Definition

Proper noun The United States Air Force (USAF) is the aerial and space warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is the primary military organization responsible for organizing, training, and equipping forces for the control and exploitation of air and space to defend the United States and its interests.

Usage

The term "United States Air Force" is used to refer to the institution as a whole. It is often preceded by the definite article "the." * He served in the United States Air Force for twenty years. * The United States Air Force deployed new satellites for communication. * A career in the United States Air Force requires discipline and dedication.

Advanced Usage

• "United States Air Force" as an attributive noun: It is commonly used before another noun to describe things related to the institution.
  • She is a United States Air Force veteran.
  • He received a United States Air Force commendation medal.
  • They visited a United States Air Force base.

Variants and Related Words

• USAF: The standard initialism for the United States Air Force.
  • The USAF conducted training exercises over the Pacific.
• Air Force: A common shortened form, often capitalized when referring specifically to the U.S. branch. The definite article "the" is typically used.
  • He joined the Air Force after college.
• U.S. Air Force: An alternative written form using the abbreviation "U.S."

Synonyms

• American Air Force: A descriptive synonym, though less formal and less commonly used in official contexts.
• U.S. Airpower: Refers more broadly to the nation's military aviation capabilities, which are primarily embodied by the USAF.

Noun

1. the airforce of the United States of America; the agency that defends the United States through control and exploitation of air and space