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AFH 1 · Chapter 5 · Section 5.16

Subordinate Levels of Command and Responsibility

Part of Military Organization and Command · 3 sections · ~1151 words · WAPS PFE study material

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Subordinate Levels — Numbered Air Force (NAF) and Component NAF (C-NAF)

Foundation

Subordinate Levels Foundation
Below MAJCOMs are several structured subordinate levels of command, each with an established purpose and assigned responsibilities to be carried out respectively.
AFI 38-101 Reference
For additional details on USAF levels of command, refer to AFI 38-101.

Numbered Air Force (NAF)

NAF Definition
The Numbered Air Force (NAF) is an administrative level of command directly under a MAJCOM.

NAF Function

NAF Function
NAFs:
  • Provide intermediate level operational leadership and supervision
  • Do NOT have complete functional staffs

NAF Manpower

NAF Manpower
In non-component NAFs, the number of personnel assigned varies but:
  • Should NOT exceed 99 manpower authorizations
  • Without an approved waiver

NAF Subordinates

NAF Subordinates
A NAF is assigned subordinate units, such as:
  • Wings
  • Groups
  • Squadrons

USAF Component Numbered/Named Air Forces (C-NAF)

C-NAF Nickname
A Component NAF (C-NAF), nicknamed as warfighting headquarters, is structured to perform an operational and warfighting mission in support of a Joint Force Commander.

10 USAF C-NAFs

10 USAF C-NAFs
The 10 USAF C-NAFs are the primary operational-level warfighting component commands.

C-NAF HQ Composition

C-NAF HQ Composition
The C-NAF headquarters normally consists of:
  • An Air Force Forces staff
  • An assigned air and space operations center or operations center

C-NAF Dedicated To

C-NAF Dedicated To
They are dedicated to supporting:
  • The unified CCDR
  • Subordinate Joint Force Commanders across the full range of military operations

C-NAF Commander Roles

C-NAF Commander Roles
The C-NAF commander, assigned as the Commander of Air Force Forces to a geographic CCMD:
  • Will normally also be designated as the theater Joint Force Air Component Commander
  • May also be designated by the component commander to command a joint task force, as required

Subordinate Levels — Wings and Three Wing Types

Wing Foundation

Wing Definition
The wing is a level of command below the Numbered Air Force and has a distinct mission with significant scope.

Wing Responsibility

Wing Responsibility
A wing is responsible for:
  • Maintaining the installation
  • May have several squadrons in more than one dependent group

Wing Minimum Size

Wing Minimum Size
Wings will have a minimum adjusted population of at least:
  • 1,000 (RegAF)
  • 750 (Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command)

…to include manpower authorizations, students, and a percentage of contractor workforces.

Three Wing Types

3 Wing Types
The different types of wings:
  1. Operational Wing
  2. Air Base Wing
  3. Specialized Mission Wing

Operational Wing

Operational Wing Definition
An operational wing is one that has an operations group and related operational mission activity assigned.

Operational Wing Function

Operational Wing Function
When an operational wing performs the primary mission of the base, it usually:
  • Maintains the base
  • Operates the base

Operational Wing Self-Support

Operational Wing Self-Support
An operational wing is capable of self-support in functional areas, such as:
  • Maintenance
  • Munitions

…as needed.

Operational Wing as Tenant

Operational Wing as Tenant
When an operational wing is a tenant unit, the host command typically provides base and logistics support.

Air Base Wing

Air Base Wing Definition
An air base wing performs a SUPPORT function rather than an operational mission.

Air Base Wing Function

Air Base Wing Function
This type of wing:
  • Maintains the base
  • Operates the base

Air Base Wing MAJCOM Support

Air Base Wing MAJCOM Support
An air base wing often provides functional support to a MAJCOM headquarters.

Specialized Mission Wing

Specialized Mission Wing Definition
A specialized mission wing performs a specialized mission and usually does NOT have aircraft or missiles assigned.

Specialized Mission Examples

Specialized Mission Examples
Examples include:
  • Intelligence wings
  • Training wings

Host vs Tenant

Host vs Tenant
This wing is either a host or a tenant wing, depending on if it maintains and operates the base.

Subordinate Levels — Group, Squadron, Flight, Element

Group

Group Definition
A group is a level of command below the wing.

Group Like NAF

Group Like NAF
Like the Numbered Air Force, a group is a tactical echelon with minimal staff support.

Group Subordinate Units

Group Subordinate Units
A group usually has two or more subordinate units.

Dependent Group

Dependent Group Definition
A dependent group is a:
  • Mission unit
  • Logistics unit
  • Support unit
  • Medical unit
  • Or large functional unit, such as a civil engineer group

Dependent Group Sub-Elements

Dependent Group Sub-Elements
Dependent groups may possess small supporting staff elements that are organized as sections, such as:
  • Standardization and evaluation
  • Quality control

Independent Group

Independent Group Definition
An independent group has the same functions and responsibilities as a like-type wing, but its scope and size do NOT warrant wing-level designation.

Group Minimum Size

Group Minimum Size
Groups will have a minimum adjusted population of at least:
  • 400 (RegAF)
  • 200 (Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command)

…to include manpower authorizations, students, and a percentage of contractor workforces.

Squadron

Squadron Definition
A squadron is the basic unit, the nucleus, and the basic building block of the USAF.

Squadron Types

Squadron Types
The different types of squadrons:
  • Mission units, such as operational flying squadrons
  • Functional units, such as civil engineer, security forces, or logistics readiness squadrons

Squadron Sizing

Squadron Sizing
Squadrons vary in size according to responsibility and should be organized and resourced to allow Airmen to focus on the USAF mission.

Squadron Minimum Size

Squadron Minimum Size
Squadrons will have a minimum adjusted population of at least 35 and can range up to several hundred personnel, which includes:
  • Manpower authorizations
  • Students
  • A percentage of contractor workforces

Flight

Flight Foundation
If internal subdivision within a squadron is required, the following flights may be established:
  • Numbered/named flights
  • Alpha flights
  • Functional flights

Flight Size

Flight Size
Flights typically consist of 12 to 100 people.

Numbered/Named Flight

Numbered/Named Flight
A numbered or named flight primarily incorporates smaller elements into an organized unit.
Numbered/Named Flight Admin
The administrative characteristics for a numbered or named flight include strength reporting, like those of a squadron.

Alpha Flight

Alpha Flight
Alpha flights:
  • Are part of a squadron (usually a mission squadron)
  • Are composed of several elements that perform identical missions

Functional Flight

Functional Flight
Functional flights:
  • Are usually part of a squadron
  • Are composed of elements that perform specific missions

Element

Element Definition
Elements are subdivisions of flights.

Element Distribution

Element Distribution
Typically, flights are broken into three or four evenly distributed elements, when necessary.

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