“Basic” United States Air Force Training

Written and Compiled by David J. Vargas

“Sir, [Rank] [Name] reports as ordered.”

As a member of the USAF under Stargate Command it is important to remember the USAF’s basic military training, which may seem inadequate to off-world situations, but is still the backbone of your training and those you call teammates and friends. This training and mindset have brought you to where you are today. It is important to remember the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual pain and growth that was necessary for this to become part of yourself. This list contains the basic information about the US Air Force that you should be familiar with and will help to detail a character’s abilities, skills and history.

The Mission of the USAF:
The US Air Force’s core mission and the reason why it exists is to defend and protect the U.S. (including its allies and varied interests) from all threats (foreign and domestic) from air or space with aerospace superiority. As such, in order to accomplish this core mission and to provide a set of directives and goals in order to promote said mission, the US Air Force has come up with “Air Force Vision 2020.” The USAF must ensure global vigilance in order to detect the threats, possess a reach which would allow for aerospace power (the superiority of our forces to all others) utilized deterring the threats.

The Core Values of the USAF:
Every member of the USAF is a representative of the US government (and its allies) and the USAF and thus must act accordingly. In addition, the USAF’s mission is dependant upon the work and ethics of the individual. The USAF has identified three core values that must be upheld by all personnel: “Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do” (Contrails 96).

The ability to ensure that aerospace power may be utilized and exploited, the USAF must control aerospace.

The ability to effectively and competently engage any and all adversaries no matter when or where allows the USAF to maintain superiority and defensive response.

The ability to rapidly mobilize forces allows the USAF to position deployment forces at any time in place ensures that all threats are responded to quickly and with force.

The ability to engage the adversary with minimal risk and collateral damage, while effectively maintaining superiority ensures humanitarian concern and the ability to engage adversaries taking refuge.

The ability to defend our information, learn the enemy’s information, and provide misinformation to the enemy is essential to operational security in the 21st century.

The ability to provide superior, responsive and adaptable air power supports the success of US operations in any theatre.

Strategic: The level of war at which a nation or group of nations determines national or alliance security objectives and develops and uses national resources to accomplish those objectives.

Operational: The level of war at which campaigns and major operations are planned, conducted, and sustained to accomplish strategic objectives within theaters or areas of operations.

Tactical: The level at which battles and engagements are planned and executed to accomplish military objectives assigned to tactical units or task forces.

The three levels of warfare provided courtesy Contrails (44).

Ensures unity of effort for every objective under one responsible commander (AFM 1-1, 11).

“Directing military operations toward a defined and attainable objective that contributes to strategic, operational, or tactical aims” (AFM 1-1, 13).

“Act rather than react and dictate the time, place, purpose, scope, intensity, and pace of operations. The initiative must be seized as soon as possible” (AFM 1-1, 14).

“Concentrating combat power at the decisive time and place” (AFM 1-1, 15).

Actions that place the enemy in a position of disadvantage through the flexible application of combat power (AFM 1-1, 17).

6. Economy of Force

The rational use of force by selecting the best mix of combat power, ensuring that overwhelming combat power is available. Minimal combat power should be devoted to secondary objectives (AFM 1-1, 18).

Protects friendly forces and their operations from enemy actions that may provide the enemy with unexpected advantage (AFM 1-1, 18).

Strike the enemy at a time or place or in a manner for which he is unprepared (AFM 1-1, 20).

“Avoiding unnecessary complexity in organizing, preparing, planning, and conducting military operations” (AFM 1-1, 17).

The USAF Principles of War provided courtesy AFM 1-1 (11-21).

“I, (name), do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice — so help me God” (AF Form 133).

“I (full name, SSN), having been appointed a Second Lieutenant (or grade in which appointed after promotion) in the United States Air Force, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, so help me God” (AF Form 133).

I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause. 

I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

The code of conduct provided courtesy Basic Military Training Manual II (pages 36-38).

