Contracting, An Alarming Trend in Aviation Maintenance.
Abstract
Continuing pressure to reduce force structure competes with requirements for high aircraft readiness and operational tempo rates. Aviation operational and maintenance units struggle to balance peacetime requirements for general military and technical training, organization and installation support, training and operational flight missions, exercises, quality of life activities, and countless other requirements with direct aviation maintenance functions. In light of austere aviation maintenance structure and high operational tempo, aviation leaders have increasingly turned to contracted maintenance and logistics support. Unintended second and third order effects of civilian contractor support are explored in this paper. An examination of adverse impacts on aviation soldier technical skills, unit morale and cohesion, and the risks associated with the inappropriate employment of civilian contractors on the battlefield precede discussion on recommended solutions to optimize the employment of military and contracted civilian aviation maintenance capabilities while mitigating the negative impact of current practices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 16, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA344904
Entities
People
- J. L. Brooke
Organizations
- United States Army War College