What (if any) heritage would you say the Air Force has?

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 16:27:30 -0400

Being in the Air Force I get frustrated at times watching what some consider our heritage being removed or changed, ie creeds. It is known that the Air Force is the youngest branch; however it seems to me our heritage is dictated by whomever is in charge at the time. So I am curious if anyone out there knows what Air Force heritage looks like?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 26 at 2015 4:30 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 16:30:45 -0400

Give it a few hundred years. You can't just set policy and call it heritage. It takes time. Well see what traditions are still around in a few hundred years. Then the question will have been answered...

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 26 at 2015 4:47 PM

SN Greg Wright — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 16:47:36 -0400

It looks like what you want it too, SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member BECAUSE it's the youngest. You guys don't have the 300 years that the navy/marines do to have it set in stone like we do, so you get to make it up as you go along.

The collective you, of course. Not you (alone) personally.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 26 at 2015 4:54 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 16:54:58 -0400

Maybe look at it another way, SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member. The United States Army purchased the world's first military airplane from the Wright brothers in 1909. I'm delighted to say it was designated Signal Corps No. 1, but was generally referred to as the Wright Military Flyer. Although the United States Air Force was only formed as a separate branch of the military on 18 September 1947, the United States has had a (heavier than) air force for longer than any other country. That's a heritage that no other country in the world can claim. SSgt Ed Gamble [Edited for accuracy!]

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Jul 26 at 2015 5:08 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 17:08:17 -0400

Heritage is every time our planes take-off, fly a sortie whether it be real world or training and then land. Or when we use rockets to send things like satellites or God forbid some day our nukes into space. Our heritage is all about the aviation and space aspect of our military and regardless of career field, what you do has some form of impact on the air or space mission that our branch carries out.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 26 at 2015 5:42 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 17:42:21 -0400

The AF had their own heroics, sadness, and death in WWII as they executed strategic bombing runs. I am guessing as this is from the top my head that Air Forces lost 1700 planes and 70,000 crewmen in Europe alone. You might want to research first for the veracity of the information.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jul 26 at 2015 6:00 PM

TSgt David L. — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 18:00:55 -0400

After Gen. McPeak our heritage became "CHANGE". We are the youngest service with the least tradition. Very frustrating when your Chief of Staff wants is name in the history books. Hmmm, our POTUS seems to be on the same track... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 26 at 2015 6:45 PM

LTC John Shaw — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 18:45:12 -0400

The Air Force has a heritage from the Army Signal Corps and the Army.
See the Signal Corps history link, you will find your heritage:
http://www.history.army.mil/books/30-17/Front.htm

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jul 26 at 2015 7:00 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:00:16 -0400

I know they have a proud lineage that goes all the way back to once having been a part of the Army. Then they fell on hard times. ;-) (Joking for those who don't speak emoticon!)

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Jul 26 at 2015 7:02 PM

Maj Mike Sciales — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:02:18 -0400

Our heritage is raw courage in execution of the mission. The USAAF was taking the fight to the German industrial base with staggering 25% losses. As many men died in the raids on Ploesti as on D-Day. All together more than 49,000 airman fell from the skies - more than the Navy and Marines (taking nothing from their valor and bravery) our heritage continued through the Vietnam but not only in war time - global disaster relief missions are a specialty. Airmen simply "can do" and that is our heritage. http://youtu.be/tMCMTuuTfDg

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Jul 26 at 2015 7:05 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:05:59 -0400

Aviation support to the other branches and intelligence.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 26 at 2015 7:15 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:15:26 -0400

MSgt Ryan Glosson, That's easy, check your song! You could also compare the 8th AF's casualty rate during WW II and compare it to the USMC's casualty rate in the Pacific.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 26 at 2015 7:47 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:47:22 -0400

The AF also helped to hasten the end of the war. When the P-51 was introduced it was the first fighter with the capability to escort the bombers to the objective and back. With its performance it was able to shoot down many German fighters. Something magical happened when we allowed them to go on their own missions. They became offensive machines and killed most German pilots. At the end of the war, the Germans had thousands of shiny new planes, but nobody to fly them.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jul 26 at 2015 7:49 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:49:59 -0400

The USAF has a lot of great history and heritage. My dad was career Air Force and I grew up on many AF bases so I have a soft spot for them. The history, which in my mind includes the US Army Air Corps, is storied and well documented. While not as old as the other services there is a good foundation.

The issue the USAF has is their leadership thinks they are running IBM or Microsoft and not a branch of the US military.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 9:16 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 21:16:16 -0400

I ask myself the same question everytime it changes.

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Jul 26 at 2015 11:08 PM

Cpl Tou Lee Yang — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 23:08:55 -0400

The bicycle fitness test would be one of their heritage.

Response by Maj William Gambrell made Jul 26 at 2015 11:21 PM

Maj William Gambrell — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 23:21:40 -0400

You are dead on MSgt Glosson, the corporate/bureaucratic mindset is taking hold in the military.

Response by SSgt Ed Gamble made Jul 28 at 2015 1:06 PM

SSgt Ed Gamble — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 13:06:04 -0400

The USAF has a long and proud heritage going back to the first days of flight. WWI was when it really began in earnest with many Americans serving in the French air corps before the U.S. joined the war. We were instrumental in the defense of Pearl Harbor. We had a great history in Korea winning the air to air combat war in the beginning of the jet age. We had a disproportionately large number of POWMIAs compared to other branches in the Vietnam Nam war, including such great heroes as Lance Sijan. I could go on, but you get the idea.

