Global Reach for Global Power: Strategic Airlift after Desert Shield
Abstract
The United States has never acquired a strategic mobility capability equal to its goals and objectives. As a new world order dawns, the nation is still struggling to define an airlift goal. The Congressionally Mandated Mobility Study (CMMS) is no longer viewed as valid since the overall strategic concern about Europe has changed. In 1990, the Congress directed an updated study, the Mobility Requirements Study (MRS), presently under way. Almost simultaneously, the Military Airlift Command (MAC) was faced with its greatest challenge ever -- DESERT SHIELD. This operation tested MAC in ways never before accomplished. A look at DESERT SHIELD highlights several findings: (1) Contrary to what some critics said, the U.S. airlift system was not overwhelmed by DESERT SHIELD; (2) The number and capability of aerial ports of debarkation are critical to a smooth and sufficient (as defined by carefully prepared user requirements) airlift flow; (3) Enroute infrastructure must be available that can support slightly greater flow than the theater needs; (4) The Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) worked well during its first-ever call up, although some modifications of procedures can be expected; (5) The capacity of the airlift system is presently overstated -- programming factors can be shown to be too high; and (6) Perceptions of the airlift system must be made more accurate through education and exercises. This paper covers the following topics: the history of airlift operations (i.e., pre-World War II, World War II, Korean War, Kennedy and Eisenhower administrations, modern airlift operations); planning airlift capability; airlift operations in Desert Shield; the Mobility Requirements Study; and the theaters that might adequately serve as a planning base for future airlift force requirements (i.e., Europe, Southwest Asia, and Korea).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 24, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA493384
Entities
People
- John E. Valliere
Organizations
- Marine Corps University