The Army believes that it needs the new joint cargo aircraft, the C- 27J Spartan, to transport mission critical, time sensitive (MCTS) cargo and passengers to the brigade combat teams and supporting forces conducting full- spectrum operations. This issue is relevant in today's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and in future counterinsurgencies where ground forces are widely dispersed across long resupply distances, as well as in stability operations overseas and support to civil authorities at home. Two related questions arise: (1) Is the C-27J Spartan a reasonable replacement for the C-23 Sherpa that is being used today in Iraq to deliver MCTS cargo and passengers, and (2) Are there ways to improve the resupply routes and the air tasking procedures that are currently being used by the Army to provide direct support to the field commanders. In April 2009, after the research phase of our study was completed, the Secretary of Defense decided to place the Air Force in charge of the C-27J Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program and reduce the number of aircraft procured from 78 to 38. In speaking to reporters, Pentagon Comptroller Robert Hale explained that 'what we're looking for in transferring to the Air Force is to exploit some synergy between the C-130s, particularly the C-130s the Air Force has, and the JCA.' This programmatic change does not alter the findings of our study. Irrespective of whether the Air Force or the Army owns and operates the C-27J aircraft, the Army needs to have access to a responsive airlift system that can deliver MCTS cargo to the forward operating forces. This requires an air scheduling system that incorporates rapid approval procedures and does not lead to excessive aircraft holds and procedural delays. This paper should interest those involved with 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review and with Army rotary-wing and fixed-wing airlift.


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