Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
June 2006
Executive Summary 6
Foundation 10
Information Superiority 32
Global Attack 64
Precision Engagement 94
Summary 154
A capability-based force
structure plan through 2025
Executive Summary
Fourth, while weapon systems are an integral part
Executive Summary of the Air Force, the heart of Air Force combat
capability resides with Airmen. Only through an
This Air Force Roadmap is a capability-based
unwavering commitment to effectively recruiting
force structure plan that conveys the planned
and efficiently training and presenting combat-
recapitalization and modernization of the Air Force
ready Airmen to combatant commanders, where
through 2025. It articulates the strategic foundations
and when they’re needed, can the Air Force remain
of the force and the distinctive air and space power
the world’s pre-eminent air and space power.
capabilities this force structure provides. The
end result is a powerful force structure that will
Fifth, the future Air Force depends heavily on
dominate adversaries in air, space, and cyberspace
efficient organizational structures embodied
across the spectrum of conflict, now through 2025.
in Total Force Integration initiatives. This will
allow the Air Force to most effectively and
Air Force
There are several strategic foundations for the
efficiently combine Active, Guard, and Reserve
Air Force future force structure. First, it directly
forces to best provide air and space power
supports national strategic objectives defined
in the National Security Strategy of the United
combat capability to joint force commanders.
Distinctive Capabilities
States of America, National Defense Strategy of
Sixth, the Air Force’s force structure addresses
the United States of America, and other planning
guidance, and enables effects-based operations
the critical need to recapitalize its rapidly aging
aircraft. To ensure the future Air Force will Air and Space Superiority
as directed by the 2006 Quadrennial Defense
continue to provide air, space, and information
Review. Reflecting capability requirements for
the future as described in the Air Force Concepts
dominance across the range of military operations,
some tough choices must be made today. To
Information Superiority
of Operations, this force structure will provide
recapitalize the aging Air Force inventory, less
the critical and enabling Air Force capabilities
capable legacy platforms must be divested and Global Attack
needed to achieve desired joint warfighting
modern, survivable, persistent, precision systems
effects across the range of military operations
and throughout the strategic environment.
procured, which will enable battlespace dominance
and effects-based operations for years to come.
Rapid Global Mobility
Second, the highest priority of the resulting force
structure is protecting the United States from direct
For presentation, the Air Force Roadmap organizes Precision Engagement
current and future force structure under six
attack. To accomplish this, the Air Force contributes
toward creating three desired effects: preventing,
distinctive capabilities: air and space superiority,
information superiority, global attack, precision
Agile Combat Support
protecting against, and responding to the full
engagement, rapid global mobility, and agile
spectrum of domestic threats and incidents.
combat support. Clearly, individual weapon systems
operate across multiple capabilities; however,
Third, to support United States national security,
in this Roadmap, weapon systems are generally
the Air Force must transform to provide joint
depicted in a given section based on the capability
force commanders with the most effective
predominantly provided by that weapon system.
solutions to conduct a broad spectrum of joint
operations. The Air Force is pursuing an aggressive
Additionally, the Air Force provides specialized
transformation strategy to include enhancing
air power through Air Force Special Operations
joint and coalition warfare; pursuing innovation;
Command. While these specialized capabilities
shifting to capability and effects-based planning;
could be described using these same six distinctive
and embracing information age thinking.
capabilities, they are included as a separate section
to emphasize the unique nature of special operations.
The first distinctive capability, air and
Executive Summary
space superiority, is the ability to control
what moves through air and space to
Global attack is the ability to engage Agile combat support (ACS) is the Air Force
ensure freedom of action. It provides
adversary targets rapidly and persistently distinctive capability to create, protect,
freedom to attack as well as freedom from
with a wide range of munitions and sustain air and space forces across the
attack. Success in air, land, sea, and space
anywhere and at anytime to hold any full range of military operations. It is the
operations depends upon air and space
adversary at risk. Global Attack force foundational and crosscutting Air Force
superiority. Air superiority assets include
structure consists of the existing F-22A, system of support that enables Air Force
the F-22A, F-15, and certain model F-16
F-16, A-10, F-15E, MQ-9, F-117, B-52, B-1, operational concepts. Because ACS covers the
weapon systems, while space superiority
B-2, and Minuteman III weapon systems. entire spectrum of combat support for the Air
systems include counterspace systems.
Recapitalization planned by the F-35A Force, the roadmap can only highlight a few
Joint Strike Fighter and New Bomber, ACS future vectors in the areas of readying,
Grounded in the The next distinctive capability,
information superiority, is the ability
and modernization of the Minuteman III
arsenal will significantly improve this
sustaining, and employing the force.
guidance and
anywhere with speed and tempo that to regional unified commands. Air Force
cyberspace. Space domain C4ISR systems
adversaries cannot match. The Air Force Special Operations Command provides
include Satellite Communications;
continues to acquire C-17s and C-130Js and special operations strike; Intelligence,
Positioning, Navigation, and Timing; and
operate C-5s to provide airlift capability, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
postured for the future Surveillance and Reconnaissance. Systems
in the air domain provide Command and
and plans to develop future airlift systems.
The KC-135 and KC-10 provide air refueling
and information operations; and mobility
forces. Air Combat Command provides
Control and Intelligence, Surveillance and
capability, which the Air Force plans to combat search and rescue units.
Reconnaissance capabilities to include
security environment the E-3, E-8, U-2, RC-135, MQ-1 and RQ-4. The
ground domain consists of Air and Space
recapitalize with the future KC-X. The
Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle will The systems, described in these six
provide spacelift capability through 2025. distinctive capabilities and specialized air
Operations Centers, Distributed Common
power, comprise the force structure of the
Ground Stations, Battlefield Control
Precision engagement is the ability to Air Force. It is grounded in national and
System, Space Command and Control, and
command, control, and employ forces military strategic planning guidance, and
Ground Surveillance and Reconnaissance
to cause specific strategic, operational, postured for the future security environment.
systems. Cyberspace is the electronic
or tactical effects. To achieve many With Airmen at the center, operating,
medium of net-centric operations,
of the desired effects of precision maintaining, and supporting recapitalized,
communications systems, and computers,
engagement, the Air Force employs highly capable weapon systems across the
in which horizontal integration and online
precision and near precision guided Air Force distinctive capabilities, it is the
communication takes place. Information
munitions, which this section covers. right Air Force for the nation’s future.
operations are the integrated employment
of the capabilities of influence operations,
electronic warfare operations, and
network warfare operations to influence,
disrupt, corrupt, or usurp adversarial
human and automated decision-
making while protecting one’s own.
