The Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF) is the senior uniformed officer in United States Air Force and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff[1]. The CSAF heads the Air Staff and reports directly to the Secretary of the Air Force on matters of the Air Force. Under the authority of the secretary, the CSAF is responsible for the organization, training, and equipping of more than 700,000 active-duty, National Guard, Reserve, and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas [2]. The CSAF also designates air force personnel and resources to the commanders of Unified Combatant Commands[3][4]. The CSAF also performs all other functions prescribed under 10 U.S.C.§ 8033 and those assigned by the Secretary of the Air Force,[3] or delegates those duties and responsibilities to other officers in his administration under his name.
The CSAF is nominated for appointment by the President and must be confirmed via majority vote by the Senate[2]. By statute, the CSAF is appointed as a four-star general[2]. Like the other Joint Chiefs, the CSAF is an administrative position, with no operational command authority over the United States Air Force.
Prior to the creation of this position, General Henry H. Arnold was designated Chief of the Army Air Forces during World War II. He was later promoted to the lifetime position of General of the Air Force.
Legend: A=Army MC=Marine Corps N=Navy AF=Air Force CG=Coast Guard PHS=Public Health Service NOAA=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration MSC=Military Sealift Command
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