USAF Aerospace Expeditionary Force: Flying into the 21st Century

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USAF Aerospace Expeditionary Force: Flying into the 21st Century

J. R. Reid

The DoD-wide drawdown over the last decade has eliminated or relocated two-thirds of forward-based USAF force structure back to the United States. During this time, however, the Air Force has been repeatedly called upon to respond to all levels of crises throughout the world. These sporadic, unpredictable, and demanding crises have taken a toll on Air Force personnel who have been overextended by the challenging OPTEMPO. To meet the needs of present and future military strategy and to provide personnel stability, the Air Force has developed the Aerospace Expeditionary Force (AEF). The AEF is a force restructure providing tailorable, mobile, and responsive airpower to the combatant CINC within 48 - 72 hours. The AEF evolved from a small combat- oriented force package into a complete airpower package incorporating the full spectrum of combat and support assets. Two significant AEF shortfalls need to be remedied. Current Joint Chiefs of Staff Operational Plans (OPLANs) do not incorporate the AEF employment concepts, and AEF structure does not yet include strategic airlift or other 'high demand, low density' assets. Failure to address these shortfalls could negate anticipated AEF benefits.