Air Mobility Plan, 2008 - The Black Vault

Airlift
Airlift is key to force projection, the dynamic
battlespace maneuver to position forces when and
where required. It provides the ability to rapidly
transport personnel, equipment, combat forces, fuel,
and supplies anywhere on the globe. Airlift offers
commanders a degree of speed, range, and flexibility
not available with any other mode of transportation,
making it an important instrument of foreign policy
and an essential wartime capability. The distinction
between intertheater and intratheater airlift has in the
past been largely a function of the capabilities of the
aircraft employed. However, with the continuing
acquisition of the C-17, this distinction is blurring; concepts of operation, such as direct delivery and
theater augmentation, are expanding the range of options available for planners.
Future airlift assets must be capable of providing airlift support from point of embarkation to point of
effect, delivering personnel and assets to any location on the globe including prepared, unprepared,
and austere airfields without the use of ground-based navigation aids and regardless of weather
conditions.
Air Refueling
Air refueling provides the flexible “air bridge” concept, substantially enhancing our Nation’s force
projection capability. It functions as a “force multiplier” by accelerating the deployment cycle and
reducing dependency on forward staging
bases and host-nation support.
Mission Support
Support is the backbone of global mobility. Largescale
mobility operations require an integrated system
of agile combat support forces and capabilities in place
to ensure aircraft are serviced and maintained, crews
are rested, and passengers and cargo are properly
handled. Our support processes are melded into a
global network of manpower, materiel, and facilities
that provide command and control, logistics, and
aerial port services to air mobility forces. Contingency
Response Groups perform critical roles in opening
air bases around the globe. Support processes serve
as the foundation for our Nation’s ability to rapidly
project power anywhere in the world.
Air refueling also acts as a “force enhancer”
by extending the range, payload, and
loiter time of combat and combat support
forces. The increased range afforded by
air refueling allows fighters and bombers
to attack strategic and tactical targets well
within the interior of the enemy’s defenses.
The additional range afforded by air
refueling increases the complexity of an
enemy’s defensive problem and allows us to
maximize the element of surprise.
Air Mobility Mission Area Roadmaps
OCT 07 29