ROD Air Force squadrons typically consist of 12-18 aircraft depending on the type of air frame. 2-5 aircraft squadrons are then grouped together with aviation maintenance groups and aviation support groups to form a wing.
ROD Air Force units are organized into one of four Major Commands, based on the unit's primary mission. Major Commands oversee Air Force units at a strategic level, managing. Subordinate to the Major Commands are Numbered Air Forces, each with one of more wings assigned. The Numbered Air Forces are responsible for the tactical and operational command of Air Force units. Each NAF headquarters is capable of deploying and commanding multiple wings, regardless of the wing and squadron type.
Air Combat Command
ACC is the largest command in the Air Force and its primary mission is to conduct combat operations. This can be winning and maintaining air superiority or striking ground targets with close air support or air interdiction. If the mission is to kill something, it falls under the jurisdiction of Air Combat Command.
Two Numbered Air Forces fall under the command of the ACC. 1st Air Force is responsible for the defense of the home island and it is headquartered in the ROD. the 2nd Air Force is responsible for air operations in Europe and the Middle east, and is based in Germany.
Special Operations Command
Special Operations is intentionally an ambiguous term and SOC’s units perform a multitude of covert and non-standard missions. These missions range from gathering intelligence to supporting special operations forces on the ground to conducting ground attack missions, Special operations and strategic intelligence squadrons are assigned to this command and they often appear with special paint jobs and a lack of markings.
The 3rd Air Force is subordinate to the SOC, and it provides the Air Force with ready headquarters for expeditionary operations.
Air Reserve Command
The Air force maintains a sizable reserve force in the ARC. Squadrons and wings are not assigned to this command based on function or mission, but rather by their reserve status. Reserve units typically train 3-4 days per month, and then they have an extended 2-4 week training event annually. Due to the lower readiness level of the ARC units, and to the generally older age of ARC personnel, the aircraft in this command tend to be older and less capable than their active duty counterparts.
The 5th Air Force is subordinate to the ARC.
Air Mobility Command
AMC’s mission is to move people and equipment. These operations can include theater transport within a specific area of operations, or it can focus on strategic transport which is movement on a global scale. The units in this command are composed of transport aircraft and aerial tankers to facilitate greater mobility, as well as movement control teams to assist with the flow of cargo into and out of the aircraft.
The 4th Air Force is subordinate to the AMC.