Response by TSgt Mark Vaughn made Jul 28 at 2015 1:14 PM

TSgt Mark Vaughn — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 13:14:48 -0400

I understand what you are getting at MSgt. As a retiree who retired in 09 I saw so much of what I thought our Heritage was being taken away, changed to fit the goals or mindset of those in charge as well. Indeed we have lost a lot of our history, but as A1C Knight pointed out in his comment our Heritage is in everything we do, good, bad or indifferent it will all reflect upon our history. I am the son of a Berlin Airlift Veteran, a WWII Veteran who has been my hero since I can remember. He was the reason I joined the Air Force and not another branch. Yes we have lost a lot of our History but it is up to you and the Airmen you lead to create the future of our Air Force, to re-instill in them what Heritage is and what they want to leave behind when they either retire or leave the service. No matter if they are in for 4 years or 30 their mere presence leaves an impact on the whole. What they do, how they do it and the accomplishments and failures all play into our heritage. I miss the Air Force every day and the heritage I leave behind is that when I'm cut I bleed blue!

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jul 28 at 2015 1:37 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 13:37:32 -0400

I would say that it has been your great honor to fly US Army Paratroopers.
This is a noble heritage if every there was one...

Response by MSgt Lionel (Leo) Rondeau made Jul 28 at 2015 2:25 PM

MSgt Lionel (Leo) Rondeau — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 14:25:15 -0400

I have to agree that our heritage is change. In some cases, change has been made for the better by adopting new technologies and processes to lead our Air Force to be one of the premier air services in the world. On the other hand, some changes have been pointless and driven based on personal preference (i.e. McPeakisms). In the end, the Air Force will always have a heritage of change, moving forward to new opportunities. It is in spite of that, that all airmen should embrace our history lest we forget our roots.

Response by SSgt Jose "Joe" Diaz made Jul 28 at 2015 3:27 PM

SSgt Jose "Joe" Diaz — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 15:27:15 -0400

I guess I'm old fashioned but I believe the Air Force should be true to it's beginnings and core. All the Major Commands that existed such as SAC, MAC, TAC, etc. no longer exist. They have all been renamed God knows what. So as far as the Air Force heritage I think, for the most part, there really isn't one.

If you look at the other branches, they all have kept the designators as a tradition. I realize that missions change, but missions don't just change in the Air Force, they've changed across the board for all branches. I think in the Air force it has come to whoever is in charge does what they want. They do not care about building a tradition or any long heritage.

I was a member of the 319th Bomb Wing at Grand Forks AFB and I remember walking down the halls of headquarters and we had a history of the wing in timeline format stretched across the wall. I have pictures of it, have lots of research on the wing since its inception during WWII til it was decommissioned in the 90's.

That to me is Air Force Heritage; knowing where you came from, where you are, and where you are going.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jul 28 at 2015 3:38 PM

SSG John Jensen — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 15:38:01 -0400

Great-Uncle of mine was in one of the Army Aviation Spruce Sqadrons in WWI

Response by SSgt Daniel Warila made Jul 28 at 2015 4:01 PM

SSgt Daniel Warila — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 16:01:58 -0400

Honestly I think it comes from the fact that we never hammered down anything after separating from the army. We have been around forever but actual heritage (creed song ect) didn't become important to the AF until very recently. I agree with you that it seems like they are recently establishing our 'heritage ' 3 very couple of years but if I had to peg down something iron clad use our coin or song as examples. They are our oldest forms some AFSC such as AGE go back to the civil war balloon corp. If you want examples of long-term AF career feilds. We need to leave what we have in place and get back to doing our original jobs like we used to and quit spending time trying to establish things that are needed seeing as how we already have enough. We aren't the other branches we don't need there 'creeds' or flash our actions speek for themselves. It's time we go back to that. We are now the oldest smallest Modern AF in the world with more pressing concerns that a creed.

Response by MSgt Dave Burke made Jul 28 at 2015 5:08 PM

MSgt Dave Burke — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 17:08:48 -0400

Someone told me long ago when I was a new mosquito winged Airman that the reason our chevrons point the way they do is because we (USAF) has never lost a battle. I don't know if that is true but it looks/sounds good.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 6:06 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 18:06:08 -0400

The AF has a heritage but it's certainly not constrained by it.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 6:16 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 18:16:36 -0400

I just finished reading the biography of Gen. Hap Arnold. I am getting ready to re-read the biography of Col. John Boyd. Remember Gen. Billy Mitchell & his struggles to get the WWI era Army to recognize air power (a struggle that would cost him his career).

The spirit of these men. That is our heritage. We were founded by outside-the-box thinkers that were seen as rebels & risk-takers. We are the black-sheep little sibling that pushes the boundaries of the established order.

Have we lost a little bit of that? Yes. We have gotten complacent. We still are not quite sure how our full force will look - Space Wing, for example. We are still setting our heritage. We have a pretty good base, but we are still finding what we truly are when it comes to the future.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 6:45 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 18:45:00 -0400

Pounded fascists into powder in WWII.

