The UNSC Air Force is the smallest and least well-funded branch of the UNSC, often being the butt of many jokes by the other three branches. Despite that, the Air Force has many important roles in the UNSCDF, most notably, they are in charge of all planet side Aircraft, out width the Marine and Army Air Corps. This includes taking on a more traditional Naval role of operating all water base aircraft carriers and manning most surface based airfields. They are also in charge of the vast majority of the ICBM and IPBM nuclear missiles. The Air Force commands two ground side fighting forces, the Special Air Regiment (SAR) and the Air Force Regiment (AF Reg), with the former having two separate sections, the AFBaG (Air Force BattleGroup) Protection Detail and the Apache Programme. The Apache programme is the most elite force of the UNSCAF, taking orders from the AFISA (Air Force Intelligence and Security Agency) as well as SAR command. They specialise in a similar role to the Marine Insertion Corps (MIC) Pathfinders, dropping in behind enemy lines via space diving to carry out scouting or clandestine roles. The Intelligence branch of the Air Force, AFISA, deals with all the Research and Development (see Broadsword/Sabre/Flensburger), as well as more clandestine operations.

An Idiots Guide to the Air Force | Authored by Yao Yuhan

C12: The Facility

The two particle cannons had been, for thousands of years, standing proud over the landscape, constantly on guard, constantly watching. Now they were nothing more than scrap metal, the drones scanning recycling the metal as the mammoth recharged its capacitors. Lasky, Palmer, Gardyne, Dawes, and the head of Gypsy Company, Major McMahon, stood around the table with the Red team as they looked over the Holotable with the REQ-153-N and the surrounding landscape on display. "So this Intel is brand new, now we can get slower UAVs into the air. It shows us that the Covies have secured their position and are holding strong. The facility was designed to be in a defensible position, there are these lips on the approach that prevent armour and vehicles from making an approach and meaning that people have to approach, at most, two abreast. They also have positions that are ideal for anti-aircraft placements. This means that we are going to have to send in Alpha, Red and Sydney teams."

"I see, so Gypsy and Belfast Three are to hold back as reinforcements and consolidations teams while Spec Ops go in." The Dawes said. "We should leave behind a platoon to aid Apex team in keeping the mammoth locked down."

"I agree, since Belfast Three is a Mortar Specialist Platoon, they should stay behind and provide mortar fire. It also means that we keep Gypsy together as one unit without splitting command." Lasky said. "Okay, it sounds like a plan. Red will go down the centre, with Palmer and Sydney taking the right flank. Alpha, you with your silenced weapons will provide a rear flank and take the enemy from behind, I managed to requisition your team a jetpack and a portable stealth system." Sarah pouted a bit; Lasky turned to her and smiled. "Commander, Spartans aren't the only ones who get to play with the toys."

"I didn't say anything Commander." She raised her hands in defence.

"Major Gardyne, they are sitting in the hanger for you, they should have MOLLE attachment capabilities, so just attach it to the back of your vest. Get your team prepped. You're Gardyne, Dawes and McMahon, you are dismissed." The three marines saluted and left to the table. "Palmer, keep Sydney in line, make sure that they don't show off just because there are II's about. They are professional soldiers. Tell them that. Go get your team prepped Sarah." She nodded and walked off downstairs. "And you four, I need to tell you that unlike the II's or III's, the IV's are soldiers, from all three branches. So it's no surprise that some of them are less disciplined than what you are used to. Keep that in mind. I've known you guys will do the job no matter what, no real complaints, unless it's dire, only constructive criticism. Just don't be surprised if the IV's are not what you are used to."

"Thanks for the heads up. Sir, but I'm sure that Palmer will keep them in line."

"Very well. The op it green lit to go in five. Restock, eat, drink, weapon check, or whatever you can do. You're dismissed Spartans." The Four came to attention and saluted, in the crispest and precise way possible. Lasky Returned the salute and the four were on their way out. I should make Palmer take notes. Tom smiled at the thought.

Team Alpha stood small but proud next to the two Spartan teams, a war photographer took a picture the fourteen Spec Ops soldiers. Matas and Cuvier waved at the camera. The MIC Pathfinders had what equated to a micro-fusion battery, a capacitor and a reverse-engineered Covenant active camouflage generator, stuck in a box, with a standard issue jet pack underneath. Fiddling with their TAC pads, to function tested their active camo, the system activated and the team disappeared. Deactivating the system to reduce capacitor strain, the team reappeared. Gardyne turned to his Spartan counterparts. "Master Chief, Ma'am, we are all set, systems are green."

"Good Major." She activated her com. "Lasky, this is Palmer, we are good to go, shall we proceed with the mission? Over."

"I read you, Palmer, proceed. We'll send in air support if you have cleared the AO of Anti-Air elements. Over."

"Will do sir. Palmer out." She cut the line. "Ready up, we're moving out."

