Who is the Secretary of the Air Force?
The Secretary of the Air Force is a senior government official responsible for overseeing the United States Air Force (USAF), one of the six branches of the United States Armed Forces. The Secretary of the Air Force is the highest-ranking civilian official in the USAF and plays a crucial role in setting the strategic direction and goals for the service.
Who is the Current Secretary of the Air Force?
As of July 2022, the current Secretary of the Air Force is Frank Kendall III. Kendall, a former defense industry executive, was confirmed by the Senate on May 19, 2022, and took office on June 29, 2022.
Responsibilities of the Secretary of the Air Force
The Secretary of the Air Force has several key responsibilities, including:
- Overseeing the USAF’s Strategic Direction: The Secretary is responsible for setting the Air Force’s strategic direction and goals, working closely with the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior officials.
- Budget Planning and Execution: The Secretary is responsible for developing and executing the Air Force’s budget, which includes working with Congress to secure appropriations and managing the service’s financial resources.
- Personnel Management: The Secretary is responsible for managing the Air Force’s human resources, including recruiting, training, and retaining top talent.
- Space and Cyber Operations: The Secretary plays a key role in overseeing the Air Force’s space and cyber operations, including the development and deployment of new technologies.
- International Affairs: The Secretary represents the Air Force in international forums and plays a key role in developing and maintaining relationships with foreign governments and military leaders.
Key Responsibilities of the Deputy Secretary of the Air Force
The Deputy Secretary of the Air Force is the second-highest-ranking civilian official in the USAF and supports the Secretary of the Air Force in various ways. The Deputy Secretary’s key responsibilities include:
- Assisting the Secretary: The Deputy Secretary supports the Secretary in carrying out their responsibilities, including assisting with budget planning and execution.
- Managing the Air Force’s Day-to-Day Operations: The Deputy Secretary plays a key role in overseeing the Air Force’s day-to-day operations, including managing the service’s bases, squadrons, and other units.
- Coordinating with Other Government Agencies: The Deputy Secretary works closely with other government agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Key Responsibilities of the Under Secretaries of the Air Force
The Under Secretaries of the Air Force are senior executives who report directly to the Secretary of the Air Force. There are several Under Secretaries, each responsible for a specific area of the Air Force, including:
- Under Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics): This official is responsible for managing the Air Force’s acquisition of new technologies and systems.
- Under Secretary of the Air Force (Personnel and Readiness): This official is responsible for managing the Air Force’s personnel and readiness functions, including recruiting, training, and retaining top talent.
- Under Secretary of the Air Force (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance): This official is responsible for overseeing the Air Force’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
- Under Secretary of the Air Force (Comptroller): This official is responsible for managing the Air Force’s budget and financial resources.
Table: Key Responsibilities of the Under Secretaries of the Air Force
| Under Secretary | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Acquisition, Technology and Logistics | Managing the Air Force’s acquisition of new technologies and systems |
| Personnel and Readiness | Managing the Air Force’s personnel and readiness functions, including recruiting, training, and retaining top talent |
| Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance | Overseeing the Air Force’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations |
| Comptroller | Managing the Air Force’s budget and financial resources |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Secretary of the Air Force is a vital component of the United States government, responsible for overseeing the United States Air Force. The Secretary plays a critical role in setting the service’s strategic direction and goals, managing its budget, and overseeing its personnel and operations. The Deputy Secretary and Under Secretaries also play important roles in supporting the Secretary and managing various aspects of the Air Force.