Response by MSgt J D McKee made Jul 28 at 2015 6:49 PM

MSgt J D McKee — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 18:49:34 -0400

How about "they can't live in our sky". Which has been pretty much true since WWII. When was the last war where any of our ground guys had to worry about somebody else's Air Force bombing them or shooting them up? Here's our secret: Maybe half the zipper-suited Sun Gods are perhaps half as good as they think they are. That makes them very good indeed, and better by far than anyone else on the planet. I include NATO in this, the Brits and the Germans are pretty much the same way. MY Air Force heritage is the 8th AF during WWII. When SSgt "Snuffy" Smith stayed at his post in spite of several more experienced airmen diving out of the burning B17. Kept firing back at the Luftwaffe with every M2 available, and there were several because, well, most of the gunners left or were WIA/KIA. Put out the burning airplane by PISSING on it. When they came to award him the MEDAL OF HONOR for the above-mentioned heroics, he was found peeling potatoes or some shit on KP. Because he got drunk and was late for a mission.

THAT, my friends, is a hero.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 28 at 2015 7:29 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 19:29:22 -0400

IMHO, the issue is that the USAF has maybe tried too hard to distance itself from the Army, and dropped many of the "Army-isms" that would have been the foundation for it's heritage.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 8:16 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 20:16:49 -0400

Excellent question! From my perspective, one of the problems we face is our current crop of young airman don't know where we came from and why. With our roots in the Army Signal Corps, while we don't need to shout it from the mountain tops, we do need to understand them. We need to make sure our young airman know why people like Billy Mitchell sacrificed what they had to bring about the Air Force as a separate and equal service to the Army and the Navy. We need to remember The Vandenbergs and LeMays of years past and understand what it is they built, their vision of what we should become.

Unfortunately, IMNSHO, we have the McPeaks and others like him that would rather focus on what our uniform will be, rather than the vision set forth by Hap Arnold. Let's get back to basics, teach our airman our heritage, and not have their only exposure be what they read in the PDG Study Guide. Let's get back to the profession of arms and what it means to be a professional.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made Jul 28 at 2015 8:27 PM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 20:27:24 -0400

Our heritage starts with the Army. Out of that branch (Army Air Corps), came the Air Force. I believe our heritage began with gains in aircraft technology (look at the jets and test runs that paved the way for space exploration and newer, advanced aircraft). Of course, that is only a part of it. There is a whole other side of the Air Force that came out of the War on Terror. Look at how training has changed. Our heritage is an ever-evolving one that meets the needs of today's mission. Protection of the land and sky through air superiority. That's the heritage of the Air Force.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jul 28 at 2015 8:35 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 20:35:00 -0400

Being a Marine, I have never ever ever made fun of or poked fun at the USAF. Ever. That said, the strategic bombing of Germany by the USAAF is the greatest feat of American arms. Surely the USAF can take that as a heritage.

Walt

Response by PO1 Brian Schletty made Jul 28 at 2015 8:46 PM

PO1 Brian Schletty — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 20:46:35 -0400

On the lighter side, I would say Accuracy. Every bomb ever dropped by the Air Force was 100% guaranteed to hit the ground.

Response by MSgt Ken Loftus made Jul 28 at 2015 9:56 PM

MSgt Ken Loftus — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 21:56:53 -0400

As I read through the responses I see a lot of my feelings being expressed by others. My career ran from 1980-2006. I wore fatigues that I had the sloppy option to, and sometimes was forced to, wear my blouse untucked in formation. I experienced "Creech Brown" at George AFB and it almost disappeared in the desert as all the buildings and even the trashcans in the office. Went to Hurlburt field and converted to BDUs good looking uniform but terrible for working on aircraft. Then came the bus driver uniform and so it continued. Maintainers added to the flying squadrons, wait no take them back out. Specialists assigned to the AGS, no pull them all back to the CRS, wait that doesn't work, send them back to the flight line. My career field merged with another and included flightline and backshop folks, wait that's too much job knowledge split them up... Regulations became instructions with all new numbering to ensure their was change. I retrained for my last 9 years and that career field no longer exists. and more new uniforms.. The change rate is disheartening especially when the changes seem to be arbitrarty. The only heritage we have left is our history and our founding Airmen. I think we need to ensure that these men and their accomplishments are passed on and held precious as our current "leaders" continue to make changes in an effort to appear innovative regardless of the effects of that change. Maybe sometimes "because that is the way we have always done it" is a good thing......

Response by CDR Augustus Von Laendlerhaus made Jul 28 at 2015 10:01 PM

CDR Augustus Von Laendlerhaus — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 22:01:19 -0400

Lawn chairs suntan lotion mixers, beach hats, bathing suits.
Chair Force Rules.
AF pushes buttons - Marines pull triggers. ooh yeah

Response by TSgt Ed Lewis made Jul 28 at 2015 10:22 PM

TSgt Ed Lewis — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 22:22:25 -0400

As a MTI / Academic Instructor at Lackland AFB (89-94) I was one of three Vietnam Vets in BMT. I taught AF Heritage and was given a lot of flexibility. Going from the "Brown Shoe" era to Desert Storm, was taking place, gave the opportunity to express how we may be the youngest branch of the militaries but we were the fastest growing with most advances. Yea, we may always have pillows on our bunks but when the ---- hits the fan what is the first thing that is asked for, Air Support. Our heritage is still being written.

Response by SMSgt Todd Wagendorf made Jul 28 at 2015 10:53 PM

SMSgt Todd Wagendorf — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 22:53:32 -0400

Easy answer! Rain or shine, thunder below or thunder from above. You call, we haul, or blow up, and we don't like to be late!

