Air Force Professionalism, Organization, and Standards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering USAF professionalism, core values, military organization, career development, and standards of conduct based on the AFH 1 materials.

Professional

One who engages in something specific as their main occupation rather than a pastime; described as competent, assured, and skillful.

Total Force

The integrated leveraging of unique capabilities of officer, enlisted, and civilian Airmen across RegAF, Guard, Reserve, and Auxiliary Components.

Profession of Arms

A higher calling distinguished by expertise in the justified application of lethal military force and a willingness to pay the ultimate sacrifice.

Air Force Core Values

Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do; universal standards used to evaluate the ethical climate of USAF organizations.

Virtues

Desired behaviors and characteristics practiced to demonstrate and define the USAF core values.

Integrity First

The bedrock of military endeavors and the compass that keeps Airmen on the right path; simply doing the right thing all the time.

Service Before Self

The military virtue that professional duties take precedence over personal desires, requiring the needs of service and country to be placed first.

Excellence In All We Do

A sustained passion for continuous improvement and innovation to propel the USAF beyond the capabilities of adversaries.

Ethics

The systematic reflection of moral values enabling individuals to live and act according to beliefs; defines what one should or shouldn't do.

Ethical Dilemma

A situation where one is forced to choose between at least two alternatives, often caused by uncertainty, competing values, or potential harm.

Network Test

A moral check asking: "How would this decision look if it was aired on the news or social media?"

Valor

The ability to face danger or hardship in a determined and resolute manner; including bravery and fortitude.

Airman’s Creed

Introduced in 2007 by General T. Michael Moseley to enhance the warrior ethos and establish a coherent bond among Airmen.

Command Authority

Established levels of responsibility for command, control, and communication throughout a chain of command.

Goldwater-Nichols Act (1986)

Legislation that permits the President to authorize communications through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Secretary of Defense (SecDef)

The principal defense policy advisor to the President, responsible for the formulation and execution of general defense policy.

Joint Staff

Assists members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in carrying out responsibilities of strategic direction and unified operation of CCMDs.

Key West Agreement

Established the general and specific functions (roles and missions) of each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces in 1948.

Unified Combatant Commands (CCMD)

Commands with broad, continuing missions composed of forces from two or more military departments.

Operational Control (OPCON)

The operational authority delegated to a joint force commander over assigned Air Force forces.

Administrative Control (ADCON)

The administrative authority flow from the Secretary of the Air Force over Air Force units.

Classic Association

A Total Force integration model where the Regular Component is the host unit and shares the mission with a Reserve or Guard tenant.

Civil Air Patrol (CAP)

A congressionally chartered non-profit corporation that serves as the volunteer civilian auxiliary of the USAF.

MAJCOM

The major USAF subdivision directly subordinate to HAF, organized functionally in the U.S. and geographically overseas.

Squadron

The basic unit, nucleus, and building block of the USAF, typically consisting of 35 or more personnel.

Continuum of Learning

A career-long process combining education, training, and experience to produce Airmen with tactical, operational, and strategic competence.

Foundational Competencies

Enduring attributes critical to mission success, grouped into Developing Self, Others, Ideas, and Organizations.

NCO Tier

Consists of Staff Sergeant and Technical Sergeant; focused on being expert technicians and developing as leaders/managers.

Command Chief Master Sergeant (CCM)

The senior enlisted leader at wings, centers, NAFs, and MAJCOMs who advises commanders on enlisted force issues.

MyVECTOR

A web-based career planning and force development tool providing transparency into mentoring and experience tracking.

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Consists of three components: job knowledge, job proficiency, and job experience.

CFETP

Career Field Education and Training Plan; the core document identifying life-cycle education and training requirements for a specialty.

ALS Distance Learning

PME course open to ARC Senior Airmen and Staff Sergeants, but not available for RegAF personnel.

CCAF

Community College of the Air Force; the only community college system within the DoD exclusively serving enlisted personnel.

Airman Comprehensive Assessment (ACA)

Formal two-way communication between a rater and ratee to discuss standards, expectations, and goals.

Selective Reenlistment Program (SRP)

Program used by commanders to ensure the USAF retains those who consistently demonstrate high professional standards.

Weighted Airman Promotion System (WAPS)

Point-based system where NCOs/SNCOs compete for promotion within their specific Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC).

Wait-to-Height Ratio (WHtR)

The calculation used in the Body Composition Program, dividing waist circumference by height; standard is < 0.55.

MOPP

Mission-Oriented Protective Posture; levels established to communicate required individual protective equipment in CBRN conditions.

Risk Management (RM)

A decision-making process to evaluate courses of action, identify risks/benefits, and determine the optimal action.

Laissez-Faire

A passive leadership style where leaders abandon responsibilities and remain indifferent toward important issues.

Transformational Leadership

Leadership that inspires followers to exceed goals through intrinsic motivation and a shared vision.

LOAC

Law of Armed Conflict; regulates the conduct of hostilities and protects war victims.

Perfidy

A breach of trust or treachery in war, such as misusing protected signs to kill or wound enemy persons.

Code of Conduct

A moral code consisting of six articles providing U.S. military personnel with a standard of conduct and duty.

Protocol

An internationally recognized system of courtesy and respect involving rules for behavior in official life and ceremonies.

Professional

One who engages in something specific as their main occupation rather than a pastime; described as competent, assured, and skillful.

Total Force

The integrated leveraging of unique capabilities of officer, enlisted, and civilian Airmen across RegAF, Guard, Reserve, and Auxiliary Components.

Profession of Arms

A higher calling distinguished by expertise in the justified application of lethal military force and a willingness to pay the ultimate sacrifice.

Air Force Core Values

Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do; universal standards used to evaluate the ethical climate of USAF organizations.

Virtues

Desired behaviors and characteristics practiced to demonstrate and define the USAF core values.

Integrity First

The bedrock of military endeavors and the compass that keeps Airmen on the right path; simply doing the right thing all the time.

Service Before Self

The military virtue that professional duties take precedence over personal desires, requiring the needs of service and country to be placed first.

Excellence In All We Do

A sustained passion for continuous improvement and innovation to propel the USAF beyond the capabilities of adversaries.

Ethics

The systematic reflection of moral values enabling individuals to live and act according to beliefs; defines what one should or shouldn't do.

Ethical Dilemma

A situation where one is forced to choose between at least two alternatives, often caused by uncertainty, competing values, or potential harm.

Network Test

A moral check asking: 'How would this decision look if it was aired on the news or social media?'

Valor

The ability to face danger or hardship in a determined and resolute manner; including bravery and fortitude.

Airman’s Creed

Introduced in 2007 by General T. Michael Moseley to enhance the warrior ethos and establish a coherent bond among Airmen.

Command Authority

Established levels of responsibility for command, control, and communication throughout a chain of command.

Goldwater-Nichols Act (1986)

Legislation that permits the President to authorize communications through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Secretary of Defense (SecDef)

The principal defense policy advisor to the President, responsible for the formulation and execution of general defense policy.

Joint Staff

Assists members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in carrying out responsibilities of strategic direction and unified operation of CCMDs.

Key West Agreement

Established the general and specific functions (roles and missions) of each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces in 1948.

Unified Combatant Commands (CCMD)

Commands with broad, continuing missions composed of forces from two or more military departments.

Operational Control (OPCON)

The operational authority delegated to a joint force commander over assigned Air Force forces.

Administrative Control (ADCON)

The administrative authority flow from the Secretary of the Air Force over Air Force units.