Who commands the Air Force Service Component Commands?

• A. The Joint Chiefs of Staff.
• B. The Secretary of the Air Force.
• C. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
• D. A Commander, Air Force Forces (COMAFFOR).

Answer: (D)

The key idea is who has command authority over Air Force forces assigned to a Combatant Command. In joint operations, each Combatant Command has a service component commander, and for the Air Force that role is the Commander, Air Force Forces, or COMAFFOR. This officer has command authority over all Air Force forces assigned to that combatant command and acts as the air component commander within the joint force, coordinating air operations, logistics, and support with the joint commander. The Joint Chiefs of Staff provide military advice and oversee service matters but do not exercise theater command. The Secretary of the Air Force handles civilian leadership and oversight, not direct operational command. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force leads the Air Force and sets readiness and policy, but the theater’s day-to-day command is carried out by the COMAFFOR.