapon systems through:

The Air Force Research Laboratory
Several unique centers which are responsible for the "cradle-to-grave" oversight for:
Aircraft
Electronic systems
Missiles
Munitions

AFMC Numbers

AFMC employs a highly professional and skilled command work force of some 80,000 Total Force members.

Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC)

AFSOC Foundation

Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) was activated as a MAJCOM on 22 May 1990, is headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and is the USAF Component of U.S. Special Operations Command.

AFSOC Mission

AFSOC's mission is to provide our nation's specialized airpower, capable across the spectrum of conflict…any place, anytime, anywhere.

AFSOC Function

AFSOC provides highly trained, rapidly deployable Airmen for global special operations missions ranging from:

Precision application of firepower
Infiltration
Exfiltration
Resupply
Refueling of operational elements for worldwide deployment
Assignment to regional unified commands

AFSOC Core Missions

The command's core missions include:

Battlefield air operations
Agile combat support
Aviation foreign internal defense
Information operations/military information support operations
Precision strike
Specialized air mobility
Command and control
Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance

AFSOC Priorities

AFSOC's priorities are to:

Ensure readiness to execute global special operations today
Transform our force and fleet to maintain relevance tomorrow
Invest in the resiliency of our force, family, and relationships always

AFSOC Special Tactics Squadrons

AFSOC Special Tactics

AFSOC's special tactics squadrons combine:

Combat controllers
Special reconnaissance
Pararescuemen
Tactical air control party specialists

…with other services to form versatile joint special operations teams.

AFSOC Numbers

AFSOC has more than 19,500 Total Force members assigned and operates multiple fixed-wing and rotary-wing assets.

Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC)

AFGSC Foundation

Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) was activated as a MAJCOM on 7 August 2009, is headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and is one of two USAF Service Components of U.S. Strategic Command.

AFGSC Mission

AFGSC's mission is to provide strategic deterrence, global strike, and combat support…anytime, anywhere.

AFGSC Responsibilities

AFGSC is responsible for:

The nation's three intercontinental ballistic missile wings
The USAF's entire bomber force
The Long Range Strike Bomber Program
Operational and maintenance support to organizations within the nuclear enterprise

AFGSC Nuclear Triad

AFGSC is:

The guardian of the most powerful weapons on the planet
The force provider for two legs of the nuclear triad

AFGSC ICBM Posture

AFGSC's intercontinental ballistic missile force is postured around the clock to answer the U.S. President's call, just as it has been for over 50 years.

AFGSC Bomber Fleet

AFGSC's bomber fleet remains prepared and equipped for:

Nuclear deterrence
Conventional global strike

AFGSC Numbers

Approximately 31,000 professionals are assigned to:

Two Numbered Air Forces
Nine wings
Two geographically separated squadrons
One detachment in the Continental United States
Deployed around the globe

Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC)

AFRC Foundation

Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) was activated as a MAJCOM on 17 February 1997, and is headquartered at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.

AFRC Mission

AFRC's mission is to provide combat-ready forces to fly, fight, and win.

AFRC Force Multiplier

AFRC provides the USAF approximately 20 percent of the Total Force for about 5 percent of the manpower budget.

AFRC Capabilities

Capabilities include:

Nuclear deterrence operations
Air and cyberspace superiority
Command and control
Global integrated intelligence surveillance reconnaissance
Global precision attack
Special operations
Rapid global mobility
Personnel recovery

AFRC Other Operations

AFRC also performs:

Space operations
Aircraft flight testing
Aerial port operations
Civil engineer
Security forces
Military training
Communications
Mobility support
Transportation
Services missions

AFRC Commander Responsibility

The commander of AFRC is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping all USAF Reserve units.

AFRC Numbers

AFRC is composed of:

Three Numbered Air Forces
A Force Generation Center
The Air Reserve Personnel Center
35 wings
10 independent groups
Various mission support units
Additional miscellaneous locations and ranges
Nearly 74,718 Total Force members

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