Air Force and Air National Guard Birthday
Founded on September 18, 1947
As an ASVAB tutor, I believe in the importance of taking the time to honor American military holidays, observances, and anniversaries. Today, September 18, is the Air Force and Air National Guard’s Birthday. The official birthday of the Air Force is September 18, 1947. From the time the Wright brothers found a way to fly planes, the military has included aeronautical pursuits in their missions. The first aeronautical force in the United States military was the Signal Corps. This group provided visual communications through flags and torchlight from aerial balloons. It became an official branch of the Army in 1863. The name of military air service changed numerous times over the years. Some examples include the Air Service of the US Army, the Air Corps, and the Army Air Force. In 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act establishing the United States Air Force as a separate branch of the military. He signed this act while on board the first Air Force One.
