DTIC ADA444354: The U.S. Air Force Posture Statement 2006

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by  Defense Technical Information Center

The U.S. Air Force
Posture
Statement
2006

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VISION
Lasting Heritage ... Limitless Horizons
We are Amerca’s Armen. Our msson s to delver soveregn optons for the defense of the Unted
States of America and its global interests—we fly and we fight—in air, space and cyberspace. For the
past 15 years, our Air Force team has proven its mettle and skill every day. Since the days of DESERT
STORM, we have been globally and continuously engaged in combat. We will continue to show the same
MISSION STATEMENT
ingenuity, courage and resolve and achieve success in our three most important challenges: winning the
Global War on Terror (GWOT); developing and caring for our Airmen; and maintaining, modernizing and
recapitalizing our aircraft and equipment.
The mission of the U.S. Air Force is to deliver sovereign options
for the defense of the United States of America and its global In the GWOT we face vile enemies—enemies devoid of any positive vision of the future, who seek only
interests - to fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace. to destroy the United States and the ideals and freedoms upon which America is built. We will win this
fight. We will maintain our focus on winning this fight. While maintaining focus on winning the GWOT
we wll also mantan vglance—vglance n defense of our homeland and vglance aganst emergng
threats n an uncertan world.
Prepare for & Participate in the Joint Fight, Anywhere, Anytime
Our expeditionary fighting forces and culture, centered on the Air and Space Expeditionary Force, provide
Develop, Maintain, and Sustain the Warfighter Edge the foundation for our operations. We will more closely align our Regular Air Force, Air National Guard
and Air Force Reserve units with Total Force initiatives to enhance our overall capability. We will
Provide Motivated, Ethical, Accountable Air Force Warriors
continue transforming to meet the challenges of a dynamic world.
We wll reman focused on carng for and developng our Armen—our most valuable resource. We
will continue to look for ways to maintain and improve their training, their personal and professional
Integrity • Service • Excellence
development and their quality of life, so they may continue to meet the commitments of today while
preparng for the challenges of tomorrow.
We are operating the oldest inventory of aircraft in our history, while maintaining the intense Operations
Tempo required by the GWOT, humanitarian crises, and routine requirements. Meanwhile, competitor
states are developing air and air defense systems that could threaten our ability to maintain Air and Space
Dominance. These factors drive the urgent need to modernize and recapitalize our aircraft. We must act
now to preserve our Nation’s freedom of action in the future. The Secretary of Defense described future
threats in terms of four quadrants—traditional, irregular, catastrophic and disruptive. We must develop,
acquire and maintain systems that can counter threats in any of these quadrants. We will do so by
incorporating lean principles that eliminate waste while providing transparency in our processes.
Our 2006 Posture Statement outlines our plan to accomplish these goals regarding GWOT, our Airmen,
and our aircraft and equipment. It reflects our commitment to good stewardship of the resources entrusted
to us, and our dedication to protecting our Nation in air, space and cyberspace.
 
Introduction Heritage to Horizon
Over a century ago, America crossed the threshold of powered flight and gave wings to the world. Soon
military leaders realized the implications of this development, and warfare was changed forever. America
was fortunate to have “Great Captans” wth the vson to magne the possbltes of ar and space power—
Airmen like Billy Mitchell, Frank Andrews, Hap Arnold, Ira Eaker, Jimmy Doolittle and Bennie Schriever.
They have given us a proud heritage of courage, excellence and innovation. In so doing, they also give us a
sense of perspective and a way to understand the Air Force’s future.
They have shown us an unlimited horizon. Each of them lived in dangerous times and faced many
demanding challenges. Today, we also find ourselves as a Nation and an Air Force facing similarly
dangerous and demanding challenges. Some are global or national in scope; others are specific to the Air
Force.
During the last decade the United States Air Force transformed to a modular expeditionary force of ten Air
and Space Expeditionary Force (AEF) packages providing agile air and space power. Our Airmen have
proven tremendously successful across the spectrum of operations from humanitarian efforts to Homeland
Defense operations and the Global War on Terrorism. We will continue transforming to meet the challenges
of a dynamic world by rebalancing the force and realigning our structure into a Total Force that meets
increased demands for persistent intelligence, rapid mobility and precision strike capabilities. The AEF
construct provides the ideal toolbox from which we can provide tailored, efficient and lethal air and space
forces to deal wth future challenges.
