This study analyzes the ability of Air Combat Command s (ACC) Ready Aircrew Program (RAP) to produce sufficient numbers of combat-capable aircrew in light of significant cuts to the Air Force s Operations and Maintenance (O&M) budget resulting from the 2011 Budget Control Act (BCA). The author begins by providing the reader a summary of the current defense strategy enumerated by the 2012 Defense Strategic Guidance (DSG) and the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR). The author then explains how strategic-level objectives translate into tactical tasks for training and execution by ACC combat squadrons. Next, the author provides the reader a detailed discussion on the purpose, structure, and effectiveness of ACC s current training model, RAP. After explaining the current problems faced by RAP, and the effects of those problems on the readiness of the combat air forces, the author presents two alternative training models, the Tiered-Readiness Program (TRP) and the Specialized-Readiness Program (SRP). The goals of the alternative readiness models are to provide combat air forces of sufficient capability and capacity to meet strategic defense objectives and do so within the current resource-limited environment. After explaining the logic, structure, and characteristics of the alternative models, the author compares funded RAP, underfunded RAP, TRP, and SRP through a non-weighted numerical comparison technique derived from the COA Comparison step of the Joint Publication 5-0 Joint Operation Planning Process (JOPP). The results of the model analysis provide several vital insights about how ACC should change its aircrew-readiness training methods to ensure that present and future combat air forces are capable of fulfilling their operational and tactical tasks.
Dying on the Vine: Air Combat Command's Struggle to Provide Combat-ready Aircrews with Limited Resources
2014
105 pages
Report
No indication
English
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