U.S. Tactical Air Forces: Overview and Alternative Forces, Fiscal Years 1976-81

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U.S. Tactical Air Forces: Overview and Alternative Forces, Fiscal Years 1976-81

N. J. Bearg

Tactical air power is a major element of the U.S. general purpose forces, which are designed and sized as a whole to deal with a diversity of contingencies, both local and worldwide. Mainly composed of fighter and attack aircraft, the tactical air forces are a flexible element of the general purpose forces; they can be brought to bear quickly against a wide variety of targets under a wide variety of circumstances. Two important tactical air force budget issues involve determining the force levels to be supported over the next 5 years and deciding upon the most effective mix of mission capabilities within a given budget. The missions of the tactical air forces are air superiority -- to prevent enemy aircraft from interfering with friendly forces; interdiction -- to attack enemy facilities and aircraft on the ground in enemy territory; fleet air defense -- to protect carrier task forces at sea; antishipping -- to attack enemy ships in sea battles; and close air support -- to provide direct air-to- ground firepower support of friendly ground forces. The Congress is called upon annually to approve appropriations for specific numbers of tactical aircraft to replace aging aircraft and/or to expand the force. This paper addresses procurement plans, costs, and mix of aircraft over the 5 fiscal year period 1977-81, with attention to force structure questions, which are basic to decisions about the appropriate size of the defense budget and the capability it buys. The following questions will be discussed: What are these forces designed to do as part of total U.S. military capability; What is the baseline tactical air force for each service and how will this change over the 5-year period according to the Department of Defense plan; What are the associated costs; and What are some alternatives to the Defense Department's tactical air plan. The size, composition, capability, and comparative cost of three alternative plans will be explored.