I just became a Officer in the Air Force. I miss your videos because they help me understand what I was getting into since I was coming from civilian life.
As a former Army dude, the rank of the commanders would be helpful to further understand the hierarchical structure. IIRC, Wings are commanded by O-6s (COLs). This would be the equivalent of an Army brigade. Would it be safe to assume Groups are led by O-5s (LTCs)? Army equivalent being a battalion. But I think your Squadrons are commanded by O-4s (MAJs), yes? Army MAJs, typically serve as BN XOs and S-3 OICs among a myriad of other jobs. Anyway, cool vid!
Good job explaining the Air Force structure. As an old you-know-what (retired USAF), I have often shaken my head at how the Air Force has altered and then frequently REINVENTED the MAJCOMs over the years. For example, today's Global Strike Command is essentially a slimmed-down version of my era's Strategic Air Command. Air Force Mobility Command is the old Military Airlift Command under a new name.
Thank you. I'm finding this two years after initial posting. You achieved your goal of providing a simple, straightforward explanation of U.S. Air Force structure and chain-of-command. You even touched on Constitutional issues concerning the military. Thank you!
Prior Air Force trying to explain this to the Army and they struggled because things don't have a direct correlation. Your video did a very good job of explaining the same thing I did but through a different voice. Thank you as you did wonderful job you're very well spoken keep up the good work. Yes I miss the Air Force after years of being in the army
Thank you so much for making this! I am not in the AF just yet, but I do work as a NF DoD employee for the AF. My supervisors never got the chance to teach me this, so I decided to try and learn on my own. Hoping to use this for a dream sheet. Get an idea of what bases do what, and hope I can use that in ties to my AFSC. Ik its whatever the AF needs, but i’d like to increase my odds.
Way back in the day during basic we learned, How Many New Airman Will Get Soar Feet Eventually (element). It still works lol. Great video. Brings back memories
This is a really good video and I wish there was more traffic from entry level airmen being directed here. So much of the videos from other similar channels like AIrman Vision only focus on BMT/Tech School prep and do nothing to explain what active duty is like and why things work the way they do.
Love love love this. Working a training tomorrow with new Airmen (about 20) in the Post Office here at RAF Lakenheath and am very fortunate that you made this. This will help myself and these Airmen tremendously. Would love to see more breakdown videos in the future.
I'm a mil spouse (plan to attend law school to become a JAG) that's been married for 3 years now and so glad I cam across this video cause I'm not really associated with the military community here and still have no idea what any of this meant after 3 years. Makes so much more sense whenever my husband talks about work matters now. Thanks!
Really love your channel Ashley,good precise information given with a clear,understandable lingo.Good job.The Air Force was my first choice for the military,but my father talked me out of it.Did 4 yrs US Navy& 7 yrs US Army and 4 deployments to Iraq(National Guard)
Good video, however as a former member of the USAF would say some of these terms/groups have changed slightly since my day. Point being historically there have been a few changes over time. For instance we only used the term flight in training then not in the operational units. That has changed which actually is good and where I worked went from being called a “branch” to a flight. This matches more like the flying/operations unit terminology. Also small note not all maintenance flights actually work on the planes. I never heard the term backshop in my day, but did later as a contractor. In fact I used the term for what we did as the backshop to the backshops. Sorry to ramble on.
I know this wasa a more generalized, broad overview, but can you say anything more specific on Squadrons, like how many jets are in one? It seems obvious that say a KC-10 squadron will have a different amount than say a B-1 bomber squadron, but things like Fighter Squadrons, is an F-15 Squadron have the same number of jets as an F-16 FS?
Using this as a reference for E5 Testing very helpful i wish i could find more pictures of command structure that also includes the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Pictures help so much more
In Commonwealth countries, service members from other sister branches members sometimes get confused even with the epaulette stripes ranks of the Air Force...
Appreciate the insight, its now beginning to take shape, but I do have a question. I am still confused about who writes the different AFI's, DODI's, AFSCMAN, etc... There are so many out there it gets a bit overwhelming as to who is doing the talking and which ones take precedence. Any info would be great. Thank you!
On the first page of the DAFI (or any other AF publication), on the left side of the page, you’ll see “OPR” and an organization designation. That’s who wrote it. Oftentimes, they’ll originate from the HQ AF level, so for questions, just go to your local, base level of that office and they should be able to help you out.
Just wondering if there’s a way that I can combine my interest in being a FAO, joining FELP, and learning how to fly without necessarily being an Air Force Pilot throughout my 20+ years military career? Thank you!
