1907-1947
The Air Force actually began as a part of the Army, then known as the Army Aeronautical Division and later as the Army Air Corps. The following is a quick overview of the evolution of today’s U.S. Air Force.
- Aeronautical Division, US Signal Corps
1 August 1907 - 18 July 1914 - Aviation Section, US Signal Corps
18 July 1914 - 20 May 1918 - Division of Military Aeronautics
20 May 1918 - 24 May 1918 - Air Service
24 May 1918 - 2 July 1926 - Air Corps*
2 July 1926 - 18 September 1947 - Army Air Forces
20 June 1941 - 18 September 1947 - United States Air Force
18 September 1947
*The Air Corps became a subordinate element of the Army Air Forces on 20 June 1941, and it continued to exist as a combat arm of the Army until 1947.
Source: Air Force Historical Studies Office, Joint Base Anacostia Bolling, DC.