Who is responsible for the affairs of the Department of the Air Force?

The Secretary of the Air Force is responsible for the affairs of the Department of the Air Force. This position is a civilian role within the U.S. government, established to oversee the administrative and operational functions of the Air Force. The Secretary manages resources, personnel, and policy formulation, ensuring that the Air Force meets its strategic objectives and operational requirements.

While the President of the United States is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and the Secretary of Defense oversees all branches of the military, the Secretary of the Air Force specifically focuses on issues pertaining to the Air Force alone. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, on the other hand, is the highest-ranking military officer in the Air Force, responsible for the command, discipline, and organization of Air Force personnel, but does not hold the same level of authority over the management of the entire department. Thus, the unique responsibilities and authority designated to the Secretary of the Air Force make this choice the most appropriate in this context.