1. Department of the Air Force

3. Overview
Who We Are
US Air Force Organization

4. Who We Are
Forged in the skies during WW I and Tempered in the fire of conflict in WWII
National Security Act of 1947
Separate service in 1947
Reorganization Act of 1958

5. USAF Vision
“We will provide compelling air, space, and cyberspace capabilities for use by the combatant commander. We will excel as stewards of all Air Force resources in service to the American people , while providing precise and reliable Global Vigilance, Reach and Power for the nation.”

6. Mission of the USAF
To fly, fight, and win … in air, space, and cyberspace

7. USAF Priorities Continue to strengthen the nuclear enterprise
Partner with joint and coalition team to win today’s fight
Develop and care for Airmen and their families
Modernize our air and space inventories, organizations, and training
Recapture acquisition excellence

8. POTUS to SECAF Constitution Legislative Branch Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Department of Agriculture
Department of Defense
Department of Education
Department of Energy
A Wing’s mission is to develop and maintain the capability to conduct warfare, or support that conduct. The Wing is the only echelon of command that is capable of deploying and sustaining itself for an indefinite length of time and is usually commanded by a brigadier general. The Wing Commander is responsible of the entire wing. Under the wing commander, there is a wing staff and four groups.
This structure has proven to be both efficient and effective, by eliminating a great deal of waste, but most importantly has increased the Air Force’s warfighting capability. The groups mentioned previously are flexible units made up of four our more squadrons and include operations, maintenance, mission support or medical groups. Groups are most often commanded by a colonel.
Under these groups, you will note are several squadrons, which are the fundamental units in the Air Force. The squadron is the lowest formal echelon of command, and it is the building block for the entire Air Force. In fact, the squadron is responsible for conducting the day to day mission for the Wing. For example, you may be an Airmen assigned to the Security Forces Squadron, which, as you can see falls under the mission support group. The squadron is the lowest echelon of command that can be deployed on its own, but it cannot sustain itself indefinitely like a wing can. One only needs to look at Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom to such deployments of squadrons, where security forces squadrons, maintenance squadrons and so forth have been deployed as a squadron. Squadrons are most often commanded by a lieutenant colonel, but not always.
The final level in the Air Force organizational structure, is the flight. A squadron commander’s span of control is generally limited to the squadron itself and the individual flight commanders help maintain the squadron’s efficiency. Going back to our example of being assigned to the security forces squadron, you may perform your day to day duties, within flight A, B, or C for example.
Secretary of the Army
Secretary of the Air Force
Secretary of the
Navy

9. Secretary of the Air Force Air Force Chief of Staff
USAF Organization
Secretary of the Air Force
Air Force Chief of Staff
DRU
HQ USAF
FOA
MAJCOMs
Numbers Air Forces
A Wing’s mission is to develop and maintain the capability to conduct warfare, or support that conduct. The Wing is the only echelon of command that is capable of deploying and sustaining itself for an indefinite length of time and is usually commanded by a brigadier general. The Wing Commander is responsible of the entire wing. Under the wing commander, there is a wing staff and four groups.
This structure has proven to be both efficient and effective, by eliminating a great deal of waste, but most importantly has increased the Air Force’s warfighting capability. The groups mentioned previously are flexible units made up of four our more squadrons and include operations, maintenance, mission support or medical groups. Groups are most often commanded by a colonel.
Under these groups, you will note are several squadrons, which are the fundamental units in the Air Force. The squadron is the lowest formal echelon of command, and it is the building block for the entire Air Force. In fact, the squadron is responsible for conducting the day to day mission for the Wing. For example, you may be an Airmen assigned to the Security Forces Squadron, which, as you can see falls under the mission support group. The squadron is the lowest echelon of command that can be deployed on its own, but it cannot sustain itself indefinitely like a wing can. One only needs to look at Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom to such deployments of squadrons, where security forces squadrons, maintenance squadrons and so forth have been deployed as a squadron. Squadrons are most often commanded by a lieutenant colonel, but not always.
The final level in the Air Force organizational structure, is the flight. A squadron commander’s span of control is generally limited to the squadron itself and the individual flight commanders help maintain the squadron’s efficiency. Going back to our example of being assigned to the security forces squadron, you may perform your day to day duties, within flight A, B, or C for example.
Wings
Groups
Squadrons
Flights

10. Direct Reporting Unit (DRU)
A subdivision of the Air Force,
directly subordinate to the CSAF.
Performs a mission that does not fit
into any of the Major Commands
Has many of the same administrative
and organizational responsibilities as a
Major Command
The three DRUs are:
USAFA
AF District of Washington
AF Operational Test & Evaluation Center
INSTRUCTOR NOTE:
(IAW AFI , Air Force Organization, para ) There are MAJCOM DRUs that report directly to the MAJCOM commander and perform a mission that does not fit into any of the MAJCOMs primary subordinate units.

