What is the role of the CSAF in relation to the Secretary of the Air Force?

• A. The CSAF acts as an agent for the Secretary, carrying out recommendations and plans.
• B. The CSAF has independent authority.
• C. The CSAF outranks the Secretary.
• D. The CSAF reports to Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Answer: (A)

The central idea is civilian control: the Secretary of the Air Force sets policy and has authority over the department, while the Chief of Staff serves to carry out that direction. The CSAF acts as the Secretary’s agent by translating the Secretary’s recommendations and plans into the organization, training, and operations of the Air Force. He provides military advice, but he operates under the Secretary’s direction and cannot act independently or outrank the Secretary. He also does not report to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, though he is a member of the JCS for coordination. In short, the CSAF implements the Secretary’s decisions as the senior uniformed representative of the Air Force.