Mission and Values
Inspire, Empower, & Develop joint-minded leaders for the Air Force and Space Force through effective partnerships with Syracuse University and our 10 crosstown schools. We are an organization dedicated to achieving excellence in everything we do. This sentiment is reflected in our core values and mission statements.
Core Values
Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do
Whoever you are and wherever you fit in the Air and Space Force team, the Core Values are what you will live by and learn to cherish.
The Core Values are much more than minimum standards. They remind us what it takes to get the mission done. They inspire us to do our very best at all times. They are the common bond among all comrades in arms, and they are the glue that unifies the Forces and ties us to the great warriors and public servants of the past.
Air Force Mission
The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight, and win… airpower anytime, anywhere.
We are America’s Airmen. We are warriors—we will fight and win wherever our nation needs us. The aerospace realm is our domain, and we are vigilant in our commitment to defend, control and use it in our nation’s interest. We are leaders; we live our core values. We are a Total Force—active, guard, reserve and civilian—seamless in providing aerospace power.
We do not operate alone. Our efforts are made possible by the great support of many. Our families, our retirees, the employers of our guardsmen and reservists, our industry partners and the communities in which we live and work enable us to carry out our mission.
And we are partners in the Joint Team. We project aerospace power anywhere in the world and operate in concert with America’s land and sea forces and with our allies. Wherever we serve, whatever we do—we are America’s Airmen.
We will recruit, train and retain America’s best young men and women to provide global vigilance, reach and power to our nation in the 21st century. We will command and lead effectively at all levels—with decisiveness and concern for our people. We’ll provide an environment that encourages all our people to achieve personal and professional excellence, taking pride in being part of the aerospace force that is respected the world over.
We will size, shape and operate the force to meet the needs of the nation. We must also manage the effects of tempo on our people. This is particularly important for those elements of the force currently in short supply but in high demand. And we’ll continue leading the way in leveraging the strengths of all our components to optimize Total Force effectiveness in peace as well as war.
America’s Airmen will be smart, sharp and tough. We’ll provide them with the education, equipment and training to perform at their best. And we will demonstrate a commitment to our people and to their families, providing a quality of life that lives up to their trust. Our Air Force will be worthy of the great men and women who join us.
Space Force Mission
The USSF is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing military space professionals, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands.
Air Force ROTC Mission
The Air Force ROTC’s mission is to develop leaders of character for tomorrow’s Air Force and Space Force. Air Force ROTC’s Program is designed to recruit, educate, and commission officer candidates through college campus programs based on Air Force requirements. Units are located at 145 college and university campuses throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Students from schools near Air Force ROTC host institutions can attend classes through 1,100+ separate crosstown enrollment programs or consortium agreement.