
The effectiveness of Air Force airpower comes directly from the
power of Airmen. While it is natural to define the Air Force in
terms of its aircraft, missiles, or satellites, in reality, the Service’s
unmatched capabilities exist only and precisely because of the
imagination, innovation, and dedication of its people. Since
the airplane was employed over the battlefields of World War I,
Airmen have stood for and pioneered new and innovative ways
to shape the fight and reinvent the battle itself. Whereas pre-Kitty Hawk warriors relied on breaking through fortified lines on
the ground, Airmen have always sought to go over, not through,
those fortifications to defeat our enemies and achieve the
Nation’s objectives.
This spirit of innovation, of seeing problems from an alternative perspective, is
in our culture, in our heritage, and in every Airman—Active, Guard, Reserve
and Civilian—regardless of his or her specialty or role. Airmen characteristically
view security challenges differently—globally, without boundaries. We focus on
deterring war and, when called upon, leading the force to victory by providing
integrated airpower operations that achieve desired results with less risk to people
and equipment.
The Air Force’s competitive advantage begins with its ability to recruit, develop, and
retain innovative warriors with strong character, a belief in respect for others, and a
commitment to high standards and our core values of Integrity First, Service Before
Self, and Excellence In All We Do. Even though the Air Force has become significantly
smaller since 1947, our Nation has maintained an asymmetric airpower advantage
because Airmen continue to lead the way in integrating military capabilities across
air, space, and cyberspace. In the face of an unknown and unpredictable future, the
American military’s ability to conduct successful joint operations is enhanced by
the power of Airmen.
RELATED 'AIRPOWER FOR AMERICA' CONTENT
Click here to go back to the Airpower for Airmen Page
Click here to go to Air Force Core Missions Page
Click here to watch the Global Vigilance, Global Reach, Global Power for America Video