Foundation
Introduction
The mission of the Air Force is “to deliver
sovereign options for the defense of the
United States of America and its global
interests – to fly and fight in Air, Space, and Strategic Guidance
Cyberspace.” The Air Force accomplishes this
mission by providing rapid strike, global The fundamental requirements for the force
mobility, and persistent C4ISR to joint force structure of the Air Force reside in the national
commanders every day. These are the core strategic guidance documents, which describe
tasks of the Air Force. To accomplish these the objectives the United States Armed Forces
tasks, the Air Force focuses on providing are expected to achieve; the current and future
six distinctive capabilities: air and space environment in which they are expected to
defense of the United States of America with specialized air power highlighted
separately to emphasize its unique nature.
The National Security Strategy (NSS) of the United
States of America is the foundation strategy
upon which all other defense-related strategy
and its global interests – to fly and However, before describing the detailed and guidance are developed. The NSS clearly
force structure, this foundation section first delineates the military as a national instrument
fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace provides the context for that force structure.
It reviews the strategic guidance that shapes
of power in the coordinated effort to defeat
terrorism worldwide. The NSS is founded upon
the force structure and guides homeland two pillars: The first pillar is promoting freedom,
defense; the transformation efforts vital justice, and human dignity. The second pillar
to future effectiveness; the Airmen and is confronting the challenges of our time by
organizational structures needed to operate, leading a growing community of democracies.
maintain, and support this force structure;
and the issues integral to its recapitalization.
10 11
Foundation
The National Defense Strategy (NDS) of The 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) further
the United States of America builds develops this strategic guidance by defining the force
The QDR further focuses on four priorities: The AF CBP process rests on the conceptual
on the broad guidance in the NSS planning construct of the United States military as a
foundation of the Air Force Concepts of Operations
by characterizing the challenges of summation of homeland defense; war on terror and
Defeating terrorist networks (CONOPS). The AF CONOPS describe key Air Force
the uncertain strategic environment irregular operations; and conventional campaigns.
Defending the homeland in depth mission areas and/or functional areas for
in which the military must be
Shaping the choices of countries enabling desired joint warfighting effects in
prepared to function and prevail:
at strategic crossroads accordance with national, joint, and service
Force Planning Construct
Preventing hostile states and non-state guidance. They articulate the capabilities
Irregular challenges from those
actors from acquiring or using WMD required to achieve those effects in systems-
employing unconventional Defend the Homeland
agnostic terms. In short, they describe how
methods to counter the traditional Steady: Detect, deter, and if necessary, defeat external threats to the U.S. homeland The National Military Strategy (NMS) derives air and space power capabilities should be
advantages of stronger opponents
Enable partners to contribute to U.S. national security objectives, missions, and capability requirements employed for effect without describing the
from the NSS and NDS and conveys three objectives: specific weapon systems associated with a set of
Traditional challenges posed Surge: Contribute to the nation’s response to WMD attacks or a catastrophic event given or anticipated capabilities. In turn, these
by states employing recognized
Raise the level of defense responsiveness in all domains if directed Protect the United States capabilities drive requirements, which drive the
military capabilities and forces in
Prevent conflict and surprise attack force structure. The current Air Force CONOPS are:
well-understood forms of military
Prevail against adversaries
competition and conflict
Agile Combat Support
Prevail in the War on Terror and Conduct Irregular Operations
To achieve these objectives, the Capstone Concept Global Mobility
Catastrophic challenges involving
Steady: Deter and defend against external transnational terrorist attacks on Joint Operations outlines a series of Joint Global Persistent Attack
the acquisition, possession,
Enable partners through integrated security cooperation programs Operating Concepts for how the Joint Force will Global Strike
and use of weapons of mass
operate in the future. The hierarchy of joint Homeland Security
destruction (WMD) or methods Conduct multiple, globally distributed irregular
operations of varying duration concepts also includes Joint Functional Concepts Nuclear Response
producing WMD-like effects
and Joint Integrating Concepts. The detailed Space and C4ISR
Employ general purpose forces continuously to:
nature of these joint concepts is beyond the scope
Disruptive challenges from Interact with allies
Build partner capability of this Air Force Roadmap, but the method the Though capability-based, the Air Force Roadmap
adversaries who develop and use
Conduct long-duration counter insurgency operations Air Force uses to synchronize with them is the Air does describe specific weapon systems and other
breakthrough technologies to negate
Deter aggressors through forward presence Force Capabilities-Based Planning (AF CBP) process. resources. Thus, it is organized under the six
current United States advantages
distinctive Air Force capabilities: air and space
in key operational domains Surge: Conduct a large-scale, potentially long-duration irregular warfare campaign superiority, information superiority, global
attack, precision engagement, rapid global
Without question, the United States
mobility, and agile combat support. Additionally,
military in general, and the Air Force
specialized air power is included as a separate
in particular, currently predominate in Conduct and Win Conventional Campaigns
capability to highlight its unique nature. While
traditional forms of conflict. Potential Steady: Deter inter-state coercion or aggression through forward deployed forces
many weapon systems function in more than one
adversaries recognize this fact and
Enable partners through theater security cooperation of these capabilities, in this roadmap they are
increasingly seek to challenge the
Conduct presence missions generally depicted in the capability in which
United States through non-traditional
they predominantly operate. Under each of these
capabilities and methods. To deal with
Surge: Wage two nearly simultaneous conventional campaigns (or one conventional distinctive capabilities, investment decisions
this new/future security environment, campaign if engaged in a large-scale, long-duration irregular campaign) are further delineated to emphasize key tasks
the Air Force must be prepared to face
Selectively reinforce deterrence against opportunistic acts of aggression for enabling service and joint force success.
