AFH 1 Airman PDF November 2021

When our first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF), Paul Airey, accepted the responsibility to lead the enlisted force, he had, on many occasions, been challenged to the point of failure. While the struggles he endured as CMSAF were new, facing overwhelming adversity was something he had done throughout his career. In all his 28 Central European combat missions during World War II, he absolutely felt fear and uncertainty as he laid his life on the line. Once, as an aerial gunner he was forced to bail from his B-24 Liberator bomber aircraft. This event led to his experience as a prisoner of war. Just like CMSAF Airey, today’s Airmen answer our Nation’s call and serve with the professionalism, courage, and expertise they acquire during passage into the world’s greatest Air Force - basic military training. The skills gained from those initial weeks of instruction and guidance are the same skills we expect to remain second-nature throughout our careers. When situations become ambiguous or uncertain, we fall back on our training to sustain us. No matter the strategic direction or technical skillset, today’s Airmen are asked to overcome adversity in order to dominate and deter the enemy while defending the homeland. Conquering these challenges to carry out Air Force missions often requires situational approaches to leadership and access to resources like the Air Force Handbook 1 (AFH 1), Airman. It outlines our organizational standards, norms, and roles. The goal is to help Airmen navigate through many of the issues they may face while serving. This handbook provides a wide variety of subjects to synchronize with our Air Force’s continuum of learning, and is meant to help bridge the times between training, while facilitating growth into professional roles. It is a reference for general and specific Air Force guidance, and is addressed to both the leader and the follower. This handbook is meant as a lantern to guide an Airman’s path. Although the AFH 1 did not exist during Paul Airey’s time, I’m positive that as he descended into enemy territory, he relied on his training and his embedded warrior ethos to survive. He battled through adversity, and eventually ascended to lead our enlisted force as our first CMSAF by using much of the same information passed to you in this guide. Be sure to refer to it at your desk, at home, or in your work center to guide you and your teammates to demonstrate excellence in all you do. BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY AIR FORCE HANDBOOK 1 OF THE AIR FORCE 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AIRMAN TABLE OF CONTENTS ACCESSIBILITY: Publications and forms are available for downloading or ordering on the e- Publishing Web site at: http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/. RELEASABILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication. OPR: AETC SAS AA/AAD Supersedes: AFH1, 1 October 2019 Pages: 564 AFH 1, Airman, implements Air Force Instruction (AFI) 1-1, Air Force Standards, 7 August 2012, and is consistent with Air Force Policy Directive (AFPD) 36-26, Total Force Development and Management, 18 March 2019, in alignment with established policies for developing the Total Force. This handbook contains information applicable to all Airmen, to include the Regular Air Force (RegAF), the Air Force Reserve, the Air National Guard, Civil Air Patrol, and Department of the Air Force civilian employees. Specific levels of importance and understanding have been assigned to each section for enlisted promotion testing. Enlisted Airmen may use this handbook or the applicable Enlisted Promotion Study Guide to prepare for the Promotion Fitness Examination (PFE). AFH 1 is the sole source reference for the Enlisted Promotion Study Guides. Send recommendations regarding this handbook to: Air Education and Training Command, Studies and Analysis Squadron, Airman Advancement Deliberate Development Section, 73 Main Circle, Bldg. 661, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas 78150; DSN 487-4075; Workflow email: [email protected]. This publication may not be supplemented or further implemented/extended. Ensure that all records generated as a result of processes prescribed in this publication adhere to AFI 33-322, Records Management and Information Governance Program, 23 March 2020, and are disposed of in accordance with (IAW) the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule which is located in the Air Force Records Information Management System. The use of the name or mark of any specific manufacturer, commercial product, commodity, or service in this publication does not imply endorsement by the Air Force. Refer recommended changes and questions about this publication to the office of primary responsibility (OPR) using the AF Form 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication; route AF Forms 847 from the field through the appropriate functional chain of command. The use of the name or mark of any specific manufacturer, commercial product, commodity, or service in this publication does not imply endorsement by the Air Force. SUMMARY OF CHANGES This document has been substantially revised and needs to be completely reviewed. This document consolidates chapters six and seven, reducing the total number of chapters from twenty-five to twenty-four. Other major changes in this rewrite is an alignment to ensure the USAF foundational competencies are included to support the continuum of learning and force development construct. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................................................................. 5 PREFACE..................................................................................................................................... 10 AIRMAN DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING CHART................................................................... 12 FORWARD.................................................................................................................................... 16 Chapter 1 AVIATION HISTORY............................................................................................... 20 Section 1A—Aviation Fundamentals......................................................................................... 20 Section 1B—Aviation and Operations in World War I............................................................. 24 Section 1C—Aviation and Operations in World War II............................................................ 30 Section 1D—The Edge of Space................................................................................................ 36 Chapter 2 USAF HERITAGE...................................................................................................... 43 Section 2A—The USAF and the Mid-1900s.............................................................................. 43 Section 2B—The USAF and the Post-Cold War....................................................................... 54 Section 2C—The USAF and the New Millennium..................................................................... 61 Chapter 3 AIR, SPACE, AND CYBERPOWER......................................................................... 71 Section 3A—Identifying with Airpower..................................................................................... 71 Section 3B—Aircraft Systems.................................................................................................... 73 Section 3C—Space Systems....................................................................................................... 83 Section 3D—Missile and Munition Systems.............................................................................. 87 Chapter 4 MILITARY ORGANIZATION AND COMMAND.................................................. 90 Section 4A—United States Armed Forces................................................................................. 90 Section 4B—Military Departments........................................................................................... 93 Section 4C—Military Command Structure............................................................................... 96 Section 4D—USAF Total Force.............................................................................................. 100 Section 4E—USAF Structure.................................................................................................. 104 Chapter 5 DOCTRINE, JOINT FORCE, AND MOBILIZATION........................................... 112 Section 5A—Doctrine.............................................................................................................. 112 Section 5B—Joint Force.......................................................................................................... 121 Section 5C—Joint Planning.................................................................................................... 125 Section 5D—Mobilization....................................................................................................... 130 Chapter 6 ENLISTED FORCE DEVELOPMENT................................................................... 135 Section 6A—Leadership Levels............................................................................................... 135 Section 6B—Enlisted Force Structure..................................................................................... 138 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 6 Section 6C—Duty Titles and Special Positions....................................................................... 141 Section 6D—Force Development............................................................................................ 145 Section 6E—Training Responsibilities.................................................................................... 149 Section 6F—Professional Military Education……………………………………………….154 Section 6G—Community College of the Air Force…………………………………………..158 Section 6H—Continuing Education…………………………………….……………………162 Chapter 7 ASSESSMENTS AND RECOGNITION................................................................. 166 Section 7A—Airman Comprehensive Assessment................................................................... 166 Section 7B—Performance Evaluations................................................................................... 168 Section 7C—Reenlistments and Continuation......................................................................... 172 Section 7D—Awards and Decorations.................................................................................... 177 Chapter 8 ENLISTED PROMOTIONS..................................................................................... 185 Section 8A—Promotion Systems and Programs..................................................................... 