The Air Force faces the broadest set of mission requirements across the entire spectrum of warfare. We will
bolster our Nation’s ability to respond swiftly, flexibly and decisively to asymmetric, irregular and emerging
threats. We have embarked on a bold, new initiative known as Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st
Century (AFSO21) as a means to best allocate our resources to meet this increasing set of challenges. All of
these challenges will require the very best efforts of our Airmen throughout the Total Force.
SECAF-CSAF Welcome ...............................................................  Force Development ................................................... 27
Introduction – Heritage to Horizon ............................................... 1 Recruiting/Retention.................................................. 27
Winning the Global War on Terror (GWOT) .......................... 2 Personnel Services Delivery ...................................... 28
Developing and Caring for Our Airmen .................................. 3 National Security Personnel System (NSPS) ............ 29
Maintenance, Modernization and Recapitalization ................ 3 Carng for Armen ..................................................... 29
Air and Space Power Today – Building on Our Heritage ............. 5 Housing and Military Construction (MILCON)........ 30
Current Security Environment ................................................. 5 Common Arman Culture .......................................... 31
Global War on Terror (GWOT) ........................................ 5 Training at Keesler AFB Following Hurricane Katrina ... 32
Emerging Threats ............................................................. 7 Maintenance, Modernization and Recapitalization .......... 32
Arcraft ....................................................................... 33
Threat of WMD Proliferation ........................................... 9
UAVs ......................................................................... 34
Air Force Contributions to OIF, OEF and ONE ...................... 12
Airborne ISR ............................................................. 35
Air and Space Operations in OIF and OEF ...................... 12
Space and Nuclear Forces ......................................... 35
Air and Space Operations in ONE .................................... 14
Operatonal Infrastructure and
Ar and Space Power –
Support Modernization (OSM) ............................. 37
An Essential Element of the Joint Fight ........................... 15
Acquisition Reform .......................................................... 38
Battlefield Airmen ............................................................ 16
Focus Areas ............................................................................. 40
Innovative Uses of Technology ........................................ 17
Total Force Integration ..................................................... 40
Aeromedical Evacuations ................................................. 19
Science and Technology (S&T) ........................................ 41
Adaptive Airmen: Airmen Filling Non-traditional Roles . 20
Air Force Smart Operations for
Other Operatons ..................................................................... 21
the 21st Century (AFSO21) .......................................... 43
Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations .................. 21
Fuel Conservation and Efficiency .................................... 43
Maintaining Our Nuclear Deterrent.................................. 23
C4ISR ............................................................................... 45
Space Support for Operatons ........................................... 23
Warfighting Headquarters (WFHQs) ................................ 46
Air and Space Power for Tomorrow –
Joint Warfighting Space (JWS) ......................................... 47
Aiming for the Unlimited Horizon ............................................... 25
Long Range Strike ............................................................ 47
Prortes .................................................................................. 25
Improvng CAS ................................................................ 47
Developing and Caring for Our Airmen ........................... 25
Special Operations Forces (SOF) ..................................... 48
Force Shaping ............................................................ 25
BRAC ............................................................................... 49
Balancing the Total Force .......................................... 27 Summary – Heritage to Horizon ................................................... 51
v v1
Winning the Global War we cannot indefinitely maintain this advantage mutual respect, the Air Force is committed to
on Terror (GWOT) using the current technology of the air and investing in health and fitness programs and
space systems and equipment comprising our facilities, world class medical access and care,
exstng force structure. and housng and morale programs for our
Our first priority is to maintain focus on
Armen. Our Armen have proven themselves
winning the GWOT. We will continue to
to be the best America has to offer—they
operate as part of a true Joint and Coalition Developing and Caring
deserve the best support avalable.
team, multiplying the effectiveness of our
for Our Airmen
partners to win this war. We fly and we By ensuring that our Airmen are prepared for
fight—whether we’re flying A-10s over combat, effectively developed and properly
Afghanistan; flying F-16s over Iraq; operating Our Regular Air Force Airmen, Air National supported, we will continue to provide our
and maneuverng communcatons satelltes Guardsmen, Air Force Reservists and Nation with the best Air Force in the world.
