10 USC Ch. 903: DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

From Title 10—ARMED FORCESSubtitle D—Air Force and Space ForcePART I—ORGANIZATION

CHAPTER 903—DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

Sec.

9011.

Organization.

9012.

Department of the Air Force: seal.

9013.

Secretary of the Air Force.

9014.

Office of the Secretary of the Air Force.

9015.

Under Secretary of the Air Force.

9016.

Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force.

9017.

Secretary of the Air Force: successors to duties.

9018.

Administrative Assistant.

9019.

General Counsel.

9020.

Inspector General.

9021.

Space Acquisition Council.

9021a.

Air Force Reserve Forces Policy Committee.

9022.

Financial management.

9023.

Chief of Legislative Liaison.

9023a.

Legislative Liaison of the Space Force.

9024.

Director of Small Business Programs.

9025.

Office of Expanded Competition.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior chapter 903, consisting of sections 9331 to 9362, related to the United States Air Force Academy, prior to renumbering as chapter 953 of this title.

Amendments

2024—Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title IX, §924(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2039, added item 9025. Amendment was made pursuant to operation of section 102 of this title.

2023—Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §509B, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 243, added item 9023a. Amendment was made pursuant to operation of section 102 of this title.

2021—Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVI, §1602(a)(3), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2076, substituted "Space Acquisition Council" for "Space Force Acquisition Council" in item 9021.

2019—Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §954(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1565, added items 9021 and 9021a and struck out former item 9021 "Air Force Reserve Forces Policy Committee".

2018—Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §806(d)(4), (e)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833, redesignated chapter 803 of this title as this chapter and items 8011 to 8024 as 9011 to 9024, respectively.

2006—Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title IX, §904(e)(2), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3402, added item 8024.

2002—Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §504(e)(1)(B), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2532, added item 8023.

1988—Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VII, §702(c)(3), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1996, added item 8022.

1986—Pub. L. 99–433, title V, §521(b), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1060, amended analysis generally, substituting items 8011 to 8021 for former items 8010 to 8019.

1967—Pub. L. 90–168, §2(20), Dec. 1, 1967, 81 Stat. 525, added item 8019.

1964—Pub. L. 88–426, title III, §§305(40)(B), 306(j)(8), Aug. 14, 1964, 78 Stat. 427, 432, struck out "; compensation" from item 8012, and struck out item 8018 "Compensation of General Counsel".

1962—Pub. L. 87–651, title II, §213(b), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 524, added item 8010.

1958—Pub. L. 85–861, §1(154)(B), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1513, added item 8018.

§9011. Organization

The Department of the Air Force is separately organized under the Secretary of the Air Force. It operates under the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense.

(Added Pub. L. 87–651, title II, §213(a), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 524, §8010; renumbered §8011, Pub. L. 99–433, title V, §521(a)(1), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1055; renumbered §9011, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §806(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833.)

Historical and Revision Notes
1962 Amendment
Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
8010	5:171a(c)(7) (1st sentence, as applicable to Department of Air Force).	July 26, 1947, ch. 343, §202(c)(7) (1st sentence as applicable to Department of Air Force); added Aug. 6, 1958, Pub. L. 85–599, §3(a) (1st sentence of 8th par., as applicable to Department of Air Force), 72 Stat. 516.

The word "operates" is substituted for the words "shall function".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 8011 of this title as this section.

1986—Pub. L. 99–433 renumbered section 8010 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

§9012. Department of the Air Force: seal

The Secretary of the Air Force shall have a seal for the Department of the Air Force. The design of the seal must be approved by the President. Judicial notice shall be taken of the seal.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 488, §8011; renumbered §8012, Pub. L. 99–433, title V, §521(a)(1), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1055; renumbered §9012, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §806(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
8011	5:626(g).	July 26, 1947, ch. 343, §207(g), 61 Stat 503.

The words "of office" are omitted as surplusage. The words "a design" are substituted for the words "such device".

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 8012 of this title as this section.

1986—Pub. L. 99–433 renumbered section 8011 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 9902. Seal for the Department of the Air Force

Ex. Ord. No. 9902, Nov. 1, 1947, 12 F.R. 7153, provided:

WHEREAS section 207(g) of the National Security Act of 1947, approved July 26, 1947 (Public Law 253, 80th Congress 1st Session) provides, in part, that the Secretary of the Air Force shall cause a seal of office to be made for the Department of the Air Force of such device as the President shall approve; and

WHEREAS the Secretary of the Air Force has caused to be made and has recommended that I approve a seal the design of which accompanies and is hereby made a part of this order, and which is described in heraldic terms as follows:

SHIELD: Per fess nebuly abased azure and argent, in chief a thunderbolt or inflamed proper.

CREST: On a wreath argent and azure an American bald eagle, wings displayed and partially elevated proper in front of a cloud argent.

Encircling the shield and crest an arc of thirteen stars and below the shield the inscription "MCMXLVII".

On a band encircling the whole the inscriptions "Department of the Air Force" and "United States of America."

When illustrating the seal in color the background shall be ultramarine blue, the shield a light blue and white, and the thunderbolt in gold with flames in natural color. The twists of the wreath shall be alternated white and blue, and the eagle shall be in natural color in front of a white cloud. The thirteen stars shall be white, and the Roman numerals shall be gold. The encircling band shall be white edged in gold with black letters.

AND WHEREAS it appears that such seal is of suitable design and is appropriate for establishment as the official seal of the Department of the Air Force:

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of and pursuant to the authority vested in me by the said section 207(g) of the National Security Act of 1947, I hereby approve such seal as the official seal of the Department of the Air Force.

Harry S. Truman.

§9013. Secretary of the Air Force

(a)(1) There is a Secretary of the Air Force, appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Secretary shall, to the greatest extent practicable, be appointed from among persons most highly qualified for the position by reason of background and experience, including persons with appropriate management or leadership experience. The Secretary is the head of the Department of the Air Force.

(2) A person may not be appointed as Secretary of the Air Force within seven years after relief from active duty as a commissioned officer of a regular component of an armed force.