185 Section 8B—Promotion Cycles............................................................................................... 187 Section 8C—Preparation and Responsibilities....................................................................... 189 Section 8D—Promotion Testing.............................................................................................. 191 Section 8E—Evaluation Boards.............................................................................................. 193 Chapter 9 ASSIGNMENTS AND OCCUPATIONAL CODES............................................... 195 Section 9A—Eligibility and Restrictions................................................................................. 195 Section 9B—Occupational Codes........................................................................................... 202 Section 9C—Special Duties..................................................................................................... 213 Chapter 10 PERSONNEL PROGRAMS AND BENEFITS..................................................... 217 Section 10A—Benefits and Services........................................................................................ 217 Section 10B—Leave and Authorized Absences....................................................................... 230 Section 10C—Military Associations........................................................................................ 233 Section 10D—Civilian Programs............................................................................................ 234 Chapter 11 FINANCE, MANPOWER, AND RESOURCES................................................... 239 Section 11A—Individual Finances and Allowances................................................................ 239 Section 11B—Official Travel Expenses and Allowances........................................................ 245 Section 11C—Manpower Management................................................................................... 250 Section 11D—Resource Management..................................................................................... 253 Section 11E—Environmental Commitment............................................................................. 259 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 7 Chapter 12 DEVELOPING ORGANIZATIONS...................................................................... 261 Section 12A—Strategic Thinking and Results Focus.............................................................. 261 Section 12B—Resources and Organizational Structure......................................................... 264 Section 12C—Change and Problem Solving........................................................................... 267 Chapter 13 DEVELOPING OTHERS....................................................................................... 275 Section 13A—Teamwork......................................................................................................... 275 Section 13B—Develops People............................................................................................... 280 Section 13C—Service Mindset................................................................................................ 283 Section 13D—Leadership........................................................................................................ 288 Section 13E—Fosters Inclusion……………………………………………………………...295 Chapter 14 DEVELOPING SELF............................................................................................. 297 Section 14A—Accountability and Self-Management............................................................... 298 Section 14B—Military Communication.................................................................................. 303 Section 14C—Preparing to Communicate.............................................................................. 307 Section 14D—Written Communication................................................................................... 312 Section 14E—Spoken Communication.................................................................................... 315 Section 14F—Electronic Messaging…………………………………….……………...........321 Chapter 15 DEVELOPING IDEAS........................................................................................... 325 Section 15A—What We Know................................................................................................. 325 Section 15B—Cognitive Processes.......................................................................................... 327 Section 15C—Informed Decision-Making.............................................................................. 335 Section 15D—What We Don’t Know...................................................................................... 341 Chapter 16 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.......................................................................... 344 Section 16A—USAF Emergency Management....................................................................... 344 Section 16B—Disasters, Attacks, and Hazards....................................................................... 346 Section 16C—Preparedness and Protection........................................................................... 348 Section 16D—Crisis Response and Recovery......................................................................... 352 Section 16E—USAF Mishap Prevention................................................................................. 355 Section 16F—Risk Management............................................................................................. 360 Chapter 17 SECURITY............................................................................................................. 367 Section 17A—Integrated Defense............................................................................................ 367 Section 17B—Operations Security.......................................................................................... 371 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 8 Section 17C—Information Protection..................................................................................... 373 Section 17D—Information Access, Cyber Security, and Mobility.......................................... 377 Section 17E—Antiterrorism.................................................................................................... 382 Chapter 18 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT.............................................................................. 387 Section 18A—Way of Life........................................................................................................ 387 Section 18B—Law of War....................................................................................................... 390 Section 18C—Code of Conduct............................................................................................... 396 Chapter 19 ENFORCING MILITARY STANDARDS............................................................ 402 Section 19A—Air Force Inspection System............................................................................. 402 Section 19B—Individual Accountability................................................................................. 405 Section 19C—Appropriate Working Relationships................................................................. 410 Section 19D—Addressing Misconduct.................................................................................... 419 Chapter 20 MILITARY JUSTICE............................................................................................. 424 Section 20A—Military Law..................................................................................................... 424 Section 20B—Legal Enforcement............................................................................................ 429 Section 20C—Nonjudicial Punishment................................................................................... 431 Section 20D—Courts-Martial................................................................................................. 434 Chapter 21 FITNESS AND READINESS................................................................................ 439 Section 21A—USAF Fitness.................................................................................................... 439 Section 21B—Official Fitness Assessment.............................................................................. 444 Section 21C—Nutrition........................................................................................................... 449 Section 21D—Substance Use or Abuse................................................................................... 453 Section 21E—Readiness State of Mind................................................................................... 457 Chapter 22 DRESS AND APPEARANCE................................................................................ 465 Section 22A—Professional Image........................................................................................... 465 Section 22B—Military Uniforms............................................................................................. 471 Section 22C—Accessory Standards........................................................................................ 477 Chapter 23 MILITARY CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES...................................................... 479 Section 23A—Honored Traditions.......................................................................................... 479 Section 23B—Respect for the Flag.......................................................................................... 483 Section 23C—Respect for Individuals..................................................................................... 490 Section 23D—Ceremonies and Events.................................................................................... 493 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 9 Section 23E—Drill and Formation......................................................................................... 499 Chapter 24 PROFESSIONALISM............................................................................................ 502 Section 24A—USAF Professional........................................................................................... 502 Section 24B—Profession of Arms........................................................................................... 504 Section 24C—USAF Core Values........................................................................................... 505 Section 24D—Ethical Standards............................................................................................. 