PURPOSE Since 1947, The United States Air Force has been a critical component of every conflict, humanitarian mission, and military presence around the globe. Every Airman contributes to the delivery of sovereignty and freedom through their specialized skillset, thereby generating airpower—anytime, anywhere. To continue to advance with the speed and agility required to keep pace in a dynamic and competitive environment, our Joint Force provides capabilities that validate the strength of the United States, its allies, and its partners. In order for our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen to deter our adversaries and respond to threats in any environment, we must understand, articulate, and demonstrate jointness. This guide explains our Joint Force. It is built upon the foundation of contextual knowledge of joint doctrine, the National Defense Strategy, and the National Military Strategy. It clarifies the fundamental questions all Airmen must be able to answer: “How do I fit into the Joint Force, and how can I ensure I hone and deliver my unique capabilities to assure its success?” This guide will help Airmen internalize what it means to fight jointly, understand the missions of the Joint Force, appreciate the joint organizations that are leading the fight, comprehend how to integrate in a joint warfighting environment, and identify how the Air Force fits into the joint construct. Table of Contents Chapter 1 - WHY WE FIGHT JOINTLY - JOINTNESS - HISTORICAL AND LEGAL CONTEXT - Chapter 2 - WHAT IS THE JOINT MISSION - INSTRUMENTS OF NATIONAL POWER - THE COMPETITION CONTINUUM - MILITARY ACTIVITIES - SERVICE MISSIONS AND IDENTITIES - Chapter 3 - WHAT ARE JOINT ORGANIZATIONS - JOINT STAFF - COMBATANT COMMANDS - JOINT COMPONENT COMMANDS AND JOINT TASK FORCES - DEFENSE AGENCIES AND DOD FIELD ACTIVITIES - ALLIANCES AND PARTNERSHIPS - Chapter 4 - WHAT IS JOINT WARFIGHTING - JOINT OPERATIONS OVERVIEW - PRINCIPLES OF JOINT OPERATIONS - JOINT FUNCTIONS - THE JOINT SERVICE MEMBER - CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS OF THE U.S. ARMED FORCES - Chapter 5 - HOW THE AIR FORCE FITS INTO THE JOINT FIGHT - AIR FORCE FUNCTIONS - AIR FORCE CORE MISSIONS - JOINT OPERATIONS ACROSS ALL DOMAINS - CONCLUSION - UNITED STATES MILITARY RANKS - REFERENCES