The squadron ususally consists of two or more flights. The squadron commander gives orders to the flight commanders rather than to the commanders of the individual planes. The squadron is the smallest air force unit that has both tactical and administrative duties. Each squadron includes ground personnel whose duties are to administer and furnish the ground services. The composition of a squadron is determined by the type of airplane it operates and the nature of its mission.
All squadrons have headquarters, mess, supply, technical, and maintenance personnel.
Local conditions and the mission determine the number of planes to be grouped in one squadron for maximum efficiency, and the number of men, the equipment, and the supplies required to keep the planes flying. A squadron may contain a dozen or more planes. In 1992, the Air Force decided to reconfigure its fighter force into smaller squadrons. This decision occurred at a time when the Secretary of Defense was attempting to reduce defense operating and infrastructure costs. Between fiscal years 1991 and 1997, the Air Force reduced its F-15 aircraft from 342 to 252.