AFI1-2 — Commander's Responsibilities

AFI1-2 governs commander conduct, duties, responsibilities, mission execution, and leadership expectations.

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  • Publication number: AFI1-2
  • Title: COMMANDER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Date: 2025-09-15

View AFI1-2 on armypubs.army.mil


It addresses commander’s intent, mission command, trust, empowerment, risk management, data-driven decisions, and force readiness. It requires commanders to lead missions, develop personnel, and maintain a healthy command climate.

Applies to: This instruction applies specifically to commissioned officers holding command positions in the Regular or Reserve Components (RegAF, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard).

Topics covered

  • Commander conduct
  • Mission execution
  • Data-driven decisions
  • Force readiness
  • Commander’s intent
  • Mission command
  • Command climate

Questions and answers

What conduct must commanding officers and others in Air Force authority demonstrate?

All commanding officers and others in authority in the Air Force are required to show in themselves a good example of virtue, honor, patriotism, and subordination; to be vigilant in inspecting the conduct of all persons who are placed under their command; to guard against and suppress all dissolute and immoral practices, and to correct, according to the laws and regulations of the Air Force all persons who are guilty of them; and to take all necessary and proper measures, under the laws, regulations, and customs of the Air Force to promote and safeguard the morale, the physical well-being, and the general welfare of the officers and enlisted persons under their command or charge. (paragraph 2)

What must commanders collect for every decision?

Commanders must collect and leverage relevant data and information for every decision and manage risk with the information available to them. (paragraph 3)

What must commanders continually assess for force readiness?

Commanders must continually assess their organization’s overall readiness to compete with a peer adversary, then strive to optimize training and resources for success in the high-end fight. (paragraph 3)

What must commanders provide to create a shared sense of purpose?

Commanders must provide a clear, concise vision of the operation or task, the desired outcome, and acceptable risks to create a shared sense of purpose for subordinates. (paragraph 3)

How must commanders empower subordinate decision-making?

Within the scope of their authority, commanders must empower subordinate decision-making for flexibility, initiative, and responsiveness through trust, shared awareness and understanding of the commander’s intent. (paragraph 3)

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