in geosynchronous orbit; remotely piloting civilians, who together form our Total Force,
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) patrolling are building on their inheritance of courage,
over Baghdad; or maintaining vigilance over excellence and innovation. They are highly Maintenance, Modernization
our Nation’s homeland in an E-3 Airborne educated and resourceful, and have created and Recapitalization
Warning and Control System (AWACS) the most lethal Air Force that has ever existed.
aircraft. All Airmen, no matter what their We must continue to look for ways to maintain
One of our most dauntng challenges s
specialty, contribute to this mission. and improve their training, their personal and
maintaining the military utility of our aircraft
professional development and their quality
We must keep in mind that the GWOT is not as reflected in mission readiness, maintenance
of life, so that they may continue to meet the
defined by today’s headlines or locations. It costs and other factors. We have been actively
commitments of today while preparing for the
will be a long war, with shifting venues and engaged in combat for the past 15 years. We
challenges of tomorrow.
constantly evolving threats. The character and currently maintain an Air Bridge to Southwest
capabltes of potental U.S. adversares are Airmen today are contributing to combat Asia. Our state of alert for GWOT requires
increasingly uncertain, veiled, growing and operations in ways never before envisioned— us to operate at an elevated and sustaned
changing, as both state and non-state actors as convoy drivers and escorts, detainee guards operations tempo (OPSTEMPO). Increased
acquire advanced technology and the means and translators to gve a few examples. Other nvestment and ncreased mantenance tempo
to either acquire or develop weapons of mass Airmen routinely serve “outside the wire” can keep our older aircraft flying and slow
destruction (WMDs). as Special Tactics operators, Joint Terminal their decaying military utility, but equipment
Attack Controllers and Special Operations age and use are unrelentng factors.
We can foresee serious threats posed by
Weather personnel. All of these Armen
ncreasng numbers and sophstcaton of Presently, we have the oldest aircraft
must receive the proper training to survive,
ballistic and cruise missiles; chemical, inventory in our history. Our aircraft are
fight and win. We are working within the Air
biological, radiological and nuclear weapons; an average of over 23 years old—older in
Force, as well as with our Joint warfighting
advanced surface-to-air missiles (SAMs); many cases than those who fly and maintain
partners, to ensure that all Airmen are fully
and sophstcated combat arcraft. We them. In particular, our inventory of tanker
prepared when they arrive in the combat zone.
also anticipate the real threat of potentially aircraft averages over 41 years old, and our
crippling attacks on our Nation’s critical Developing Airmen involves more than C-130 tactical airlifters average over 25 years
infrastructure, including space networks. combat skills. It is a career-long process that old. As our equipment ages, it requires more
Not only must we be prepared to confront maximizes the potential of each member of frequent maintenance and replacement of
known threats, but we also must be ready the Total Force team. We will look at every parts; meanwhile, increased OPSTEMPO
for unexpected, disruptive breakthroughs in Arman as an ndvdual and provde them accelerates wear and tear on our equipment
technology that may undercut traditional U.S. with specialized training, relevant educational and operational infrastructure, exposes our
advantages. opportuntes and approprate assgnments n equipment to extreme conditions and, in some
order to capitalize on the talent these brave cases, delays routine maintenance.
Maintaining a strong defense able to overcome
Airmen offer for this country’s defense.
and defeat these threats remans an mperatve We must recapitalize our aircraft and
for our Nation. Currently, the Air Force can Every Airman is a vital national resource operational infrastructure, as well as
command the global commons of ar and and must be cared for as such. In addton modernize our processes for services, support
space and significantly influence the global to provdng professonal opportuntes for and information delivery in order to maintain
commons of the sea and cyberspace; however, our Armen and fosterng an envronment of the grueling pace required into the foreseeable
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future. We must do so in a fiscally prudent The future is what you bring with you when survival was at stake. In early 1945, General
manner. This means retiring and replacing tomorrow comes. Our 2006 Air Force Posture “Hap” Arnold reported to the Secretary of War,
our oldest, least capable and most expensive Statement outlines our flight plan into the future. “…our Air Force must be flexible in its basic
aircraft and equipment, as well as accepting a By focusing on winning the GWOT, maintaining structure and capable of successfully adapting
manageable level of risk in order to selectively the excellence and maximizing the potential tself to the vast changes whch are bound to
maintain some older systems until newer of the America’s Airmen, and maintaining, come in the future. Whatever its numerical size
systems are on the ramp. modernizing and recapitalizing our aircraft may be, it must be second to none in range and
and equipment, we will provide Air and Space striking power.” In retrospect, Hap Arnold’s
These newer systems will cost far less to
Dominance for U.S. forces well into the future. words were amazingly prescient.