509 Attachment 1 GLOSSARY OF REFERENCES AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION....... 514 Attachment 2 AIRCRAFT TAIL MARKINGS......................................................................... 532 Attachment 3 THE ROUNDEL................................................................................................. 535 Attachment 4 CHIEF MASTER SERGEANTS OF THE AIR FORCE................................... 536 Attachment 5 USAF RIBBONS AND MEDALS..................................................................... 555 Attachment 6 USAF DEVICES................................................................................................. 557 Attachment 7 USAF MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS...................................................... 558 Attachment 8 THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER LYRICS................................................... 562 Attachment 9 THE USAF SONG LYRICS............................................................................... 563 Attachment 10 USSF ENLISTED RANK INSIGNIA……………………………………........564 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 10 PREFACE AFH 1 is designed to be a useful force development tool for every Airman in today’s Air Force. AFH 1 serves as a collection of references and resources pertaining to a wide range of subject areas in the profession of arms. Whether you choose to use the handbook as a quick reference, as a source for professional development, or you solely consider this material to be essential for enlisted promotion testing, you will find the material is current, relevant, and applicable to the Air Force objective of maintaining Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power for America. The Enlisted Promotion Study Guides are developed directly from the contents of the handbook and include material that is specifically identified as testable for each level of enlisted promotion testing. Refer to the appropriate Enlisted Promotion Reference and Requirements Catalog for the applicable promotion cycle to ensure you study the correct information: https://www.omsq.af.mil/. Enlisted promotion tests are designed to reflect each individual’s knowledge. Group study for the purpose of enlisted promotion testing is strictly prohibited IAW Air Force Manual (AFMAN) 36- 2664, Personnel Assessment Program, 16 May 2019. Enlisted personnel who violate these prohibitions are subject to prosecution under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for violating a lawful general regulation. Tips for Studying - Begin your study routine early, plan to start studying two months to a year before your promotion exam window. This will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of the material to not only help you learn it, but you will find more opportunities to actually apply it. - Set your study routine, stay motivated, and stay focused. Develop the mindset that studying for promotion is a part of your life. Understand that the material you’re studying is not only for promotion, it’s for your continued professional growth. Maintaining a balanced life doesn’t necessarily become easier, but as you practice it, you do become better at it. - Allow yourself to be flexible, but be clear with yourself and others about your goals. Letting others know you’re establishing a study plan will help them understand when you are available for socializing, sports, and family gatherings. B-SMART Apply B-SMART objectives to clearly establish what you want and how you will get it. B – Balance your approach. Recognize what you need to do in the short-term and the long-term. S – Specify your goal. When and how long will you need to study for your enlisted promotion test? M – Determine milestones and how you will measure them. A – Set an attainable goal and take action. Is your goal achievable? R – As you set your goal, ensure you are results focused. Make sure your expectations are realistic. T – Being time-bound means knowing the test dates and targeting that window. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 11 Adult Learning Style Profile Determine your most preferred learning style. The Adult Learning Style Profile, developed by Dr. Ray Barsch, emphasizes three learning styles: visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic. Auditory learners use hearing to process information. When given a choice, strong auditory learners will sit where they can easily hear information and where there are minimal noise distractions. For auditory learners, it may be most helpful to use audio versions of material to supplement written text, when available. Visual learners use their eyes to process information. For visual learners, it may be most helpful to establish a study environment where you can clearly see the material. You may choose to enhance your study routine with notes, flashcards, or highlighters. Tactile learners learn while being active. Having access to a variety of study materials will enable tactile learners to take a more active approach to learning and maintain focus on the material. Tactile learners may find it beneficial to study while exercising. Whether your goal is to engage in lifelong learning, become a more adept Airman, or get promoted, take pride in knowing that your efforts to align your professional goals with your personal goals will help you develop a better understanding of the Air Force through the material provided in this handbook. Ask – Share – Celebrate! Ask for advice on establishing successful study habits. Share your accomplishments with others. Celebrate your successes. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 12 AIRMAN DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING CHART AFH 1, Airman (1 November 2021) The Airman Development and Testing Chart (ADTC) is used by the Air Force to identify the relevance of AFH 1 testable content for the PFE as well as to determine subject matter content for inclusion in applicable enlisted promotion study guides. Testable content comprehension levels were determined by survey of all RegAF chief master sergeants. The primary purpose of the ADTC is to relate test content relevant to promotion with desired comprehension levels. It is the primary measurement to ensure enlisted promotion tests are developed to the required AF-level of knowledge for enlisted promotion to the next grade. The ADTC is an outline of the subject matter content in AFH 1. For promotion testing purposes, the level of comprehension necessary for each section is identified by rank using a scale of A through D. Enlisted Airmen should use the chart to identify the levels of comprehension of subject matter content for the enlisted promotion exam and development expectations associated with each rank. Level of Indicates the level of comprehension necessary for each rank as enlisted Scale Comprehension Air Force professionals Recognizing or recalling knowledge from memory. Remembering is when memory A Remembering is used to produce or retrieve definitions, facts, or lists, or to recite previously learned information. Constructing meaning from different types of functions, whether written or graphic B Understanding messages, or activities like interpreting, exemplifying, classifying, summarizing, inferring, comparing, or explaining. Carrying out or using a procedure through executing or implementing. Applying C Applying relates to or refers to situations where learned material is used through products like models, presentations, interviews, or simulations. Breaking materials or concepts into parts, determining how the parts relate to one D Analyzing another, how they interrelate, or how the parts relate to an overall structure or purpose. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 13 Airman Development and Testing Chart (ADTC) AFH 1, Airman (1 November 2021) REQUIRED LEVEL OF COMPREHENSION FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION Chapter 1—AVIATION HISTORY SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 1A—Aviation Fundamentals A A B B B Section 1B—Aviation and Operations in World War I A A B B B Section 1C—Aviation and Operations in World War II A A B B B Section 1D—The Edge of Space A A B B B Chapter 2—AIR FORCE HERITAGE SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 2A—The Air Force and the Mid-1900s A A B B B Section 2B—The Air Force and the Post-Cold War A A B B B Section 2C—The Air Force and the New Millennium A B B B B Chapter 3—AIR, SPACE, AND CYBERPOWER SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 3A—Identifying with Airpower B B B C D Section 3B—Aircraft Systems A B B B D Section 3C—Space Systems A B B B D Section 3D—Missile and Munition Systems A B B B C Chapter 4—MILITARY ORGANIZATION AND COMMAND SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 4A—United States Armed Forces B B C C C Section 4B—Military Departments B B C C C Section 4C—Military Command Structure B B C C C Section 4D—Air Force Total Force B B C C C Section 4E—Air Force Structure B B C C C Chapter 5—DOCTRINE, JOINT FORCE, AND SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt MOBILIZATION Section 5A—Doctrine A B B C C Section 5B—Joint Force B B C C C Section 5C—Joint Operation Planning A B B C C Section 5D—Mobilization B B C C C Chapter 6—ENLISTED FORCE DEVELOPMENT SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 6A—Leadership Levels B B C C C Section 6B—Enlisted Force Structure B B C C D Section 6C—Duty Titles and Special Positions B B C D D Section 6D—Force Development B B C C C Section 6E—Training Responsibilities B B C C C Section 6F—Professional Military Education B B C C C Section 6G—Community College of the Air Force B B B C C Section 6H—Continuing Education B B C C C Chapter 7—ASSESSMENTS AND RECOGNITION SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 7A—Airman Comprehensive Assessment B C C C C Section 7B—Performance Evaluations B C C C D Section 7C—Reenlistments and Continuation B B C C C Section 7D—Awards and Decorations B B C C C Chapter 8—ENLISTED PROMOTIONS SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 8A—Promotion Systems and Programs B B C C C Section 8B—Promotion Cycles B B C C C Section 8C—Preparation and Responsibilities B B C C C Section 8D—Promotion Testing B B C C C Section 8E—Evaluation Boards B B C C C 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 14 Chapter 9—ASSIGNMENTS AND OCCUPATIONAL CODES SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 9A—Eligibility and Restrictions B B C C C Section 9B—Occupational Codes A B B C C Section 9C—Special Duties B B C C C Chapter 10—PERSONNEL PROGRAMS AND BENEFITS SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 10A—Benefits and Services B B C C C Section 10B—Leave and Authorized Absences B B C C C Section 10C—Military Associations A B B B C Section 10D—Civilian Programs