Named Activity. A part of a unit whose mission can be identified better by assigning it a definitive name (for example, the Civil Engineer and Services School is part of a unit, the Air Force Institute of Technology). Headquarters US Air Force is responsible for administrative control of named activities.

Detachment. Part of a unit that is separated geographically from its parent unit. Although not a unit for organizational purposes, if a commissioned officer is assigned and appointed on orders as a commander, the commander has non-judicial punishment authority under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) unless withheld by superior competent authority.

Operating Location. Part of a unit that is separated geographically from its parent unit. It is used to account for personnel by location. Personnel remain assigned to the parent unit. An operating location has none of the administrative attributes of a unit and does not have non-judicial punishment authority under the UCMJ.

Squadron Section. A function responsible for the administrative control of all members assigned to a unit. A squadron section is created by appointing a squadron section commander on special orders. Squadron sections will be established with the office symbol "CCQ" and office title "Orderly Room". A squadron section commander has non-judicial punishment authority under the UCMJ unless withheld by superior competent authority. NOTE: If the unit commander terminates the administrative command authority of the squadron section commander, the squadron section reverts to unit administration, and the individual in charge becomes its chief.

Air Force Element. The nomenclature used to account for manpower authorizations and to identify Air Force personnel on duty with organizations outside the Air Force. Although not a unit for organizational purposes, an element may function as a unit if so designated and a commissioned officer eligible to command either assumes command or is appointed on orders as commander. An element commander appointed on special orders has non-judicial punishment authority under the UCMJ unless withheld by superior competent authority.