Commercializing USCENTCOM Aerial Ports (Joint Force Quarterly, Issue 52, 2nd Quarter 2009)
Abstract
Over the last 3 years, commercial aircraft have become a predominant in-theater conveyance for both Department of Defense (DOD) cargo and an increasing number of non-DOD activities. With more and more commercial aircraft converging on a limited number of U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) airfields, the need for a robust commercial port handling capability has never been greater. As we examine ways to make our system operate more efficiently across the enterprise, it becomes readily apparent that the timing is right to address the commercialization of the USCENTCOM aerial port structure--the foundation from which our theater airlift system flows. Consider the potential savings: The U.S. Air Force spends over $14 million per year to run the contract aerial port at Kuwait International Airport alone. A simple extrapolation of the costs associated with running the numerous aerial ports in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility, most of which are operated by DOD with large numbers of Guard and Reserve forces, nets our estimate of $150 million a year. This figure does not take into account the effects of extended deployments on personnel in critically stressed career fields such as air transportation management and other core competencies where manning and experience are stretched to meet global requirements. The end effect of our current theater port posture substantially strains U.S. ability to respond to emerging requirements and reliably project global power when and where it is needed most.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA515459
Entities
People
- Jean M. Mahan
- John E. Michel
Organizations
- National Defense University