Air Combat Command (ACC), with headquarters at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia., is a major command created June 1, 1992, by combining its predecessors Strategic Air Command and Tactical Air Command. ACC is the primary provider of air combat forces to America's warfighting commanders.
To support global implementation of national security strategy, ACC operates fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, battle-management and electronic-combat aircraft. It also provides command, control, communications and intelligence systems, and conducts global information operations.
ACC's forces are organized under four numbered air forces -- including the 1st Air Force -- one Air Force Reserve numbered air force (10th Air Force) and four primary subordinate units.
For more information, visit Air Combat Command.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a binational United States and Canadian organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and aerospace control for North America. Aerospace warning includes the monitoring of manmade objects in space, and the detection, validation and warning of attack against North America whether by aircraft, missiles or space vehicles, utilizing mutual support arrangements with other commands. Aerospace control includes ensuring air sovereignty and air defense of the airspace of Canada and the United States.
To accomplish these critically important missions, NORAD continually adjusts its structure to meet the demands of a changing world. The commander is appointed by, and is responsible to, both the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Canada.
For more information, visit North American Aerospace Defense Command.
U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) was established Oct. 1, 2002 to provide command and control of Department of Defense (DoD) homeland defense efforts and to coordinate military assistance to civil authorities. USNORTHCOM defends America's homeland -- protecting our people, national power and freedom of action.
USNORTHCOM's specific mission:
Conduct operations to deter, prevent and defeat threats and aggression aimed at the United States, its territories and interests within the assigned area of responsibility (AOR)
As directed by the president or secretary of defense, provide military assistance to civil authorities including consequence management operations
For more information, visit United States Northern Command.
U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) was established September 23, 1985 as a unified combatant command of the United States Department of Defense, responsible for military operations in outer space, specifically all operations 100 kilometers and greater above mean sea level.
USSPACECOM's specific mission:
Working with Allies and Partners, plans, executes, and integrates military spacepower into multi-domain global operations in order to deter aggression, defend national interests, and when necessary, defeat threats.
For more information, visit United States Space Command