HQ – Langley AFB, VA

HQ – Randolph AFB, TX

HQ – Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

HQ – Scott AFB, IL

HQ – Hickam AFB, HI

HQ – Hurlbert Field, FL

HQ – Peterson AFB, CO

HQ – Ramstein AB, Germany

Mission: USAFE controls and commands US units taking part in NATO operations by planning, conducting, controlling, coordinating and supporting air and space operations for strategic theatres in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

HQ - Cheyenne Mountain Air Station Complex at Colorado Springs, CO

Mission: The SGC explores, assesses and establishes diplomatic ties with friendly alien intelligence. Acquires, advances, integrates, & uses technology to develop, test, acquire, and sustain technology. Plans, conducts, controls, coordinates, organizes, trains, equip and maintains combat-ready forces for rapid and galactic deployment.

The information presented here courtesy of descriptions contained in Basic Military Training Manual II (28-29).

An airman’s, NCO’s or officer’s AFSC represents the field in which they perform their duties and how they support the overall missions and visions of the United States Air Force. Stargate Command assigns their SG team members Missile/Space Command (13SX for officers and 2M0X3 for enlisted) when their identifier would breach national security or would not be in use for the mission (technicians, command post and other personnel would still carry the AFSC of the function they perform). The “X” represents the skill level and training of the individual. The 1st number in the AFSC is the career group. There are 9 Air Force Career Groups: 1-Operations; 2-Maintenance/Logistics; 3-Support; 4- Medical/Dental; 5-Legal/Chaplain; 6-Finance/Contracting; 7-Special Investigations; 8- Special Duty Assignments; 9-Special Reporting Identifiers.

Some of the more common AFSC’s will be described below.

An enlisted individual receives the “1” level before entering training school and receives the “3” after completing “tech school.” After OJT (On-Job-Training) and many times CD’s (Correspondence Courses), an individual is awarded the “5.” Once an enlisted member becomes an NCO (E-5 and above), they enter training for the “7” (OTJ and either CD or a second tech school, usually required in the more technical fields). At the E-8 level and OJT an individual receives the level “9.”

For an officer, the training and experience varies, but generally follows that an undergraduate degree in that field gives the “1” level of “Entry/Student.” Generally, 12 months after with successful OPD (Officer Professional Development), each additional skill level may be awarded. Additionally, there may be unit requirements for other educational fields (mathematics, sciences, etc) for certain technical career paths, which can be satisfied with courses through the USAF.

Certain fields may not have skill levels (i.e., officer’s command & control, special investigations, and other special designates in the number “9”). Occupational badges are awarded upon training (or assignment when officer tech school is not mandatory). The senior badge (with the star) is awarded after 7 years in the specialty for officers, or at level “7” for enlisted. The master badge (with the wreath around the star) may be worn after 15 years of service in the specialty for officers or after 5 years of service after the award of the level “7” specialty with a rank no less than Master Sergeant (E-7). The most current occupational badge is worn on top.

If an individual qualified for Astronaut, the Astronaut Qualifier symbol may be superimposed on his or her occupational badge. Additionally, an individual may wear a parachutist badge if he or she has completed training or is not on jump duty (above occupational badges, but below aeronautical badges). Aeronautical badges (pilot, navigator, air battle manager or observer) are worn on top of other badges.

Command and Control Systems: Encompasses aerospace surveillance and detection, missile warning/control/plotting, control tower, airway operations, radar, airfield management dispatching, flight plan information, processing military orders, data for resource management, submitting close/tactical air/airlift support, alert MOPP and DEFCON levels, and coordinating base operations. Officers brief Battle Staff, maintain C2 functions, initiate emergency actions, plan/organize/coordinate C2 activities with the overall mission to process/report/coordinate/initiate orders for the various divisions of the unit.

