AF is a common abbreviation used in the military that stands for Air Force. The Air Force is one of the branches of the United States Armed Forces and is responsible for aerial warfare, space warfare, and cyber operations. The Air Force provides air support for surface forces and aids in the recovery of troops in the field. AF is used to distinguish Air Force personnel, operations, bases, equipment, and units from those of other military branches like the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard.
Origins of the Air Force
The Air Force first became its own distinct branch of the military in 1947 when the Army Air Forces was reorganized into the United States Air Force. However, the origins of the Air Force date back to 1907 with the creation of the Aeronautical Division in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. This division was responsible for all aspects of military aviation until 1926 when the Air Corps was established as a combatant branch of the Army. The Army Air Forces was then created in 1941 as aviation became more prominent in World War II. After the war, the need for a dedicated branch devoted to aerial warfare and operations led to the creation of the independent U.S. Air Force.
Even before 1947, the Army Air Forces had already adopted AF as an abbreviation to distinguish itself and denote Air Force personnel and units. This carried over to the new branch and AF continues to be used today. The Air Force even uses AF in the naming convention for many of its bases (e.g. Nellis AFB, Offutt AFB). So when you see AF used by the military, it is referring specifically to the Air Force and not other branches.
Usage of AF
Here are some examples of how AF is commonly used:
- AF personnel – Used to refer to those serving in the Air Force, such as AF pilots, AF mechanics, AF officers.
- AF bases – Abbreviation for Air Force bases like Edwards AFB or Peterson AFB.
- AF units – Distinguishes squadrons, groups, or wings that belong to the Air Force rather than the Army, Navy, etc. For example, the 332nd Fighter Wing is an AF unit.
- AF training – Refers to the training programs and schools that prepare airmen for service.
- AF operations – Military operations and missions carried out by the Air Force specifically.
- AF equipment – Things like AF aircraft, vehicles, weapons systems used by the Air Force.
- AF awards/decorations – Medals and ribbons given for meritorious AF service.
You will often see AF combined with other abbreviations like USAF for United States Air Force or RAAF for Royal Australian Air Force. It helps quickly communicate which branch of service is being referred to in military communications, documents, and conversations.
History of the Air Force
Here is a brief overview of some key events and milestones in the history of the U.S. Air Force:
- 1907 – Aeronautical Division established in the Army Signal Corps, beginning military aviation.
- 1926 – Air Corps created as a combatant unit, still part of Army.
- 1941 – Army Air Forces formed as WWII airpower grows.
- 1947 – National Security Act establishes the US Air Force as an independent branch.
- 1948 – Berlin airlift demonstrates AF humanitarian capabilities.
- 1958 – AF places first satellite into orbit and enters the Space Age.
- 1961 – AF Special Forces established.
- 1983 – Operation Urgent Fury invades Grenada.
- 1991 – AF leads air campaigns in Gulf War.
- 2001 – AF deploys to Afghanistan after 9/11 attacks.
From its origins supporting ground forces to the forefront of modern air, space, and technology warfare, the Air Force has a long and storied history. It has been pivotal in major conflicts such as World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror. Today, the AF remains vital to combined U.S. military operations around the globe.
Air Force Mission and Functions
As outlined in its mission statement, the purpose of the Air Force is to:
Fly, fight and win…in air, space and cyberspace.
To achieve this, the AF performs a variety of essential functions:
- Air superiority – Maintaining dominance over enemy air threats and control of the skies.
- Airstrikes – Bombing raids and tactical strikes to destroy targets and support ground troops.
- Air interdiction – Disrupting enemy operations and logistics through air attacks.
- Close air support – Providing air cover and attacks for ground forces in contact.
- Strategic bombing – Long range bombing of enemy infrastructure and resources.
- Airlift – Transporting personnel, equipment and supplies via air.
- Reconnaissance – Gathering intelligence through surveillance flights and imagery.
- Special operations – Specialized air missions including infiltration, rescuing, and more conducted by AF Special Tactics units.
In addition to these operational functions, the AF also provides critical support services including logistics, maintenance, base operations, and more to carry out the mission.
Air Force Bases
The Air Force has over 300 installations located in the U.S. and around the world. Major AF bases support different types of missions:
- Operational bases – Conduct and support AF air operations like flight training, airlift transport, etc.
- Logistics sites – Supply centers, depots and warehouses for parts, fuel, ammo.
- Support bases – Headquarters, training centers and other support sites.
- Test and research bases – Develop and test new aircraft, equipment and techniques.
Some of the largest and most important Air Force bases include:
| Base | Location | Major Units / Mission |
|---|---|---|
| Nellis AFB | Nevada | Fighter pilot training / Red Flag exercises |
| Eglin AFB | Florida | Air Armament Center |
| Edwards AFB | California | Test pilot school / flight testing |
| Peterson AFB | Colorado | NORAD / Space Command HQ |
In addition to these major installations, the AF has forward bases worldwide to support global operations.
Air Force Aircraft
The Air Force employs a wide range of manned and unmanned aircraft to accomplish its missions. Major AF aircraft include:
- Fighters – F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, F-35A Lightning II
- Bombers – B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress
- Airlift – C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules
- Tankers – KC-10 Extender, KC-46 Pegasus, KC-135 Stratotanker
- Surveillance – E-3 Sentry, E-8 JSTARS, U-2 Dragon Lady, RQ-4 Global Hawk
- Trainers – T-1 Jayhawk, T-6 Texan II, T-38 Talon
- Helicopters – UH-1N Huey, HH-60G Pave Hawk
Advanced technologies like stealth, supersonic speed, aerial refueling, and vertical takeoff and landing allow AF aircraft to perform their wide range of missions.
Ranks in the Air Force
Like other branches, the Air Force has its own rank structure for its personnel. Ranks are broken into three main tiers:
- Enlisted – Airmen who carry out mission operations, maintenance, support, etc. Ranks include Airman Basic up through Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.
- Officer – Leaders responsible for commanding units and personnel. Ranks range from Second Lieutenant to General.
- Specialty Officers – Officers like doctors, lawyers and chaplains. Ranks mirror other officers.
The Air Force also uses insignia like chevrons, bars and star symbols to denote ranks. Rank determines levels of leadership, responsibility and authority within the AF.
Conclusion
In summary, AF is an essential abbreviation used across all aspects of the United States Air Force. It helps identify personnel, aircraft, units, bases and equipment belonging specifically to the Air Force branch of service. From its critical airpower role in major conflicts to pioneering aerospace frontiers, the Air Force has a vital and storied history. AF continues to serve as a key reminder of the critical air, space and cyberspace capabilities the Air Force provides the military and the nation as a whole.