Response by Maj Pete Siegel made Jul 28 at 2015 10:57 PM

Maj Pete Siegel — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 22:57:42 -0400

MSgt Glosson, do you have any kinship with Lt Gen (Ret) Buster Glosson, http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/Display/tabid/225/Article/106980/lieutenant-general-buster-c-glosson.aspx, the architect of the air war during the first Gulf War (DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM) ?

LIEUTENANT GENERAL BUSTER C. GLOSSON > U.S. Air Force > Biography Display

Lieutenant General Buster C. Glosson is deputy chief of staff for plans and operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. He is responsible to the secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff for the planning, operations, requirements and,

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 11:36 PM

2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 23:36:25 -0400

I understand where you are coming from. I started my military career in the Marine Corps -- which is very steeped in tradition and history. The Marines are very proud of their lineage and accomplishments as a branch of the US Armed Forces, as they should be. In Boot Camp we were required to memorize the names of great Marines, both officer and enlisted. We had to know the tactical significance of various battles from each the country's major conflicts, dates and times of those battles and how it impacted the development of the Corps. Ask any Marine about the Marine Corps' history and they'll be able to tell you something incredible. Generally speaking, you'll also get the same response no matter who you talk to, where you talk to them at or what their rank is. I believe this component of of the Marines' training is what causes such cohesion across the entire service.

After I reenlisted into the Air Force Reserve, my unit sent me to several schools to get spun up on my new career field. I was frustrated with the junior Airmen. None of them really knew anything about their service. Few of them seemed to understand just how important the Air Force is to the Nation's self defense infrastructure. Most of them didn't appear to care to learn either -- which was even more infuriating. At the time, AETC was trying to rectify this deficiency once the Airmen reached technical training, but by then, it was too late, IMPO.

To the ones who would listen, I told them our heritage was borne from the Army Air Corps over the blood-filled skies of Europe during WWII. A lot of brave men, officer and enlisted, pilots and non-pilots, died while trying to decimate the Nazi War Machine from above AND support the guys on the ground. The Air Force's Heritage is absolutely something to be proud of, we just need to actually teach it to the younger generations.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 7:03 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 07:03:36 -0400

As a former Marine, now Soldier, I have your heritage burned into my family...my father's middle name is "Langley" as is my brother's and his son's...as an "Outsider" I look at the Army Air Corps in WWII as the genesis of the Air Force. Proud to work with you guys (and have been very thankful for you many times).

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 8:38 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 08:38:29 -0400

If you'll permit a non-Air Force perspective--I think Air Force hertitage should more greatly acknowledge it's origins in the US Army Signal Corps. Billy Mitchel, as a member of the General Staff lobbied against separating aviation from the Signal Corps in 1913. Hap Arnold was was Signal Corps Aviator No. 4. Snoopy, World War I Flying Ace, was made an honorary member of the Signal Corps.

Response by MSgt Jim Bain made Jul 29 at 2015 11:36 AM

MSgt Jim Bain — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 11:36:57 -0400

I have always believed our Air Force has had a great heritage, or History.from the early on days of when it was an expeditionary Army Air Corps sent to fight in WW1, till present day. Why look at the accomplishments the USAF has achieved since it became official in 1947, the men and women of our Air Force make it what it is, they are the most highly tech. trained, and dedicated group of any Air Force in the world. Our planes may have some years on them, but our pilots that fly them are more dedicated, and well trained than any! Do we have a heritage to be proud of, you bet we do, even back before 1947, when it was the Army Air Force, it was still the Air Force of the good old USA......all those airmen who lost their lives in the wars they flew in, and their dedicated ground support personal...that is the Heritage of the United States Air Force.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 12:14 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 12:14:48 -0400

Dining in and Combat dining in. Both of those are extremely blue traditions that I didn't know were "Air Force" things until I heard about it on WATM. I'd already done a Combat Dining in but I did not know it wasn't a DoD wide thing.

Basic does a good job of telling new Airmen about the roots of the Air Force from ballooning observers in France and the Civil War, to the Signal Corp's 9 planes in the Spanish American War, to Hap Arnold, Billy Mitchell and WWII, to Ploesti, to the Enola Gay, to MiG Alley and the slaughter the Sabre sowed upon the MiG-15, to the cluster**** of Vietnam's mismanaged political goals and hamstrung bombing campaings, to Line Backer II when the gloves finally came off and the USAF forced the Viet Cong to the negotiating table North Vietnam finally got a true taste of a strategic bombing campaign, to panama and grenada, to Desert Shield and the 40 day destruction of Iraq's will to fight, to a brief coverage of the '03 invasion of Iraq with simultaneous war in Afghanistan and the first use of drones by a military.

But all of that is just a roadmap to how we got here. It's not the traditions and quirks that make us the Air Force and tie the past to the present and that is what's lacking in the entire service. The Air Force has been so tied in with working alongside other branches that Airmen only see the things other branches "do" that are different and they don't see the things that they "do" that aren't done by other branches because we're inviting the Army detachment to participate etc.

Other branches have a graduation from Basic. We have graduation too but we also have retreat the day before where new enlisted Airmen are given their Airman Coin and gain the title "Airman." None of the other branches do that, certainly not with a coin. But no one ever explains why and that's the missing link. If Airmen aren't told about how/why what they are doing links to the past then they assume it doesn't and they blindly participate in the service's traditions while wondering why they have no unique traditions.

