What are the core missions of the Air Force?

The core missions of the Air Force are fundamentally aligned with national defense and modern warfare requirements. The correct choice highlights five critical missions: Air and Space Superiority, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Rapid Global Mobility, Global Strike, and Command and Control.

Air and Space Superiority is essential as it ensures control over both aerial and outer space operations, significantly impacting a nation's ability to operate without interference from adversaries. ISR is crucial for gathering intelligence to inform decision-making and operational planning, providing a comprehensive understanding of the battlefield environment. Rapid Global Mobility emphasizes the ability to project forces anywhere in the world at a moment's notice, which is vital for responding to threats and humanitarian needs swiftly. Global Strike involves the capability to deliver precise and powerful responses to threats globally, ensuring deterrence is maintained against adversaries. Lastly, Command and Control encompasses the systems and processes used to exercise authority and direction over military forces, ensuring coordinated efforts during operations.

The other choices provided focus on different aspects of military operations and support functions but do not encapsulate the primary combat missions and strategic objectives essential to the Air Force's role in national defense.