The U.S. Air Force Budget and Posture Over Time

Abstract

Based on large-scale trends regarding Air Force planning over the 25 years from fiscal years 1962 to 1986, this report compares inputs--in the form of defense resources--with posture outputs--such as alert strategic warheads, tactical fighter squadrons, airlift ton-mile potential, etc. After examining important trends in Department of Defense and Air Force budgets, the author provides an overview of the historical Air Force posture and budget. He then presents close-ups of strategic, general purpose, and deployment capabilities. The research suggests that over time, the enterprises that comprise the total U. S. defense effort have substantially converged, driven mainly by fiscal reality.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA222458

Entities

People

  • Kevin N. Lewis

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Attack Aircraft
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Fleet Ballistic Missiles
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Military Force Levels
  • Military Personnel
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Navy
  • Strategic Weapons
  • Tactical Aircraft
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Public Financial Management and Budgeting