A B B C C Chapter 11—FINANCE, MANPOWER, AND RESOURCES SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 11A—Individual Finances and Allowances B B C C C Section 11B—Official Travel Expenses and Allowances B B C C C Section 11C—Manpower Management A B C C D Section 11D—Resource Management B B C C D Section 11E—Environmental Commitment A B B B C Chapter 12—DEVELOPING ORGANIZATIONS SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 12A—Strategic Thinking and Results Focus B B C C C Section 12B—Resources and Organizational Structure B B C C D Section 12C—Change and Problem Solving B B C C D Chapter 13—DEVELOPING OTHERS SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 13A—Teamwork B B C C C Section 13B—Develops People B C C D D Section 13C—Service Mindset B B C C C Section 13D—Leadership B B C D D Section 13E—Fosters Inclusion B B C D D Chapter 14—DEVELOPING SELF SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 14A—Accountability and Self-Management B B C C C Section 14B—Military Communication B B C C C Section 14C—Preparing to Communicate B B C C D Section 14D—Written Communication B B C C D Section 14E—Spoken Communication B B C C D Section 14F—Electronic Messaging B C C C C Chapter 15—DEVELOPING IDEAS SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 15A—What We Know B B C C C Section 15B—Cognitive Processes B B C C C Section 15C—Informed Decision-Making B B C C C Section 15D—What We Don’t Know B B C C C Chapter 16—EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 16A—Air Force Emergency Management B B B C C Section 16B—Disasters, Attacks, and Hazards B B B C C Section 16C—Preparedness and Protection B B C C C Section 16D—Crisis Response and Recovery B B C C C Section 16E—Department of the Air Force Mishap Prevention B B C C C Section 16F—Risk Management B B C C C Chapter 17—SECURITY SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 17A—Integrated Defense B B C C C Section 17B—Operations Security B B C C C Section 17C—Information Protection B B C C C Section 17D—Information Access, Cyber Security and Mobility B B C C C Section 17E—Antiterrorism B B C C C Chapter 18—STANDARDS OF CONDUCT SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 18A—Way of Life B B C C C Section 18B—Law of War B B C C C 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 15 Section 18C—Code of Conduct B B C C C Chapter 19—ENFORCING MILITARY STANDARDS SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 19A—Air Force Inspection System B B C C C Section 19B—Individual Accountability B B C C C Section 19C—Appropriate Working Relationships B C C C C Section 19D—Addressing Misconduct B C C C C Chapter 20—MILITARY JUSTICE SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 20A—Military Law B B C C C Section 20B—Legal Enforcement B B C C C Section 20C—Nonjudicial Punishment B B C C C Section 20D—Courts-Martial B B C C C Chapter 21—FITNESS AND READINESS SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 21A—USAF Fitness B B C C C Section 21B—Official Fitness Assessment B B C C C Section 21C—Nutrition B B B B B Section 21D—Substance Use or Abuse B B B C C Section 21E—Readiness State of Mind B B C C C Chapter 22—DRESS AND APPEARANCE SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 22A—Professional Image B B C C C Section 22B—Military Uniforms B B C C C Section 22C—Accessory Standards B B B C C Chapter 23—MILITARY CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 23A—Honored Traditions B B C C C Section 23B—Respect for the Flag B B C C C Section 23C—Respect for Individuals B C C C C Section 23D—Ceremonies and Events B B C C C Section 23E—Drill and Formation B B B B C Chapter 24—PROFESSIONALISM SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 24A—USAF Professional B B C C C Section 24B—Profession of Arms B B C C C Section 24C—USAF Core Values C C C C C Section 24D—Ethical Standards B B C C C ATTACHMENTS SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Attachment 1—Glossary of References and Supporting Information N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Attachment 2—Aircraft Tail Markings N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Attachment 3—The Roundel N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Attachment 4—Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force A A B B B Attachment 5—USAF Ribbons and Medals N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Attachment 6—USAF Devices N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Attachment 7—USAF Medal of Honor Recipients B B B B B Attachment 8—The Star-Spangled Banner Lyrics N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Attachment 9—The USAF Song Lyrics N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Attachment 10—USSF Enlisted Rank Insignia N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 16 FORWARD F. Trubee Davison 1926-1932 Assistant Secretaries of War Robert A. Lovett 1941-1946 for W. Stuart Symington 1946-1947 Air Secretaries of the Air Force W. Stuart Symington 1947-1950 Thomas K. Finletter 1950-1953 Harold E. Talbott 1953-1955 Donald A. Quarles 1955-1957 James H. Douglas, Jr. 1957-1959 Dudley C. Sharp 1959-1961 Eugene M. Zuckert 1961-1965 Secretaries Harold Brown 1965-1969 of the Robert C. Seamans, Jr. 1969-1973 Air Force John L. McLucas 1973-1975 Thomas C. Reed 1976-1977 John C. Stetson 1977-1979 Hans M. Mark 1979-1981 Verne Orr 1981-1985 Russell A. Rourke 1985-1986 Edward C. Aldridge, Jr. 1986-1988 Donald B. Rice 1989-1993 Sheila E. Widnall 1993-1997 F. Whitten Peters 1997-2001 Dr. James G. Roche 2001-2005 Michael W. Wynne 2005-2008 Michael B. Donley 2008-2013 Deborah L. James 2013-2016 Heather A. Wilson 2017-1919 Barbara M. Barrett 2019-2021 Frank Kendall 2021-Present 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 17 Capt Charles D. Chandler 1907-1910 Capt Arthur S. Cowan 1910-1911 Capt Charles D. Chandler 1911-1912 Lt Henry H. Arnold 1912-1913 Military Air Chiefs Col Samuel Reber 1913-1916 Brig Gen George Squier 1916-1917 Lt Col John B. Bennet 1917 Brig Gen Benjamin Foulois 1917 Brig Gen Alexander Dade 1917-1918 Maj Gen William Kenly 1918-1919 Maj Gen Mason M. Patrick 1921-1927 Maj Gen James E. Fechet 1927-1931 Maj Gen Benjamin Foulois 1931-1935 Maj Gen Oscar Westover 1935-1938 Gen Henry H. Arnold 1938-1946 Gen Carl A. Spaatz 1946-1947 Gen Carl A. Spaatz 1947-1948 Gen Hoyt S. Vandenberg 1948-1953 Gen Nathan F. Twining 1953-1957 Gen Thomas D. White 1957-1961 Gen Curtis E. LeMay 1961-1965 Gen John P. McConnell 1965-1969 USAF Gen John D. Ryan 1969-1973 Chiefs of Staff Gen George S. Brown 1973-1974 Gen David C. Jones 1974-1978 Gen Lew Allen, Jr. 1978-1982 Gen Charles A. Gabriel 1982-1986 Gen Larry D. Welch 1986-1990 Gen Michael J. Dugan 1990-1990 Gen Merrill A. McPeak 1990-1994 Gen Ronald R. Fogleman 1994-1997 Gen Michael E. Ryan 1997-2001 Gen John P. Jumper 2001-2005 Gen T. Michael Moseley 2005-2008 Gen Norton A. Schwartz 2008-2012 Gen Mark A. Welsh III 2012-2016 Gen David L. Goldfein 2016-2020 Gen Charles Q. Brown, Jr. 2020-Present 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 18 Gen John W. Raymond 2019-Present USSF Chiefs of Staff CMSAF Paul W. Airey 1967-1969 CMSAF Donald L. Harlow 1969-1971 CMSAF Richard D. Kisling 1971-1973 CMSAF Thomas N. Barnes 1973-1977 Chief Master Sergeants CMSAF Robert D. Gaylor 1977-1979 of the CMSAF James M. McCoy 1979-1981 Air Force CMSAF Arthur L. Andrews 1981-1983 CMSAF Sam E. Parish 1983-1986 CMSAF James C. Binnicker 1986-1990 CMSAF Gary R. Pfingston 1990-1994 CMSAF David J. Campanale 1994-1996 CMSAF Eric W. Benken 1996-1999 CMSAF Frederick J. Finch 1999-2002 CMSAF Gerald R. Murray 2002-2006 CMSAF Rodney J. McKinley 2006-2009 CMSAF James A. Roy 2009-2013 CMSAF James A. Cody 2013-2017 CMSAF Kaleth O. Wright 2017-2020 CMSAF JoAnne S. Bass 2020-Present CMSSF Roger A. Towberman 2020-Present Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 19 We Are America’s Airmen We are America’s Airmen—a Total Force. Our Air Force is the greatest in the world. We fly, fight, and win whenever and wherever our Nation needs us. Our Air Force reflects the vision of the founders of airpower. The emerging global environment in which we operate demands that our Air Force continues to develop innovative Airmen who embrace strategic agility and inclusiveness to succeed in our mission and overcome unforeseen challenges that lay ahead. You have joined a team of Airmen with a rich history, who play an unparalleled role in the defense of America. Our Air Force is the greatest in the world because of the generations of professional Airmen who devoted their lives to serving this country. Airmen today recognize and honor their historic achievements and unique contributions to fighting and winning America’s wars. Air Force Mission Statement The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight, and win…airpower anytime, anywhere. Air Force Vision Statement The World’s Greatest Air Force—Powered by Airmen, Fueled by Innovation. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 20 Chapter 1 AVIATION HISTORY Section 1A—Aviation Fundamentals REQUIRED LEVEL OF COMPREHENSION FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION Chapter 1—AVIATION HISTORY SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 1A—Aviation Fundamentals A A B B B 1.1. Introduction to Aviation History Aviation history, particularly the early years of aviation fundamentals, provides an understanding of the foundations of airpower. This chapter on aviation history contains information on the beginning of the aviation industry and the evolution of airpower in the early days. Material in this chapter examines how participation in wars and conflicts throughout our history helped drive innovation and technological advancements to develop the Unites States (U.S.) Air Force into the greatest Air Force in the world. Note: Several significant historical events associated with air and space flight, and most importantly, the legacy of the men and women of the USAF, are foundations of the Air Force of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Chapters 1 and 2 are designed in chronological order. Significant events may overlap or may have occurred simultaneously, therefore, dates are considered for the general purposes of providing a timeline of aviation history and Air Force heritage. Many military projects, exercises, and operations are identified by names or titles. Several factors are considered before establishing and publishing names for operations. Operational names are a combination of one or two separate unclassified words that are assigned an unclassified meaning and used for unclassified administrative, morale, or public information purposes. Typically there are four general suggestions for naming operations: make them meaningful, target key audiences, avoid fashion, and make them memorable. 