The United States has emerged as the sole superpower. In response to the dramatic change in the international environment, the nation has adopted a national security strategy of engagement. The United States relies on the civilian and military strategic airlift assets of the National Airlift Fleet to influence world events. However, due to changed force structures, cutbacks, and dwindling resources, the United States does not possess enough airlift assets to accomplish national goals and objectives. Hence, this study asks the following question: To meet the current and future airlift requirements of the United States, does the Air Force need to procure and field a commercial off- the-shelf (COTS) cargo aircraft. The post-Cold War strategic environment and the national security strategy of engagement have dramatically increased the nation's commitments around the world, thus requiring reevaluation of the national airlift policy. The U.S. military does not possess the strategic airlift capability required by the unified command plans. The procurement of 120 C-17s to replace 266 rapidly aging C-141s adds increased capability due to the C-17's ability to carry outsized cargo and operate in and out of small austere locations, but at reduced flexibility because of the reduced number of airframes available to the National Command Authorities. Furthermore, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction dramatically increases the likelihood of operating in 'hostile' environments, thereby eliminating the civil reserve air fleet's contribution to strategic airlift. Commercial airlift aircraft, built for efficiency, represent a fiscally responsible complement to the military's airlift fleet. To meet current and future force requirements, especially with a continental-based force structure, the United States needs to supplement its strategic airlift fleet with a COTS airlift aircraft.


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