11. Field Operating Agency (FOA)
A subdivision of the Air Force, directly subordinate to
a Headquarters USAF functional manager
Performs field activities beyond scope of MAJCOMs
Activities are specialized or associated with an Air
Force-wide mission
Do not typically include functions performed in
management headquarters
INSTRUCTOR NOTE:
(IAW AFI , Air Force Organization, para ) There MAJCOM FOAs that report directly to a MAJCOM functional manager and perform specialized field activities beyond the scope of any of the MAJCOMs primary subordinate units. The activities are specialized and are associated with MAJCOM or theater-wide missions that transcend the scope of routine wing functions.

12. Secretary of the Air Force Air Force Chief of Staff
USAF Organization
Secretary of the Air Force
Air Force Chief of Staff
DRU
HQ USAF
FOA
MAJCOMs
Numbers Air Forces
A Wing’s mission is to develop and maintain the capability to conduct warfare, or support that conduct. The Wing is the only echelon of command that is capable of deploying and sustaining itself for an indefinite length of time and is usually commanded by a brigadier general. The Wing Commander is responsible of the entire wing. Under the wing commander, there is a wing staff and four groups.
This structure has proven to be both efficient and effective, by eliminating a great deal of waste, but most importantly has increased the Air Force’s warfighting capability. The groups mentioned previously are flexible units made up of four our more squadrons and include operations, maintenance, mission support or medical groups. Groups are most often commanded by a colonel.
Under these groups, you will note are several squadrons, which are the fundamental units in the Air Force. The squadron is the lowest formal echelon of command, and it is the building block for the entire Air Force. In fact, the squadron is responsible for conducting the day to day mission for the Wing. For example, you may be an Airmen assigned to the Security Forces Squadron, which, as you can see falls under the mission support group. The squadron is the lowest echelon of command that can be deployed on its own, but it cannot sustain itself indefinitely like a wing can. One only needs to look at Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom to such deployments of squadrons, where security forces squadrons, maintenance squadrons and so forth have been deployed as a squadron. Squadrons are most often commanded by a lieutenant colonel, but not always.
The final level in the Air Force organizational structure, is the flight. A squadron commander’s span of control is generally limited to the squadron itself and the individual flight commanders help maintain the squadron’s efficiency. Going back to our example of being assigned to the security forces squadron, you may perform your day to day duties, within flight A, B, or C for example.
Wings
Groups
Squadrons
Flights

13. Typical Wing Structure
WING COMMANDER
WING STAFF
COMPTROLLER SQUADRON
OPERATIONS GROUP
MAINTENANCE GROUP
MISSION SUPPORT GROUP
MEDICAL GROUP
OPERATIONS SUPPORT SQUADRON
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS SQUADRON
FORCE SUPPORT SQUADRON
MEDICAL SUPPORT SQUADRON
OPERATIONS SQUADRON(S)
AIRCRAFT/MISSILE MAINTENANCE SQ
CIVIL ENGINEER SQUADRON
MEDICAL OPERATIONS SQUADRON
AIR CONTROL SQ (AS APPLICABLE)
MAINTENANCE SQUADRON
COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON
AEROSPACE MEDICINE SQUADRON
A Wing’s mission is to develop and maintain the capability to conduct warfare, or support that conduct. The Wing is the only echelon of command that is capable of deploying and sustaining itself for an indefinite length of time and is usually commanded by a brigadier general. The Wing Commander is responsible of the entire wing. Under the wing commander, there is a wing staff and four groups.
This structure has proven to be both efficient and effective, by eliminating a great deal of waste, but most importantly has increased the Air Force’s warfighting capability. The groups mentioned previously are flexible units made up of four our more squadrons and include operations, maintenance, mission support or medical groups. Groups are most often commanded by a colonel.
Under these groups, you will note are several squadrons, which are the fundamental units in the Air Force. The squadron is the lowest formal echelon of command, and it is the building block for the entire Air Force. In fact, the squadron is responsible for conducting the day to day mission for the Wing. For example, you may be an Airmen assigned to the Security Forces Squadron, which, as you can see falls under the mission support group. The squadron is the lowest echelon of command that can be deployed on its own, but it cannot sustain itself indefinitely like a wing can. One only needs to look at Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom to such deployments of squadrons, where security forces squadrons, maintenance squadrons and so forth have been deployed as a squadron. Squadrons are most often commanded by a lieutenant colonel, but not always.
The final level in the Air Force organizational structure, is the flight. A squadron commander’s span of control is generally limited to the squadron itself and the individual flight commanders help maintain the squadron’s efficiency. Going back to our example of being assigned to the security forces squadron, you may perform your day to day duties, within flight A, B, or C for example.
MUNITIONS SQ (AS APPLICABLE)
CONTRACTING SQUADRON
DENTAL SQUADRON
LOGISTICS READINESS SQUADRON
SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON
AERIAL PORT SQ (AS APPLICABLE)

