The Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) is a voluntary partnership between the Department of Defense and participating commercial air carriers and is a critical component of the strategic airlift capability of the United States. It provides operational flexibility for rapidly expanding airlift capability during crises, contingencies, or war. The CRAF was activated during OPERATION DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM for the first time since its creation in 1952. Although the CRAF performed superbly during the deployment, resupply, and redeployment phases of this conflict, several issues have emerged that could threaten voluntary participation in the future. This paper examines the history, organization, and structure of the CRAF, its contribution to the success of OPERATION DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM, and how the lessons-learned from this conflict have been applied to improve the flexibility of the CRAF program. It also examines the issues threatening CRAF participation and possible solutions for maintaining a viable CRAF program.... Strategic mobility, Civil reserve air fleet, Strategic airlift, Commercial airline support of DoD.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite