## Overview The **United States Air Force (USAF)** is the aerial and space warfare branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services. As a key component of the Department of the Air Force—which also oversees the U.S. Space Force—the USAF is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping airmen to conduct global operations in air, space, and cyberspace domains[1][2]. It is structured hierarchically, with top-level leadership including the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, followed by major commands (MAJCOMs), numbered air forces (NAFs), wings, groups, and squadrons, each with specialized functions and responsibilities[1]. ## History The USAF traces its origins to the U.S. Army Air Corps, established in 1926, and became an independent branch of the military in 1947 under the National Security Act. Its creation marked a recognition of airpower’s strategic importance following the decisive role of aviation in World War II. Over the decades, the Air Force has evolved from a force focused on manned aircraft to one integrating advanced technology, unmanned systems, and space operations. ## Key Achievements The Air Force has been pivotal in numerous conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror. It has also led technological innovations, from the development of stealth aircraft and precision-guided munitions to the deployment of global positioning systems (GPS) and advanced satellite communications. The USAF’s strategic bombers, fighters, and reconnaissance platforms have provided unmatched global reach and situational awareness. ## Current Status Today, the USAF is undergoing significant modernization to address emerging threats, including near-peer competitors, cyber warfare, and the militarization of space. It is retiring legacy aircraft—251 in fiscal year 2025 alone—to free resources for next-generation platforms and technologies[4]. The