Special Operations Forces: C-130 Upgrade Plan Could Help Fix Electronic Warfare Deficiencies
Abstract
In response to a concern that threats to the U.S. Special Operations Command's (USSOCOM) aircraft are increasing, while funds available for electronic warfare are decreasing, the General Accounting Office (GAO) are reviewing USSOCOM'S acquisition strategy for aircraft electronic warfare systems. This report focuses on fixed-wing C-130 aircraft operated by USSOCOM'S Air Force component, the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). As requested, GAO determined (1) the soundness of AFSOC's electronic warfare acquisition strategy and (2) the extent to which AFSOC is correcting deficiencies and maximizing commonality in its electronic warfare systems. GAO also identified a funding source that could help AFSOC further implement its electronic warfare acquisition strategy. GAO will address USSOCOM'S rotary-wing aircraft in a separate report. The nation's special operations forces provide the National Command Authorities a highly trained, rapidly deployable joint force capable of conducting special operations anywhere in the world. In November 1986 Congress enacted section 1311 of Public Law 99-661, which directed the President to establish USSOCOM, a unified combatant command to ensure that special operations forces were combat ready and prepared to conduct specified missions. USSOCOM'S component commands include AFSOC, the Army Special Operations Command, the Naval Special Warfare Command and the Joint Special Operations Command. AFSOC, located at Huriburt Field, Florida, deploys and supports special operations forces worldwide. To ensure that special operations were adequately funded, Congress further provided in section 1311 of Public Law 99-661 that the Department of Defense create for the special operations forces a major force program (MFP) category for the Future Years Defense Plan of the Department of Defense.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA357574
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office