Evaluating Possible Airfield Deployment Options. Middle East Contingencies
Abstract
Since the end of the Gulf War, the U.S. military has participated in more than 50 contingencies worldwide that have called for some level of military force deployment. Throughout this period, it has become evident that, no matter where or when the next such crisis arises, airpower will be a key and early-entry component of any response package that is formulated. Yet while the United States can project limited airpower over long distances, current and next- generation ground-based tactical combat aircraft cannot efficiently conduct high-tempo, long- duration operations from extended ranges; to the contrary, such aircraft are far more effective when operating out of airfields in the contingency theater. If the West seeks to establish a presence or to employ military power in distant regions effectively, coalition forces will thus require access to the contingency theater and to specific facilities within that theater. In an effort to shape regional security environments and to enhance U.S. relations with countries in their area of responsibility (AOR), regional commanders-in-chief (CINCs) develop and execute theater engagement plans. In part, such programs seek to support timely access to key regional facilities. U.S. and NATO air forces routinely conduct joint training exercises with several Middle Eastern air forces, and the United States has established working agreements for access rights to specific facilities and for the prepositioning of sets of combat equipment and wartime consumables. Yet significant access problems in that region remain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA393155
Entities
People
- William D. O'malley
Organizations
- RAND Corporation