The Air Force operates many different kinds of aircraft. Most are jets, although they also use propeller-driven helicopters. Bombers, such as the B-52, FB-111, and the Stealth, are designed to drop explosives over enemy territory. They are also equipped to launch missiles. Fighters, such as the F-15, the F-16, and the F-111, are also equipped with missiles and can attack other aircraft as well as ground targets. The F-15 and F-111 can fly at two-and-a-half times the speed of sound (Mach 2.5). Other aircraft include transport planes, which carry equipment and personnel; tankers, which can refuel other planes in flight; and observation planes.

Many important weapons have been developed by the Air Force. Among them are the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), with a range of about 6,000 miles (10,000 kilometers). Missiles are categorized by their launch sites and target locations: air-to-air (AAM), air-to-surface (ASM), or surface-to-surface (SSM).

The Air Force Communications Command (AFCC) operates and maintains the complex communications system; and the Electronic Security Command (ESC) provides intelligence and security support to other units.

The Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) buys, transports, maintains, and repairs equipment; and the Air Force Space Command (AFSC) researches, develops, and obtains new aircraft and equipment.

The Air Training Command (ATC) recruits and trains more than 400,000 people each year. It also oversees the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) in civilian colleges and universities; and the Air University (AU) provides military education and continuing education for commissioned and noncommissioned officers and Department of Defense personal.

The Alaska Air Command (AAC) provides the fist line of defense for North America; the Military Airlift Command (MAC) transports combat forces and supplies to strategic positions; and the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF)maintains air security from the West Coast of the United States to the East Coast of Africa.

The strategic Air Command (SAC), the Air Forces largest command, provides the nuclear capabilities to prevent an attack on the United States.

The Tactical Air Command (TAC) provides the mobile strike force that transports the general purpose forces anywhere in the world. TAC is responsible for working with the other branches of the Armed Forces in matters that require a co-operative effort.

The U.S. Air Force in Europe (USAFE), the air component of the United States European Command, provides technical assistance to the air forces of allied nations in Europe.