On another note, I'm at Beale AFB. Chuck Yeager made broke the sound barrier here and he still lives nearby. That causes problems because it's hard to hold someone in reverence and awe the way the Army does to Audie Murphy or the Marines look at Chesty Puller when they're still alive and you have your friends in SF complain about how they have to keep a gate open and manned for one retired guy who treats them like a crotchety old man who wants the "dang young kids off his lawn" or something like that. It's far easier to idolize the dead and the Air Force doesn't take casualties in extreme numbers the way the bombers of the Air Corps did in WWII.

TL;DR the traditions are there, most Airmen just seem to be oblivious to the fact that a given function or event is a uniquely "Air Force" tradition, from my admittedly limited experience.

Response by SSG John Erny made Jul 29 at 2015 12:32 PM

SSG John Erny — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 12:32:37 -0400

The Army Air Corps. Ducks and runs for cover :-)

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Jul 29 at 2015 12:40 PM

MSgt Wayne Morris — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 12:40:51 -0400

The Air Force began its travel down a slippery slope when it allowed TGM McPeak to reinvent the AF in his image and allowed the fighter mafia to gain total control ignoring the sacrefice of the early bomber years and when SAC ruled the skies. Now again it appear the AF want to be the Army or Marines as blues are rarely worn and shaved heads the in style even though you may be riding a PC all day. Well I may retired and such but the AF is never going to be a service of mostly trigger pullers but a corp on superior technicians and support personnel augmented by those who fly the birds, so quit trying to be a grunt and be proud of the blue and don't bitch when you have to wear it, and lastly, unless you are deployed in a hot area, let your darn hair grow out.

Response by Lt Col Jim Tuttle made Jul 29 at 2015 2:24 PM

Lt Col Jim Tuttle — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 14:24:44 -0400

What a stupid question.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 3:48 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 15:48:33 -0400

The tough part is that if you think about any service's heritage, the most obvious is the WWII history. Most everything else is too small or ambivalent. And that's before the AF separated from the Army. If you include the Army Air Forces then of course the AF has heritage.

Response by MSgt Erik Copp made Jul 29 at 2015 4:48 PM

MSgt Erik Copp — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 16:48:14 -0400

Just kidding all. To easy to pass up. I respect all my brothers and sisters in arms.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 5:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 17:20:22 -0400

ULTRA SEXY V-NECK SHIRTS!

I've always hated them.

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Jul 29 at 2015 5:20 PM

MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 17:20:30 -0400

I was around when Gen Lemay was top dog. we inherited Gen Sweeny for SAC. (this was TAC) Great change. we always kidded the SAC boys by saying " we will pull up next to you and blow up. They were on KC-97's and we were KB-50J's. J stands for JETS. We had 4 turning and 2 burning. We supported fighters all over the world. Who out there knows " when ever a high status persons crosses the pond they have fighter escort. Also, Gen Lemay had the B-29 flying at about 8-10 feet. Above ground fire and below fLack. Remenber the AIR FORCE ENDED WW11, and Nam. We would have kicked butt in Korea too if Gen Mac had his way. we have many many "hero's" fighter pilots, Bommer pilots, many many aircrews. We are in the back but, I flew EC-121's in Nam. We directed all aircraft to the tankers. If somebody went down,we would pin point it. All at 50 feet off the water and inside temp 130C. I flew in my shorts. If we went down, we had no chance anyway. Damn that was fun. Dang, i keep trying to forget all this. Best thing was the Army supporting us. Marines were kind of nasty ( the way I like them) God bless all soldiers. We are hero's in our own way.

Response by SSgt Rob Smith made Jul 29 at 2015 5:25 PM

SSgt Rob Smith — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 17:25:41 -0400

"Mission First"...it was our Creed...and what landed me in the most difficulty with ReMF officers. The ONLY officers I saw worth a crap either had wings or snakes on their uniform.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Jul 29 at 2015 5:57 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 17:57:38 -0400

They have a heritage that goes back a looooooong way!!!!!!

Response by TSgt Kevin Miller made Jul 29 at 2015 6:05 PM

TSgt Kevin Miller — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 18:05:18 -0400

I am a veteran of the AF Reserve and my end of enlistment coincided with the end of Desert Storm. I was also prior active duty Navy. To me AF heritage is the same as AF history. The age of the AF doesn't matter, as long as the USAF is an incredible military entity known and feared world wide, which it is. If anyone would say that, relative to other branches of our military, the AF is young and therefore less, would be ridiculous. For example that's like saying that going to a newer hospital with a great reputation is a mistake simply because it is new. I would take the "best" hospital any day if I knew that they were excellent, despite its age. The fact is that the history of the AF is rich, deep and stellar. Since I got out in 1991 I don't know what all these changes are that people are mentioning. Change is inevitable in every organization and I hope that a lot of the these AF changes have been for the overall good. I agree it is sad to see so many changes that the past seems so far long gone. My opinion though is that the most important factor is that the USAF is the best in the world.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 6:59 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 18:59:18 -0400

Shirt, great question..but I'm not sure why you have the "if any" parenthesized. Granted, we are the youngest service, our heritage most importantly resides with our people of past to present. It's unfortunate but most Airmen don't know our heritage, but I guarantee you there is more than enough!! A good place to start is to examine the contributions of people like Chief Fisk, Robin Olds, Curtis Lemay, General Creech, John Boyd, Billy Mitchel, Gen Spaatz, etc...These leaders are very much responsible for the culture, heritage, and traditions that we have in our Air Force today. Once again, we are very rich in culture and heritage; our challenge is to educate our force on exactly what it is!!