1.2. First Flights The dream of flight has nearly always existed. It was when two French brothers launched a hot air balloon in 1783, that man was able to fly. Approximately a decade later, military aviation became a noteworthy potential when, in 1794, the French Aerostatic Corps’ balloons accompanied the Armies of the French Revolution. European advancements in balloons, gliders, and aerodynamics continued to progress rapidly. By 1853, Britain’s Sir George Cayley created a glider with fixed wings, cambered airfoil, and horizontal and vertical stabilizers. These gliders eventually evolved into flying machines similar to today’s hang gliders. In 1861, a Balloon Corps provided aerial observation and reconnaissance for the Union Army during the American Civil War. The seven balloons in the inventory proved to be useful, but they were fragile and vulnerable to weather conditions. In 1863, the Army disbanded the Union Army Balloon Corps. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 21 Orville and Wilbur Wright. In the early 1900s, Orville and Wilbur Wright conducted more than 1,000 glides and achieved the first powered, sustained, controlled airplane flight, heralding the age of heavier-than-air aviation. When President Theodore Roosevelt established an Aeronautical Division in the U.S. Army’s Signal Corps on 1 August 1907, the Wright Brothers offered the only flyable aircraft that met specifications for its first military airplane. The flying machine had to carry two people with a combined weight of 350 pounds or less, and it needed to be able to fly for 125 miles at an average speed of 40 miles per hour. Despite a crash on 17 September 1908, seriously injuring Orville and killing passenger Lieutenant Thomas E. Selfridge, by 1909 the U.S. Army accepted its first of many aircraft, the Signal Corps No. 1, from the Wright Company. Subsequently, the Wright Brothers trained several U.S. Army pilots, including Henry H. “Hap” Arnold, future The Wright Brothers commander of the U.S. Army Air Forces. 1.3. Aeronautical Division, Signal Corps (1 August 1907 – 18 July 1914) When the Aeronautical Division, Signal Corps was established in 1907, the Army inevitably found itself in possession of several balloons that had been retained since the disbandment of the Balloon Corps. With that discovery, the Army realized the need for trained enlisted men to conduct balloon inflations and make necessary repairs. That year, Eddie Ward and Joseph Barrett reported in at the Leo Stevens’ Balloon Factory in New York, New York. They were the first enlisted men in the Aeronautical Division to be schooled in the rudiments of fabric handling, folding, and stitching. They were also taught the manufacturing of buoyant gases and became experts in the inflation and control of the Army’s aircraft. Developing an inventory and ensuring the safety of the pilots were two significant concerns regarding military aviation in the Signal Corps. Enlisted crews not only repaired the planes, they labored to make them safer to fly. They provided day-to-day support for a handful of officer pilots, learned new skills as airplane mechanicians (aircraft mechanics with skills and knowledge to maintain and repair aircraft engines, airframes, controls, and systems), and furthered skills as mechanics, riggers, and fitters. The enlisted detachment was a small band of enlisted Airmen who shared in the first steps of establishing military aviation as a permanent part of the nation’s defense. By October 1912, the Aeronautical Division consisted of 11 aircraft with 14 flying officers and 39 enlisted mechanics, making it relatively equivalent to forces in Europe. In 1913, the 1st Aero Squadron was activated. It is recognized as the oldest squadron in the USAF. Wright Biplane Chief Mechanic, Frank Scott. Corporal Frank Scott enlisted in the Field Artillery branch of the U.S. Army in 1908 and cross-trained into the Signal Corps in 1911. He was initially assigned to launching and releasing of hot air balloons, and was soon transferred to work on the Type-B Wright biplane. As a chief mechanic, Corporal Scott was offered an opportunity to accompany the pilot, Lieutenant Rockwell, on a test flight. On 28 September 1912, when the pilot attempted to land, the aircraft experienced engine trouble. It unfortunately became Scott’s first and only flight. Both Corporal Scott and Lieutenant Rockwell lost their lives that day. Corporal Frank Scott was the first enlisted person to die in an accident in a military aircraft. Scott Field, now Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, was named in his honor. Frank Scott 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 22 First Enlisted Pilots. In June 1941, Congress passed Public Law 99, which authorized an enlisted pilot training program. The law permitted enlisted men between ages 18 and 25 who graduated in the top half of their high school class to apply. By contrast, aviation cadets had to have two years of college and be at least 21 years old. Class 42-C, the first class of “flying sergeants” graduated as enlisted pilots on 7 March 1942. One half graduated from Kelly Field, Texas and the other half graduated from Ellington Field, Texas. All of Class 42-C went on to fly P-38s. Subsequent classes were assigned to various types of aircraft in both combat and support units. First American Enlisted Pilot, Vernon L. Burge. The story of enlisted pilots began long before the official enlisted pilot training program was established. In the early 1900’s, Captain Frank P. Lahm commanded a newly opened air school in the Philippines. Lahm had trouble finding enough officers to train, so Corporal Vernon L. Burge, Lahm’s crew chief, volunteered and received his pilot's license in June 1912. He is recognized as the first American enlisted pilot, one of only a handful of World War I enlisted aviators. After 10 years as an enlisted man, Burge was commissioned during World War I and served the next 25 years as an Vernon Burge officer. Father of Blind Flight, William C. Ocker. Sergeant William C. Ocker entered the U.S. Army on 25 June 1898. He served in the Spanish- American and Philippine-American Wars with cavalry and artillery units. After requesting a transfer, on 20 April 1914 he officially joined Burge (the first enlisted pilot) and Lamkey (the second enlisted pilot) as the third enlisted pilot. During World War I, while instructing other pilots, Ocker addressed the hazards of flying into clouds, which invariably disoriented pilots. He developed a flight integrator, an electrically-driven gyroscope with a moving background scroll that William Ocker depicted a sky with clouds and a miniature airplane silhouette that remained correctly oriented relative to the horizon. In June 1930, Ocker flew approximately 900 miles from San Antonio, Texas to Scott Field, Illinois in an enclosed cockpit, earning him recognition as the “Father of Blind Flight.” In January 1955, the USAF posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit to Ocker for the many lives saved during World War II as a result of the training devices he pioneered. 1.4. Aviation Section, Signal Corps (18 July 1914 – 20 May 1918) On 18 July 1914, with the passage of U.S. House Resolution 5304, the bill authorized the Signal Corps to establish an aviation section. This new launch pad for aviation was officially designated as Aviation Section, Signal Corps, consisting of 60 officers and 260 enlisted men. The bill created an official military rating for the aviation mechanician, which called for a 50 percent pay increase for enlisted men who were instructed in the art of flying while on flying status. The total number of personnel was limited to 40, with no more than twelve enlisted men authorized by law, but it was a major breakthrough for enlisted aviators. The Aviation Section was a significant step toward establishing the Army Air Service. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 23 1.5. Mexican Revolution and the Pancho Villa Expedition During the Mexican Revolution of 1910 - 1920, Francisco “Pancho” Villa’s forces raided Columbus, New Mexico. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson ordered the 1st Aero Squadron to assist ground forces in protecting the border and apprehending Pancho Villa. Commanded by Captain Benjamin Foulois, 11 pilot officers, 82 enlisted men, and one civilian mechanic departed from San Antonio, Texas with eight Curtiss JN-3 Jennies, 10 trucks, and six motorcycles. On the way, Foulois picked up two enlisted hospital corpsmen and an engineering section consisting of one officer and 14 enlisted. Despite the 1st Aero Squadron’s successful reconnaissance flights and several dispatches, mountain weather, dust, extreme temperatures, and the 5,000-feet elevations of the Casa Grandes in Chihuahua, Mexico wreaked havoc with the aircraft. Within one month, only two of the eight airplanes were in working condition. In February, after almost a year of what was commonly referred to as the Punitive Expedition, the pursuit of Pancho Villa was called off. Villa continued to lead rebels in Northern Mexico until 1920 when he successfully negotiated with the Mexican interim President for amnesty in exchange for a peace settlement on behalf of himself and his military. Captain Foulois commended his pilots for their bravery and their willingness to fly clearly dangerous aircraft. He also praised the enlisted personnel for their dedication and willingness to work day and night to keep the aircraft flying. Valuable lessons were learned about the realities of aviation under field conditions. Adequate maintenance was essential, as were plenty of backup aircraft while other airplanes were removed from the line and repaired. A Man of Many Firsts, Benjamin D. Foulois. After enlisting in the Army at the time of the Spanish-American War, and being commissioned during his service in the Philippines, Benjamin D. “Benny” Foulois was assigned to the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, Washington D.C. in 1908, where he participated in the acceptance tests of the Army’s first semi-rigid dirigible and its first airplane, the Wright Flyer, Signal Corps No. 1. In 1910, he took the aircraft to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he conducted tests to demonstrate the aircraft’s military usefulness. After completing the organization of the 1st Aero Squadron, Foulois Benjamin Foulois commanded the Pancho Villa Expedition, and after the United States entered World War I, Foulois played a major role in planning and implementing the $640 million aviation program. In 1917, Brigadier General Foulois was named Chief of the Air Service for the American Expeditionary Force, moved to Washington, D.C. in 1927 to become Assistant Chief of the Air Service, and in 1931 was promoted to Major General as Chief of the Air Corps. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 24 Section 1B—Aviation and Operations in World War I REQUIRED LEVEL OF COMPREHENSION FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION Chapter 1—AVIATION HISTORY SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 1B—Aviation and Operations in World War I A A B B B 1.6. Air Power in World War I The Allies, often referred to as Entente Powers, initially consisted of three entities in 1907: the French Republic, the British Empire, and the Russian Empire. Eventually Italy and Japan joined the side of the Entente, as well as Belgium, Serbia, Greece, Montenegro, and Romania. The Central Powers on the opposing side, often referred to as the Quadruple Alliance, included the German Empire, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and the Kingdom of Bulgaria. The lines were drawn by the time World War I began in July 1914, just days after Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated by Yugoslav forces in Sarajevo. When the first shots of the Great War were fired in Europe, the 1st Aero Squadron mustered a dozen officers, 54 enlisted men, and six aircraft. By 1916, a second squadron and new training facilities were added with plans for 24 more squadrons with a dozen aircraft each. All 24 squadrons were formed by early 1917, but only the 1st Aero Squadron was fully equipped, manned, and organized when the United States declared war on Germany on 6 April 1917. The U.S. Army Aviation Section inventory included less than 250 airplanes and consisted of 131 officers (virtually all pilots or pilots-in-training), and 1,087 enlisted men. Tradition dictated that pilots were drawn from the ranks of commissioned officers, but the Aviation Section realized the pressing need for trained enlisted personnel to perform duties in supply and construction and to serve specialized functions in the emerging aviation-related fields of photo- reconnaissance, communication, armament, welding, rigging, sail making, and most of all, mechanics. By November 1918, billions of dollars were spent, and over 70 million lives were lost. Battles ensued with victories and defeats of what some refer to as devastation, while others refer to as a revolutionary approach to military power. 1.7. The First Air War Aircraft and aerial warfare evolved during World War I between 1914 and 1918. Observation, artillery spotting, and reconnaissance emerged as the airplane’s most important wartime missions. By 1915, pursuit aircraft were developed to deny the enemy use of airspace. While flying missions evolved from information gathering to defense, using handguns to take down enemy aircraft left much to be desired. One of the most remarkable advancements in aviation technology was the arming of aircraft with machine guns that fired between the propeller blades. Using the deflector blade concept, French pilot, Roland Garros, attached steel plates to the propeller of his Morane- Saulnier Type L monoplane, enabling him to fire through the propeller arc of his aircraft. This innovative process enabled Garros to achieve the first aerial victory in history. Note: When engine trouble forced Garros to land behind enemy lines on 19 April 1915, the Germans captured him as a prisoner of war, but also studied the innovative concepts on his aircraft and created the first true fighter plane, the Fokker Eindecker, which was used ferociously on allied aircraft. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 25 Flying Aces. The concept of the ace emerged in 1915 during World War I at the same time as aerial dogfighting. A flying ace or “ace” is a military aviator credited with shooting down multiple enemy aircraft during aerial combat. Initially five or more aerial victories were required to be considered an ace, but that number varies throughout history. Public sentiment for the ace was based on a sense of pride and patriotism for war heroes in the skies. Allies and adversaries alike publicized aces to foster public support for the war effort. While aces are generally thought of exclusively as fighter pilots, enlisted aviators also earned the coveted title. Aerial gunners and observers, for example, were often referred to as aces for executing air-to-air victories on the enemy. Ace of Aces, Edward V. Rickenbacker. Captain Edward V. “Fast Eddie” Rickenbacker served in the U.S. Army Air Service from 1917 to 1919 and has been highly regarded as the most successful fighter ace in World War I. With 26 confirmed aerial victories, Rickenbacker became known as America’s “Ace of Aces” and held the American record for victories until World War II. He is considered to have received the most awards for valor, received the Distinguished Service Cross a record of eight times, and in Edward Rickenbacker 1930, one of his Service Crosses was converted to the Medal of Honor. The Lafayette Escadrille. As early as 1915, Americans flew in the European war, both with the French and the British—though it was the American-manned Lafayette Escadrille of France that earned the greatest and most enduring fame. Named in honor of Marquis de Lafayette, Hero of the Two Worlds, the French Air Service established the Lafayette Escadrille in 1916. In 1918, American members of the Lafayette Escadrille transferred into the U.S. Army Air Service as the 103d Aero Squadron while the French formed the Escadrille Jeanne d'Arc. First African-American Military Pilot, Eugene Bullard. Corporal Eugene Bullard is one of the very few enlisted Americans to fly in the war, and the first African-American military pilot. Bullard enlisted in 1914, and was assigned to the 3rd Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion. In World War I, Bullard flew as a machine gunner and served in over 20 air combat missions. As a member of the French Foreign Legion, he was awarded the French Croix de Guerre. He was wounded four times before the legion gave him a disability discharge. During his convalescence in Paris, he bet an American $2,000 that he could learn to fly and become a combat aviator. Corporal Bullard won the bet by completing training and joining the Lafayette Escadrille. Referred to as “The Black Swallow of Death,” he Eugene Bullard claimed two victories. 1.8. Division of Military Aeronautics (20 May 1918 – 24 May 1918) On 20 May 1918, President Wilson issued an Executive Order that transferred Army aviation control from the Signal Corps to the Secretary of War. This four-day transition existed long enough for the reorganization to take place and officially transfer recognition of responsibilities of aviation administration, assets, and personnel from the division of military aeronautics to the Air Service. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 26 1.9. Air Service, U.S. Army (24 May 1918 – 2 July 1926) The U.S. Army Air Service was established in 1918 as a temporary branch of the U.S. War Department, and was faced with budget cutbacks and resistance to establishing an independent Air Force. A drawdown was enacted in 1918 that called for a reduction in Air Service personnel from 190,000 to fewer than 20,000. Likewise, the $460 million allocated for military aviation in 1919 fell to $25 million in 1920. Another challenge came about when Congress demanded that new military aircraft use the surplus Liberty engines produced during the World War I buildup. Consequently, World War I vintage Curtiss JN-3 Jennies and Liberty DH-4 bombers remained in service until the 1930s, despite technological advances that had been made in airframe and engine design. Father of the USAF, William Mitchell. After enlisting, joining the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps, and taking private flying lessons, William “Billy” Mitchell earned his private pilot’s license. He was convinced of airpower’s potential as the primary component of national defense against strategic bombardment and was a strong advocate for an independent Air Force. Mitchell’s claims ultimately led to bombing trials in June 1921. Under his leadership, the 1st Provisional Air Brigade sank the 27,000 ton former German battleship Ostfriesland. Officials turned over two World War I battleships for further testing, the United States Ship (USS) New Jersey and the USS Virginia, to punctuate the values of airpower. At the age of 32, Captain Mitchell was the youngest member to join the General Staff. For his efforts, Mitchell earned the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, the World War I Victory Medal with eight campaign clasps, and several foreign decorations. Mitchell also received many honors following his death, including a commission by President Franklin William Mitchell D. Roosevelt as Major General Mitchell. Note: In 1924, Mitchell developed a 324-page report that predicted a future war with Japan, including the attack on Pearl Harbor. Mitchell believed a surprise attack on the Hawaiian Islands would be conducted by land- based aircraft operating from islands in the Pacific. His report was published as the book Winged Defense in 1925, about sixteen years prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan in 1941. Demonstration of Airpower, Ulysses Nero. A young bombardier, Sergeant Ulysses “Sam” Nero, was selected to demonstrate the capabilities of airpower. Against established tactics, during the demonstration Nero and the Martin-Curtiss NBS-1 pilot approached the USS New Jersey at 85 miles per hour at an altitude of 6,900 feet, from about 15 degrees off the port beam. They scored two hits and the USS New Jersey went down in just over three minutes. Having one bomb left, Nero’s aircraft proceeded to the floundering USS Virginia to administer the coup de grace on the stricken craft—the shot landed directly on the Virginia’s deck, putting it out of commission permanently. General Mitchell disqualified Nero and his pilot from further competition for disobeying instructions, but he reconsidered when the rest of the crews failed to hit the USS Virginia unless they Ulysses Nero dropped down to 1,500 feet. Nero was promoted during the next cycle. Note: The NBS in Martin-Curtis NBS-1 is an abbreviation for night bomber-short range. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 27 End of the Enlisted Pilot Era and George H. Holmes. George H. Holmes served in the Navy during World War I. After the war, he enlisted in the Army in 1919 as a mechanic. In 1921 Holmes became a pilot flying the Curtiss JN-4D Jenny and other aircraft. When World War II ended, Lieutenant Colonel Holmes chose to revert back to his enlisted rank. Ending the era of enlisted pilots, Master Sergeant George H. Holmes was the last of about 2,500 men who graduated from enlisted pilot training. When he retired from the Air Force in 1957, he was the last of the enlisted George Holmes pilots. World War I Armistice. Airpower clearly played an important role in the Allied victory of World War I. As of the Armistice on 11 November 1918, observation, reconnaissance, and artillery spotting remained significant missions, but close air support, interdiction, and strategic bombardment showed promise in the progress of airpower. Armistice Day may best be known as the signing of an agreement to end the war in the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month. Some war memorials date the end of the war as being when the Versailles Treaty was signed in 1919 and many of the troops serving abroad finally returned to their home countries. In the United States, Armistice is publicly recognized on Veterans Day in honor of military veterans. 