operate and mantan and are desgned to
defeat emerging threats. The U.S. no longer Today our force is still second to none in range
enjoys a monopoly on advanced technology, and striking power. Potential adversaries, well
Air and Space Power
and we are already witnessing the emergence aware of the strength of our Air Force, seek
of highly sophisticated systems that threaten Today – to limit our range and striking power through
our capability to achieve Joint Air and Space development of new and emergng threat
Building on Our Heritage
Dominance. Along with ongoing robust systems. These systems, coupled with the
science and technology (S&T) programs, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,
Current Security Environment
transformational systems such as the F-22A form a formidable threat to the Joint Force and
Raptor, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), to our Nation.
Space Radar (SR) and Transformational
In order to achieve victory in the GWOT and
Communications Satellite (TSAT) will
meet the challenges of emerging threats, the
ensure that we maintain the ability to provide
Air Force looks to build on the great heritage
overwhelmng ar and space power for our
established by decades of Airmen—Airmen
Combatant Commanders.
who have confronted dauntng challenges
Concurrently, the Air Force is also focusing and succeeded as vital members of the Joint
on reforming, modernizing, and improving warfighting team.
processes for acquisition of new systems and
equipment. We will achieve greater efficiencies
Global War on Terror (GWOT)
and higher productivity by reforming our
business practices. By incorporating lean
processes and transparent accounting, Several key elements—ideologies of hatred,
and renforcng a culture of contnuous vast resources, mutual support structures, as
well as veled state and prvate sponsorshp—
improvement, the Air Force will maintain
the hgh standards of our hertage. We wll provide linkages across the array of enemies
continue our tradition of transformation, realize confronting us in the GWOT. The general
terrorst threat also spans several regons
both lethality and efficiency in our capabilities The current security environment is marked
in this new century, and stand ready for the by seemingly constant change and uncertainty. of the world, often acting on a global scale.
challenges of the future. Our security environment is also marked by While the strategy to prosecute and win the
GWOT is an enterprise necessarily involving
the threats posed by terrorist organizations and
many agencies and actions in addition to
rogue states around the world bearng ll wll
military forces, the Air Force, in particular,
toward our Nation. In times of uncertainty
serves a vital role in our Nation’s battle
and heightened threat, our citizens turn
against terrorist networks.
to the military to defend this great Nation
at home and abroad. Our Armen stand Amerca’s Armen have become seasoned
alongside Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast veterans of Post-Cold War conflicts and
Guardsmen—a Joint team poised and ready to are postured to answer any contingency or
defend the Nation. challenge on a moments’ notice. The Air Force
has been taking the war to America’s enemies
Throughout the history of American air
for 15 consecutive years. Our constant
and space power, Airmen have often faced
presence n Southwest Asa snce Operaton
complex challenges durng tmes of change
and uncertainty—times when our Nation’s
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DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM As an essential part of the Joint team, the Air to rapidly expand Air Force Foreign Internal
kept regional instability in check. Airpower Force contributed to defeating the Taliban and Defense forces to bolster partner nations on
effectively controlled two-thirds of Iraq for elmnatng Afghanstan as a safe haven for al the front lines of the GWOT.
over a decade, setting the conditions for Iraq’s Qaeda. While the Air Force remains actively
From direct support of Special Forces, to
stunning military collapse in Operation IRAQI engaged in operations in Afghanistan, our
maritime interdiction, to Global Strike, the Air
FREEDOM. national strategy is simultaneously focused on
Force remains prepared to engage those who
Iraq as the central front for the war on terror.
