Assessing Unit Readiness Case Study of an Air Force Fighter Wing
Abstract
In the context of developing a high-level, overarching system for managing the military readiness of the United States Air Force (USAF), Project AIR FORCE's Resource Management Program has undertaken an in-depth review of readiness problems in an active component operational fighter wing. The broad context stems from ongoing allegations of problems with readiness in the current environment of constrained resources and demanding contingency requirements. Our aim is to characterize the effects of this environment on a representative operational unit and to capture the generalizable features in a readiness management system designed for senior decisionmakers. At the time of writing, we were in the process of developing an architecture for an encompassing USAF readiness management system. At the generous invitation of its commanding officer, Col Mike Hostage, we focused on the 388th Fighter Wing (FW) at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. When we collected our data, the 388th was operating a primary mission authorized inventory (PMAI) of 54 F-l6 Block 40 jets in three squadrons: the 4th, the 34th, and the 421st. These aircraft are equipped with Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared-Night (LANTIRN) systems that render them among the most lethal ground attack systems in the world; the aircraft also have powerful air-to-air capability. As such, they are in high demand for contingency operations. The 388th Maintenance Squadron (MXS) provides intermediate-level maintenance support. Behind the flying and maintenance squadrons are a range of supporting squadrons and groups, as well as the wing command.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA375726
Entities
People
- Carl J. Dahlman
- David E. Thaler
Organizations
- RAND Corporation