Working with Allies and Partners: A Cost-Based Analysis of U.S. Air Forces in Europe
Abstract
U.S. European Command (EUCOM) views building partnerships (BP) as its highest theater priority. U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) seeks to build partnerships and partner capacity in the EUCOM area of responsibility (AOR) for several reasons. First, USAFE supports integration of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to help ensure that the United States meets its alliance responsibilities and obligations and maintains leadership in the organization. Second, partnerships help USAFE units maintain their operational readiness. Third, partnerships help the United States build interoperability and partner capacity support to out-of-area operations. Fourth, USAFE conducts engagements with the goal of helping ensure stability in the AOR and to encourage cooperation among partner countries. Fifth, USAFE seeks to attain, improve, and maintain access to countries in the AOR. In spite of the potential benefits of USAFE s BP activities, USAFE s posture and its BP activities do come with a cost. In today s austere fiscal environment, it is appropriate to assess how the United States and the U.S. Air Force can build partnerships most efficiently while ensuring that the requirements for maintaining key alliances and partnerships continue to be met. This raises several questions about the cost of USAFE s BP activities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA569641
Entities
People
- David E. Thaler
- David T. Orletsky
- Jennifer D.P. Moroney
- Patrick Mills
Organizations
- RAND Corporation