Recognizing the new reality of rapidly would threaten our friends, our interests, or
Whle the Unted States and ts partners have
emerging global threats in the Post-Cold War our way of life.
defeated Saddam Hussein’s regime of terror,
environment, the Air Force has significantly
the enemes of freedom—both members of
reduced ts force structure and transtoned
the old regme and foregn terrorsts who Emerging Threats
from a Cold War legacy paradigm to a vastly
have come to Iraq—are making a desperate
more agile, responsive and scalable force
attempt in the name of tyranny and fascism to
structure built around the AEF concept. The The threats Airmen will encounter in the
terrorize, destabilize and reclaim this newly-
AEF construct provides the Combatant coming years are changing dramatically.
liberated nation and aspiring democracy.
Commanders and the Joint Force with the Adversaries are developing and fielding new
agility and lethality required to engage U.S. The Air Force continues to lead the fight in ground-based air defenses, improved sensor
adversaries anywhere in the world with defending the home front as well. The Air capabilities and advanced fighter aircraft.
correctly tailored forces—all in a matter of Force recently conducted an Air Force-Navy These capabilities will increasingly challenge
hours to single-digit days. The AEF construct strategy conference addressing the GWOT and our legacy aircraft, sensors and weapons
presents ar and space forces n a contnuous counterinsurgencies. The conference report systems.
rotation cycle—currently a 20-month cycle forms the basis for an ongoing Air Force study
Advances in integrated air defense systems,
with nominal 4-month deployments—and to further improve the Air Force’s posture
to include advanced sensors, data processing
provdes the Combatant Commands wth for Homeland Defense. The Air Force has
and SAMs continue trends noted in the 1990s.
greater capability and stability of forces in also taken a leadership role in developing a
SAM systems are incorporating faster, more
theater while providing more predictability for Concept of Operations for Joint Maritime
accurate missiles, with multi-target capability,
our Armen. Interdcton to defend our shores and those
greater mobility and increased immunity to
of our allies. In addition, Air Force aircraft
As defined by our national leadership, the electronic jamming. Currently possessing
maintain a 24/7 alert status in defense of the
GWOT strategy seeks to reduce both the ranges of over 100 nautical miles (NM),
United States and its approaches, against both
scope and capability of terrorist networks these anti-access weapons will likely achieve
arborne and martme threats.
globally, regionally and locally. This strategy ranges of over 200 NM by the end of the
requires global perspective and regional focus. From a global perspective, we are continually decade. These advanced SAMs can and will
It also demands an ability to simultaneously bolstering Airman-to-Airman relationships compel non-stealthy platforms to standoff
conduct long-range strikes and humanitarian wth our alles and partners to buld beyond useful sensor and weapons ranges.
relef on opposte sdes of the world. In interoperable and complementary capabilities Proliferation of these long-range SAMs is
order to execute effectively, the strategy as well as to ensure access to foregn arspace on the rise, with projections for 2004-2007
requires unparalleled command, control, and support nfrastructure. We are usng ndcatng a twofold ncrease over the number
communications, computers, intelligence, training, exercises, personnel exchanges, of advanced SAM system exports during the
surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR). cooperatve armaments development and md to late 1990s.
These are all activities our Air Force conducts foreign military sales to expand and cement
Another trend s the development and
for the Joint Force on a daily basis—activities these vtal coaltons that are essental to
proliferation of upgrades to older, 1960/70’s-
critical to successfully prosecuting the GWOT. prosecuting the GWOT and to our future Joint
era SAMs. At a fraction of the cost of a new
ar operatons.
advanced, long-range SAM, many African, Asian
In addition, from local, regional and global and Mid-East nations are looking to upgrade
perspectives, foreign internal defense is older SAMs to revitalize their aging air defense
an ndspensable component of successful forces. By bringing in modern technologies,
counterinsurgency strategies. The Air Force is mproved mssle propellants and ncreased
partnerng wth Specal Operatons Command mobility, older SAM systems are becoming more
relable and more credble threats.