14. Operations Support Squadron
SQUADRON COMMANDER
WEAPONS & TACTICS FLIGHT
AIRFIELD OPERATIONS FLIGHT
CURRENT OPERATIONS FLIGHT
AIRCREW FLIGHT EQUIPMENT FLIGHT
WEATHER FLIGHT
OPERATIONS PLANS FLIGHT (OPTIONAL)

15. Typical Wing Structure
WING COMMANDER
WING STAFF
COMPTROLLER SQUADRON
OPERATIONS GROUP
MAINTENANCE GROUP
MISSION SUPPORT GROUP
MEDICAL GROUP
OPERATIONS SUPPORT SQUADRON
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS SQUADRON
FORCE SUPPORT SQUADRON
MEDICAL SUPPORT SQUADRON
OPERATIONS SQUADRON(S)
AIRCRAFT/MISSILE MAINTENANCE SQ
CIVIL ENGINEER SQUADRON
MEDICAL OPERATIONS SQUADRON
AIR CONTROL SQ (AS APPLICABLE)
MAINTENANCE SQUADRON
COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON
AEROSPACE MEDICINE SQUADRON
A Wing’s mission is to develop and maintain the capability to conduct warfare, or support that conduct. The Wing is the only echelon of command that is capable of deploying and sustaining itself for an indefinite length of time and is usually commanded by a brigadier general. The Wing Commander is responsible of the entire wing. Under the wing commander, there is a wing staff and four groups.
This structure has proven to be both efficient and effective, by eliminating a great deal of waste, but most importantly has increased the Air Force’s warfighting capability. The groups mentioned previously are flexible units made up of four our more squadrons and include operations, maintenance, mission support or medical groups. Groups are most often commanded by a colonel.
Under these groups, you will note are several squadrons, which are the fundamental units in the Air Force. The squadron is the lowest formal echelon of command, and it is the building block for the entire Air Force. In fact, the squadron is responsible for conducting the day to day mission for the Wing. For example, you may be an Airmen assigned to the Security Forces Squadron, which, as you can see falls under the mission support group. The squadron is the lowest echelon of command that can be deployed on its own, but it cannot sustain itself indefinitely like a wing can. One only needs to look at Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom to such deployments of squadrons, where security forces squadrons, maintenance squadrons and so forth have been deployed as a squadron. Squadrons are most often commanded by a lieutenant colonel, but not always.
The final level in the Air Force organizational structure, is the flight. A squadron commander’s span of control is generally limited to the squadron itself and the individual flight commanders help maintain the squadron’s efficiency. Going back to our example of being assigned to the security forces squadron, you may perform your day to day duties, within flight A, B, or C for example.
MUNITIONS SQ (AS APPLICABLE)
CONTRACTING SQUADRON
DENTAL SQUADRON
LOGISTICS READINESS SQUADRON
SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON
AERIAL PORT SQ (AS APPLICABLE)

16. Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
SQUADRON COMMANDER
MAINTENANCE SUPERVISION
DEBRIEF (MAF & LD-HD)
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE UNIT A
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE UNIT B
AIRCRAFT SUPPORT FLIGHT (MAF & LD-HD)