Intelligence: Functions necessary to collecting, producing and distributing data while maintaining informational security and translation in order to apprise commanders of all strategic, tactical and technical value. Officers perform and manage the necessary functions, including coordinating and briefing on combat operations, directing and implementing plans for information gathering, and other managerial tasks.

Linguist/Translator/Debriefer: Transcribes and processes communications, operates communication receiving equipment, and maintains technical files. Interprets and translates documents, visual/verbal communication and provides analysis of individuals. Interrogates personnel, debriefs commanders, analyzes data, maintains records, screens public foreign materials and collects/assists information and intelligence gathering. Officers in the Organization Support field plan, formulate, coordinate and manage this field as well as provide intelligence and coordinate politico-military affairs, diplomacy and implements USAF foreign policy.

Medical: Encompasses all the areas of health, aid and care of patients, assisting the doctors and staff, as well as the equipment, procedures and operations of the facilities. Medical officers provide for the wellbeing of patients, recommend active/inactive status, authorize deployment of personnel, and provide material and management services, as well as the policy and planning.

Missile and Space: Encompasses the C2 aspects of satellites, space, UAV and ICBM systems, as well as providing technical expertise on R&D, repair/calibration/testing of missiles/satellites/boosters, and the activation of the operating systems. An officer coordinates with space and missile operations, plans and implements policy, catalogs all space objects, inserts and verifies launch codes, and conducts nuclear and other emergency plans.

Pilot: Officers only. Pilots aircraft, commands crew, trains crew, ensures pre-flight and plans missions.

Security Forces: Performs force protection and law enforcement, by ensuring combat capability through installation security, nuclear/conventional weapon systems, air base defense, information security, military working dog activities, and combat arms training and maintenance. Enlisted and Officer personnel do not have procedural and policy powers where their functions overlap with other fields. Officers manage, implement SF policy and train the SF units and activities, as well as provide force protection and planning against terrorism and NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) threats.

Scientific: Research and senior management of various R&D activities. Also plans and manages fiscal and evaluating policy. Only officers are considered Scientists in the USAF technical term.

Special Investigations: Counter-intelligence, fraud/conspiracy investigation, major UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) violations (including treason, security violations and other disavowed USAF personnel), conduct forensic and conventional investigation, provides testimony, briefs command on security protocols and threat assessment, performs matters of “special inquiry” and at times has provided ground and tactical support to airfield combat units. Officers manage personnel and implement policy, coordinate counter-intelligence and security measures/operations, conducts joint operations with other high levels of government investigation (President, Secret Service, NSA, foreign, etc), and coordinates with local, state and federal officials.

Special Forces is a misnomer in regards to the USAF; rather the USAF MAJCOM AFSOC (Air Force Special Operations Command) has forces categorized as Special Tactics Groups: Combat Controllers (sets up a Mobile Air Traffic Control), Pararescue (provides medical assistance to downed pilots and special operations forces in the air, on the ground or at sea), Combat Weather Teams (assist SOF to provide weather data), and the SOF (Special Operations Forces) Tactical Air Control Party (TAC-P) (2-man teams on the ground providing operational and tactical support to SOF by painting targets to call in air support as well as providing other operational and tactical support — they wear the black berets that Security Forces wear, albeit with a different symbol abreast). Most Special Tactics Groups are 18-man flights and can be assembled of Combat Controllers, Pararescue and/or Combat Weather Teams dependent on the nature and scope of the mission directives. Until recently, these have all been comprised of enlisted men, however Combat Control and Pararescue now have AFSC’s for officers as a Control & Recovery Officer trained in high risk survival, hostage survival and personnel recovery. Special Tactics also now has an AFSOC Medical Officer, trained in the basics of special tactics operations, dynamics of international terrorism, joint special operations medical, combat survival training, and medical survival training, including specialized training for one’s specialty as a Special Operations Command Medical Officer (Health Administrator, Physician Assistant or any Specialist under AFSC 48X) to ensure success during an operation while in the field with limited supplies.