Response by SGT Jeremy Mills made Jul 29 at 2015 7:49 PM

SGT Jeremy Mills — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 19:49:09 -0400

Airforce---> Army Air Corp ----> Army signal Corp-----> infantry. All the heritage you need.

Response by Sgt James MacCallum made Jul 29 at 2015 8:48 PM

Sgt James MacCallum — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 20:48:09 -0400

They took the blue from the sky
and a pretty girl's eye
and a hunk of old glory too
and gave it to the men
who proudly wear
the U.S. Air Force blue
the U.S. Air Force blue.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Jul 29 at 2015 9:31 PM

MSgt Stephen Council — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 21:31:37 -0400

I actually fielded this question at a NCO of the Quarter Board once. My response was that change is the Air Forces number one tradition. When it was suggested that Air Power could stand on its own as a military force, it was considered absurd. We not only proved them wrong, but became the pre-eminent Air Force in the world. Don't get hung up on symbols. They will always change. We stay strong and ahead of the world through our ability to not only adapt to change, but to embrace it and use it to make our service ever stronger and better. It is how we continue to be able to "do more with less" and continue to get better all the time.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Jul 29 at 2015 9:41 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 21:41:45 -0400

I was taught the Air Force was a transformation of the Army Air Corp which was born of the Army Signal Corp, I will admin though, i don't know much more than that although i have stood in formations many times and listen to senior Signal Officers give credit to the Army Signal Corp for starting the Air Force.

Response by TSgt Phil Textor made Jul 29 at 2015 9:59 PM

TSgt Phil Textor — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 21:59:03 -0400

The US military has used flying machines for war since the Civil War. The Air Force could use all aspects of US military flight as a basis for the evolution of and development of the USAF as a separate service. The AF needs to do a much better job of embracing and MARKETING the services heritage.

Response by Sgt Ken Prescott made Jul 29 at 2015 10:52 PM

Sgt Ken Prescott — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 22:52:26 -0400

The Air Force tossed aside its core heritage--the Strategic Air Command and its ethos of do it right or don't do it at all--in 1992. The Air Force's ongoing travails with the nuclear deterrence mission are a reflection of jettisoning this ethos. You CANNOT afford a "minor screwup" with something whose yield is measured in thousands or millions of tons of TNT.

I was a late Cold War Marine, and I always had respect for SAC--they had the most challenging mission--standing by for the alert klaxon.m Marines knew we'd go to war every now and then--SAC hoped they wouldn't, but stayed absolutely ready to do so.

Response by Lt Col Rich "Radman" Radvanyi made Jul 30 at 2015 1:06 AM

Lt Col Rich "Radman" Radvanyi — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 01:06:02 -0400

I think the following list pretty much captures our Air Force Heritage. Look up any one of these individuals, or better yet, read all their stories, and you will have a true appreciation for our Air Force Heritage. Our heritage continues to be forged in the heroic feats that continue today by our brave aircrews, JTAC's, PJ's, Combat Controllers and and all Air Force members who put their lives on the line every day, both at home and abroad.

AIR FORCE MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS
World War I
2nd Lt. Edwin R. Bleckley, killed in action
2nd Lt. Harold E. Goettler, killed in action
2nd Lt. Frank Luke Jr., killed in action
Capt. Edward V. Rickenbacker, died 1973
World War II
Lt. Col. Addison E. Baker, killed in action
Maj. Richard I. Bong, died in accident
Maj. Horace S. Carswell Jr. killed in action
Brig. Gen. Frederick W. Castle, killed in action
Maj. Ralph Cheli, died as POW
Col. Demas T. Craw, killed in action
Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle, died 1993
MSgt. Henry E. Erwin
2nd Lt. Robert E. Femoyer, killed in action
1st Lt. Donald J. Gott, killed in action
Maj. Pierpont M. Hamilton, died 1982
Lt. Col. James H. Howard, died 1995
2nd Lt. Lloyd H. Hughes, killed in action
Maj. John L. Jerstad, killed in action
Col. Leon W. Johnson
Col. John R. Kane
Col. Neel E. Kearby, killed in action
2nd Lt. David R. Kingsley, killed in action
1st Lt. Raymond L. Knight, killed in action
1st Lt. William R. Lawley Jr.
Capt. Darrell R. Lindsey, killed in action
SSgt. Archibald Mathies, killed in action
1st Lt. Jack W. Mathis, killed in action
Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Jr., killed in action
2nd Lt. William E. Metzger Jr., killed in action
1st Lt. Edward S. Michael, died in 1994
2nd Lt. John C. Morgan, died 1991
Capt. Harl Pease Jr., killed in action
1st Lt. Donald D. Pucket, killed in action
2nd Lt. Joseph R. Sarnoski, killed in action
Maj. William A. Shomo, died 1990
Sgt. Maynard H. Smith, died 1984
2nd Lt. Walter E. Truemper, killed in action
Lt. Col. Leon R. Vance Jr., lost at sea, 1944
TSgt. Forrest L. Vosler, died 1992
Brig. Gen. Kenneth N. Walker, killed in action
Maj. Raymond H. Wilkins, killed in action
Maj. Jay Zeamer Jr.
Korean War
Maj. George A. Davis, killed in action
Maj. Charles J. Loring, killed in action
Maj. Louis J. Sebille, killed in action
Capt. John S. Walmsley, killed in action
Vietnam War
Capt. Steven L. Bennett, killed in action
Col. George E. Day
Maj. Merlyn H. Dethlefsen, died 1987
CMSgt Richard L. Etchberger, killed in action
Maj. Bernard F. Fisher
1st Lt. James P. Fleming
Lt. Col Joe M. Jackson
Col. William A. Jones III, died 1969 in accident
A1C John L. Levitow
A1C William H. Pitsenbarger, killed in action
Capt. Lance P. Sijan, died while POW, 1968
Lt. Col. Leo K. Thorsness
Capt. Hilliard A. Wilbanks, killed in action
Capt. Gerald O. Young, died 1990
___________________
The US Congress authorized special medals for the following:
Charles Lindbergh
William Mitchell

