THE FUTURE OF THE EUROPEAN AIR TRANSPORT COMMAND: AN ANALYSIS OF CAPABILITY ENHANCEMENTS FROM THE ITALIAN AIR FORCE AND AIR MOBILITY COMMAND
Abstract
This essay examines the operational construct of the European Air Transport Command (EATC) and analyzes the United States Air Mobility Command and the Italian Air Force to identify mission enhancing advancements that will expand EATC capacity and increase its efficiency. This research is a qualitative analysis and historical review of Air Mobility Command (the most comparable American unit) and the European Air Transport Command. It addresses what lessons can be drawn from Air Mobility Command and applied to the European Air Transportation Command; and how the participation of Italy will be a great opportunity to bring the experiences that the Italians gained during the last twenty years of operations with NATO allies into the European common basket. Qualitative data and historical information were derived from military publications, research essays, books and technical agreements. This essay identifies Italys decision to join the European Air Transport Command as a pivotal opportunity. The research argues that the European Air Transport Command can significantly enhance its capabilities and capacity by standardizing missions, procedures, and equipment across multi-national participants. Six recommendations emerge ranging from procedural changes to force structure development. The recommendations include standardized airdrop procedures; modified equipment acquisition; cross-nation recognition of airworthiness certifications; common air refueling training and operations; standardized flight duty regulations; development of an infectious patient transportation strategy; and the creation of mobile ground support units to assist in deployment/redeployment operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 15, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1037529
Entities
People
- Luca Mazzini
Organizations
- Air War College