Air Force Special Operations Forces provide helicopter and fixed-wing capabilities to special warfare. The "quiet professionals" in Special Tactics provide precise firepower, clandestine infiltration and the resupply, refueling and (sometimes much needed) extraction of Special Forces. The Air Force also maintains the airborne radio and television transmitters being used in Afghanistan and in other theatres. Air Force Special Tactics flights provide combat control, weather, and pararescue capabilities.

Operation Orders are the orders that structure and detail the operation. They are generally completed by the unit commander and given to their commanders. It is also used to brief their subordinates for the operation. Before an OPORD is completed it requires planning, preparation and authorization from command. For Special Operation Forces, it is highly recommended and considered protocol for the flight/unit commanding officer (CO) to outline the OPORD with his Executive Officer (XO; Second-in-Command), while discussing and gathering input from all the members of his team in order to formulate the OPORD. OPORD’s can be given orally, but operation orders must fulfill the operation plans of the MAJCOM (the plans to execute operations deriving from the command) and thus are required to present to the team leader’s superiors. OPORD’s should be memorized and never brought into the field.

1. Situation
   1. Enemy Forces: Weather, terrain, identification, location, activity, strength
   2. Friendly forces: mission of next higher unit, location and planned actions of units on right and left, fire support available for unit, mission and route of other units.
   3. Attachments and Detachments (additional teams accompanying or to be dispatched from higher HQ).
2. Mission: What the unit is going to accomplish
3. Execution (subparagraph for each subordinate unit)
   1. Concept of Operation (idea on how to succeed)
   2. Specific duties of elements, teams and individuals
   3. Coordinating Instructions
      1. Time and Departure of Return (usually in Zulu Time)
      2. Formation and order of movement
      3. Route and alternate route of return
      4. Departure and re-entry of friendly areas
      5. Rallying points and actions at rallying points
      6. Actions on enemy contact
      7. Actions at danger areas
      8. Actions at objective
      9. Rehearsals and inspections
      10. Debriefing
4. Administration and Logistics
   1. Rations (other times included as an addendum)
   2. Arms and ammunition
   3. Uniforms and equipment (state which members carry and use specifics listed herein)
   4. Method of handling wounded prisoners
5. Command and Signal
1. Signal
   1. Signals to be used within the unit (radio, tactical hand signals, flares, etc).
   2. Communications with higher HQ (radio call signs, primary and alternate frequencies, times to report and special code to be used)
   3. Challenge and password (GDO)
2. Command
   1. Chain of Command
   2. Location of unit leader and XO in formation
6. Addendums (Medical, additional staff, maps, imagery, languages, et. al.) to complete briefing folder.

Zulu time is also known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). In the US Armed Forces, this ensures that there are no mistakes for operational execution based on time due to time zones. Though it is not required for RPG purposes to think and tell time in Zulu Time, when referring to time as military personnel, it is appropriate to say “Zulu Time.” “Military” time is the 24-hour format which begins each day at midnight (0000 hours) with the first number representing the ten position, the second number the hour position (it starts at 1 and for every hour you add 1) and the last two numbers as the minute positions. Example 1: 0100 hours = 1am. Example 2: 1300 hours = 1pm. Example 3: 1000 hours = 10am. Example 4: 1845 = 6:45pm.

This is the layout that most orders will look like for or by Stargate Command. When a certain section is not used or when others are needed (i.e., itinery, remarks, etc) simply remove the number and the header. PAFSC is the current AFSC held, whereas the DAFSC is the prior (and sometimes all priors are listed, especially when first assigned to a new command).

Department of the Air Force
Stargate Command
Cheyenne Mountain Complex

Colorado Springs, CO

Personnel Data-Privacy Act of 1974 (5 USC 52a)

SPECIAL ORDER

Order Number DATE

1. PURPOSE: State plainly here. Include SD (Start date) and ED (End Date) if known.

2. ADDRESSING:

3. Authority/Title: You are ordered to report to Stargate Command.

4. Itinery:
DEPART (from former base) AND REPORT DIRECTLY TO STARGATE COMMAND, CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN COMPLEX, CO.