1.10. U.S. Army Air Corps (2 July 1926 – 20 June 1941) The U.S. Army Air Corps was established as a step toward recognizing the autonomy of aviation and its role in modern warfare. During this time, aviation was still a part of the U.S. Army command structure. Meanwhile, the Air Corps Tactical School and Air Corps Technical School evolved under the U.S. Army Air Corps. Air Corps Tactical School. Through a brief series of changes, in 1926 the Air Service Tactical School, designed for military officer professional development, was renamed the Air Corps Tactical School. Eventually the Air Corps Tactical School was relocated to Maxwell Field, Alabama, where it was later replaced as the Army Air Force School of Applied Tactics. The school is now recognized as the Air University, and remains on Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Air Corps Technical School. In 1926, the Air Corps Technical School was established at Chanute Field, Illinois. While other branches of the Army returned to the apprentice system of assignment and training, the Army Air Corps continued to use and develop a combination of the Army Alpha Test (reading and writing assessment), aptitude tests, and counseling. At the technical school, students participated in a range of experimental work, including altitude flights, blind flying, aerial photography, cosmic ray research, and the development of the parachute. Enlisted men who wanted to apply for technical training had to qualify as high school graduates, or the equivalent, and pass a mathematics proficiency test in addition to the Army Alpha Test. A trade test specialist familiar with the actual work personally interviewed each enlisted man. By 1938, the technical school branched out to Lowry Field, Colorado and Scott Field, Illinois. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 28 Aerial Refueling and Carl A. Spaatz. General Carl A. “Tooey” Spaatz, first Chief of Staff of the Air Force, was a member of the Fokker C-2 aircrew that launched the legendary Question Mark mission on 1 January 1929 to showcase aerial refueling potential. The mission was simple, determine how long the aircrew could keep the aircraft in the air. The crew flew the Question Mark for 150 hours and 40 minutes, taking on 5,600 gallons of hand-pumped fuel during 37 air-to-air refuelings. They traveled 11,000 miles on that journey, proving the relatively unlimited range available with air refueling capabilities. Carl Spaatz Operation Point Blank and Ira C. Eaker. General Ira C. Eaker was an aviation pioneer and articulate advocate of aerospace power. Commissioned in the Army Reserve after graduating flight school, he participated in the Pan-American Good Will Flight of 1926 and 1927, which is displayed at the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton, Ohio. Eaker also flew in the legendary Question Mark extended aerial refueling mission in 1929. As a strong advocate for daylight strategic bombardment, during Operation Point Blank, Eaker directed the daylight campaigns while the British conducted their night area bombing. The co-led operation struck the German military and industrial base of Nazi-occupied territories around the clock, Ira Eaker exhausting German strength, as well as its production capabilities. 1.11. General Headquarters Air Force (HAF) (1935 – 1939) Alongside the Army Air Corps, General HAF was set up to focus primarily on control of aviation combat units, while still being aligned under the Army Air Corps. This was a confusing half-step toward an independent Air Force, but proved to be the right direction for the conception of airpower. General HAF was established with the recognition that technological advances in aircraft would eventually propel airpower forward as a significant military force, beyond its early role of solely supporting ground troops. In 1938, when the United States first took the signs of war in Europe seriously, the Army’s Air Arm was still split into two cumbersome command organizations, the Army Air Corps and General HAF. In 1939, President Roosevelt asked for an appropriation of $300 million for military aviation. Before the outbreak of hostilities in Europe in the fall of 1939, General HAF had begun the massive expansion program that eventually evolved into the largest air organization in the nation’s history. 1.12. U.S. Army Air Forces (20 June 1941 – 17 September 1947) The U.S. Army Air Forces was established in June 1941. It replaced both the U.S. Army Air Corps and the General HAF. Although still under command of the Army, the message was clear, unify command of all air elements, give total autonomy to air forces, and provide equality separate from ground forces. The U.S. Army Air Forces continued to exist as a branch of the Army (similar to the infantry, quartermaster, or artillery) until reorganization provisions of the Public Law 80-495, National Security Act of 1947, 18 September 1947.. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 29 Commanding General of the U.S. Army Air Forces, Henry H. Arnold. General Henry H. “Hap” Arnold was an aviation pioneer, a West Point graduate, and an infantryman. In 1911 he was taught to fly by Orville and Wilbur Wright. Arnold began his rise through the Army Air Corps during the interwar years, serving in Air Service Headquarters and in several of the most important operational flying commands in the field. After serving two years as the Chief of the Air Corps, in June 1941 he became Commanding General of the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II. Under General Arnold’s command, the force expanded to nearly 2.5 million members and Henry Arnold 75,000 aircraft. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 30 Section 1C—Aviation and Operations in World War II REQUIRED LEVEL OF COMPREHENSION FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION Chapter 1—AVIATION HISTORY SSgt TSgt MSgt SMSgt CMSgt Section 1C—Aviation and Operations in World War II A A B B B 1.13. Airpower in World War II Allied Powers that existed at the onset of World War II in 1939 consisted of a long list of countries: France, Poland, the United Kingdom, British India, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. Soon, the Balkans, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, and Yugoslavia joined the alliance as well. By 1942, the countries emerged as the United Nations, and brought the United States, Russia, and China onboard to stop the Axis Powers. The Axis Powers consisted of Germany, Japan, and Italy. If World War I signaled airpower’s promise, World War II fulfilled the vision. In every aspect of aerial combat, airpower served as a force multiplier. Air superiority proved to be a prerequisite for successful land, sea, and air operations. 1.14. Ramping Up Recognizing the need for a robust national defense, in 1940 President Franklin D. Roosevelt called for American industry to build 50,000 military aircraft a year in preparation for defending our Nation’s interests. That same year, Congress passed the first peacetime conscription law in United States history, mandating that all able-bodied men join the service. At the time, the U.S. Army Air Corps inventory was merely 1,800 aircraft and 18,000 men in total. The Air Corps planned for 24 operational combat-ready groups by 1941, which called for greatly enhanced manpower, training, and equipment. Although American industry was ready to move forward with production, aeronautical designs, blueprints, tools, dies, airframes, engines, factories, skilled workers, and countless other components of an aviation industry, they would require time to develop. On 7 December 1941, “a date which will live in infamy,” Imperial Japan dealt a devastating blow to the United States at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii by sinking or heavily damaging several military battleships in two waves of approximately 350 Japanese aircraft. Also, our military aircraft made prime targets for Japanese aviators as they continued their attack that same day by destroying an entire fleet refueling on the ground in the Philippines. On 8 December 1941, the United States declared war on Japan. Three days later, we were at war with Germany and Italy as allies of Japan. Despite the fact that the attack on Pearl Harbor was what formally brought the United States into the war, the war in Europe and the defeat of Germany would take precedence. Reflecting on 1930s Air Corps Tactical School doctrine of using massive force to destroy the enemy’s will and capability to fight through long-range strategic bombardment, by 1942 American factories produced 47,800 aircraft, and by 1944 the inventory rose to an astronomical 96,300. Also, by March 1944 Air Force manpower reached over two million. During the war, the majority of enlisted Airmen served in roles that never took them into the air, but without their efforts, no bombs would have dropped and no war could have been waged. Taking into account all the support personnel in the Army Air Corps, the ratio of Airmen to aircraft was about 70 to 1. American industrial production, strategic target bombing, new tactics, enhanced training, greater budgets, and new aircraft with greater range, speed, and maneuverability, all proved to be key factors to an Allied victory. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 31 1.15. Prohibition of Discrimination Executive Orders 8802 and 9981. In 1941, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802, prohibiting racial discrimination within the services. Civil rights activists saw promise for desegregation with Executive Order 8802, requiring vocational and training programs to be administered without discrimination for race, creed, color, or national origin. The order made progress, but did not end segregation. When the USAF became a distinct service in 1947, segregation policies restricted black Airmen to all-black units or segregated service squadrons. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981 to abolish racial discrimination. On 11 May 1949, Air Force Letter 35.3 was published, mandating that black Airmen be reassigned to formerly all-white units according to qualifications. Within a year, virtually the entire Air Force was integrated with few incidents. The Tuskegee Airmen. In 1944, the first Tuskegee Airmen to fight in World War II were members of the 99th Fighter Squadron, a unit commanded by black West Point graduate, Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Soon after battling German aircraft over the skies of Anzio, Italy in their P-40 aircraft, they were joined by a second Tuskegee unit, the 332d Fighter Group with their P-39s. The Tuskegee Airmen’s obsolete aircraft were replaced later that year by P-47s and P-51s respectively, and the crews flew bomber escort missions until the German surrender The Tuskegee Airmen in the spring of 1945. By the end of World War II, nearly 1,000 black Americans had proudly and rightfully earned their wings. Through determination to prove their patriotism, valor, and skill in combat, these aviators, forever called the Tuskegee Airmen, struck a significant blow against racism in America. The Tuskegee Airmen destroyed 111 enemy aircraft in air-to-air combat, losing 66 of their own aircraft. As a tribute to their skill, courage, and determination, the Tuskegee Airmen amassed a distinguished combat record on their 200 escort missions into Germany. The Tuskegee Airmen’s actions in the skies over North Africa, the Mediterranean, Sicily, Italy, Austria, Yugoslavia, France, Romania, and Germany dispelled myths, opened eyes, rewrote history, and prepared the USAF for being the first of the U.S. Armed Services to integrate racially. First African-American General in the U.S. Air Force, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. was the commander of the famed World War II Tuskegee Airmen. He was also the son of General Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., the first black General in the U.S. Army. Davis graduated from West Point in 1936 and was commissioned as an infantry officer. He was a Reserve Officer Training Corp instructor at Tuskegee Institute from 1938 to 1941 and became one of the first African Americans admitted to pilot training. In 1970, Davis retired as the senior African American officer in the Benjamin Davis, Jr. U.S. Armed Forces. Upon retirement he organized a special force of sky marshals to help combat aircraft hijacking, and in July 1971 he was appointed as Assistant Secretary of Transportation, where he remained until he retired in 1975. On 8 December 1998, in a ceremony at the White House, President William J. Clinton promoted Davis to the rank of four- star general. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 32 The First American Volunteer Group. In early 1941, the first American Volunteer Group, known as the Flying Tigers, was organized to reinforce Nationalist China’s efforts against Japanese invaders. Recruited under U.S. Presidential authority, and led by Captain Claire Lee Chennault (who eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant General), the Flying Tigers included pilots from the U.S. Army Air Corps, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, as well as a few civilians. The group of volunteers were officially members of the Chinese Air Force and had contracts with salaries ranging from $250 The First American a month for mechanics to $750 for squadron commanders, roughly Volunteer Group three times what they had been making previously. The three Flying Tigers squadrons, consisting of the Adam & Eves, Panda Bears, and Hell's Angels, maintained around 30 aircraft each. The shark-faced nose art of the Flying Tigers remains among the most recognizable image of any individual combat aircraft or combat unit of World War II. The American Volunteer Group was credited with destroying almost 300 enemy aircraft, but lost 14 pilots in combat. In the book, Flying Tigers: Claire Chennault and His American Volunteers, 1941–1942, the author, Daniel Ford, attributes the American Volunteer Group’s success to morale and group esprit de corps. He notes that the pilots were triple volunteers who had volunteered for service with the United States military, the American Volunteer Group, and engaged in brutal fighting in Burma. They were clearly a corps of experienced and skilled volunteer pilots who wanted to fight. On 4 July 1942, the Flying Tigers were disbanded and replaced by the 23rd Fighter Group of the U.S. Army Air Forces. Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. The Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps was created in May 1942 and within a year became the Women’s Army Corps, which was essentially the women’s branch of the U.S. Army. Women served with distinction, replacing men who could then be reassigned to combat and other vital duties. What initially began with 800 women in training, eventually rose to 150,000 during World War II. A top priority assignment for women was to serve at aircraft warning service stations. Many others were assigned as clerical and administrative assistants, topographers, medical specialists, chemists, and even aircraft mechanics. Some commanders were reluctant to accept women into their units, but General Dwight D. Eisenhower lauded the women’s contributions to the force for providing immeasurable efficiency, skill, spirit, and determination. Greatest Female Aviator of All Time, Jacqueline Cochran. Jacqueline Cochran is remembered for competing in and winning several flying events and performing record-breaking missions with regard to altitude, distance, and speed. During World War II, Cochran organized efforts for 25 women to fly for Great Britain and she was the first woman to fly a bomber across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1943, she was appointed to the U.S. Army Air Forces and served as Director of the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots Training Program. Colonel Cochran received the Distinguished Jacqueline Cochran Service Medal for her service. In 1971, she was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Her efforts helped her earn titles, such as “the most outstanding woman pilot in the world” and “the greatest female aviator of all time.” In 1975, Cochran was the first woman to be honored with a permanent display of her memorabilia at the USAF Academy. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 33 Most Decorated Woman in United States Military History, Lillian K. Keil. A pioneer in passenger care, Captain Lillian K. Keil successfully combined two careers (flight attendant and flight nurse) to become the most decorated woman in our military history. Keil was one of the first stewardesses hired by United Airlines when the United States entered World War II. She later served in the U.S. Army Air Forces and treated wounded and frostbitten crewmen after bombing raids over Europe. During World War II, Keil made 250 evacuation flights, 23 of which were transatlantic. After World War II, Keil returned to United Airlines as an assistant chief stewardess. In 1950, she was called back to duty as a flight nurse during the Korean War, amassing 175 air evacuations and logging 1,400 flying hours. Overall, she attended to more than 10,000 wounded Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines in the air. She was awarded 19 medals, including a European Theater Medal with 4 Battle Stars, a Korean Service Medal with 7 Battle Stars, 4 Air Medals, and a Presidential Citation from the Republic of Korea. Lillian Keil 1.16. Nazi Suppression Operation Argument. Armed with new aircraft, tactics, and superior numbers, Operation Argument, otherwise known as Big Week, was launched with the objective of winning air superiority and crippling Germany’s aircraft industry. The operation consisted of a series of attacks aimed against Nazi Germany from 20 - 25 February 1944. During this time, the 8th Air Force flew 3,300 heavy bomber sorties, the 15th Air Force added 500 missions from Italy, and the Royal Air Force Bomber Command flew 2,750 night attacks aimed at German aircraft manufacturing plants. Nearly 4,000 fighter sorties were conducted as protective measures for operational assets. At a cost of 226 American bombers, 114 British heavies, and 41 U.S. Army Air Force fighters, Operation Argument damaged or destroyed over 500 Luftwaffe fighters and killed 400 pilots. Invasion of Normandy. Although the Luftwaffe managed to replace many downed aircraft, it could not replace the 2,262 experienced pilots killed in the five months preceding the invasion of Normandy. By 6 June 1944, Allied Air Forces dominated the skies of Europe. On the first day of the invasion, widely recognized as D-Day, the Allies directed 8,722 U.S. Army Air Force and 5,676 Royal Air Force sorties against German defenses in France. In response, the Luftwaffe launched fewer than 100 sorties and only two German aircraft inflicted damage on the invasion beaches. Clearly, Allied bombers and fighters trumped the German integrated air defense network. Combined Bomber Offensive. After the Normandy invasion, the Combined Bomber Offensive devastated Germany’s forces. From 1942 to 1945, the Combined Bomber Offensive was the longest, bloodiest air campaign in history. According to the U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey, the Allies flew 1.69 million combat sorties and dropped 1.5 million tons of bombs. These missions killed and wounded over a million Germans and destroyed 3.6 million buildings. Inevitably, with the loss of over twenty percent of its forces, the Third Reich surrendered in May 1945 and General Spaatz declared a strategic air war victory against Germany. It was clear that airpower had emerged as a dominant weapon in Western Europe during World War II. Operation Chowhound. In conjunction with the British humanitarian mission referred to as Operation Mana, in May 1945 the U.S. Army Air Forces delivered four thousand tons of food to three million Dutch in the German-occupied Netherlands during Operation Chowhound. Ten groups of B-17 bombers flew 2,268 sorties, avoiding German anti-aircraft attacks and suffering minimal losses. 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AFH 1 34 Notable Bravery and First Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Paul W. Airey. In 1944, at the age of 20, Technical Sergeant Paul W. Airey and his fellow crewmen were shot down on their 28th mission outside of Vienna, Austria. He was held as a prisoner of war for 10 months, surviving a 90- day, 400-mile march from the Baltic Sea to Berlin before being liberated by the British Army in 1945. During the Korean War, Airey served as a radio repairman. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for saving more than a million dollars in electronic equipment that would have deteriorated without the corrosion control assembly line he developed. Airey became the first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force in 1967. Notably, in 1988, Chief Airey received the Air Force Prisoner of War Medal. Paul Airey B-17 Named in his Honor, Sator Sanchez. Enlisted personnel served with honor throughout World War I

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