a wide range of future contingencies
across the spectrum of conflict. Be prepared in one of the two campaigns to:
Remove a hostile regime
Destroy its military capacity
Set conditions for the transition to, or restoration of, civil society
12 13
Foundation
Prevent: The ability to deter, detect,
predict, and preempt threats to the
Homeland Security homeland, especially those that
target our air and space capabilities,
Throughout the strategic guidance, installations and critical infrastructures,
protecting the United States from direct or transit the air, space, and global
attack is the highest priority of the information infrastructure. Homeland-
Department of Defense. Adversaries based capabilities to support civil
consider United States territory an law enforcement and prevent CBRNE
integral part of a global theater of incidents will be vital to domestic
combat. The Air Force, therefore applies incident management actions.
the key principles of joint warfighting
and transformation to the domestic Protect: The ability to protect essential
context to defend the homeland. personnel and critical infrastructure
necessary to project and sustain forces
The Air Force is adapting to profound overseas while also providing support to
changes in the nature of conflict and the domestic law enforcement and other civil
conduct of war. Asymmetrical warfare, authorities. Homeland-based capabilities
terrorism, cyber attacks, and the threat include the emergency preparedness
of chemical, biological, radiological, activities that ensure continuity of
nuclear, and high-yield explosive (CBRNE) operations and continuity of government.
weapons demand immediate attention
at home and abroad. Advanced Air Force Respond: The ability to save lives, defend
warfighting capabilities are applied threatened resources, and mitigate
against current and emerging threats to the effects of attacks while defeating
prevent attacks, reduce vulnerabilities, the enemy through precision strikes,
protect our people and infrastructure, disarming/disabling CBRNE weapons,
The Air Force is adapting to and assure continuity of operations
and continuity of government.
and rapidly supporting the Department
of Homeland Security in coordinating the
Federal Government’s domestic incident
14 15
In the past, each of the Services was often given Air Force engagement in new joint processes:
Foundation
separate tasks during an operation and mostly ∑
stayed out of each other’s way. In recent operations, Joint concept development
Transformation the Services began to more effectively coordinate and experimentation
to produce desired effects. However, the Services ∑
To support United States national security, To play its part in these transformations are rapidly evolving beyond coordination to Joint Capability Integration and Development
the Services must maintain broad and in support of the joint force commanders, effectively integrating their operations. The System (JCIDS) joint requirements process
sustained advantages over potential the Air Force is pursuing the following Air Force is pursuing the following initiatives ∑
adversaries by providing joint force transformation strategy: to improve joint warfighting, many of which Ensuring existing Air Force CONOPS
commanders with the most effective are enabled by the future force structure and support new joint concepts
solutions to conduct a broad spectrum of Develop transformational capabilities to organizational initiatives detailed in this Roadmap:
joint operations. The capabilities necessary include cyberspace warfare, non-lethal Coalition partners also provide key support
to achieve this have, of course, changed effects, rapid global attack, joint machine- Improved Air Force support of to the Air Force. The Air Force will continue
through time, requiring the military to to-machine integration, and the ability Combatant Commanders (COCOMs): to work with allied and coalition air forces
to defeat advanced air defense systems ∑ to ensure they continue to be interoperable
constantly adapt and transform. The Air
Warfighting Headquarters (proactive integration and integrated with the United States Air
Force, like all the Services, has contributed
Work with the other Services, Joint Staff, with both the Standing Joint Force Headquarters Force as it continues to transform.
significantly to the U.S. military’s
and other DoD and non-DoD Agencies as (Core Element) and the Standing Joint Task
transformation through the years.
well as allies and coalition partners to Force Headquarters joint initiatives) Many of the capabilities enabled by the future
∑ force structure and organizational changes
This ongoing transformation of the United enhance joint and coalition warfighting
Joint Warfighting Space (dedicated rapid highlighted in this document will play a key
States military continues today and is a ∑
launch space capabilities to COCOM) role in enabling the ongoing transformation
top priority of the Department of Defense Continue to aggressively pursue innovation
∑
(DoD). Its primary focus is to: (1) exploit to lay the groundwork for transformation of the Air Force. Additional Air Force
Air and Space Expeditionary Forces (AEFs)
new information technologies in the areas ∑ efforts are highlighted in the U.S. Air Force
(improved way to present forces to COCOM)
of sensors, command and control, and Create new organizational constructs Transformation Flight Plan, Imagine the Next
∑
precision munitions to revolutionize warfare to facilitate transformation and Century…, and Future Vectors: Assuring Joint
Increased spending on joint enablers such
by enabling effects-based operations and institutionalize cultural change Air & Space Dominance in the 21st Century.
as air refuelers, airlift, and C4ISR
massing effects rather than forces; and (2) ∑
adapt to new irregular, disruptive, and Shift from threat- and platform- Improved coordination with other Services: Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century
catastrophic threats to United States national centric planning and programming ∑
security and the unique demands of the to adaptive capabilities- and effects- Joint combat air support to ground forces As part of our transformational strategy, the
future security environment, which include based planning and programming ∑ Air Force is committed to pursuing innovation
non-state adversaries such as terrorists, ∑ Battlefield Airmen, improved coordination and Continuous Process Improvement (CPI). That
drug lords, and insurgents; homeland Break out of industrial age via Army-Air Force discussions/forums, commitment is embodied in Air Force Smart
security; the proliferation of weapons of business processes and embrace Air Component Coordination Element, Operations 21 (AFSO21). The fundamental goals
mass destruction; rapidly emerging threats information age thinking and Joint Air Ground Organization of AFSO21 are to achieve internalization of CPI
∑ among all military, civilian, and contractor
to our space and information assets; rapidly
To highlight one of these areas, the Air Joint interoperability efforts personnel in the Air Force; to identify and
emerging cruise and ballistic missile
∑ remove waste in processes across the Air Force;
threats; urban operations; peace operations; Force is making great strides to enhance
Joint efforts in space ops, special operations, to develop a sustainable program for CPI within
and unpredictable conflict locations. joint and coalition warfighting.
counter-CBRNE, urban operations, and the Air Force; and to continually enhance the
remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) peacetime efficiency and wartime effectiveness
∑
of the Air Force. Through AFSO21, the Air Force
Increased joint exercises and training
will free resources for the future sustainment
∑
and modernization of our force structure.
