Including Tactical Aircraft in CFE (Conventional Forces in Europe): Can the U.S. Air Force Accommodate American F-16s Removed from Europe. Revision

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Including Tactical Aircraft in CFE (Conventional Forces in Europe): Can the U.S. Air Force Accommodate American F-16s Removed from Europe. Revision

J. R. Marrs

The CFE (Conventional Forces in Europe) talks in Vienna have heightened the expectations about the possibility of large reductions in conventional weapons in Europe. This paper examines a possible conclusion--the removal of three wings of F-16s from Europe--and answers the question: 'What should the Air Force do with these aircraft.' The author suggests that the A.F. 1) put the first wing of aircraft at Nellis; 2) disband the second wing and add the F-16s to the Guard and Reserve; and 3) disband the third wing and use its aircraft to replace the A.F.'S aging fleet of F-5s. The author suggests: 1) NATO will be concerned that US aircraft sent back to the States may not remain assigned to NATO wartime roles. By designating various squadrons as having European-only missions, or by sending these same squadrons to Europe more often for training, the A.F. will send a message that the US is still committed to sending those aircraft to Europe. 2) The A.F. should focus on its redeployment capabilities. The more weapons and personnel based in the US, the more the military relies on airlift capabilities. Since it is possible that a rapidly escalating crisis would overload the present airlift system, some of the savings from CFE could be invested in improving this capability. By investigating the savings obtained from lower operating costs for the three wings, the A.F. can virtually eliminate any damage done to its ability to accomplish its mission in Europe and the remainder of the globe. (edc)