HQDAFMD1-1 — Headquarters Department Of The Air Force (hq Daf)

HQDAFMD1-1 governs the Department of the Air Force mission, organizational relationships, authority, and succession.

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  • Publication number: HQDAFMD1-1
  • Title: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE (HQ DAF)
  • Date: 2026-04-08

View HQDAFMD1-1 on armypubs.army.mil


It describes the Department of the Air Force mission, the structure and relationships of HQ DAF, and the roles of senior officials. It establishes assignments and delegations of authority and specifies the order of succession for the Secretary of the Air Force.

Applies to: COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY

Topics covered

  • Department of the Air Force mission
  • Organizational relationships
  • Delegations of authority
  • HQ DAF structure
  • Secretary of the Air Force succession
  • Air Staff and Space Staff

Questions and answers

How is the Department of the Air Force organized?

The Department of the Air Force, pursuant to Title 10 United States Code (U.S.C.) §§ 9011 and 9013, is organized under the Secretary of the Air Force (SecAF) who is appointed from civilian life by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. (paragraph 1)

What is the chain of command for the Department of the Air Force?

The chain of command for purposes other than operational direction of forces assigned to Combatant Commands, runs from the President through the Secretary of War to the SecAF and, as prescribed by SecAF, to the commanders of air and space forces. (paragraph 2)

What authority does the Under Secretary of the Air Force have?

Except as expressly prohibited by law or the Secretary of War or the SecAF, the Under Secretary of the Air Force has full power and authority to act for the SecAF and to exercise the powers of the SecAF upon all matters concerning which the SecAF is authorized to act pursuant to law. (paragraph 2)

What requirements apply to reassignments and redelegations?

Reassignments of responsibility and redelegations of SecAF authority must be in writing, legally defensible, consistent with applicable law and Department of War policy, and signed by the affected principal officials. (paragraph 3)

What organizations compose HQ DAF?

The HQ DAF is the executive part of the Department of the Air Force, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 101, that supports and assists the SecAF in carrying out his or her responsibilities including the administration of the Department’s activities, personnel, and organizations. (paragraph 1)

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