Joint Centers of Excellence
16 17
Developing Airmen
Foundation
“Right People, Right Place, Right Time —
America’s Airmen Creating the World’s Best
Air Force,” is founded on the principle that It is just as important that we attract, develop, Only through the Air Force’s continued ability
people are the most critical asset. In the past, and retain the Airmen necessary to operate and to efficiently produce, train and deliver
the Air Force referred to weapon systems, in support these weapon systems to create air and combat-ready Airmen to the combatant
terms of aircraft such as Joint Strike Fighters space power for joint force commanders. Every commander, where and when needed, will
and C-17s. The Air Force carefully plans and Total Force Airman —Regular, Guard, Reserve, the Air Force be able to remain the world’s
programs for those systems in terms of their and Civilian — who is not properly developed or most pre-eminent Air and Space power.
capabilities, the effects they produce, and how utilized represents degraded combat capability
While weapon
many are required. In the future, the same to our warfighting commanders. The Air Force A key strategy for Developing Airmen is the
careful planning and programming will be is transforming into an effects-based, efficient Air Force’s commitment to diversity, not just
accomplished for Total Force Airmen. Airmen provider of human combat capability, which can in gender and ethnicity, but also in thought,
provide effects-based outcomes that no other sustain air, space, and cyberspace superiority creativity, education, culture, and problem
systems are an weapon system can provide and technology-
based weapon systems cannot be operated
for the joint force and our Nation. The Air Force
provides human combat capability by:
solving capabilities. Through this diversity, the
Air Force will be able to foster mutual respect
or maintained without capable Airmen. The and integrity, which enhances critical thinking
integral part of the Airman is Our Most Important Weapon. Defining Future Total Force requirements to
implement a capabilities-based manpower
by creating an environment of competing
ideas based on multiple perspectives.
As the Air Force prepares itself to meet and personnel requirements system that meets
Air Force, the heart ever changing challenges, the Total Force
requirements must be accurately defined
surge requirements and optimizes force mix
to produce a flexible and responsive force.
The Air Force Manpower and Personnel
Strategic Plan supports the Air Force’s long-
and the force must be shaped, sustained, term strategy. This is a transformational
and effectively developed to ensure the most Shaping the force to produce a high-quality, shift to understanding how the planned and
of Air Force combat efficient and effective use of the human diversified Total Force composed of the skills, programmed development of human combat
resources via organizational and process competencies, and grade requirements to capability contributes to the Air Force mission
efficiencies and reductions to the legacy force. provide the right human capability to support and its core competencies as it provides
capability resides Achieving an effective future force structure
Air and Space expeditionary forces. strategic focus in Developing Airmen:
is more than developing weapon systems. Sustaining a mission-ready force of dedicated To accomplish all facets of air,
20 21
Air & Space Superiority
Freedom to attack
Freedom from attack
22 23
Air & Space Superiority
Air Superiority
24 25
Air & Space Superiority
Air Superiority F-16A
A limited number of older F-16A
Fighting Falcon aircraft remain in
the inventory to provide air defense
support of the homeland. These older
legacy aircraft are reaching the end
of their service life and, when retired,
will be replaced by more modern,
capable aircraft that can be dual-
tasked to support the air defense
mission as well as other roles.
F-22A
F-15A-D
The F-22A Raptor is a transformational
combat aircraft that delivers Joint Air The F-15C Eagle is an all-weather,
Dominance to counter persistent and extremely maneuverable, tactical
emerging national security challenges. fighter designed to gain and maintain
Its capabilities create desired effects air superiority in aerial combat. It
when, where, and for the duration possesses electronic systems and
they are needed. Its combination of weaponry to detect, acquire, track,
speed and stealth will contribute to its and attack enemy aircraft while
survival in future threat environments, operating at great distances.
and it is the only fighter produced today
that will defeat the threats of tomorrow. The F-15 provides a mixture
of attributes (outstanding
The F-22A is operational now and is maneuverability, acceleration,
in full rate production. While Raptor and range, with capable
performance continues to meet or weapons and avionics) to support
exceed key performance parameters, the air superiority role.
spiral modernization will further
enhance both its air-to-air and air-to- Many F-15 aircraft will retire from the
ground target engagement capability inventory throughout the planning
to ensure the platform remains the period, but a smaller, dedicated
most viable well into the 21st century. number of aircraft will undergo
modernization initiatives to improve
their avionics and target detection
capabilities and help provide
air superiority through 2025.
26 27
Air Superiority Force Structure
F-22A
F-22A
F-16A
Supercruise
F-16: limited service life remaining
Extremely high maneuverability
Increased support costs
during age-out Advanced integrated avionics
and electronics suite
Non-stealthy platforms
Enhanced battle space
Increased detection situational awareness
potential by adversaries
28 29
Air & Space Superiority
Space Superiority
The Air Force achieves and The Air Force will address three The SSN includes ground-based
maintains space superiority via major DCS needs: advance measures radars and optical sensors, a
counterspace (CS) operations. to ensure mission survivability space-based sensor, and the
Space superiority is critically during any known method of Space Control Center. The sensors
important to protecting the on- attack; mitigate mission impact and the Center, in concert with
orbit satellites that disseminate resulting from an attack and the United States Strategic
Space superiority is that degree information, which allows all quickly restore services based on Command (USSTRATCOM), Joint
aspects of military operations. mission priorities; and starve the Intelligence Center (JIC) and Air
of dominance in space of one adversary of friendly space force Force Weather Agency, provide
The CS mission area includes enhancement while maintaining most of the warfighters’ SSA.
force over another. It permits the sub-missions of defensive the services for friendly use.
counterspace (DCS), offensive The primary space-based SSA
the conduct of operations by the counterspace (OCS), and space OCS capabilities are intended to system is the Space Based
situation awareness (SSA). negate adversary space services. Space Surveillance System
dominant force and its related DCS capabilities seek to deter Between now and the planning (SBSS). The SBSS system will
adversaries from attacking our horizon, the Air Force will provide provide find, fix, and track
land, sea, air, space, and special space capabilities, to defend them the OCS capability to create capabilities of geosynchronous
if an adversary does attack, and to reversible effects (deceive, deny, space objects more consistently
operations forces at a given time recover lost capability as quickly disrupt) against adversary space and accurately than attainable
as possible after an attack. capabilities and irreversible by ground-based systems.
and place without prohibitive space effects (degrade, destroy) against Because SBSS will operate in
adversary space capabilities. space, the system will improve
interference by any opposing force. current capabilities by being
SSA systems perform find, fix, more accurate and timely
and track capabilities, as well as in response to the dynamic
object and space environmental battlespace environment.
characterization functions. The Air
Force is responsible for operating
and maintaining the majority of the
systems, which make up the current
Space Surveillance Network (SSN).
