An Air Force Instruction (AFI) is a documented instruction for members of the United States Air Force

United States Air Force

The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...

 intended for use by active duty, guard, and reserve members and associated civilians. It is one of many forms of directives published by the Air Force Departmental Publishing Office (AFDPO). In almost all cases, an Air Force Instruction is a form of a general order

General order

In militaries, a general order is a published directive, originated by a commander, and binding upon all personnel under his command, the purpose of which is to enforce a policy or procedure unique to his unit's situation which is not otherwise addressed in applicable service regulations, military...

; and violation of the AFI by an Airman

Airman

An airman is a member of the air component of a nation's armed service. In the United States Air Force and the Royal Air Force , it can also refer to a specific enlisted rank...

 subject to it can be punished under the Uniform Code of Military Justice

Uniform Code of Military Justice

The Uniform Code of Military Justice , is the foundation of military law in the United States. It is was established by the United States Congress in accordance with the authority given by the United States Constitution in Article I, Section 8, which provides that "The Congress shall have Power . ....

.

Examples

Some examples of an Air Force Instruction is AFI 11-202 General Flight Rules which specifies operational flying procedures; AFI 36-2903 Dress and Appearance of Air Force Personnel which outlines Air Force uniform wear and grooming standards; AFI 36-2618 Enlisted Force Structure which explains each enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force, and the expectations and responsibilities for each; and AFI 36-2905 Fitness Program which explains the Air Force Fitness program and describes how it is to be implemented.

Air Force members are required to know, understand, and implement AFIs which apply to their duties and responsibilities.