Air Force of the United Federation of Nations
The Air Force of the United Federation of Nations, more commonly known as the Federation Air Force is the third branch of the United Federation of Nations military, and is responsible for atmospheric warships, orbital defense emplacements on planets, and the great fortress bastions that guard the hyperlanes. The Federation Air Force also serves as an aerial defense and support force, primarily deploying from UFN Navy vessels or from terrestrial airbases. While greatly reduced in size and authority compared to the Army or Navy, the Air Force's position as the unit responsible for maintaining the space fortresses and planetary aerospace defense causes it to remain an integral part of the Olympus council and the UFN's government. The Commander of the Air Force maintains the formal title of "Sky Marshal", a nod towards the influences of the 20th Century philosopher and poet Robert Heinlein on the way the UFN came to view the importance of its military and social structure.
The Air Force was initially responsible for all space borne operations. Air command would also build Invicta Station, Earth's first modern manufacturing and defense battle station which was placed in Solar Orbit. The Air Force would produce the first system defense warships and more importantly, the Hawking Class reconnaissance and research ships. The first hyperspace transit of a Federation ship would be the UFNS Hawking, crewed by Air Force airmen and scientists.
The Air Force would also be granted command of atmospheric defense aircraft on all colony worlds, and the Planetary Defense Artillery (PDA) placed on each UFN planet, along with the massive wings of fighter aircraft assigned to them.
Large numbers of airmen serve in the Federation Air Force. The bulk of the Federation Armed Forces' pilots serve in the Air Force, fulfilling crucial roles operating aircraft and spacecraft. Pilots are relatively lightly armored with fatigues with teal-toned camouflage and white chest armor geared for long-flight mobility. On missions in a vacuum, the suit can be sealed off and an enclosed standard combat helmet is worn with it. Each suit features extra-vehicular activity integration for exoatmospheric operations that are associated with a given dropship deployment.
The ranks of Air Force personnel are divided into enlisted airmen, non-commissioned officers, and commissioned officers. Along with Spartan Operations, the Air Force is one of the only service branches of the Armed Forces that does not select or utilize warrant officers.
Ranks
Airman Basic: entry-level rank for newly enlisted members. During this stage, the airman enrolls in basic training and becomes ingrained in the culture of the Air Force. Airman: enroll in a duty specialty school based on the results from aptitude and skill tests acquired during training. Airman First-Class: mentoring younger Airmen during basic training. A1Cs are competent in their job duties and specialty areas. Senior Airman: fulfill a supervisory or leadership duty to prepare for their role as NCO. Some duties include recruiting or basic instruction at basic training. Staff Sergeant: mentors to other airmen. During this time, Staff Sergeants may become supervisors within their department, collaborate with other officers, and write performance reports and other professional documents. Technical Sergeant: given to those who have served for over ten years in the Air Force. Master Sergeant: move toward head leadership roles such as superintendents, flight chiefs, section chiefs, and non-commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC). The MSgt is expected to be detail-oriented and competent. Their duties include writing professional documents such as memorandums and reports, and they support the welfare of the unit. Many MSgt’s have earned their undergraduate degrees. First Sergeant: typically assigned to a flight unit and reports directly to the deputy commander. Senior Master Sergeant: fulfill a managerial role, mentoring junior NCOs and other junior officers. They often provide administrative support to senior officers at high-level units in the Air Force. Chief Master Sergeant: implement policies to create a functional and professional environment. Company grade and field grade officers mentor under their command. Second Lieutenant: lowest rank given to newly commissioned officers. A Second Lieutenant may become a flight or deputy commander upon completion of training duties, supervising a flight of approximately 100 airmen. First Lieutenant: junior rank officer directly above Second Lieutenant. There isn’t much of a difference between the two ranks in responsibility and training. The rank is used to recognize years of experience. Captain: highest rank as a company-grade officer. A Capt is highly-qualified and may serve as a flight commander or head of the department. Major: lowest field grade officer rank. Responsibility shifts to fulfill more of an administrative role at a squadron or wing level under the direction of their superior. In flying units, a Major may be considered a flight commander or director of operations, or a squadron commander in non-flying units. MAJs focus on the managerial aspects, serving as a counselor to young lieutenants and captains, as well as the liaison between staff and high-ranking officers. Lieutenant Colonel: squadron commander Colonel: highest field grade officer rank, directly below the General. Most Colonels have demonstrated strong leadership abilities throughout their military careers. They are capable of the prodigious task as wing commander, roughly between 1,000 to 4,000 airmen. Most of their time is spent making decisions for the betterment of the operations and conditions of the base. Colonels may also lead ROTC training schools or military colleges. Brigadier General: typically serve as a wing or base commander. Major General: high-level command of about 10,000 wings Lieutenant General: administrative and operational decisions. Some job roles may include command of a management headquarter known as MAJCOM General: typically command a star base or planetary air forces. Sky Marshal: Overall Commander of the Federation Air Force that doubles as a member of the Olympus Council.
"Tempus Vincit Omnia"
Type
Military, Air Force
Alternative Names
Air Force- Federation Air Force
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
Leader
Parent Organization
Related Ranks & Titles
Organization Vehicles
Notable Members
Comments