The U.S. Air Force is one of those military branches that everyone tends to assume they know, and in many ways, its name speaks for itself – but the Air Force goes far beyond jets and Top Gun vibes. Even if you grew up as a military kid or enjoy binge-watching aviation films, there are countless fascinating facts to learn about the Air Force.
Test Your Knowledge
If you don’t naturally gravitate toward educating yourself on the various branches of the U.S. military, such as the Air Force, you’re not alone – learning a few fun facts is a great starting point if you tend to feel oblivious. Knowing the basics allows you to engage with military friends and family and grow your respect and awe for the incredible members of our U.S. Air Force. Take our quiz to test what you already know and what you still have to learn.
What Does the Air Force Actually Do?
You may be surprised to learn that the Air Force is one of the most tech-driven branches in the U.S. military. Responsible for air, space, and cyber operations all at once, there’s far more to the Air Force than fighter jets and air superiority. Missile warning networks, cybersecurity, and satellite systems are just a few of the many focus areas the Air Force oversees. For every mission happening in the sky, there are thousands of specialized individuals on the ground keeping everything running smoothly, from intelligence analysts to mechanics to weather experts.
Roles You Don’t See From the Ground
Pilots may understandably get the bulk of the spotlight when it comes to the Air Force, but it may surprise you to know that many Airmen aren’t pilots at all. Many specialize in communications systems, emergency response, and aviation maintenance. Responding to natural disasters and assisting overseas allies are also part of the mission, extending far beyond the mechanics of piloting.