"Ma'am." Came to the response of the three teams. The force broke off into their respective teams and made for their attack routes. The pathfinders using their active-camo and jetpacks to hop up the difficult terrain and rain in the fire from the side as the Spartan-II's made their way, weaving through the rocks and over the rough terrain. The IV's moved and provided a loud distraction, firing jackhammers and grenade launchers from their jet packs. The IV's concentrated most of their fire on the large groups of jackals and grunts that were providing the bulk of the plasma fire. They landed and one of the IV's threw an older model bubble shield generator on the floor. The IV's all jumped inside and did a quick recoup and ammo check, their shields recharging from the heavy fire they'd undertaken. The Pathfinders were still hidden, having paused a few times as not to burn out their stealth systems, and let them recharge. The II's moved up quickly and with their trademark efficiency, if a magazine dried up, one would fall back and another would take the front as the other reloaded. They streamed through the Covenant ground troops as if they weren't there, shooting the Shade Turret operators before they were able to turn their guns to face them.

"Palmer to Lasky, AA teams are neutralised, bring in a Flacon to clean up. Over."

"Wilco Palmer, sending in Close Air Support. Lasky out." The sound of the twin rotor aircraft echoed in the canyon, as three auto-cannons fired a stream of rounds into the remaining Covenant force. The aircrew released a resupply crate onto a group of Covenant troops, crushing them.

The Pathfinders moved to the metal bridge of the Forerunner facility. "Bridge is secure, Red and Sydney restock on ammunition, and we'll fall back and replenish after you're done."

"Copy that Major. Palmer out." The commander agreed as the Falcon turned the corner and kept the covenant troops suppressed. The two Spartan teams lifted and stored ammunition on themselves, the Pathfinder team retreated and did the same as the ten Spartans kneeled down and kept an eye down range, taking pot-shots at any covenant troop stupid enough to pop their head above cover.

"Alpha ready to move out. Ma'am."

"Copy Alpha. All units move out."

"Copy ma'am." The Chief responded.

The teams moved to attack; the Pathfinders jumped and activated their jet packs, tossing a number of grenades behind the cover of the covenant soldiers. The Spartan two's ran headlong into the fray, sliding over the flat forerunner surfaces and into cover. Douglas poked over and unleashed a torrent from his SAW, allowing Alice and Jerome to advance forward with their respective Assault Rifle and Shotgun while John took whatever he could get, picking off the stupid ones with his Battle Rifle. The five Sydney team Spartans and Palmer landed and rolled bringing up their weapons. Releasing a torrent of unrestrained fire upon all who dared cross their path, the sheer amount of automatic fire from the team, ripped through shields, armour and flesh like wet tissue. The Falcon moved lower and proceed to continue ripping through enemy units. "This is CAS-UH-F 14 Yorick, we are bingo fuel and ammunition, we are separating from the AO to refuel and restock. Over."

"We copy you Yorick, thanks for the assist. Palmer out." She radioed as the three teams converged around the main entrance of the facility, the concourse behind them soaked in the blood of covenant troops. Alpha Team took a breather and looked over each other, Corporal Matas had taken a shot to the shoulder.

"Hey, pal." The sergeant kneeled down. "Let's see what's going on here."

Cortana tapped John's com. "Lasky, this is Cortana, do you copy? Over."

"Loud and clear."

"We have cleared the canyon, it is clear for Gypsy to move in a secure the Canyon. Would advise someone to bring a stretcher, we have a downed Pathfinder, not dead, just injured."

"Copy that. Sending them in. Have Alpha and Sydney remain behind until Gypsy arrives. Get Red Team to recce ahead. Lasky out."

"You heard the man. Red team do as the commander ordered." Palmer announced.

"Ma'am." They saluted slipping into the massive Forerunner building.

"Reminds me of Harvest," Jerome noted.

"Well, apart from the eighty-degree swing in temperature, sure." Douglas snorted.

Switching on their under-barrel lights, they scanned the surrounding room. The high metallic arches cast the ethereal lights into strange dancing patterns on the walls. Their footsteps echoing loudly as they paced through, their signal to the rest of the UNSC troops was less than stellar.

"We push through."

"Yes, sir." Passing through jigsaw like doors they moved onto an entrance way were a Sentinel drone passed by. They followed the Forerunner construct through another door leading them into an elevator shaft. The doors shut, behind them with no visible ways through. "This seems like a trap. It's like the sentinels want us to be here." Alice thought out loud.

"Welcome to a typical Forerunner installation. If things are going to well, it is likely a trap." Cortana noted as the lift began to descend. The doors peeled open into yet another no descript Forerunner corridor, the four of them constantly scanning the area. Going through a door after door. "Intel shows that we are to go through the door ahead." The doors slowly opened to reveal a number of Forerunner data columns dotted on either side of the 'glass' walkway. The walk way itself led towards as towering shaft of yellowish light. "That's our target."

The four of them paced quickly to their destination. The Chief yanked out Cortana's chip and placed it into the main terminal. "Cortana?"

"Shh. John, I'm working. Now… Yes, the particle canons will be shooting themselves… Now… Infinit-…" The holo table shut down.

The chief removed the chip, but the cold feeling of liquid mercury never flowed down his spine. "Cortana, are you there, do you copy Cortana." The Chief kicked the terminal. "We need to move."

"Sir."

The four of them began walking, looking to his right, John saw a new light bridge had built itself. Turning right he followed the sentinels. "John, where are you going?" Alice called out.

"Let's grab him before he does something stupid," Jerome announced as they began to catch up to the Spartan. "John! Slow down." He shouted. They the older Spartan walked through the doors to another pillar of light. "Shit. Red team, double time it." They jumped into a sprint and attempted to tackle the Spartan into the ground. But next thing any of them saw was white.