Defense Primer: United States Military Aviation (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Nov. 1, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF12803 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Jennifer DiMascio |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Military aircraft provide the United States a range of
military capabilities, including deterrence against attack,
power projection, situational awareness, air defense, and
logistical support to U.S. forces around the world. The
Department of Defense (DOD) employs more than 13,000
aircraft across military branches (see Table 1). Congress
funds the development, acquisition, and sustainment of all
U.S. military aviation, sets policies regarding those
platforms, and provides oversight of programs as well as a
range of supporting activities.
Each military service has its own aviation assets, personnel,
and training. In an operational theater, a Joint Force
Commander oversees joint air operations, which involve
more than one military service, on behalf of the joint
fighting force. According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a
Joint Force Commander will direct the desired degree of
control of the air, which can range from no control to a
neutral situation, to air superiority of a specific area, or to
air supremacy of an entire area.