17. Typical Wing Structure
WING COMMANDER
WING STAFF
COMPTROLLER SQUADRON
OPERATIONS GROUP
MAINTENANCE GROUP
MISSION SUPPORT GROUP
MEDICAL GROUP
OPERATIONS SUPPORT SQUADRON
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS SQUADRON
FORCE SUPPORT SQUADRON
MEDICAL SUPPORT SQUADRON
OPERATIONS SQUADRON(S)
AIRCRAFT/MISSILE MAINTENANCE SQ
CIVIL ENGINEER SQUADRON
MEDICAL OPERATIONS SQUADRON
AIR CONTROL SQ (AS APPLICABLE)
MAINTENANCE SQUADRON
COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON
AEROSPACE MEDICINE SQUADRON
A Wing’s mission is to develop and maintain the capability to conduct warfare, or support that conduct. The Wing is the only echelon of command that is capable of deploying and sustaining itself for an indefinite length of time and is usually commanded by a brigadier general. The Wing Commander is responsible of the entire wing. Under the wing commander, there is a wing staff and four groups.
This structure has proven to be both efficient and effective, by eliminating a great deal of waste, but most importantly has increased the Air Force’s warfighting capability. The groups mentioned previously are flexible units made up of four our more squadrons and include operations, maintenance, mission support or medical groups. Groups are most often commanded by a colonel.
Under these groups, you will note are several squadrons, which are the fundamental units in the Air Force. The squadron is the lowest formal echelon of command, and it is the building block for the entire Air Force. In fact, the squadron is responsible for conducting the day to day mission for the Wing. For example, you may be an Airmen assigned to the Security Forces Squadron, which, as you can see falls under the mission support group. The squadron is the lowest echelon of command that can be deployed on its own, but it cannot sustain itself indefinitely like a wing can. One only needs to look at Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom to such deployments of squadrons, where security forces squadrons, maintenance squadrons and so forth have been deployed as a squadron. Squadrons are most often commanded by a lieutenant colonel, but not always.
The final level in the Air Force organizational structure, is the flight. A squadron commander’s span of control is generally limited to the squadron itself and the individual flight commanders help maintain the squadron’s efficiency. Going back to our example of being assigned to the security forces squadron, you may perform your day to day duties, within flight A, B, or C for example.
MUNITIONS SQ (AS APPLICABLE)
CONTRACTING SQUADRON
DENTAL SQUADRON
LOGISTICS READINESS SQUADRON
SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON
AERIAL PORT SQ (AS APPLICABLE)

18. Security Forces Squadron
SQUADRON COMMANDER
SECURITY FORCES MANAGEMENT
INTELLIGENCE FLIGHT
OPERATIONS AND TRAINING FLIGHT
LOGISTICS FLIGHT
PLANS AND PROGRAMS FLIGHT

19. Typical Wing Structure
WING COMMANDER
WING STAFF
COMPTROLLER SQUADRON
OPERATIONS GROUP
MAINTENANCE GROUP
MISSION SUPPORT GROUP
MEDICAL GROUP
OPERATIONS SUPPORT SQUADRON
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS SQUADRON
FORCE SUPPORT SQUADRON
MEDICAL SUPPORT SQUADRON
OPERATIONS SQUADRON(S)
AIRCRAFT/MISSILE MAINTENANCE SQ
CIVIL ENGINEER SQUADRON
MEDICAL OPERATIONS SQUADRON
AIR CONTROL SQ (AS APPLICABLE)
MAINTENANCE SQUADRON
COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON
AEROSPACE MEDICINE SQUADRON
A Wing’s mission is to develop and maintain the capability to conduct warfare, or support that conduct. The Wing is the only echelon of command that is capable of deploying and sustaining itself for an indefinite length of time and is usually commanded by a brigadier general. The Wing Commander is responsible of the entire wing. Under the wing commander, there is a wing staff and four groups.
This structure has proven to be both efficient and effective, by eliminating a great deal of waste, but most importantly has increased the Air Force’s warfighting capability. The groups mentioned previously are flexible units made up of four our more squadrons and include operations, maintenance, mission support or medical groups. Groups are most often commanded by a colonel.
Under these groups, you will note are several squadrons, which are the fundamental units in the Air Force. The squadron is the lowest formal echelon of command, and it is the building block for the entire Air Force. In fact, the squadron is responsible for conducting the day to day mission for the Wing. For example, you may be an Airmen assigned to the Security Forces Squadron, which, as you can see falls under the mission support group. The squadron is the lowest echelon of command that can be deployed on its own, but it cannot sustain itself indefinitely like a wing can. One only needs to look at Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom to such deployments of squadrons, where security forces squadrons, maintenance squadrons and so forth have been deployed as a squadron. Squadrons are most often commanded by a lieutenant colonel, but not always.
The final level in the Air Force organizational structure, is the flight. A squadron commander’s span of control is generally limited to the squadron itself and the individual flight commanders help maintain the squadron’s efficiency. Going back to our example of being assigned to the security forces squadron, you may perform your day to day duties, within flight A, B, or C for example.
MUNITIONS SQ (AS APPLICABLE)
CONTRACTING SQUADRON
DENTAL SQUADRON
LOGISTICS READINESS SQUADRON
SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON
AERIAL PORT SQ (AS APPLICABLE)

20. Dental Squadron SQUADRON COMMANDER AREA DENTAL LABORATORY FLIGHT
CLINICAL DENTISTRY
FLIGHT
DENTAL LABORATORY FLIGHT
DENTAL RESIDENCY FLIGHT
DENTAL SUPPORT FLIGHT

21. Summary
Who We Are
US Air Force Organization

22. Aim High … Fly-Fight-Win