6 7
Finally, the threat from Man Portable Air Many nations are enhancing the utility of Threat of WMD Proliferation
Defense Systems (MANPADS) continues to advanced fighters by pursuing, procuring and
grow. Large, poorly secured stockpiles of ntegratng support arcraft as force multplers. The threat of proliferation of WMD to
these weapons increase the chances of highly They acquire aerial refueling tankers to extend countries with advanced military capabilities
capable MANPADS ending up in the hands of the range of strike operations and increase on- has changed dramatically since the end of
an nsurgent or terrorst group. station time for fighters. Furthermore, airborne the Cold War. India and Pakistan became
early warning aircraft are extending the reach overt nuclear powers in 1998, adding to their
The threats from advanced fighter aircraft
of many nations through datalink capabilities formidable conventional capabilities. North
also continue to grow. Currently there exist
that provide control of fighter operations Korea claims and is assessed to have built
31 nations already fielding 2,500 or more
well beyond the reach of land-based radars. nuclear weapons, while Iran is suspected of
airframes. Increased use of state-of-the-art
Several natons are also purchasng standoff pursuing them; both countries face intense
radar jammers, avionics, weapons and reduced
jammng assets n both manned and unmanned nternatonal pressure to halt ther efforts.
signature airframes/engines are becoming
platforms to attempt to deny our traditional
the norm in fighter design. Additionally, Less catastrophic, but of equal concern, are
sensor advantages. Unmanned Aeral Vehcles
countries like India and China are now able chemical and biological weapons (CBW).
(UAVs) of all varieties are in high demand and
to produce their own advanced fighters, Chem-bio WMDs can range in sophistication
are becoming increasingly available on today’s
thereby increasing the quantity and quality from World War I-vintage gases or traditional
market, providing low-cost, but highly effective
agents like anthrax, to highly advanced
reconnaissance capabilities. This situation
“fourth-generation” chemical agents or
represents a new and increasingly prolific and
genetically modified bacterial or viral weapons
complex challenge on the battlefield.
that challenge state-of-the-art defenses and
Additionally, the combination of improved countermeasures. It s much less expensve
C4ISR with improved ballistic and cruise and more technologically feasible to produce
missile capabilities will increasingly threaten CBW than it is to obtain nuclear weapons or
regional and expeditionary Air Force fissile materials. Furthermore, CBW can be
basing. China, in particular, has a growing concealed very effectively and inexpensively,
over-the-horizon intelligence, surveillance veled under a veneer of legtmate cvlan
and reconnaissance (ISR) capability from industry or “dual-use” activities.
a combination of ground, air and space-
Future adversaries, deterred from challenging
based systems. Coupled with its large and
the U.S. openly, may seek to offset U.S.
growing inventory of conventionally armed
warfighting advantages by developing, using
theater ballistic missiles, China’s increasing
or threatenng to use these weapons. As
capabilities and reach collectively present a
such, the acquisition of WMD capabilities by
of adversary aircraft the Air Force may face serious potential to adversely impact allied
terrorists/non-state actors is a grave concern.
Airmen, Soldiers, in the future. By 2012, China will more than and Joint air and space operations across the
Many groups have declared their desire to
Sailors and Marines double its advanced fighter inventory to over Asan theater.
pursue such a goal, and evidence is growing
side by side in Iraq 500 airframes, most with advanced precision-
Worldwide advancements in the development, they are attempting to obtain the necessary
guided munitions and air-to-air weapons.
deployment and employment of foreign space financial means, weapons knowledge and
Similarly, self-protection jamming suites
and counterspace systems are challenges necessary materials.
are growing in complexity and proliferation,
to U.S. Space Superiority. Adversaries,
potentially eroding our ability to target
including terrorists, are more and more
adversary aircraft.
easily obtaining a number of increasingly
The threat from the development, fielding sophisticated space services. Furthermore,
and prolferaton of standoff weapons such they are developing the means to degrade
as long-range cruise missiles will also U.S. space capabilities, freedom of action
provde potental adversares wth offensve and access. The intent of U.S. adversaries
capabilities of ever-increasing accuracy and combned wth the capabltes of foregn
range which, when combined with their space and counterspace systems will
relatively small size, presents an increasing increasingly threaten U.S. military forces and
challenge to detection and tracking. nterests worldwde.
8 9
The interdependent
battlespace presents
new challenges
in air, space and
cyberspace
10 11
Air Force Contributions Linking precision engagement and persistent transportation, security forces and medical
C4ISR capabilities to forces on the ground, Airmen trained to support convoy missions.
to OIF, OEF and ONE
ROVER has been used repeatedly to detect,
Moreover, Air Force capabilities are
target and destroy improvised explosive
Air and Space Operations saving Soldiers’ lives and simultaneously
devices (IEDs) and disrupt insurgent activities
reducing our required footprint in Southwest
in OIF and OEF across the region. Bolstering these capabilities
Asia. Increased use of Air Force airlift
are Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System
capabilities—notably the unconventional yet
(TARS) equipped F-16s flown by Air National
Over 26,000 Airmen are currently forward highly effective use of workhorse C-17s as well
Guard units. In recent testing, TARS has
deployed in support of Combatant as C-5 aircraft to increase our intra-theater
demonstrated the ability to aid in the location
Commanders throughout the world. These airlift capabilities in Iraq—has dramatically
and destruction of IEDs.
