AF101 FINAL EXAM REVIEW

What is Aeronautical Division, U.S. Army Signal Corps (1907–1916)?

Established in 1907 to manage military ballooning and early flying machines

• Began as a balloon organization; acquired its first airplane in 1908

• First military aircraft use occurred during the 1916 pursuit of Pancho Villa

(reconnaissance)

• Marked the start of U.S. military aviation

Who was the leading advocate for airpower independence in WWI?

Brig Gen Billy Mitchell.

What were the primary missions of the Air Service, U.S. Army in WWI?

Observation, pursuit, and limited bombing.

What doctrine did the Air Corps Tactical School (ACTS) formalize?

High-altitude daylight strategic bombing doctrine

How did doctrine shift in this era?

Shifted from ground support to strategic attack concepts

Why was WWII decisive for airpower? (U.S. Army Air Force)

Proved strategic bombing’s effectiveness and strengthened the case for a separate Air Force.

What law created the USAF?

National Security Act of 1947.

What leadership positions were established?

Civilian Secretary of the Air Force, military Chief of Staff.

How much was delivered during the Berlin Airlift?

Over 2 million tons of supplies.

Which aircraft(s) was transitioned during the Berlin Airlift?

Transitioned from C-47s to C-54s; highlighted need for heavier, long-range transports

Which aircraft achieved a >10:1 kill ratio against MiG-15s in Korea?

F-86 Sabre.

What did Rolling Thunder expose?

Flaws in graduated response and restrictive ROE.

What did Linebacker I & II demonstrate?

Decisive effects of unrestricted strategic air attack.

What was created from the Vietnam War?

Birth of modern Combat Search and Rescue and Pararescue—“leave no one behind”

What was the Strategic Air Command’s mission?

Deter attack through assured nuclear retaliation.

What was the Bomber Progession in SAC?

Bomber progression (B-29 → B-36 → B-47 → B-52) and KC-135 refueling built global reach

What was the significance of Desert Storm for airpower?

First major conflict with integrated space capabilities (GPS, satellite comms, ISR).

What systems dismantled Iraq’s defenses in Desert Storm?

AWACS, F-15, F-117, and precision weapons.

Who is the current Secretary of the Air Force?

The Honorable Troy Meink

Who is the Chief of Staff of the Air Force?

Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach

Who is the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force?

CMSAF David Wolfe.

What is the organizational chain from TOP to BOTTOM?

President
→ Secretary of Def
→ Secretary of the Air Force
→ Chief of Staff of the Air Force
→ National Guard Bureau
→ MAJCOMs
→ NAFs
→ Wings
→ Groups
→ Squadrons
→ Flights

Name the five core functions of the USAF.

-Air & Space Superiority
-Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR)
-Rapid Global Mobility
-Global Strike
-Command & Control

What does Air Combat Command (ACC) do?

Organizes, trains, and equips combat-ready forces for joint force commanders.

What does the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) do?

Educates and trains Airmen; develops the Air Force’s human capital.

What does the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) do?

Manages the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missiles and strategic bomber forces.

What does the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) do?

Handles acquisition, sustainment, research, and modernization of Air Force systems.

What does the Air Force Reserve Command do?

Provides trained and ready reserve forces as part of the Total Force.

What does the Air Force Special Operations Command do?

Provides specialized and precision-focused special operations forces to combatant commanders.

What does the Air Mobility Command do?

Delivers airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and global mobility support for the joint force.

What does the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) do?

Conducts air operations across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

What does the U.S. Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa (USAFE–AFAFRICA) do?

Conducts air operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.