(b) Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense and subject to the provisions of chapter 6 of this title, the Secretary of the Air Force is responsible for, and has the authority necessary to conduct, all affairs of the Department of the Air Force, including the following functions:

(1) Recruiting.

(2) Organizing.

(3) Supplying.

(4) Equipping (including research and development).

(5) Training.

(6) Servicing.

(7) Mobilizing.

(8) Demobilizing.

(9) Administering (including the morale and welfare of personnel).

(10) Maintaining.

(11) The construction, outfitting, and repair of military equipment.

(12) The construction, maintenance, and repair of buildings, structures, and utilities and the acquisition of real property and interests in real property necessary to carry out the responsibilities specified in this section.

(c) Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Air Force is also responsible to the Secretary of Defense for—

(1) the functioning and efficiency of the Department of the Air Force;

(2) the formulation of policies and programs by the Department of the Air Force that are fully consistent with national security objectives and policies established by the President or the Secretary of Defense;

(3) the effective and timely implementation of policy, program, and budget decisions and instructions of the President or the Secretary of Defense relating to the functions of the Department of the Air Force;

(4) carrying out the functions of the Department of the Air Force so as to fulfill the current and future operational requirements of the unified and specified combatant commands;

(5) effective cooperation and coordination between the Department of the Air Force and the other military departments and agencies of the Department of Defense to provide for more effective, efficient, and economical administration and to eliminate duplication;

(6) the presentation and justification of the positions of the Department of the Air Force on the plans, programs, and policies of the Department of Defense; and

(7) the effective supervision and control of the intelligence activities of the Department of the Air Force.

(d) The Secretary of the Air Force is also responsible for such other activities as may be prescribed by law or by the President or Secretary of Defense.

(e) After first informing the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Air Force may make such recommendations to Congress relating to the Department of Defense as he considers appropriate.

(f) The Secretary of the Air Force may assign such of his functions, powers, and duties as he considers appropriate to the Under Secretary of the Air Force and to the Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force. Officers of the Air Force and officers of the Space Force shall, as directed by the Secretary, report on any matter to the Secretary, the Under Secretary, or any Assistant Secretary.

(g) The Secretary of the Air Force may—

(1) assign, detail, and prescribe the duties of members of the Air Force, members of the Space Force, and civilian personnel of the Department of the Air Force;

(2) change the title of any officer or activity of the Department of the Air Force not prescribed by law; and

(3) prescribe regulations to carry out his functions, powers, and duties under this title.

(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title V, §521(a)(3), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1055, §8013; amended Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title V, §534, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3873; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title IX, §901, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1558; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §931(c), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2363; renumbered §9013, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §806(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §923(b)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3807; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title IX, §901(e), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1868.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 117–81 substituted "seven" for "five".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(1)(A), inserted "and officers of the Space Force" after "Officers of the Air Force".

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(1)(B), inserted ", members of the Space Force," after "members of the Air Force".

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 8013 of this title as this section.

2016—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–328 inserted "The Secretary shall, to the greatest extent practicable, be appointed from among persons most highly qualified for the position by reason of background and experience, including persons with appropriate management or leadership experience." after first sentence.

2003—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 108–136 struck out "(to the maximum extent practicable)" after "fulfill".

1986—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 99–661 substituted "five years" for "10 years".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–81 applicable with respect to appointments made on or after Dec. 27, 2021, see section 901(g) of Pub. L. 117–81, set out as a note under section 113 of this title.

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Provision by Secretary of the Air Force of Meteorological Data for Air Force and Army

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title III, §321, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1853, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide meteorological and environmental services for operations of the Department of the Air Force and shall provide meteorological services for the Department of the Army.

"(b) Exception for Ballistics Data.—The requirement under subsection (a) shall not apply to meteorological ballistics data for the Department of the Army."

Rating Chains for System Program Managers

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title III, §323, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1696, provided that: "The Secretary of the Air Force, in managing system program management responsibilities for sustainment programs not assigned to a program executive officer or a direct reporting program manager, shall comply with the Department of Defense Instructions regarding assignment of program responsibility."

Executive Documents

Order of Succession

For order of succession in event of death, permanent disability, or resignation of Secretary of the Air Force, see Ex. Ord. No. 12909, Apr. 22, 1994, 59 F.R. 21909, listed in a table under section 3345 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§9014. Office of the Secretary of the Air Force

(a) There is in the Department of the Air Force an Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. The function of the Office is to assist the Secretary of the Air Force in carrying out his responsibilities.

(b) The Office of the Secretary of the Air Force is composed of the following:

(1) The Under Secretary of the Air Force.

(2) The Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force.

(3) The General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force.

(4) The Inspector General of the Department of the Air Force.

(5) The Chief of Legislative Liaison.

(6) The Air Reserve Forces Policy Committee.

(7) Such other offices and officials as may be established by law or as the Secretary of the Air Force may establish or designate.

(c)(1) The Office of the Secretary of the Air Force shall have sole responsibility within the Office of the Secretary, the Air Staff, and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations for the following functions:

(A) Acquisition.

(B) Auditing.

(D) Information management.

(E) Inspector General.

(F) Legislative affairs.

(G) Public affairs.

(2) Subject to paragraph (6), the Secretary of the Air Force shall establish or designate a single office or other entity within the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force to conduct each function specified in paragraph (1). No office or other entity may be established or designated within the Air Staff or the Office of the Chief of Space Operations to conduct any of the functions specified in paragraph (1).

(3) The Secretary shall prescribe the relationship of each office or other entity established or designated under paragraph (2) to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Air Staff, and to the Chief of Space Operations and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations, and shall ensure that each such office or entity provides the Chief of Staff and Chief of Space Operations such staff support as the Chief concerned considers necessary to perform the Chief's duties and responsibilities.

(4) The vesting in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force of the responsibility for the conduct of a function specified in paragraph (1) does not preclude other elements of the executive part of the Department of the Air Force (including the Air Staff and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations) from providing advice or assistance to the Chief of Staff and the Chief of Space Operations or otherwise participating in that function within the executive part of the Department under the direction of the office assigned responsibility for that function in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force.