30 31
Information Superiority
Information superiority
allows friendly forces
to collect, control,
exploit, and defend
information without Information superiority is a degree of
dominance in the information domain which
32 33
Information Superiority
Cyberspace, the fourth domain,
is the electronic medium of net-
centric operations, which includes
The ground domain provides communications systems, computers,
command and control and and C2 networks. The ability to
battle management systems exploit cyberspace will afford
to conduct Joint Operations. the Air Force decision superiority
Today, the Air Force’s command and will greatly reduce the time
34 35
Information Superiority
C4ISR : Space
36 37
Information Superiority
C4ISR : Space
38 39
C4ISR Space Domain Force Structure
Information Superiority
2006 2017 2025 C4ISR Space Domain Modernization
DSCS
Today 2017 Future
Milstar
WGS
WGS DSCS
Developing an integrated, TSAT
network-centric SATCOM
system architecture
TSAT provides transformational
AEHF satellite communications
capability with a ten-fold
Milstar increase in SATCOM bandwidth
AEHF
TSAT
40 41
Information Superiority
C4ISR : Air
42 43
Information Superiority
C4ISR : Air U-2
The U-2 Dragon Lady is a single-seat, single-
engine, multiple intelligence (multi-INT),
high-altitude/near space reconnaissance and
surveillance aircraft. It routinely operates
at altitudes in excess of 70,000 feet, in
all weather environments, day or night to
provide critical intelligence to all levels
of command and throughout all phases of
E-8 conflict, including peacetime indications
and warnings, low-intensity conflict, and
MQ-1 large-scale hostilities. The U-2 is capable
The E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack
of collecting a variety of digital imagery RQ-4
The MQ-1 Predator, a remotely piloted Radar System (JSTARS) is an airborne battle
management, C2ISR platform. Its primary products to include multi-spectral electro-
aircraft, continues to transform warfighting The RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high altitude,
mission is to provide theater ground and optic, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar
by providing persistent intelligence, long endurance, remotely piloted aircraft
air commanders with ground surveillance imagery, as well as high-resolution, broad-
surveillance, and reconnaissance; target that provides robust surveillance and
to support attack operations and targeting area synoptic imagery using a traditional
acquisition; and strike capabilities reconnaissance capabilities. Through the
that contributes to the delay, disruption, and “wet film” optical bar camera. Additionally,
against time sensitive targets. Today, with innovative use of synthetic aperture radar and
destruction of enemy forces. The radar and the U-2 has the capability to carry a signals
United States based flight and mission electro-optical and infrared sensors, Global
computer subsystems on the E-8C can gather intelligence payload. All digital intelligence
control, the Predator truly demonstrates Hawk provides the warfighter unrelenting
and display detailed battlefield information can be transmitted in near real-time
a revolutionary leap in how the Air Force observation of intelligence targets in the
on ground forces. The information is relayed anywhere in the world via air-to-ground or
provides military capability. Equipped night, during the day, and in adverse weather
in near-real time to the Army and Marine air-to-satellite data links, rapidly providing
not only with an electro-optical, infrared, conditions. While cruising at extremely
Corps common ground stations and to other critical intelligence to the warfighter.
and laser designator sensor, the Predator high altitudes, Global Hawk can collect
is also armed with Hellfire missiles. It ground command, control, communications,
information on spot targets and survey
not only shortens the sensor-to-shooter computers, and intelligence nodes.
large geographic areas. It then provides
timeline, but the sensor is now the shooter. military decision-makers the most current
Consistent with Total Force Integration, information about enemy location, resources,
Air Force Special Operations Command and personnel. Dissemination and ground
(AFSOC) is planning to operate Predator for support exploitation systems consistently
Special Operations Command, and the Air deliver timely intelligence to bring immediate
National Guard will fly up to 12 squadrons. advantage to combat operations. Global
Hawk capability features programmed
growth to add signals intelligence and
multi-purpose radar technology insertion
program sensors. As Global Hawks come
on line in increasing numbers, their
capability will recapitalize retiring U-2s.
44 45
Information Superiority
C4ISR : Air
RC-135U
The RC-135U Combat Sent provides strategic
electronic reconnaissance information to the
President, Secretary of Defense, Department
of Defense leaders, and theater commanders.
Locating and identifying foreign military land,
naval, and airborne radar signals, the Combat
Sent collects and minutely examines each system,
providing strategic analysis for warfighters. RC-135V/W
Information garnered from the data helps
determine detailed operating characteristics The RC-135V/W Rivet Joint is a reconnaissance E-3
and capabilities of foreign systems. Evasion aircraft that supports theater and national
techniques and equipment are then developed level consumers with near real time on- The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and
from this knowledge that will detect, warn of, scene intelligence collection, analysis and control system (AWACS) aircraft that provides
or defeat these electronic systems. The Combat dissemination capabilities. The aircraft all-weather surveillance, command, control
Sent deploys worldwide and is employed in is an extensively modified C-135. The Rivet and communications needed by commanders
peacetime and contingency operations. Joint can detect, identify and geolocate of the United States, North Atlantic Treaty
signals throughout the electromagnetic Organization (NATO) and other allied air
RC-135S spectrum. The mission crew can then forward defense forces. In support of air-to-ground
gathered information in a variety of formats operations, the Sentry can provide direct
The RC-135S Cobra Ball is a self-contained to a wide range of consumers via Rivet information needed for interdiction,
Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT) Joint’s extensive communications suite. reconnaissance, airlift, and close-air support
collection platform, providing Scientific and Like the Cobra Ball, the Rivet Joint fleet is for friendly ground forces. It can also provide
Technical assessment of foreign ballistic missiles nearing completion of significant airframe, information for commanders of air operations
and assisting in treaty verification. The Cobra navigational and powerplant upgrades, which to gain and maintain control of the air battle.
