What is the foundation of all other Air Force doctrines?

The foundation of all other Air Force doctrines is basic doctrine. Basic doctrine provides the overarching principles that guide the employment of air and space power. It lays the groundwork for operational and tactical doctrines by establishing fundamental concepts and philosophies that inform strategic decision-making and military operations.

Understanding basic doctrine is crucial because it defines the framework within which air and space forces operate. It encompasses shared principles and ideas that are universally applicable across all levels of operations, making it essential for all members of the Air Force to grasp these foundational concepts.

The other types of doctrine, such as operational, tactical, and crisis response, build upon or specialize within the framework established by basic doctrine. Operational doctrine translates the broad principles of basic doctrine into guidelines for conducting large-scale military operations, while tactical doctrine provides specific guidance on conducting battles and engagements. Crisis response doctrine focuses on specific plans and procedures used during crisis situations, which again relies on the foundational principles of basic doctrine.