(5) The head of the office or other entity established or designated by the Secretary to conduct the auditing function shall have at least five years of professional experience in accounting or auditing. The position shall be considered to be a career reserved position as defined in section 3132(a)(8) of title 5.

(6) Notwithstanding section 1702 of title 41, the Secretary of the Air Force may assign to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration duties and authorities of the senior procurement executive that pertain to space systems and programs.

(d)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force shall have sole responsibility within the Office of the Secretary, the Air Staff, and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations for the function of research and development.

(2) The Secretary of the Air Force may assign to the Air Staff and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations responsibility for those aspects of the function of research and development that relate to military requirements and test and evaluation.

(3) The Secretary shall establish or designate a single office or other entity within the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force to conduct the function specified in paragraph (1).

(4) The Secretary shall prescribe the relationship of the office or other entity established or designated under paragraph (3) to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Air Staff, and to the Chief of Space Operations and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations, and shall ensure that each such office or entity provides the Chief of Staff and Chief of Space Operations such staff support as the Chief concerned considers necessary to perform the Chief's duties and responsibilities.

(e) The Secretary of the Air Force shall ensure that the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, the Air Staff, and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations do not duplicate specific functions for which the Secretary has assigned responsibility to any of the others.

(f)(1) The total number of members of the armed forces and civilian employees of the Department of the Air Force assigned or detailed to permanent duty in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force and on the Air Staff may not exceed 2,750.

(2) Not more than 1,650 officers of the Air Force on the active-duty list may be assigned or detailed to permanent duty in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force and on the Air Staff.

(3) The total number of general officers assigned or detailed to permanent duty in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force and on the Air Staff may not exceed 60.

(4) The limitations in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) do not apply in time of war.

(5) Each limitation in paragraphs (1) and (2) may be exceeded by a number equal to 15 percent of such limitation in time of national emergency.

(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title V, §521(a)(3), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1057, §8014; amended Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, §1314(b)(7), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1175; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title III, §325(c), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1955; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §652(a)(4), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1461; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(a)(29), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1225; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §504(e)(2), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2533; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §903(e), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2344; renumbered §9014, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §806(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §901(a)(5), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1542; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §923(b)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3807; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title IX, §905(b)(1), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1872.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(2)(A), added par. (4) and struck out former par. (4) which read as follows: "The Inspector General of the Air Force."

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(2)(B)(i), substituted ", the Air Staff, and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations" for "and the Air Staff".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 117–81, §905(b)(1)(A), substituted "Subject to paragraph (6), the Secretary of the Air Force shall" for "The Secretary of the Air Force shall".

Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(2)(B)(ii), inserted "or the Office of the Chief of Space Operations" after "the Air Staff".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(2)(B)(iii), substituted "to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Air Staff, and to the Chief of Space Operations and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations, and shall ensure that each such office or entity provides the Chief of Staff and Chief of Space Operations such staff support as the Chief concerned considers necessary to perform the Chief's duties and responsibilities." for "to the Chief of Staff and to the Air Staff and shall ensure that each such office or entity provides the Chief of Staff such staff support as the Chief of Staff considers necessary to perform his duties and responsibilities."

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(2)(B)(iv), inserted "and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations" after "the Air Staff" and "and the Chief of Space Operations" after "Chief of Staff".

Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 117–81, §905(b)(1)(B), added par. (6).

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(2)(C)(i), substituted ", the Air Staff, and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations" for "and the Air Staff".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(2)(C)(ii), inserted "and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations" after "the Air Staff".

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(2)(C)(iii), substituted "to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Air Staff, and to the Chief of Space Operations and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations, and shall ensure that each such office or entity provides the Chief of Staff and Chief of Space Operations such staff support as the Chief concerned considers necessary to perform the Chief's duties and responsibilities." for "to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and to the Air Staff and shall ensure that each such office or entity provides the Chief of Staff such staff support as the Chief of Staff considers necessary to perform his duties and responsibilities."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(2)(D), substituted ", the Air Staff, and the Office of the Chief of Space Operations" for "and the Air Staff" and "to any of the others" for "to the other".

2019—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 116–92, §901(a)(5)(A), substituted "2,750" for "2,639".

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 116–92, §901(a)(5)(B), substituted "1,650" for "1,585".

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 8014 of this title as this section.

2016—Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 114–328, §903(e)(1), substituted "time of war." for "time of war or during a national emergency declared by the President or Congress. The limitation in paragraph (2) does not apply whenever the President determines that it is in the national interest to increase the number of officers assigned or detailed to permanent duty in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force or on the Air Staff."

Subsec. (f)(5). Pub. L. 114–328, §903(e)(2), added par. (5).

2002—Subsec. (b)(5) to (7). Pub. L. 107–314 added par. (5) and redesignated former pars. (5) and (6) as (6) and (7), respectively.

2001—Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 107–107 substituted "60" for "the number equal to 85 percent of the number of general officers assigned or detailed to such duty on the date of the enactment of this subsection".

1989—Subsec. (f)(5). Pub. L. 101–189 struck out par. (5) which read as follows: "The limitations in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) do not apply before October 1, 1988."

1988—Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 100–456 added par. (5).

1987—Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 100–180 inserted "the President or" after "declared by".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Requirements of subsec. (c)(5) of this section applicable with respect to any person appointed on or after Sept. 29, 1988, as head of office or other entity designated for conducting auditing function in a military department, see section 325(d)(1) of Pub. L. 100–456, set out as a note under section 8014 of this title.

Effective Date

Subsecs. (c) and (d) of this section to be implemented not later than 180 days after Oct. 1, 1986, see section 532(a) of Pub. L. 99–433, set out as a note under section 7014 of this title.

Exceptions and Adjustments to Limitations on Personnel

Baseline personnel limitations in this section inapplicable to certain acquisition personnel and personnel hired pursuant to a shortage category designation for fiscal year 2009 and fiscal years thereafter, and Secretary of Defense or a secretary of a military department authorized to adjust such limitations for fiscal year 2009 and fiscal years thereafter, see section 1111 of Pub. L. 110–417, set out as a note under section 143 of this title.

