A Range-Balanced Force: An Alternate Force Structure Adapted to New Defense Priorities

Abstract

This article argues that external forces will drive the US Air Force to procure a very different force structure than the one currently postulated for the early 2030s. Specifically, the service will eventually settle on a structure for its combat air forces (CAF) dominated by longer-range strike platforms capable of remotely piloted operations a range-balanced force. The first section of the article describes the future environment and challenges that will shape the force structure. The second presents a range-balanced force better configured to meet these issues. The final section discusses how the Air Force might transition to the new force structure.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2013
Accession Number
ADA579584

Entities

People

  • Peter Garretson

Organizations

  • Air University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Aircraft Industry
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Autonomous Systems
  • Commercial Aviation
  • Counterair Operations
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Force Structure
  • Guidance
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • United States
  • Unmanned Systems
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Systems Analysis and Design