Air force

Air Force

The Air Force (pronounced: /ˈer ˈfɔrs/) is a branch of a country's military that is primarily responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from an army, navy, or a marine corps.

Etymology

The term "Air Force" comes from the Latin words 'Aer' meaning 'air' and 'Fortis' meaning 'strong'. It was first used in the early 20th century as aviation technology began to be developed and used for military purposes.

Related Terms

• Military Aviation: This is the use of military aircraft and other flying machines for the purposes of conducting or enabling aerial warfare, including the national strategic bombing apart from military aviation's inherent role of transportation, reconnaissance, and surveillance.

• Aerial Warfare: Aerial warfare is the use of military aircraft and other flying machines in warfare. Aerial warfare includes bombers attacking enemy installations or a concentration of enemy troops or strategic targets; fighter aircraft battling for control of airspace; attack aircraft engaging in close air support against ground targets; naval aviation flying against sea and nearby land targets; gliders, helicopters and other aircraft to carry airborne forces such as paratroopers; aerial refueling tankers to extend operation time or range; and military transport aircraft to move cargo and personnel.

• Army: The army is the land-based service branch, military branch, or armed service of a nation or state.

• Navy: A navy, naval force, or maritime force is the branch of a nation's armed forces principally designated for naval and amphibious warfare; namely, lake-borne, riverine, littoral, or ocean-borne combat operations and related functions.

• Marine Corps: The Marine Corps is a branch of a country's military responsible for missions that originate from, pass through or terminate at sea.

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