5. REMARKS: Any additional comments or transfer requirements are listed here.

6. AUTHENTICATION:

BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE

/S/OFFICIAL/S/

[Name of person writing the orders]

Order Number

To obtain an occupational badge and rating, the following criteria must be met. This ensures that characters that have written backgrounds and histories may accurately reflect this with their character’s skills. A player can detail and tailor a character even more precisely with additional research and resources. The specific criteria per each sub-specialty may be changed per GM permission when designing a character concept with a specific AFSC in mind.

General Criteria: The senior badge (with the star) is awarded after 7 years in the specialty for officers, or at level “7” for enlisted. The master badge (with the wreath around the star) may be worn after 15 years of service in the specialty for officers or after 5 years of service after the award of the level “7” specialty with a rank no less than Master Sergeant (E-7).

To qualify for the Astronaut Qualifier symbol a character must have 5 ranks in Pilot (Rocket Propulsion). To qualify for the parachutist badge, you must have 5 ranks in Sport (Parachuting). To qualify for an aeronautical badges you must have 5 ranks in any of the following (Pilot, Profession Military Aviation/Navigation, or Knowledge Aeronautics). These are generally more specialized and honored fields and thus require slightly more ranks.

Air Force Officer: 4 ranks are necessary in a skill appropriate to your PAFSC or DAFSC (Duty/Current AFSC) or alternatively 4 ranks in Bureaucracy representing management skills necessary as an officer.

Air Force Enlisted: 4 ranks are necessary in a skill appropriate to your PAFSC or DAFSC (Duty/Current AFSC).

Air Force Special Tactics: 4 ranks are necessary in 2 of the following skills: Demolitions, First Aid, Hide, Listen, Move Silently, Sport (parachuting), Spot, Survival (any) or Swim. An officer may have 2 ranks in 5 of those skills.

Air Force Technician: 4 ranks in knowledge and electronics skills.

NID: 4 ranks in Gather Information, Diplomacy, Knowledge or Engineering.

Medals are awards given to honor an individual for their efforts. They should be given to PCs for heroism, bravery, exceptional service, and important actions that may affect the strategic, tactical or operational functions of the USAF and more specifically, the SGC and one’s unit. For this reason, only the major awards that should be presented and reflected by game play shall be listed herein with the considerations and general requirements of each. Also keep in mind that at times, political forces, records of the personnel in question and other factors may be involved in the determination of awards.

Order of Precedence:

Medal of Honor
The highest award the US can offer a member of the Armed Forces. It is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional gallantry and courage beyond the call of duty. The act of bravery must have occurred in actual combat against an enemy of the US and must have involved conspicuous risk of life. The degree of risk must have been such that failure to commit the act would not have resulted in any censure. The MEDAL OF HONOR is awarded by an Act of Congress and is usually presented by the President of the United States.

Air Force Cross
Awarded to US and foreign military as well as civilian personnel for an act distinguished by heroism in connection with military operations against the enemy. Such heroism must have involved extraordinary risk of life.

Silver Star
Denotes any individual (military, civilian or foreign) who exhibits gallantry in action against an enemy of the US; gallantry being defined as a high degree of heroism.

Defense Superior Service Medal
Awarded to any US Military personnel, by the Secretary of Defense, who is assigned to joint staff or other joint activity of the DoD for rendering superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility.

Airman’s Medal
Designates members of the armed forces who voluntarily and heroically risk their lives under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy.

Bronze Star Medal
Recognizes persons serving in the armed forces who distinguish themselves by heroism in surface combat against the enemy or by meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy.

Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded to US military personnel for outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service to the US.

Air Medal
Awarded to US and foreign military and civilian personnel for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight, or for sustained operations against an enemy of the United States.