Ball fleet is nearing completion of significant include similar re-engining and upgrade As an air defense system, E-3s can detect,
airframe, navigational and powerplant upgrades of the flight deck instrumentation and identify, and track airborne enemy forces far
which include re-engining from the TF-33 to navigational systems to the AMP standard. from the boundaries of the United States or
the CFM-56 engines used on the KC-135R and NATO countries. It can direct fighter-interceptor
upgrade of the flight deck instrumentation and aircraft to these enemy targets. Experience
navigational systems to the Avionics Modernization has proven that the E-3 Sentry can respond
Program (AMP) standard. The AMP standard quickly and effectively to a crisis and support
includes conversion from analog readouts to worldwide military deployment operations.
a digital “glass cockpit” configuration.
46 47
C4ISR Air Domain Force Structure
Information Superiority
2006 2017 2025
RC-135
RQ-4
MQ-1
U-2
E-3
E-8
48 49
Information Superiority
C4ISR : Ground
50 51
Information Superiority
C4ISR : Ground
52 53
Information Superiority
C4ISR : Ground
Integrated Tactical
Warning and Attack Cheyenne Mountain Space Situation
Assessment Operations Center Awareness Systems
The Integrated Tactical Warning and Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center is the Ground-based SSA systems provide crucial
Attack Assessment system integrates C4 heart of the ITW/AA system. Additionally, knowledge for protection of space systems
and correlates missile launch, Mobile Command and Control Centers and effective operations against adversary
space object identification, and air (MCCCs) provide C2 continuity to Combatant space capabilities. The Air Force’s SSN
surveillance information to assess the Commanders in event of primary facility detects, tracks, catalogs, and identifies
nature of an enemy attack and issue incapacitation. MCCC is planned to be man-made objects orbiting Earth. The
warnings to the President of the United retired and replaced with a new distributed SSN is comprised of phased array radars,
States, the Prime Minister of Canada, ground-based communications system. mechanical radars, a multistatic radar,
United States Secretary of Defense, and optical systems, and a space-based
warfighting Combatant Commanders. optical system. SSN sensor missions are
designated as dedicated, collateral,
or contributing. The Air Force’s current
Ground Surveillance dedicated SSA ground sensors include
and Reconnaissance the Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep
Space Surveillance (GEODSS) system,
There are six early warning radars, the Moron Optical Space Surveillance
which provide long-range warning (MOSS) system, the Eglin Phased Array
of a missile attack over the polar Radar, and the Globus II sensor.
region of the northern hemisphere.
These also provide satellite-tracking
data. While these systems can only
spot missiles when they appear over
the horizon, the DSP early warning
satellites complement these ground
radars with a view from orbit. The
Air Force plans to operate these
surveillance systems through 2025.
54 55
Information Superiority
C4ISR : Ground
56 57
Information Superiority
C4ISR : Cyberspace
58 59
Information Superiority
C4ISR : Cyberspace
Net-Centric C4ISR Operations
Constellation Net
The Air Force provides transport and
C2 Constellation computing layer components of the overall
DoD GIG through Constellation Net — air, space,
The Air Force’s contribution to the
and terrestrial communications network
overarching concept for net-centric
— that facilitates free flow of information,
warfighting operations is the C2
rapidly accessible to our warfighters. The Air
Constellation — the Air Force’s component
Force portion of GIG Bandwidth Expansion
to the GIG. The C2 Constellation is a family
provides expanded terrestrial service at key
of C4ISR systems sharing horizontally and
Air Force bases globally. The Joint Tactical
Finders vertically integrated information through
Radio System is essential to the Air Force
machine-to-machine conversations
vision for an improved airborne network,
enabled by a peer-based network
which expands genuine network operations to
of sensors, command centers, and
Connecters shooters. Both an operational construct
the airborne platforms. With the installation
of Family of Advanced Beyond-Line-of-Sight
and an architectural framework,
Terminals on additional aircraft, such as
it guides Air Force development of
AWACS, JSTARS and Global Hawk, the Air
people, processes, and technology
Force will have the capability to extend its
toward network-centric operations.
wideband airborne network to all reaches of
the globe. Finally, the Air Force is responsible
for a large portion of the space segment
communication evolution, including
deployment of the Advanced EHF, Wideband
Shooters Gapfiller System, and the Transformational
Satellite Communications systems.
Decision Makers
60 61
Information Superiority
Information Operations
62 63
Global Attack
Ability to attack rapidly anywhere
on the globe, at anytime
64 65
Global Attack
F-15E
The aircraft’s maneuverability
and integrated avionics will make The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role
fighter designed to perform air-to-
F-35A it superbly suited to effectively
air and air-to-ground missions. An
support ground operations, and
its air-to-surface capabilities and array of avionics and electronics
The F-35A Joint Strike Fighter will
systems gives the F-15E the capability
be a stealthy, multi-role, strike stealth characteristics will allow for MQ-9
highly effective employment during to fight at low altitude, day or
aircraft providing high lethality,
suppression of enemy air defenses as night, and in all weather. The
maneuverability, survivability, The MQ-9 Hunter Killer is a remotely
well as deep interdiction missions. Strike Eagle provides a ground-
and maintainability. The F-35A piloted aircraft that is primarily
strike, deep-interdiction capability
will be capable of performing air- employed in a hunter/killer role
An advanced sensor suite will allow and is capable of performing air
to-air and air-to-ground missions against dynamic targets. It has the
the F-35A to perform battle damage superiority missions. It utilizes
for the Air Force, Navy, Marine capability to carry up to 750 pounds
assessment, intelligence, and an on-board electronic defensive
Corps, and partner countries. of internal and 3000 pounds of
reconnaissance missions to provide suite to increase survivability.
external precision guided munitions.