§9015. Under Secretary of the Air Force

(a) There is an Under Secretary of the Air Force, appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) The Under Secretary shall perform such duties and exercise such powers as the Secretary of the Air Force may prescribe.

(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title V, §521(a)(3), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1058, §8015; renumbered §9015, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §806(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 8013 of this title prior to enactment of Pub. L. 99–433.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 8015 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Executive Documents

Order of Succession

§9016. Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force

(a) There are five Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force. They shall be appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b)(1) The Assistant Secretaries shall perform such duties and exercise such powers as the Secretary of the Air Force may prescribe.

(2) One of the Assistant Secretaries shall be the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. He shall have as his principal duty the overall supervision of manpower and reserve component affairs of the Department of the Air Force.

(3)(A) One of the Assistant Secretaries shall be the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management.

(B) The Assistant Secretary shall be appointed from among persons who have significant budget, financial management, or audit experience in complex organizations.

(C) The principal responsibility of the Assistant Secretary shall be the exercise of the comptroller functions of the Department of the Air Force, including financial management functions. The Assistant Secretary shall be responsible for all financial management activities and operations of the Department of the Air Force and shall advise the Secretary of the Air Force on financial management.

(4)(A) One of the Assistant Secretaries shall be the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. The principal duty of the Assistant Secretary shall be the overall supervision of acquisition, technology, and logistics matters of the Department of the Air Force.

(B) The Assistant Secretary shall have a Principal Military Deputy, who shall be an officer of the Air Force on active duty. The Principal Military Deputy shall be appointed from among officers who have significant experience in the areas of acquisition and program management. The position of Principal Military Deputy shall be designated as a critical acquisition position under section 1731 of this title. In the event of a vacancy in the position of Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, the Principal Military Deputy may serve as Acting Assistant Secretary for a period of not more than one year.

(5)(A) One of the Assistant Secretaries shall be the Assistant Secretary for Energy, Installations, and Environment.

(B) The principal duty of the Assistant Secretary for Energy, Installations, and Environment shall be the overall supervision of energy, installation, and environment matters for the Department of the Air Force.

(6)(A) One of the Assistant Secretaries is the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration.

(B) Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of the Air Force, the Assistant Secretary shall do as follows:

(i) Be responsible for and oversee all architecture and integration with respect to the acquisition of the space systems and programs of the armed forces, including in support of the Chief of Space Operations under section 9082 of this title.

(ii) Act as the chair of the Space Acquisition Council under section 9021 of this title.

(iii) Advise the service acquisition executive of the Air Force with responsibility for space systems and programs (including for all major defense acquisition programs under chapter 144 ¹ of this title for space) on the acquisition of such systems and programs by the Air Force.

(iv) Oversee and direct each of the following:

(I) The Space Rapid Capabilities Office under section 2273a of this title.

(II) The Space Systems Command.

(III) The Space Development Agency with respect to acquisition decisions.

(v) Advise and synchronize acquisition projects for all space systems and programs of the Air Force, including projects for space systems and programs responsibility for which is transferred to the Assistant Secretary pursuant to section 956(b)(3) of the United States Space Force Act.

(vi) Effective as of the date specified in section 957(d) of such Act, and in accordance with such section 957, serve as the Service Acquisition Executive of the Department of the Air Force for Space Systems and Programs and discharge any senior procurement executive duties and authorities assigned by the Secretary of the Air Force pursuant to section 9014(c)(6) of this title.

(C) The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration shall have a Principal Military Deputy for Space Acquisition and Integration, who shall be an officer of the Space Force on active duty. The Principal Military Deputy for Space Acquisition and Integration shall be appointed from among officers who have significant experience in the areas of acquisition and program management. The position of Principal Military Deputy for Space Acquisition and Integration shall be designated as a critical acquisition position under section 1731 of this title. In the event of a vacancy in the position of Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, the Principal Military Deputy for Space Acquisition and Integration may serve as Acting Assistant Secretary for Space Acquisition and Integration for a period of not more than one year.

(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title V, §521(a)(3), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1058, §8016; amended Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VII, §702(c)[(1)], (d), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1995, 1996; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title IX, §908(c), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 278; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §502(ii), title VIII, §802(c), title IX, §934(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2105, 2249, 2365; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title IX, §921(c), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1524; renumbered §9016, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §806(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §861(j)(16), title IX, §§911(c), 956(b)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1520, 1559, 1565; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XVI, §1601(c), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4042; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title IX, §905(a)(2)(B), (b)(2), title XVI, §1602(a)(2), (b)(2), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1872, 2076, 2077; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVI, §1604, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 586; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, §521(i), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1882.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Chapter 144 of this title, referred to in subsec. (b)(6)(B)(iii), was repealed by Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XVIII, §1881(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4293, effective Jan. 1, 2022, in conjunction with the transfer and reorganization of acquisition provisions in this title by Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XVIII, Jan. 1, 2022, 134 Stat. 4149.

Section 956(b)(3) of the United States Space Force Act and section 957 of that Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(6)(B)(v), (vi), are sections 956(b)(3) and 957, respectively, of subtitle D of title IX of div. A of Pub. L. 116–92, which are set out as notes under this section.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 3013 of this title prior to enactment of Pub. L. 99–433.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (b)(6)(B)(iv)(II). Pub. L. 118–159 substituted "Space Systems Command" for "Space and Missile Systems Center".

2023—Subsec. (b)(6)(C). Pub. L. 118–31 added subpar. (C).

2021—Subsec. (b)(6)(B)(i). Pub. L. 117–81, §1602(b)(2), amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (i) read as follows: "Be responsible for all architecture and integration of the Air Force for space systems and programs, including in support of the Chief of Space Operations under section 9082 of this title."

Subsec. (b)(6)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 117–81, §1602(a)(2), substituted "Space Force Acquisition Council" for "Space Force Acquisition Council".

Subsec. (b)(6)(B)(iv)(III). Pub. L. 116–283 inserted "with respect to acquisition decisions" before period at end.