Airmen continue to deliver key Air Force reduced the need, number and frequency of
Airmen preparing capabilities of precision engagement, rapid Air Force operations in Iraq and Afghanistan ground convoys along the most dangerous
a Predator for a global mobility and information superiority to also highlight the importance of space-based roads and routes in Iraq. These capabilities
mission in Iraq
OEF and OIF missions. C4ISR capabilities to U.S. and Coalition and optimized theater airlift mission planning
forces. These capabilities have become
Pulling from 89,000 tailored deployment
integral to effective warfighting operations
teams built around specific capabilities, the
and include secure communications, global
Air Force has flown the preponderance of
weather, persistent worldwide missile warning
Coalition sorties in support of OIF and OEF.
and ntellgence gatherng. Commanders
In Iraq, the Air Force has flown over 188,000
continue to rely extensively on the all-weather
sorties, while in Afghanistan, Airmen have
precise position, navigation and timing
flown over 130,000. Overall, the Air Force
capability provided by the Air Force’s Global
has flown a total of over 318,000 sorties, or
Positioning System (GPS) constellation,
approximately 78% of the total Coalition
satellite communications (SATCOM) and
ar effort. Counted among these sortes are
timely observations of weather and enemy
mssons rangng from arlft and aeromedcal
activity to conduct operations in Iraq and
evacuation, to close air support (CAS)
Afghanistan. In strikes against time-sensitive
mssons to protect ground troops as well as
targets, nearly 40% of all munitions used in methods have also contrbuted to a planned
provide them with precise fire support and
OIF were GPS-guided, which made them reduction of the number C-130s required for
sensor capabltes.
unaffected by sand storms and inclement OIF support.
In 2005, Air Force fighters and bombers
weather. Additionally, at the senior leadership
Additionally, Air Force support personnel
supporting OIF and OEF expended over
level of warfighting, the Joint Force Air
are taking a more active role in the direct
294 munitions (bombs), 90% of which were
and Space Component Commander’s dutes
protecton of personnel and resources. In
precision-guided, including the Joint Direct
as the Space Coordination Authority have
early 2005, Air Force Security Forces at Balad
Attack Munition (JDAM). These trends
become critical to successful Joint planning
Air Base, Iraq, in conjunction with the Army,
represent a 10% increase over 2004 totals
and execution of space capabilities for Joint
were assgned a sector outsde the base to
in the use of precision-guided munitions
Forces. Holding the ultimate high ground,
patrol and clear of insurgent operations. This
(PGMs). Our Airmen have also provided
Air Force space professionals keep a constant
aspect of the ar base defense msson has not
nearly all of the in-flight refueling for Joint
vigil over a global battle space – planning,
been seen since the Vietnam War, yet Task
and Coalton forces.
acquiring, maintaining and operating the
Force 1041 was successful in reducing attacks
Leading the way in reconnaissance and systems that sustain our Nation’s advantages
on Balad Air Base by 95%.
imagery, the Air Force is currently flying n space.
Airmen also worked to strengthen
Predator UAV missions 24 hours a day, 7
Sister-services and U.S. government
relationships, develop capabilities and enhance
days a week. This capability will grow from
agencies continue to heavily rely on Air
the self-reliance of Afghanistan, Iraq, and
8 to 12 total orbts n 2006 to meet ncreased
Force capabilities. Running the spectrum
other regional GWOT partners. For example,
demand. Predator arcraft are able to transmt
from logistics expertise to medical care, the
Air Force Air Traffic Controllers helped return
live video pictures to ground-based targeting
Air Force is fully partnered with the Army
safety and commercial viability to Afghan
teams equipped with the Remote Operations
and Marine Corps units running convoys
airspace. At Ali Airbase, Iraq, a cadre of Air
Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) system.
throughout Iraq with more than 1,000
12 13