How do Combatant Commands utilize the forces provided by the Department of the Air Force?

Combatant Commands (CCMDs) utilize the forces provided by the Department of the Air Force primarily for conducting operations and missions. This involves employing the resources and capabilities of the Air Force to achieve strategic objectives across different regions and scenarios. The CCMDs focus on the execution of military operations, which include a wide range of tasks such as combat, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief, thereby ensuring that the forces are effectively integrated into the larger framework of national defense and security strategy.

This operational focus aligns with the purpose of the CCMDs, which is to ensure the readiness and effectiveness of military forces in various environments, responding promptly to threats and fulfilling commitments to allies and partners. The involvement in actual operations is a core function of the Combatant Commands, distinguishing it from activities like planning secret missions or managing training programs, which, while important, do not encapsulate the primary role of CCMDs in actively doing military missions.