Subsec. (b)(6)(B)(vi). Pub. L. 117–81, §905(a)(2)(B), (b)(2), substituted "Effective as of October 1, 2022, in accordance with section 957 of that Act," for "Effective as of October 1, 2022, in accordance with section 957 of that Act," and inserted "and discharge any senior procurement executive duties and authorities assigned by the Secretary of the Air Force pursuant to section 9014(c)(6) of this title" after "Space Systems and Programs".

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–92, §956(b)(1)(A), substituted "five" for "four".

Subsec. (b)(4)(B). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(j)(16), substituted "under section 1731 of this title" for "under section 1733 of this title".

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 116–92, §911(c), added par. (5).

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 116–92, §956(b)(1)(B), added par. (6).

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 8016 of this title as this section.

2017—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 115–91 designated first sentence as subpar. (A), designated second and third sentences as subpar. (C) and, in subpar. (C), substituted "The principal responsibility of the Assistant Secretary shall be" for "The Assistant Secretary shall have as his principal responsibility", and added subpar. (B).

2016—Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 114–328, §934(a), substituted "Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics" for "Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition" and inserted ", technology, and logistics" after "acquisition".

Subsec. (b)(4)(B). Pub. L. 114–328, §802(c), inserted at end "In the event of a vacancy in the position of Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, the Principal Military Deputy may serve as Acting Assistant Secretary for a period of not more than one year."

Pub. L. 114–328, §502(ii), substituted "an officer" for "a lieutenant general".

2008—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 110–181 added par. (4).

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–456, §702(d), substituted "four" for "three".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 100–456, §702(c)[(1)], added par. (3).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §934(b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2365, provided that: "Any reference to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be deemed to be a reference to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics."

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

For applicability of appointment qualifications imposed by section 921 of Pub. L. 115–91 to certain appointments made on or after Dec. 12, 2017, see section 921(d) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 3016 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VII, §702(e)(2), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1996, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (c) and (d) [enacting section 8022 of this title and amending this section] shall take effect on July 1, 1989, except that such amendments shall take effect on such earlier date, but not before January 21, 1989, as may be prescribed by the President in advance by Executive order."

Senior Advisor for Space Command, Control, and Integration

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title XVI, §1607, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2162, provided that:

"(a) Designation.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024], the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, acting as the service acquisition executive for the Air Force for space systems and programs, shall designate from among qualified officers and employees of the Department of Defense a Senior Advisor for Space Command, Control, and Integration.

"(b) Responsibilities.—The Senior Advisor shall be responsible for conducting oversight of all acquisition efforts within the authority of the Assistant Secretary with respect to developing, upgrading, deploying, and sustaining space command, control, and integration to meet the space command, control, and integration requirements of the combatant commands, including by monitoring system-level integration of each of the following:

"(1) Space domain sensors.

"(2) Space catalog.

"(3) Target recognition.

"(4) Weapons system selection and control.

"(5) Battle damage assessment.

"(6) Associated communications among elements of the space control and command architecture of the Department of Defense.

"(c) Notification.—Not later than 10 days after the date on which a designation is made under subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary shall notify the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] of such designation.

"(d) Annual Review.—Not later than June 30 of each year, the Space Acquisition Council established by section 9021 of title 10, United States Code, shall review whether the requirements of the United States Space Command with respect to space command, control, and integration are being fulfilled.

"(e) Annual Briefing.—At the same time as the submission of each budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, through fiscal year 2029, the Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the Commander of the United States Space Command, shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the status of all space command, control, and integration activities to support the missions of the Armed Forces. The briefing shall include—

"(1) accomplishments achieved in the year prior to the submission of the respective budget; and

"(2) actions to meet the requirements of the United States Space Command with respect to space command, control, and integration that will be taken during the period covered by the most recent future-years defense program submitted under section 221 of title 10, United States Code, as of the date of the briefing."

Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §956(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1565, provided that:

"(a) Redesignation of Principal Assistant for Space as Assistant Secretary for Space Acquisition and Integration.—

"(1) In general.—The Principal Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force for Space is hereby redesignated as the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration.

"(2) References.—Any reference to the Principal Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force for Space in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be deemed to be a reference to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration."

Transfer of Acquisition Projects for Space Systems and Programs

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §956(b)(3), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1566, as amended by Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title IX, §905(a)(2)(A), title XVI, §1602(b)(3), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1871, 2077, provided that: "Effective on the date specified in section 957(d), the Secretary of the Air Force shall transfer to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration under paragraph (6) of section 9016(b) of title 10, United States Code (as added by this subsection), responsibility for architecture and integration of any acquisition projects for space systems and programs of the Armed Forces that are under the oversight or direction of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition as of the day before the date specified in section 957(d)."

[Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVI, §1602(b)(3), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2077, which directed substitution of "of the Armed Forces" for "of the Air Force", was executed by making the substitution after "space systems and programs" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.]

Service Acquisition Executive of the Department of the Air Force for Space Systems and Programs

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §957, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1566, as amended by Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XVI, §1605, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4044; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title IX, §905(a)(1), title XVI, §1607(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1871, 2079, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Effective on the date specified in subsection (d), there shall be within the Department of the Air Force a Service Acquisition Executive of the Department of the Air Force for Space Systems and Programs.

"(b) Service.—

"(1) In general.—Effective as of the date specified in subsection (d) and subject to paragraph (2), the individual serving as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration under paragraph (6) of section 9016(b) of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 1832(b) [probably should be "section 956(b)"] of this Act), shall also serve as the Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs.

"(2) Incumbent.—The individual serving as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration as of the date specified in subsection (d) may also serve as the Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs pursuant to paragraph (1) only if appointed as the Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, pursuant to a nomination submitted to the Senate on or after that date.

"(c) Authorities and Responsibilities.—

"(1) In general.—The Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs shall have within the Department of the Air Force all the authorities and responsibilities of a service acquisition executive under section 1704 of title 10, United States Code, and other applicable law, for the Department of the Air Force with respect to space systems and programs.

