Why the Marine Corps Should Say No to TacAir Integration
Abstract
TacAir integration is the combining of fixed wing tactical jet aircraft between the Marine Corps and the Navy. The TacAir Integration plan (TAI) implements Navy F/A-18C squadrons into the Marine Corps Unit Deployment Program (UDP) and implements Marine Corps F/A-18 A+/C squadrons into ten carrier air wings. Currently, the Marine Corps has fourteen active duty F/A-18 A+/C/D squadrons. The Navy has thirty active duty strike fighter fleet squadrons. Of the fourteen squadrons the Marine Corps has, four squadrons are currently integrated into Navy Carrier Air Wings (CVW). Of the fourteen F/A-18 squadrons, only eight are of the single seat variant and are able to integrate into the CVW. Due to airframe and fuel constraints, the Marine F/A-18Ds cannot deploy aboard carriers. TacAir integration will decrease the total number of aircraft required by 497. While this reduction will save the government billions of dollars, it will be at a significant cost to the Marine Corps. Since the inception of Marine Aviation, Marine pilots have prided themselves on being experts in Close Air Support (CAS). The MAGTF commander, GCE commander, and other services have relied upon Marine TacAir to provide the highest and most professional level of CAS available to the troops on the ground. If Marine Corps senior leadership allows TAI to continue, the Marine Corps will lose its current TacAir capability and, in turn, lose the ability of Marine TacAir to provide close air support.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA506023
Entities
People
- G. S. Rampulla
Organizations
- Marine Corps University