Air Force and Marines: Organizational Structure 2025

All right, today we’re going to look at the Air Force and the Marines in terms of their organizational structure. So we’re going to start with the Air Force and the basic chain of command, or how it’s structured.

The Section — The Smallest Unit

So the smallest unit in the Air Force is a section, and a section consists of two or more Airmen that can form a section, and generally, it’s the place where the Airmen work. So, like the life support section or administrative section, that kind of thing.

Flights — Organizing Sections

The next level is a flight. Two or more Airmen can form a flight, and two or more sections can also form a flight.

Types of Flights

So you have three different kinds of flights:

• Numbered Flights: Incorporate small mission elements into an organized unit. For example, you can have flights in Air Force Basic Training or in life support.
• Alpha Flights: Where you have components of a squadron that consist of elements with identical missions.
  So you could have flights A, B, and C of the fighter squadron. These are often called Alpha, Bravo, Charlie flights. They are smaller units of a bigger structure.
• Functional Flights: Elements with specific missions, like military personnel flights responsible for transferring personnel or handling logistics across different bases.

Squadron — The First Command Level

The third level is a squadron. Like I said, we’re going to talk about it. A squadron is two or more flights.

It’s the lowest level of command that has its own headquarters. It’s usually identified both numerically and by function. For example:

• 49th Security Forces Squadron

This shows they are numbered and also have a defined function.
→ Air Force Squadrons

Group — Combining Squadrons

The next level is a group. Two or more squadrons form a group, and this is based on their assignment with similar functions.

For example:

• Supply Squadron
• Transportation Squadron
• Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

These groups are commanded by a Colonel.
→ Air Force Groups

Wing — The Largest Structure on a Base

The next level is a wing. You have two or more groups that compose a wing. There is only one wing on an Air Force base.

→ Air Force Wings

Air Force Wing Types

There are two primary types of wings in the Air Force:

• Composite Wing: This wing operates more than one kind of aircraft and may be configured as a self-contained unit designated for quick air intervention anywhere in the world.
• Objective Wing: This wing streamlines and consolidates responsibilities, clarifying chains of command. It typically has an operational mission, such as an air combat wing, flying training wing, airlift wing, or refueling wing.

Every wing adheres to the principle of “one base, one wing, one boss,” meaning the wing has its own base, and the commanding officer is the primary authority.

Numbered Air Force

A Numbered Air Force (NAF) is assigned for geographical purposes, determining control over specific airspace regions. This structure is primarily utilized during wartime to manage air operations within designated areas.

Major Command (MAJCOM)

MAJCOMs are organized by mission within the U.S. and by regional area overseas. Examples include:

• Air Combat Command: Focuses on air combat operations.
• Air Mobility Command: Handles refueling and transport missions.
• Pacific Air Forces Command: Manages operations in the Pacific region.

Wings report directly to their respective MAJCOMs, which in turn report to the Air Force Headquarters.

Air Force Headquarters

The Air Force Headquarters oversees all MAJCOMs and is responsible for the overall administration, training, and equipping of Air Force personnel. The size and structure of units within the Air Force can vary based on budgetary constraints and specific mission requirements.

Marine Corps Chain of Command

The Marine Corps follows a “rule of three” organizational structure:

• Team: Consists of three Marines.
• Squad: Made up of three teams (9 Marines).
• Platoon: Comprises three squads.
• Company/Battery: Formed by three platoons and serves as the lowest level with its own headquarters.
• Battalion: Contains three companies.
• Regiment: Consists of three battalions.
• Division: Made up of three regiments.
• Marine Corps: Comprises three or more divisions.

This structure simplifies command and control within the Marine Corps.

Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)

A MEU is a rapid-response force of approximately 2,200 personnel, typically built around a reinforced battalion. It includes:

• Ground Combat Element (GCE): Provides infantry and artillery support.
• Aviation Combat Element (ACE): Offers air support, usually with helicopters and sometimes fixed-wing aircraft.
• Marine Service Support Group (MSSG): Handles logistics, including medical, dental, maintenance, and engineering services.
• Command Element (CE): Responsible for command and control, reconnaissance, surveillance, and communications.

An MEU is commanded by a colonel and can be deployed on up to four naval amphibious ships.

For more detailed information on Air Force structures, you can visit Air Force Unit Structure Size. To learn more about the Marine Corps’ organizational hierarchy, refer to the Organization of the United States Marine Corps.