"(2) Separate sae within the air force.—The Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs shall be in addition to the service acquisition executive in the Department of the Air Force for all acquisition matters of the Department of the Air Force other than with respect to space systems and programs.

"(3) Guidance on relationship among saes.—Not later than the date specified in subsection (d), and from time to time thereafter, the Secretary of the Air Force shall issue guidance for the Department of the Air Force on the authorities and responsibilities of the Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs and the authorities and responsibilities of the service acquisition executive of the Department for all acquisition matters of the Department other than with respect to space systems and programs.

"(4) Commercial satellite communications services.—

"(A) Authority.—Beginning on the date specified in subparagraph (B), the Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs shall be responsible for the procurement of commercial satellite communications services for the Department of Defense.

"(B) Date specified.—The date specified in this subparagraph is the date that is 120 days after the date on which the Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs submits to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a plan for delegating the authority under subparagraph (A) to a subordinate acquisition command within the Space Force.

"(C) Responsibility during interim period.—During the period preceding the date specified in subparagraph (B), the Chief of Space Operations shall be responsible for the procurement of commercial satellite communications services for the Department of Defense.

"(5) Programs of record and commercial capabilities.—Prior to establishing a program of record, the Service Acquisition Executive for Space Systems and Programs shall determine whether existing or planned commercially available capabilities could meet all or a portion of the requirements for that proposed program. Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Service Acquisition Executive makes such a positive determination, the Service Acquisition Executive shall submit to the congressional defense committees a notification of the results of the determination.

"(d) Date Specified.—The date specified in this subsection is a date determined by the Secretary of the Air Force that is not later than October 1, 2022."

¹ See References in Text note below.

§9017. Secretary of the Air Force: successors to duties

If the Secretary of the Air Force dies, resigns, is removed from office, is absent, or is disabled, the person who is highest on the following list, and who is not absent or disabled, shall perform the duties of the Secretary until the President, under section 3347 ¹ of title 5, directs another person to perform those duties or until the absence or disability ceases:

(1) The Under Secretary of the Air Force.

(2) The Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force, in the order prescribed by the Secretary of the Air Force and approved by the Secretary of Defense.

(3) The General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force.

(4) The Chief of Staff.

(5) The Chief of Space Operations.

(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 489, §8017; Pub. L. 89–718, §23, Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1118; Pub. L. 90–235, §4(a)(9), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 760; Pub. L. 99–433, title V, §521(a)(4), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1058; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title IX, §902(c), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2823; renumbered §9017, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §806(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §923(b)(3), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3808.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
8017(a) 8017(b)	5:626–1(b). 5:626–1(c).	Sept. 19, 1951, ch. 407, §102 (less (a)), 65 Stat. 327.

In subsection (a), the word "person" is substituted for the words "officer of the United States". The words "until a successor is appointed" are omitted as surplusage.

Subsection (b) is substituted for 5:626–1(c) and states the effect of section 8544(b) of this title.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 3347 of title 5, referred to in text, was repealed and a new section 3347 was enacted by Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title I, §151(b), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–611, and, as so enacted, no longer contains provisions authorizing the President to direct temporary successors to duties. See section 3345 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendments

2021—Par. (5). Pub. L. 116–283 added par. (5).

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 8017 of this title as this section.

1994—Pars. (3), (4). Pub. L. 103–337 added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (4).

1986—Pub. L. 99–433 struck out subsec. (a) designation, substituted in par. (2) ", in the order prescribed by the Secretary of the Air Force and approved by the Secretary of Defense" for "in order of their length of service as such", and struck out subsec. (b) which read as follows: "Performance of the duties of the Secretary by the Chief of Staff or any officer of the Air Force designated under section 3347 of title 5 shall not be considered as the holding of a civil office within the meaning of section 973(b) of this title."

1968—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–235 substituted "section 973(b) of this title" for "section 8544(b) of this title".

1966—Pub. L. 89–718 substituted "section 3347 of title 5" for "section 6 of title 5" wherever appearing.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Executive Documents

Order of Succession

¹ See References in Text note below.

§9018. Administrative Assistant

The Secretary of the Air Force may appoint an Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. The Administrative Assistant shall perform such duties as the Secretary may prescribe.

(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title V, §521(a)(5), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1059, §8018; renumbered §9018, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §806(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 8018 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

§9019. General Counsel

(a) There is a General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force, appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) The General Counsel shall perform such functions as the Secretary of the Air Force may prescribe.

(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title V, §521(a)(5), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1059, §8019; amended Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VII, §703(a), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1996; renumbered §9019, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §806(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 8019 of this title as this section.

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–456 inserted ", by and with the advice and consent of the Senate" before period at end.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–456 applicable to appointments made under this section on and after Sept. 29, 1988, see section 703(c) of Pub. L. 100–456, set out as a note under section 7019 of this title.

§9020. Inspector General

(a) There is an Inspector General of the Department of the Air Force who shall be detailed to such position by the Secretary of the Air Force from the general officers of the Air Force or the Space Force. An officer may not be detailed to such position for a tour of duty of more than four years, except that the Secretary may extend such a tour of duty if he makes a special finding that the extension is necessary in the public interest.

(b) When directed by the Secretary, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, or the Chief of Space Operations, the Inspector General shall—

(1) inquire into and report upon the discipline, efficiency, and economy of the Department of the Air Force; and

(2) perform any other duties prescribed by the Secretary, the Chief of Staff, or the Chief of Space Operations.

(c) The Inspector General shall periodically propose programs of inspections to the Secretary of the Air Force and shall recommend additional inspections and investigations as may appear appropriate.

(d) The Inspector General shall cooperate fully with the Inspector General of the Department of Defense in connection with the performance of any duty or function by the Inspector General of the Department of Defense under chapter 4 of title 5 regarding the Department of the Air Force.

(e) The Inspector General shall have such deputies and assistants as the Secretary of the Air Force may prescribe. Each such deputy and assistant shall be an officer detailed by the Secretary to that position from the officers of the Air Force or the Space Force for a tour of duty of not more than four years, under a procedure prescribed by the Secretary.