So here’s the thing… They’re not going to let you fly if you’re not a pilot. So one option would be to get your private pilot’s license in your spare time (which you pay for) and keep that as a hobby. If you do FLEP, you’re a JAG for 6 years. If you want to retrain into the pilot career field after that, if you go active duty, you’re a pilot for 10 - after you finish the 7 months to a year it’ll take you to go through UPT. And I believe FAO is only for active duty, so there wouldn’t be any mixing and matching Guard/Reserves + FAO. I think you could possibly have 2, but not likely all 3 - unless you go FLEP, get your private pilot’s license and do that as a hobby, and apply for FAO as a JAG.
@@ashleynoelle So can you do FAO and JAG as that same time? Or do I have to complete my 6 years of JAG service prior to being a FAO? Can I choose FAO as a career path right after OTS? Thanks you very much for answering all these questions, love your channel!
Hold on... Just to make sure we're on the same page about FLEP, FLEP is a program for those who are already commissioned officers. So it's only available to those who are already serving in the Air Force but in a different career field. Similarly, E-FLEP is for those who are already enlisted in the Air Force, but who want to commission and become JAGs. So unless you're already in the Air Force, you'd be joining via the Direct Appointment Program (DAP), not FLEP. If you're looking for info on DAP, you can check out this video: th-cam.com/video/6uz3x-Ij2Nw/w-d-xo.html But to answer your question, typically officers who are selected for FAO are at their 7-10 year mark of commissioned service.
As an Army Officer that just realized I actually know nothing about about the Air Force, this video was fantastic. Thank you
I just became a Officer in the Air Force. I miss your videos because they help me understand what I was getting into since I was coming from civilian life.
As a former Army dude, the rank of the commanders would be helpful to further understand the hierarchical structure. IIRC, Wings are commanded by O-6s (COLs). This would be the equivalent of an Army brigade. Would it be safe to assume Groups are led by O-5s (LTCs)? Army equivalent being a battalion. But I think your Squadrons are commanded by O-4s (MAJs), yes? Army MAJs, typically serve as BN XOs and S-3 OICs among a myriad of other jobs. Anyway, cool vid!
Good job explaining the Air Force structure. As an old you-know-what (retired USAF), I have often shaken my head at how the Air Force has altered and then frequently REINVENTED the MAJCOMs over the years. For example, today's Global Strike Command is essentially a slimmed-down version of my era's Strategic Air Command. Air Force Mobility Command is the old Military Airlift Command under a new name.
Thank you. I'm finding this two years after initial posting. You achieved your goal of providing a simple, straightforward explanation of U.S. Air Force structure and chain-of-command. You even touched on Constitutional issues concerning the military. Thank you!
Prior Air Force trying to explain this to the Army and they struggled because things don't have a direct correlation. Your video did a very good job of explaining the same thing I did but through a different voice. Thank you as you did wonderful job you're very well spoken keep up the good work. Yes I miss the Air Force after years of being in the army
Thank you so much for making this! I am not in the AF just yet, but I do work as a NF DoD employee for the AF. My supervisors never got the chance to teach me this, so I decided to try and learn on my own.
Hoping to use this for a dream sheet. Get an idea of what bases do what, and hope I can use that in ties to my AFSC. Ik its whatever the AF needs, but i’d like to increase my odds.
Way back in the day during basic we learned, How Many New Airman Will Get Soar Feet Eventually (element). It still works lol. Great video. Brings back memories
I never heard that one before but that's pretty good lol
Woah, so brilliant. Thank you
This is a really good video and I wish there was more traffic from entry level airmen being directed here. So much of the videos from other similar channels like AIrman Vision only focus on BMT/Tech School prep and do nothing to explain what active duty is like and why things work the way they do.
I’m so glad you made this. I feel like I should already know this but how can I if no one has ever told me? Thanks!
Love love love this. Working a training tomorrow with new Airmen (about 20) in the Post Office here at RAF Lakenheath and am very fortunate that you made this. This will help myself and these Airmen tremendously. Would love to see more breakdown videos in the future.
Great job! Clear, concise, well-organized, and good graphics.
I'm a mil spouse (plan to attend law school to become a JAG) that's been married for 3 years now and so glad I cam across this video cause I'm not really associated with the military community here and still have no idea what any of this meant after 3 years. Makes so much more sense whenever my husband talks about work matters now. Thanks!