The Air Force’s F-35A will replace the enhanced battlespace awareness The MQ-9 also provides near-real-
for the Integrated Strike Force and The F-15E’s versatile avionics and
F-16 and A-10 fleets and complement time imagery intelligence to satisfy
Combatant Commander. The F-35A ability to carry a mix of payloads
the F-22A and will employ a new reconnaissance, surveillance,
will remain a capable multi-role make it a competent global attack
generation AESA radar for scanning and target acquisition mission
platform well into the 21st century. system while modernization
and tracking targets. Data collected requirements of tactical commanders.
initiatives to its integrated
by the AESA will be fused with
electronics and target detection
information from multiple on-board In its role as an ISR asset, the MQ-9
capabilities will enhance its air-to-
systems, and off-board sources (e.g., is part of a system of ISR assets that
ground and air-to-air roles to provide
AWACS, JSTARS, Rivet Joint, satellites) support strike aircraft by acquiring
support to the joint force through the
to provide enhanced aircraft and and tracking targets. It may also
strike package mapping, strike
F-22A end of the 2025 planning period.
support operations such as coastal and
precision, and jamming capabilities. border surveillance, weapons tracking,
In its global attack role, the F-22A Raptor
embargo enforcement, humanitarian/
projects air dominance rapidly and at great
disaster assistance, peacekeeping,
distances to defeat threats attempting to
and counterdrug activities.
deny access to friendly forces. Providing
critical air-to-ground stealth capability with
The MQ-9 carries a larger, more
the retirement of the F-117, the F-22A can
capable, synthetic aperture radar
carry joint direct attack munitions internally
than the MQ-1, as well as a laser
and will use on-board avionics for navigation
target designator, and various
and weapons delivery. Future air-to-ground
detection systems to provide
capability will be enhanced with addition of
a viable engagement system
an upgraded radar, sensors, and carriage of
through the planning period.
small diameter bombs and other munitions.
Also in its air-to-ground configuration, the
F-22A will retain carriage capability of two
AMRAAM and two AIM-9 air-to-air missiles.
66 67
Global Attack
F-16
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a
lightweight, single-engine, high-
performance, multi-role tactical
fighter. This aircraft can perform
precision strike, suppression of enemy
A-10 B-2
air defenses, night attack, and beyond-
visual-range interception missions.
The A-10 Thunderbolt is the primary F-117A The B-2 Spirit is a long-range, multi-
Air Force ground attack fighter. The role, air refuelable bomber that
The F-16 can locate targets in all
A-10 utilizes its massive cannon and The F-117A Nighthawk is the world’s first
weather conditions and detect low- is capable of delivering nuclear
heavy weapons load to conduct close operational aircraft designed to exploit
flying aircraft in radar ground or conventional munitions on
air support and forward air control low-observable stealth technology. This
clutter. Some older models of the intercontinental missions without
in day or night operations. It is a precision-strike aircraft penetrates
F-16 are primarily air superiority refueling. The B-2 capitalizes on stealth
simple, effective, and survivable twin- high-threat airspace and uses laser-
assets that support homeland defense technology, having been designed to
engine jet aircraft that can be used guided weapons against critical,
commitments, but most are multi- minimize observable radar, infrared,
against all ground targets, including high-value targets. While providing a
role and can operate as the Joint acoustic, visual, and electromagnetic
tanks and other armored vehicles. highly effective first generation stealth
Force Commander requires. emissions signatures. The B-2 conducts
capability for precision employment,
long-range power projection missions;
The A-10 has excellent maneuverability the F-117 will retire in the near term to
The F-16 will reach the end of its strike/deep attack/interdiction of
at low air speeds and altitude make way for more modern systems.
service life during the planning period hard, fixed, and mobile targets. It
and is a highly accurate weapons- can be used to halt an enemy attack
and will be replaced by the F-35A.
delivery platform. The A-10 will by launching from Continental United
undergo structural, avionics, and States (CONUS) and striking at such
engine modernization upgrades critical targets in the area of hostilities
and remain in the inventory through as air defenses, power grids, and
the end of the planning period. armored vehicles, especially in the
early stages of conflict. Avionics and
other modernization upgrades will
enhance the B-2’s capabilities to
remain a viable long range platform
through the planning period.
68 69
Global Attack
New Bomber
B-52H The Air Force will develop a new
bomber to be fielded by 2018.
The B-52H Stratofortress is an air refuelable, The new bomber will have the
long-range bomber aircraft capable range, persistence, payload, and
of performing a variety of missions, B-1B survivability characteristics to operate
including show of force, maritime in contemporary and new threat
interdiction, strategic attack, precision The B-1B Lancer is an all-weather, environments. The development of
strikes, and defense suppression. long-range, multi-mission, precision this new bomber and continued
strike aircraft capable of flying pursuit of leap-ahead technologies
It provides massive firepower in low- intercontinental missions without will ensure the modernization and
threat environments with a standoff attack refueling. Carrying a variety of precision recapitalization of Air Force long-range
capability for high-threat environments. standoff and direct attack munitions, strike capabilities for the long term.
While reduced in numbers, the B-52H will the B-1B can destroy point or area
continue to be upgraded and modernized targets with great accuracy and mass.
to remain in the inventory through 2025.
Using three internal bays, the
B-1B can employ 54,000 pounds of
ordnance – the largest capacity for
any U.S. combat aircraft. The B-1B will
Minuteman III remain a viable long range system
through the planning period.
The Minuteman III (MMIII) intercontinental
ballistic missile (ICBM) is an element of the
nation’s strategic deterrent forces. Nuclear
deterrence has been and will continue to
be one of our nation’s highest priorities.
Consistent with the Nuclear Posture Review,
the Air Force will complete several MMIII
modernization and life extension programs to
provide a sustainable ICBM force through 2020.
The Air Force is also completing an Analysis
of Alternatives and other pre-acquisition
activities to prepare for development of
follow-on ICBM capabilities beyond 2020.
Such efforts will address MMIII age-out and
spare asset depletion, as well as provide
improved operational capabilities to meet
post-Cold War deterrence requirements.