(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title V, §521(a)(5), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1059, §8020; renumbered §9020, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §806(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §923(b)(4), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3808; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(b)(32), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4346; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVII, §1741(a)(7), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 680.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31 struck out "the general, flag, or equivalent officers of" before "the Space Force".

2022—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "chapter 4 of title 5" for "the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App. 3)".

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(4)(A), inserted "Department of the" after "Inspector General of the" and "or the general, flag, or equivalent officers of the Space Force" after "general officers of the Air Force".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(4)(B)(i), substituted ", the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, or the Chief of Space Operations" for "or the Chief of Staff".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(4)(B)(ii), inserted "Department of the" before "Air Force".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(4)(B)(iii), substituted ", the Chief of Staff, or the Chief of Space Operations" for "or the Chief of Staff".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 116–283, §923(b)(4)(C), inserted "or the Space Force" before "for a tour of duty".

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 8020 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Service of Incumbents in Certain Positions Without Reappointment

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §923(f), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3820, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The individual serving in a position under a provision of law specified in paragraph (2) as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021] may continue to serve in such position after that date without further appointment as otherwise provided by such provision of law, notwithstanding the amendment of such provision of law by subsection (b).

"(2) Provisions of law.—The provisions of law specified in this paragraph are the provisions of title 10, United States Code, as follows:

"(A) Section 9020, relating to the Inspector General of the Department of the Air Force.

"(B) Section 9036. [sic] relating to the Surgeon General of the Air Force.

"(C) Section 9037(a), relating to the Judge Advocate General of the Air Force.

"(D) Section 9037(d), relating to the Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Air Force.

"(E) Section 9039, relating to the Chief of Chaplains for the Air Force and the Space Force."

§9021. Space Acquisition Council

(a) Establishment.—There is in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force a council to be known as the "Space Acquisition Council" (in this section referred to as the "Council").

(b) Members.—The members of the Council are as follows:

(1) The Under Secretary of the Air Force.

(2) The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, who shall act as chair of the Council.

(3) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy.

(4) The Director of the National Reconnaissance Office.

(5) The Chief of Space Operations.

(6) The Commander of the United States Space Command.

(c) Duties.—(1) The Council shall oversee, direct, and manage acquisition and integration space systems and programs of the armed forces in order to ensure integration across the national security space enterprise.

(2)(A) The Council shall promptly—

(i) review any determination made by the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration with respect to architecture for the space systems and programs of the armed forces under section 9016(b)(6)(B)(i) of this title, including the requirements for operating such space systems or programs; and

(ii) either—

(I) if the Council finds such a determination to be warranted, certify the determination; or

(II) if the Council finds such a determination not to be warranted, decline to certify the determination.

(B) Not later than 10 business days after the date on which the Council makes a finding with respect to a certification under subparagraph (A), the Council shall submit to the congressional defense committees a notification of the finding, including a detailed justification for the finding.

(C) Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration may not take any action to implement a determination referred to in subparagraph (A)(i) until 30 days has elapsed following the date on which the Council submits the notification under subparagraph (B).

(D)(i) The Secretary of Defense may waive subparagraph (C) in the event of an urgent national security requirement.

(ii) The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a notification of any waiver granted under clause (i), including a justification for the waiver.

(d) Meetings.—The Council shall meet not less frequently than monthly.

(e) Reports.—Not later than 30 days after the end of each calendar year quarter through the first calendar year quarter of 2025, the Council shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the activities of the Council during the calendar year quarter preceding the calendar year quarter in which such report is submitted.

(Added Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §954(a)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1564; amended Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVI, §1602(a)(1), (b)(1), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2075, 2076.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 9021 was renumbered section 9021a of this title.

Another prior section 9021 was renumbered section 9371 of this title.

Another prior section 9021, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 558, related to appointments in professional and scientific service, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 85–861, §36B(30), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1571.

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 117–81, §1602(a)(1)(A), struck out "Force" before "Acquisition" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–81, §1602(a)(1)(B), substituted " 'Space Acquisition Council' " for " 'Space Force Acquisition Council' ".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–81, §1602(b)(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Pub. L. 117–81, §1602(a)(1)(C), substituted "space systems and programs of the armed forces" for "of the Air Force for space systems and programs".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

References

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVI, §1602(a)(4), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2076, provided that: "Any reference to the Space Force Acquisition Council in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be deemed to be a reference to the Space Acquisition Council."

§9021a. Air Force Reserve Forces Policy Committee

There is in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force an Air Force Reserve Forces Policy Committee. The functions, membership, and organization of that committee are set forth in section 10305 of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1661(b)(4)(B), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2982, §8021; renumbered §9021, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §806(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833; renumbered §9021a, Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §954(a)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1564.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Pub. L. 116–92 renumbered section 9021 of this title as this section.

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 8021 of this title as section 9021 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Effective Date

Section effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as a note under section 10001 of this title.

§9022. Financial management

(a) The Secretary of the Air Force shall provide that the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management shall direct and manage financial management activities and operations of the Department of the Air Force, including ensuring that financial management systems of the Department of the Air Force comply with subsection (b). The authority of the Assistant Secretary for such direction and management shall include the authority to—

(1) supervise and direct the preparation of budget estimates of the Department of the Air Force and otherwise carry out, with respect to the Department of the Air Force, the functions specified for the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) in section 135(c) of this title;

(2) approve and supervise any project to design or enhance a financial management system for the Department of the Air Force; and

(3) approve the establishment and supervise the operation of any asset management system of the Department of the Air Force, including—

(A) systems for cash management, credit management, and debt collection; and

(B) systems for the accounting for the quantity, location, and cost of property and inventory.

(b)(1) Financial management systems of the Department of the Air Force (including accounting systems, internal control systems, and financial reporting systems) shall be established and maintained in conformance with—

(A) the accounting and financial reporting principles, standards, and requirements established by the Comptroller General under section 3511 of title 31; and

(B) the internal control standards established by the Comptroller General under section 3512 of title 31.

