Improving the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) Program
Abstract
The need for a strong military and civilian air carrier partnership is fundamental to our nation's ability to project military power throughout the world. This paper studies the development of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet from the late 1940s to present. The author reviews current national security strategy and a series of mobility studies that have supported a strong need for flexible and responsive strategic air mobility. The National Airlift Policy developmental process and resulting compromises between civil and military transportation requirements is also reviewed in the study. The author provides a summary of the CRAF's first combat test in Operation DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. The paper includes a review of lessons learned and management actions occurring to fine tune the CRAF. The author looks at non-traditional business incentives to aid the airline industry and encourage continued voluntary participation in the highly successful CRAF program. The civilian industry provides an efficient and effective augmentation for military airlift capability when needed for peacetime or wartime airlift. This study is intended to provide a greater understanding of options available to continue a healthy business atmosphere for civil carriers. A strong CRAF program is essential to national security planning and execution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA264064
Entities
People
- Donn P. Kegel
Organizations
- United States Army War College