FA18 Training and Readiness
Abstract
The peacetime soldier's principal task is to prepare effectively for the next war. Consequently, he must anticipate the characteristics of the next war and conduct training applicable to future missions. This daunting task is made even more difficult when a force, such as the Marine Corps' F/A-18 Hornet community, is capable of performing a multitude of missions. F/A-18 squadrons arguably perform the widest spectrum of missions among the Marine Air Ground Task Force's (MAGTF) Air Combat Element (ACE). Many argue that as a result of the myriad of missions Hornet squadrons are required to prepare for, training programs for Hornet squadrons are stretched too thin. If so, then the correlation can be made that F/A-18 pilots are inadequately prepared to support the MAGTF commander. However, careful examination of Marine Fighter Attack (VMFA) squadron mission statements, integrated Ground Combat Element (GCE)/ACE exercises, and VMFA training methodologies illustrate that, despite their diverse missions, the Marine Corps' F/A-18 squadrons enhance the MAGTF commander's warfighting options through focused, core capabilities-based training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA505443
Entities
People
- Harry Thomas Jr.
Organizations
- Marine Corps University