Airlift Doctrine: Out of Step for the Times
Abstract
When the Air Mobility Command (AMC) was activated on 1 June 1992 to become the mobility component of a newly restructured Air Force, it inherited a command that has not updated its most basic doctrinal manuals in over twenty years. As such, airlift doctrine has become so outdated that it is totally inadequate to support AMC's mission. The doctrine, as written, simply does not reflect the way the command does things, nor does it reflect the way it will do its job in the future. Charged with providing Global Reach to America's armed forces, AMC is first challenged to update and translate its doctrine into a working blueprint that depicts a total airlift system of worldwide deployability. Airlift doctrine still reflects the original split between strategic and tactical airlift, yet the command will employ its resources across a spectrum that has faded the lines that once divided these resources. Joint airlift doctrine is virtually nonexistent at a time when support for joint operations is paramount. There is continuing need to express doctrine, review it, and revise it, when necessary, for it has a significant impact on the budget process, force structure, procurement, and training. In essence, it has an exceptional impact on the strategy process. As AMC takes on the challenge to review the lessons of experience and translate the doctrinal changes that have occurred, the command's doctrine must reflect its role in the Global Reach-- Global Power framework: to provide speed and flexibility in support of the President's National Security Strategy
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA283031
Entities
People
- William W. Hodges
Organizations
- Air War College