Training Revolutions: Revised Core Skills for the F/A-18
Abstract
The F/A-18 Hornet began service in the Marine Corps in 1983 to act as a dual role fighter and attack aircraft. The hornet community has always prided itself on being able to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. However, as the aircraft approaches the end of its service life, the community insists on maintaining proficiency in missions that are no longer relevant. Aircraft availability rates are exhibiting a steady decline. As the aircraft ages, the total number of available training sorties decreases. Additionally, the need to extend the airframe until 2020 limits realistic basic fighter maneuver (BFM) training. As a result, training and readiness levels could be jeopardized. Furthermore, as joint warfighting doctrine prevails, significant threats to U.S. air supremacy no longer exist. Therefore, as flight time decreases and missions evolve, the USMC F/A-18 Aviation Training and Readiness manual should revise the F/A-18 core missions. The core missions of the F/A-18 should be revised to reflect current training and mission realities. By transforming air-to-air missions into a core plus skill, U.S. Marine F/A-18 squadrons will be better aligned to handle current threats. Transformation acknowledges both reduced sortie availability as well as an evolving joint culture. An updated core and core plus skill alignment also acknowledges the changing threat to produce a force more skilled at its primary mission of supporting ground forces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA506019
Entities
People
- J. D. Jones
Organizations
- Marine Corps University