Dual Role Airlift, Fee for Service

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Dual Role Airlift, Fee for Service

W. P. Triche

This research paper explains the differences of funding and reimbursement between the Transportation Working Capital Fund and Operations and Maintenance to Air Mobility Command. Strategic airlift aircraft and dual role aircraft are utilized to move cargo but are reimbursed using different processes and value streams back to the unit providing the cargo airlift. Dual role aircraft, such as the KC-10, are reimbursed to the Major Command and the Major Command divides the reimbursement funds throughout the Wings. However, strategic airlift aircraft are reimbursed through the Transportation Working Capital Fund directly back to the Wing that flew the mission. The more airlift missions the strategic airlifters perform, the more they are reimbursed, balancing the costs to operate. Dual role aircraft are resourced by an Operations and Maintenance budget. These tasked units receive a small return on investment as compared to the strategic airlift community. The focus of this research is on the funding of dual role aircraft performing airlift missions. Funding for these capabilities is provided through the Planned, Programmed, Budget and Execution (PPBE) process performed by the Department of Defense. This process provides the ways and means to resource the support provided to our Department of Defense and international partners. The primary research question addressed by this paper is as follows: How should Air Mobility Command fund dual role aircraft performing airlift missions to meet United States Transportation Command requirements.