(2) Such systems shall provide for—

(A) complete, reliable, consistent, and timely information which is prepared on a uniform basis and which is responsive to the financial information needs of department management;

(B) the development and reporting of cost information;

(D) the systematic measurement of performance.

(c) The Assistant Secretary shall maintain a five-year plan describing the activities the Department of the Air Force proposes to conduct over the next five fiscal years to improve financial management. Such plan shall be revised annually.

(d) The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management shall transmit to the Secretary of the Air Force a report each year on the activities of the Assistant Secretary during the preceding year. Each such report shall include a description and analysis of the status of Department of the Air Force financial management.

(Added Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VII, §702(c)(2), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1995, §8022; amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title X, §1070(a)(15), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2856; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1503(b)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 512; renumbered §9022, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §806(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 9022, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 558, authorized Secretary of the Air Force to employ contract surgeons in an emergency, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 98–94, title IX, §932(c)(1), (f), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 650, effective Oct. 1, 1983, with provision for contracts existing on that date. See section 1091 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 8022 of this title as this section.

1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)" for "Comptroller of the Department of Defense".

1994—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "135(c)" for "137(c)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Effective Date

Section effective July 1, 1989, but with an earlier effective date, not before Jan. 21, 1989, if so prescribed by the President in advance by Executive order, see section 702(e)(2) of Pub. L. 100–456, set out as an Effective Date of 1988 Amendment note under section 9016 of this title.

§9023. Chief of Legislative Liaison

(a) There is a Chief of Legislative Liaison in the Department of the Air Force.

(b) The Chief of Legislative Liaison shall perform legislative affairs functions as specified for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force by section 9014(c)(1)(F) of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title V, §504(e)(1)(A), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2532, §8023; amended Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §502(jj), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2106; renumbered §9023 and amended Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §§806(c), 809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833, 1840.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 9023, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 558, related to employment of civilians in service club and library services, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 87–651, title I, §128(1), Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 514.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–232, §806(c), renumbered section 8023 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–232, §809(a), substituted "section 9014(c)(1)(F)" for "section 8014(c)(1)(F)".

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328 struck out second sentence which read as follows: "An officer assigned to that position shall be an officer in the grade of major general."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

§9023a. Legislative Liaison of the Space Force

(a) Establishment.—There is a Legislative Liaison of the Space Force.

(b) Functions.—The Legislative Liaison shall perform legislative affairs functions under the direction of the Chief of Space Operations.

(Added Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title V, §509B, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 243.)

§9024. Director of Small Business Programs

(a) Director.—There is a Director of Small Business Programs in the Department of the Air Force. The Director is appointed by the Secretary of the Air Force.

(b) Office of Small Business Programs.—The Office of Small Business Programs of the Department of the Air Force is the office that is established within the Department of the Air Force under section 15(k) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(k)). The Director of Small Business Programs is the head of such office.

(c) Duties and Powers.—(1) The Director of Small Business Programs shall, subject to paragraph (2), perform such duties regarding small business programs of the Department of the Air Force, and shall exercise such powers regarding those programs, as the Secretary of the Air Force may prescribe.

(2) Section 15(k) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(k)), except for the designations of the Director and the Office, applies to the Director of Small Business Programs.

(Added Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title IX, §904(e)(1), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3401, §8024; renumbered §9024, Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §806(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1833.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Prior sections 9025 and 9027 were renumbered sections 9375 and 9377 of this title, respectively.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–232 renumbered section 8024 of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

The Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization of the Department of the Air Force and the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization of the Department of the Air Force were redesignated the Director of Small Business Programs of the Department of the Air Force and the Office of Small Business Programs of the Department of the Air Force, respectively, by Pub. L. 109–163 which also provided that references to the former were deemed to refer to the latter. See section 904(a) of Pub. L. 109–163, set out as a note under section 144 of this title.

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

§9025. Office of Expanded Competition

(a) Establishment.—There is in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force an office to be known as the Office of Expanded Competition (in this section referred to as the "Office").

(b) Director.—The head of the Office shall be the Director. The Director shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Air Force from among employees of the Department of Defense with requisite subject matter expertise who—

(1) are in a Senior Executive Service position (as defined in section 3132 of title 5) at the time of appointment; or

(2) are not in a Senior Executive Service position at the time of appointment, but meet the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) for such a position.

(1) In consultation with other components of the Department of Defense and the Federal Government, conduct coordinated and integrated assessments of adversarial capital flows into industries or businesses of interest to the Department of Defense.

(2) Identify and prioritize promising critical technologies and assets for the Joint Force in need of capital assistance, including critical technologies and assets available from foreign entities.

(3) Fund investments in such technologies and assets, including supply chain technologies not always supported through direct investment.

(4) Support the coordination and outreach efforts of technology scouting and acquisition elements within the Department of Defense to enable investment decision-making by those elements that counteract entities employing adversarial capital flows against industries or businesses described in paragraph (1), including the employment of relevant authorities vested in other components of the Department and the Federal Government.

(5) Identify, accelerate, and sustain the establishment, research, development, construction, procurement, leasing, consolidation, alteration, improvement, modernization, and repair of tangible and intangible assets vital to the national security of the United States.

(6) Help the Department of Defense provide capital assistance to entities, including foreign entities, engaged in investments that facilitate the efforts of the Department.

(7) Experiment, prototype, test, or validate Government-developed or commercially developed analytical tools, processes, and tradecraft to improve the due diligence and investment analysis processes for the Department of Defense, including the employment of relevant delegated authorities vested in other components of the Department and the Federal Government.

(8) Assist the Secretary of Defense in developing access and placement using commercial means.

(9) Otherwise engage with, coordinate, and collaborate with other components of the Department of Defense and the Federal Government to maximize efficiencies and promote whole-of-government solutions to protect the national security of the United States.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "adversarial capital flow" means an investment by—

(A) the government of a country that is an adversary of the United States; or

(B) an entity organized under the laws of, or otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of, such a country.

(2) The term "capital assistance" means a loan, loan guarantee, or technical assistance.

(Added Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title IX, §924(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2039.)