For families new to the U.S. Air Force, the organizational structure can feel confusing. You’ll hear terms like Wing, Group, Squadron, Flight, and Element — often with numbers that don’t seem to follow a pattern.
This guide breaks the structure down in simple, accurate terms.
It applies to Active Duty, Air National Guard (ANG), and Air Force Reserve (AFR).
If your loved one is heading to Tech School, joining a new unit, arriving at their first base, or talking about their assigned squadron, this will help everything make sense.
Why Air Force Structure Matters
When families understand the Air Force hierarchy, they instantly gain clarity on:
- where their Airman fits
- which unit they belong to
- who leads them
- what their unit’s mission is
- deployment and operational tempo
- how bases are organized
- what all the numbers and unit names mean
It’s one of the most helpful “big picture” tools for new Air Force families.
The Air Force Structure (Largest to Smallest)
Here’s the big hierarchy:
- Major Command (MAJCOM)
- Numbered Air Force (NAF)
- Wing
- Group
- Squadron
- Flight
- Section / Element
Let’s break each down clearly.
1. Major Command (MAJCOM)
The largest organizational level after the entire U.S. Air Force.
Examples include:
- Air Combat Command (ACC)
- Air Mobility Command (AMC)
- Air Education and Training Command (AETC)
- Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC)
- Pacific Air Forces (PACAF)
- U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE)
- Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC)
MAJCOMs control huge missions across many bases.
For families, the MAJCOM sets the tone for:
- deployment rates
- training standards
- aircraft types
- overall mission focus
2. Numbered Air Force (NAF)
A NAF controls several Wings within a region or mission set.
Examples:
- 9th Air Force
- 12th Air Force
- 15th Air Force
- 3rd Air Force (Europe)
Most Airmen will NOT interact with their NAF day-to-day, but it sits between MAJCOM and Wing leadership.
3. Wing — The Heart of Air Force Organization
The Wing is the most important unit for families to understand.
A Wing is a self-contained base-level organization with everything needed to conduct its mission.
Led by a Colonel (O-6) or Brigadier General (O-7) depending on size.
3 Types of Wings:
Operational Wings
Perform the primary mission (e.g., flying aircraft).
Examples:
- Fighter Wing
- Mobility Wing
- Bomb Wing
- Rescue Wing
Special Operations Wing
Air Base Wings
Provide installation support, security, medical, logistics, etc.
Training Wings
Focus on education and flight training (Air Force’s “schoolhouses”).
Common at Sheppard, Keesler, Goodfellow, and Lackland.
If your Airman says: “I’m in the 23rd Wing” — that’s their home organization.
4. Group — A Subdivision of the Wing
Most Wings contain four main Groups:
Operations Group (OG)
-
- Flying squadrons
- Aircrew
- Intelligence
Maintenance Group (MXG)
-
- Aircraft maintenance
- Support equipment
- Weapons loading
Mission Support Group (MSG)
-
- Civil engineering
- Security forces
- Communications
- Logistics
- Personnel
Medical Group (MDG)
- Clinics
- Dental
- Public health
Each Group is led by a Colonel.
Groups exist to organize the Wing’s mission into manageable parts.
5. Squadron — The Most Important Unit for Families
The Squadron is where Airmen live their day-to-day professional life.
It is the Air Force’s “family-sized” unit.
- 50–300 Airmen
- Led by a Lieutenant Colonel
- Focused on one core mission
Types of Squadrons
Flying Squadrons
Operate aircraft (F-35, C-17, KC-135, HH-60, etc.)
Maintenance Squadrons
Keep aircraft mission-ready
Security Forces Squadrons
Base protection and law enforcement
Civil Engineering Squadrons
Facilities, utilities, construction, emergency services
Operations Support Squadrons
Intel, air traffic control, weather, flight records
Communications Squadrons
Cyber defense and IT infrastructure
Medical Squadrons
Healthcare operations
Force Support Squadrons
Food services, lodging, personnel, fitness centers
When families buy “Squadron Shirts,” this is the level they’re representing.
6. Flight — A Subdivision of a Squadron
Flights organize a squadron into smaller, manageable teams.
Led by a Captain or Senior NCO.
Types include:
- Alpha Flight
- Bravo Flight
- Charlie Flight
Or specialty flights such as:
- Intelligence Flight
- Weather Flight
- Aircraft Maintenance Flight
Airmen often identify strongly with their Flight.
7. Section / Element
The smallest organizational units.
Usually:
- 4–15 Airmen
- Led by an NCO
- Focused on one specific task
Examples:
- Aircraft Metals Technology Section
- Security Forces Patrol Element
- Medical Laboratory Section
- Communications Help Desk Team
These are the day-to-day work teams.
How It All Fits Together (Simple Example)
If your Airman is assigned to:
2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 2nd Maintenance Group, 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB
That means:
- Major Command: Air Force Global Strike Command
- Base/Wing: 2nd Bomb Wing
- Group: 2nd Maintenance Group
- Squadron: 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
- Flight: Example: Alpha Flight
This is the full chain from top to bottom.
Air National Guard (ANG) & Air Force Reserve (AFR)
ANG and AFR units use the exact same structure, but:
- ANG reports to the state governor unless federally activated
- AFR reports to the President/federal mission
- Many ANG units are co-located on civilian airports
- ANG/AFR wings often have fewer squadrons, but the same standards
Your Airman’s ANG or AFR unit follows the identical hierarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Wing bigger than a Group?
Yes — Wing > Group > Squadron > Flight > Element.
Which level does my Airman actually work in daily?
The Squadron.
Are squadrons all flying units?
No — most squadrons are not flying units.
What’s the most common structure across bases?
One Wing per base, containing four Groups and many Squadrons.
Do Airmen move between Squadrons?
Yes — through PCS moves or career progression.
Final Thoughts for Families
The Air Force is structured so every Wing can operate as a complete, self-sustaining unit. Understanding this hierarchy helps families follow their Airman’s career, deployments, and base life with clarity.
Whether your Airman works in a flying squadron, maintenance, cyber, medical, or support, every role contributes directly to the Air Force mission.
This guide gives you the foundation to understand their world — and support them every step of the way.