The United States Air Force has been around since the early 20th century, shortly after the invention of the airplane, and today’s modern Air Force is fully equipped with the latest technology. For those interested in developing technical or professional skills in an exciting environment, the U.S. Air Force offers a wide range of opportunities. This book examines the process of enlistment and basic training and describes the many careers available in the air force from aviation careers to jobs in health care, engineering, communications, emergency management, and information technology. The last chapter takes a brief look at the services available to those who have served, after they leave the military. Colorful, thrilling photographs provide an insider’s look at life in the U.S. Air Force.

The USAir Force human capital management (HCM) system is not easily defined or mapped. It affects virtually every part of the Air Force because workforce policies, procedures, and processes impact all offices and organizations that include Airmen and responsibilities and relationships change regularly. To ensure the readiness of Airmen to fulfill the mission of the Air Force, strategic approaches are developed and issued through guidance and actions of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Strengthening US Air Force Human Capital Management assesses and strengthens the various U.S. Air Force initiatives and programs working to improve person-job match and human capital management in coordinated support of optimal mission capability. This report considers the opportunities and challenges associated with related interests and needs across the USAF HCM system as a whole, and makes recommendations to inform improvements to USAF personnel selection and classification and other critical system components across career trajectories. Strengthening US Air Force Human Capital Management offers the Air Force a strategic approach, across a connected HCM system, to develop 21st century human capital capabilities essential for the success of 21st century Airmen.