This section provides a brief overview of the chain of command, as well as the structure of the Air Force and the Department of Defense (DoD). The lesson begins with the purpose and intent of the chain of command.
The lesson then transitions into the structure of the Air Force and DoD beginning with the lower levels of command since these organizations are fairly easy to understand. The lesson then builds up to the highest levels of command that are much more complex.
Think of the organization as a big puzzle and try to keep in mind that each unit has its own piece of the puzzle. This means every unit has a role or part in the “big” picture. The AF, Armed Forces and DoD are dependent upon one another, and they are interrelated, complementary and work together to perform one major function - to provide one of the instruments of our national policy.
To help the AF succeed at all levels, the Core Values need to be much more than just words in a frame on the wall. They have to be lived every day, by every person in the organization. A focus on excellence is not just applicable sometimes or when it is convenient for you; Excellence In All We Do matters all of the time.
It means giving your best and expecting others to do the same--this will make your organization better and help the AF successfully complete its mission.