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 30 at 2015 10:55 AM

COL Charles Williams — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 10:55:06 -0400

A very storied history... the best part is you used to be in the Army... I would say - seriously - the relentless bombing (despite catastrophic losses) in WWII , and then turning the tide of the war with bomber escorts; that was huge... and likely saved the day.

Response by SGT William Howell made Jul 30 at 2015 11:19 AM

SGT William Howell — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 11:19:30 -0400

I know exactly what it looks like. It looks like 2 A-10s circling overhead of my unit sweeping a know Taliban village and me thinking, "Let the Taliban fuck with me today."

The heritage is that not only did I know, but the Taliban did too, that if we called there would be death accurately rained on them in less than 2 minutes. They wouldn't come out and play.

Response by Lt Col Douglas Webb made Jul 30 at 2015 8:23 PM

Lt Col Douglas Webb — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 20:23:54 -0400

Retiring after 33 yrs in service (seven in the Army, and remainder as Enlisted and Commissioned AF), I'd say the AF is it's own worst enemy. The cynic in me tells you that AF's heritage is: change, overall physical and mental fragility, self over service mentality with leadership and aircrew, and a sense of entitlement as compared to other service members. Granted, flying is what the AF is known for, but this heritage was initiated by the Army Air Corps. If it wasn't for a few whinny pilots (in JCS roles) who didn't want to follow Army Regulations and orders issued by ground commanders, the AF as we know it would not exist. The AF is in consent flux which is tough on morale and good order. Leadership take note...true leaders disembowel change for the "mere purpose of change;" it would be nice to see stability with our beloved Zoomies. Who knows, stability may even help save taxpayer's dollars, and reduce the threats to our budget.

For those who wish to roast me concerning my comments, please allow me the opportunity to explain.

-“Change:”
For example…How many times do we “need” to change AF uniforms since 1980? Why was there a need to change directive AFRs to suggestive AFIs? How many times will we change our fitness, evaluations, and training programs? There’s an old Army adage…”screw-up-move up,” but with the AF it’s…“make change-makes rank.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniforms_of_the_United_States_Air_Force

-"Self over service mentality with leadership and aircrew:"
During my 33 yrs, I spent 26 working with and training aircrew. I've seen more than my share of grandiose narcissists who were Commanders, Flight Surgeons, "front-enders", and single-seat pilots whose sole goal in life was getting promoted, make a name for themselves, and/or earning flight pay...even at the detriment of the mission and their subordinates.

-“Overall physical and mental fragility:”
This ties in nicely to our fitness requirements, and leadership /followership expectations. As a service, we are an embarrassment…we all know the issues with fitness, so no sense harping on it. Mentally, our forces are weak. Airmen get their feelings hurt and are offended at the slightest infraction or the slightest hint of direction. It’s sad that leadership must spend 5 minutes explaining why the trash needs to be emptied, and why it’s his/her responsibility to do so. When I served as an E-1 thru E-3, I didn’t question authority, I followed orders.

-“Sense of entitlement as compared to other service members:”
Since I’ve seen the other side, I consider the AF spoiled. Granted, I’ve enjoyed living in, what the Grunt considers, luxury. However, luxury makes a person soft in time of war. I can’t count how many times I heard folks cry about having to share a hotel room with soft beds, AC, hot breakfast, hot shower and HBO, when his Army or Marine counterpart is sleeping on a cot in a tent (if lucky) with 35 other guys, with a crappy ECU, eating MREs, and using field sanitation/hygiene.

On the flip side, 90% of my encounters with "back-enders” maintenance support crews, cops (most specifically the 820 BDG),special tactics (TACP, PJ, CCT, SERE, etc) and first responders was extremely positive. I found these Airmen to be humble, sincere, and dedicated to the mission and their “Wing-Man.” My hat goes off to them, our true blue heritage.

Cheers

Uniforms of the United States Air Force - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The United States Air Force uniform is the standardized military attire worn by Airmen of the United States Air Force. Specific Air Force Instructions address standardized wear that is identical for members of both the Active Component (i.e., the Regular Air Force) and that of the service's two reserve components that comprise the Air Reserve Component, that being the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard. This includes personnel in the...

