It takes some extensive and arduous training to fly some of the incredible airplanes that are part of the United States Air Force. Discipline, patience and calm under pressure are all cornerstones of operating the equipment that costs, sometimes, in excess of millions of dollars. Much of the same qualities are required of anyone tasked with taking photos of these pilots, technicians, ground forces, and airplanes in action. The Air Force has recently compiled 50+ photos taken over the past year that best represent what it's like to be a member of the aerial faction of the Armed Forces. These photos cover the entire range of an Air Force member's duty, from basic training to the action of a paratrooper mission in Afghanistan. The lighting and composition of the photographs are exemplary, and a testament to the photographers who took them; many are members of the Air Force who happened to have a camera on hand. You can find some of the images below, and the entire slideshow on the Air Force's homepage.
A Loadmaster Senior enjoys a ride strapped to a cargo ramp
Parachutists over Elroy, AZ during a parachutist contest
A C-5 Galaxy parked at Davis-Monthan airbase (the Boneyard) in Arizona
A C103-J Hercules participating in Flare Training