The Future of the Air National Guard and Its F-16 Fighter Mission
Abstract
One of the largest problems facing the Air National Guard (ANG) and the USAF today is an aging fleet of aircraft. In reviewing the F-16 program in particular, the U.S Air Force (USAF) has little to no money in its budget for replacements. The Air Force cut a short-term modernization solution for older F-16s (CAPES). With no concrete solution proposed by the Air Force or National Guard Bureau, Fighter Wing unit leadership is left wondering about their units future as they are forced to wait for the arrival of the F-35. Currently, there are too many unknowns in the Air Force fighter community for the ANG to get an accurate picture of its fighter future. In the meantime, the Air Guard must also consider its other Homeland Security missions and prepare for all the possible scenarios. The Air Force and National Guard Bureau may need to consider mission changes for Fighter Wing units. Some possibilities are changing fighter units to unmanned aerial vehicle units, cyber defense units, or a Homeland Defense Hubs. Additionally, combining Air Guard bases into a single location could be a long-range cost saving solution to budgetary shortfalls.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 04, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1176055
Entities
People
- John Wheeler
Organizations
- Marine Corps University