Response by Col Lyman Faith made Jul 30 at 2015 9:04 PM

Col Lyman Faith — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 21:04:26 -0400

We have heritage, but choose not teach it nor discuss it. We have fielded as brave men and women as any service. I highly recommend the book, The Mighty 8th, it is an excellent read. Even starting in 1947; Mig Alley, Rolling Thunder, Linebacker I and II, Cold War, Desert Storm, and latest campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan have shown our capability as the greatest Air Force in history. You are still serving, teach your young Airmen.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2015 5:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 05:06:11 -0400

The Air Force became its own branch in 1946. But he History is a long and great one. The Air Force has been a part of military history since WW I. Though it was the Army Air Corps, it was still the Air Force. Be proud of the heritage you have.

Response by LTC Donell Kelly made Jul 31 at 2015 5:57 AM

LTC Donell Kelly — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 05:57:28 -0400

Our Air Force came into being from the Army Air Corps, an essential part of winning the wars in WWII. I frankly don't get the idea of "no heritage." The Air Force comes from the pioneering efforts of WWI pilots, dropping bombs, literally by hand, from their cockpits in bi-wing aircraft in WWI. Before that, they had to figure out how to fire a machine gun at the enemy through their propellers, without shooting off the propellers! Then the Air Corps folks had to figure out what was needed to be able to land on an aircraft carrier and reconfigure all the planes that were to be used from that platform into planes that would withstand the physical/engineering stressors that would be required in take offs and landings on an air craft carrier. Then, of course, there were the Korean & Vietnam wars and all the transitions from fixed wing to rotary, from those huge in-line & piston engines to jets, taking out Migs during 2 different wars. The march forward has continued with the AF, and frankly, I don't know all there is to know. What I DO KNOW, that when I was deployed to LRMC, '05 through '06, the AF people at TPMRC in Ramstein were the people that got my wounded out of LRMC & back to CONUS. Sometimes those wounded were pretty "minimal," others were extremely critical with the family members hoping only that their son/daughter could be back on US ground before they died. Over & over again, I saw my AF brothers & sisters busting their asses to make sure that ALL service members and their families were expedited back to CONUS as easily & expeditiously as possible.
Frankly, BS rivalry carpool makes me very frustrated & wondering WTF. Those C-17's, complete with AF crew, came into LRMC loaded with the wounded, sick & injured and the AF personnel were also there, taking them home to their families in CONUS. Let's stop the rivalry BS between AF & other services and appreciate what the AF contributes to ALL of our fellow DOD services!

Response by MSgt Christopher Mathis made Jul 31 at 2015 12:29 PM

MSgt Christopher Mathis — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 12:29:35 -0400

Heritage? From the first days of observation balloons being used in the Civil War to the latest USAF deployment of B-52H's to the UK in response to the Russian invasion of Crimea our heritage is everywhere if you look hard enough.

It is rooted in past deeds like Gen. Billy Mitchell's courageous stance (& unpopular at the time) on the application of airpower to everyday professional airman deploying to places like Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

My last deployment was there in 2009 as the Command Post superintendent. Our deployed unit was the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing.........yes the same wing that was home to the Tuskegee Airman of As WWII fame!

EVERY AF unit has ties to history & contributes to future heritage for our successors to follow. Your job as an SNCO is to study, follow, & teach your airmen about our Air Force!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 31 at 2015 4:47 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 16:47:16 -0400

At the waning moments of the Vietnam war, C-5s flew to Vietnam to pick up babies and returned to Clark Air Force Base, Philippines. I wish I knew what became of them. On one mission my friends' father was piloting the C-5. They landed and the plane was filled with babies and nurses. It never returned to Clark as it crashed.

Response by CMSgt Gerald Potten made Jul 31 at 2015 5:11 PM

CMSgt Gerald Potten — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:11:38 -0400

You are part of the Air Force heritage and you cant control what the senior leaderships needs to change but what you can control is your own legacy. By Legacy I mean how does your performance change or improve those around you and what will that history look like when you leave. How many people did you promote or help promote, how many people did you train, what was the result of that training. How many people that you impacted went on to do spectacular things. As part of a team what was that team able to accomplish, improve, what mission was completed. That’s your legacy and no one can change that or take it away from you

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2015 6:26 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 18:26:01 -0400

Army

Response by SN Earl Robinson made Aug 4 at 2015 1:26 AM

SN Earl Robinson — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 01:26:42 -0400

Having two uncles that served in the Air Force I can appreciate the Heritage of the Air Force. A Heritage that began with the first powered flight of the Wright Brothers and first cast with the Hat in the Ring Sqaudron of WWI and then machined and refined with the Army Air Corps of WWII. The United States Air Force has a heritage of excellence that is unmatched by other Air Forces in victories in conflict against foes, in bravery in exploration, and in technological accomplishment. The Air Force may be the youngest Service branch in the United States but by no measure is any other Air Force on earth a match for it.

Response by PO2 Ron Burling made Aug 29 at 2015 1:04 PM

PO2 Ron Burling — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 13:04:42 -0400

While many of us poke fun at the USAF, they do indeed have a military heritage going back to the tethered balloon days of the Civil War, and including the 1916 Punitive Expedition when they were part of the USA Signal Corps. Unfortunately, we still have not won a war since they broke out of the Army. ;-) Sorry, I couldn't hold myself back.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 10 at 2015 6:17 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:17:37 -0400

The Air Force was instrumental in killing most of the German pilots. The Germans produced thousands of new planes, but nobody to fly them.

Response by Amn Allen Burks made Jun 21 at 2016 7:16 PM

Amn Allen Burks — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 19:16:22 -0400

Second to none!!! From the Army Air Corps, to the United States AirForce!!!