Awesome to hear! I'm glad you found this helpful. Good luck with law school 🙂
Really love your channel Ashley,good precise information given with a clear,understandable lingo.Good job.The Air Force was my first choice for the military,but my father talked me out of it.Did 4 yrs US Navy& 7 yrs US Army and 4 deployments to Iraq(National Guard)
Thanks! I’m glad you like the content 🙂
8:46 THANK U FOR RECAP!
Thanks for this, you really helped me join all the dots !
Good video, however as a former member of the USAF would say some of these terms/groups have changed slightly since my day. Point being historically there have been a few changes over time. For instance we only used the term flight in training then not in the operational units. That has changed which actually is good and where I worked went from being called a “branch” to a flight. This matches more like the flying/operations unit terminology. Also small note not all maintenance flights actually work on the planes. I never heard the term backshop in my day, but did later as a contractor. In fact I used the term for what we did as the backshop to the backshops. Sorry to ramble on.
Nice explanation. You should do a video that explains the Unified Command Plan (UCP) and Combatant Commands (COCOMs).
Great Presentation!! You make boring information sound interesting!☺️
Thanks, glad you liked it!!
Excellent explanation. Thank you ! !
Sure thing! Glad you liked it 🙂
I know this wasa a more generalized, broad overview, but can you say anything more specific on Squadrons, like how many jets are in one? It seems obvious that say a KC-10 squadron will have a different amount than say a B-1 bomber squadron, but things like Fighter Squadrons, is an F-15 Squadron have the same number of jets as an F-16 FS?
Wow, fascinating!
Using this as a reference for E5 Testing very helpful i wish i could find more pictures of command structure that also includes the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Pictures help so much more
Great video
In Commonwealth countries, service members from other sister branches members sometimes get confused even with the epaulette stripes ranks of the Air Force...
Appreciate the insight, its now beginning to take shape, but I do have a question. I am still confused about who writes the different AFI's, DODI's, AFSCMAN, etc... There are so many out there it gets a bit overwhelming as to who is doing the talking and which ones take precedence. Any info would be great. Thank you!
On the first page of the DAFI (or any other AF publication), on the left side of the page, you’ll see “OPR” and an organization designation. That’s who wrote it. Oftentimes, they’ll originate from the HQ AF level, so for questions, just go to your local, base level of that office and they should be able to help you out.
Nice presentation on the structure and organization of the Air Force. Fly, fight and win - airpower anytime, anywhere.
I just have questions about the even smaller subdivisions such as DRUs or FOAs. Not to mention the confusion of “component” Majcoms / NAFs …
My Army brain hurts.....Jk, great video
I'm not even in the military I'm just trying to be accurate as possible with a book I'm writing.
Watching this, I now understand why people joke that the Air Force is actually a Corporation.
can i join AF at 48 and fly F22. thx
Just wondering if there’s a way that I can combine my interest in being a FAO, joining FELP, and learning how to fly without necessarily being an Air Force Pilot throughout my 20+ years military career? Thank you!
So here’s the thing… They’re not going to let you fly if you’re not a pilot. So one option would be to get your private pilot’s license in your spare time (which you pay for) and keep that as a hobby. If you do FLEP, you’re a JAG for 6 years. If you want to retrain into the pilot career field after that, if you go active duty, you’re a pilot for 10 - after you finish the 7 months to a year it’ll take you to go through UPT. And I believe FAO is only for active duty, so there wouldn’t be any mixing and matching Guard/Reserves + FAO. I think you could possibly have 2, but not likely all 3 - unless you go FLEP, get your private pilot’s license and do that as a hobby, and apply for FAO as a JAG.
@@ashleynoelle So can you do FAO and JAG as that same time? Or do I have to complete my 6 years of JAG service prior to being a FAO?
Can I choose FAO as a career path right after OTS?
Thanks you very much for answering all these questions, love your channel!
Hold on... Just to make sure we're on the same page about FLEP, FLEP is a program for those who are already commissioned officers. So it's only available to those who are already serving in the Air Force but in a different career field. Similarly, E-FLEP is for those who are already enlisted in the Air Force, but who want to commission and become JAGs. So unless you're already in the Air Force, you'd be joining via the Direct Appointment Program (DAP), not FLEP.
If you're looking for info on DAP, you can check out this video: th-cam.com/video/6uz3x-Ij2Nw/w-d-xo.html
But to answer your question, typically officers who are selected for FAO are at their 7-10 year mark of commissioned service.