Air Force Commendation Medal
Recognize meritorious achievement or service on the part of a member of the armed forces. These medals are given primarily under peacetime conditions.

Joint Service Achievement Medal
Awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the grade of O-6 who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not to the degree that would warrant award of the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Bestowed in recognition of outstanding unit achievement.

Air Force Good Conduct Medal
Awarded to active duty enlisted members of the Air Force for exemplary conduct during a specified period of military service (normally 3 years while in peacetime).

Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded to any military officer of the Armed Forces of the United States who is assigned to joint staff and other join activities of the DoD for exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a position of unique and great responsibility, while serving with the joint staff or any other joint activities of the DoD.

Distinguished Service Medal
Presented to any person (military, civilian or foreign) who has distinguished himself by the exceptional exercise of authority or judgment in duties which decide the successful outcome of a major military operation.

Legion of Merit
Recognizes exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the US. The award itself consists of three levels of degrees that are awarded in accordance with the rank of the recipient. It is awarded without degree to members of the armed forces of the US. To members of foreign armed forces, it is awarded in 4 degrees: Chief Commander, Commander, Officer and Legionnaire.

Distinguished Flying Cross
Awarded to a member of the armed forces of the US or to a member of the armed forces of a foreign nation. It is awarded for an act in aerial flight that displays distinctive heroism involving operations that are not routine.

Purple Heart
Presented to military or civilian citizens of the US who are wounded or killed in action. The wound must have been received in battle and required medical treatment.

Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded by the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Washington HQ services, Defense Agencies and HQ United and Specified Commands for non-combat meritorious service or achievement that is incontestably exceptional and of a magnitude that clearly places an individual above his or her peers.

Presidential Unit Citation
Designates units that have displayed great heroism in battle. This award corresponds to the Distinguished Service Cross but on the organizational instead of the individual level.

Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
Awarded to organizations of the US Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious achievement or service in support of military operations. It is also awarded when the organization is involved in an event of great national or international significance when not in support of combat operations.

Good Conduct Medal
Given to enlisted personnel for exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity. It is the most widely awarded medal during peacetime.

Devices:

The Bronze Oak Leaf cluster represents a second or subsequent award.
The Silver Oak Leaf cluster represents 5 bronze leaf clusters.
The Bronze Service Star designates campaign participation and additional awards.
The Silver Service Star represents 5 Bronze Service Stars.
The Bronze letter “V” device attached to a ribbon is awarded for valor in combat.

The information presented on Medals above courtesy AFI 36-2803 and Contrails (56-60).

Game Mechanics:

A character may only be awarded a medal when one of his superiors recommends him or her (in most cases an NPC or perhaps the PC team leader). The GM can then decide whether the character meets the criteria for the medal or not. The character must then succeed at a Bureaucracy check representing the selection process and reviews on multiple levels. The DC is 20 for all medals at and above the Airman’s Medal; DC 15 for medals at and above the Joint Service Achievement Medal; DC 10 for all other medals. The character may receive the following penalties:

1. Based on the disposition of the Commander of the SGC (General Hammond) towards the character, a character receives another modifier to their bureaucracy check: Ally +3; Helpful +2; Friendly +1; Neutral 0; Unfriendly –2; Hostile –4; Adversary –6.
2. For every disobeyed order with a failed disposition check (i.e., all negative marks on one’s permanent record), the character receives a –1 penalty.

AFDD 2-1.6
AFDD 2-2
AFDD 2-4.5
AFDD 2-5
AFDD 2-5.2
AFDD 2-7
AFDD 2-8
AFM 1-1
AFM 36-2105
AFM 900-3
AFM 900-48
AFMD 6
AFI 11-402
AFI 36-2803
AF Basic Military Training (BMT) Manual II (Military Studies)
AF Form 133
Contrails, USAF Academy Cadet Handbook