70 71
Global Attack Force Structure Global Attack Force Structure
Global Attack
2006 2017 2025 2006 2017 2025
F-22A B-1B
F-35A B-2
F-117 B-52H
F-15E MQ-9
72 73
Global Attack
Global Attack Modernization Global Attack Modernization
F-117 F-22A
B-1B
Improved survivability and lethality
Enabling the future force against ground targets
to conduct effective Enabling the future force
theater operations through Expanded operating envelope to conduct effective
persistence, stealth, theater operations New Bomber
A-10 precision, and enhanced Greater reliability and maintainability through persistence,
maneuverability stealth, precision, and
Reduced deployment footprint extended range.
B-2
Advanced sensors/target detection systems
New Bomber
F-16A-D
Highly survivable platform
76 77
Rapid Global Mobility
Airlift is the transportation of As these systems age, the
personnel and materiel through Air Force will take steps to
the air, which can be applied modernize/recapitalize the
across the entire range of military mobility fleet to meet the call
operations to achieve or support for rapid global mobility. These
objectives and can achieve solid performers will take the
78 79
Rapid Global Mobility
C-130J
The C-130J Hercules is the latest and
most advanced version of the C-130,
designed to perform intra-theater airlift.
It is more fuel-efficient and has greater
range than previous versions. The C-130J
is powered by more powerful engines,
which increase the C-130’s ceiling to
C-17 42,000 ft. (compared to the C-130H’s
ceiling of 33,000 ft.). The C-130J has all- C-5
The C-17 Globemaster III continues to be digital avionics and mission computers.
a success story for the joint warfighter, The C-5 Galaxy provides outsized/oversized
Nearly all of the gauges are now displayed
supporting the deployment of personnel cargo and passenger airlift. It is capable
on computer screens, and the pilot can
and cargo in Iraq and Afghanistan, as of airlifting 180,000 pounds of cargo up
select between several optimum displays
well as numerous other locations around to 3,200 nautical miles. It is also capable
during different phases of the flight.
the globe. From October 2004 through of carrying 73 passengers, inclusive
October 2005, C-17s flew over 63,000 of cargo weight. Two modernization
The C-130J has increased reliability and
sorties, bringing the total number of programs address C-5 issues: the AMP
maintainability, reducing the cost of
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation and Reliability Enhancement and
ownership by as much as 45% depending
Re-engining Program (RERP).
IRAQI FREEDOM missions to more than on the scenario for use. All C-130Js have JCA
109,000. The C-17 achieved this goal with an All-Weather Aerial Delivery System
a mission capability rate of 83.3%. AMP provides a fully supportable
capability. The cargo ramp and door The Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) offers
Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/
opening are designed to open at 250 knots, a light airlift solution to support
In addition, the C-17 flew more than Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) compliant
allowing for high speed target ingress/ requirements of all Services for
100 humanitarian and disaster relief avionics suite (“glass cockpit”). RERP
egress. The C-130J conducts humanitarian supply of combat forces near or in
missions in support of Hurricanes replaces engines with commercially proven,
relief missions and can be utilized for the battle arena. Like the C-130J, this
Katrina and Rita, as well as the October more powerful engines and refurbishes nine
medical evacuations. It supports ground aircraft will have a cargo/passenger
2005 earthquake in Pakistan. With this major unreliable aircraft systems. Projected
operations through the delivery of capability and can operate from
performance record and the Air Force’s performance improvements include
paratroopers and equipment to austere unimproved surfaces. Additionally,
reliance on its capability, the continued increases in fleet logistics departure
runways at forward bases. The Hercules can the JCA will have night vision options
viability of the C-17 is critical for meeting reliability to 91% and wartime MC rate over
be used in conjunction with the C-5 and that complement its ability to operate
the Nation’s airlift requirements. 75%. Upon completion of AMP & RERP, the
C-17 to enhance global airlift capability. in a black-out mode, exploiting
airplane will be re-designated the C-5M.
It will be equipped with the Large Aircraft cover of night in austere locations.
Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system,
which will work in conjunction with The JCA is expected to have an upgraded
other onboard self-protection systems. suite of avionics to include precision
navigation to enhance its airdrop
mission. Its short field ability coupled
with its load versatility will give the JCA
a great capability to contribute to the
War on Terror and disaster response.
80 81
Airlift Force Structure
C-17
C-141
C130E/H/J C130H/J
C-5A/B/C/M
JCA
84 85
Rapid Global Mobility
KC-X
Future Tanker (KC-X): The future tanker
requirements document is being
KC-10 prepared with the intent of providing
the most versatile tanker platform the
The KC-10 Extender gives the Air Force military has seen to date. The KC-X is
a powerful dual role capability with envisioned as both a tanker and cargo/
its ability to perform as an airlifter troop carrier, with suitable floors, doors
and a refueler in a single mission. and defensive systems. As a tanker, the
KC-X will be able to give and receive
The KC-10 is capable of both giving fuel, and, like the KC-10 transfer fuel
and receiving fuel, and can offload to either boom or drogue receivers
fuel through either its fixed boom, without a ground reconfiguration.
or retractable drogue. First delivered
in 1981, this fleet of 59 aircraft In its capacity as a cargo/troop carrier,
KC-135 is approaching 25 years old. the KC-X will provide the warfighter
with increased capability and flexibility
The KC-135 Stratotanker is the oldest aircraft
Efforts are underway to modernize as it quickly configures to meet the
in the Air Force inventory averaging
the airframe in order to provide requirements of the mission. With newer
roughly 45 years old. Major overhauls
a fully digital aircraft capable of more powerful engines, this aircraft will
converted the KC-135A to the KC-135E
meeting future worldwide airspace be able to operate from shorter runways
and/or the KC-135R. The combined fleet
requirements. As with the KC-135, and carry larger quantities of fuel and
presently numbers over 500 aircraft.
the Air Force is reviewing options cargo than we are capable of today.
to eventually replace the KC-10.
Though current plans for the KC-135R sustain
As an around the clock asset during
the fleet well beyond 2025 while retiring
periods of conflict, the Air Force is
the older, less capable KC-135Es in the near
reviewing provisions for a “smart”
term, analysis is underway to find the best
tanker. This would enable the aircraft to
approach to recapitalize these critical assets.
act as a communications gateway or GIG
relay node, for all forces. As these aircraft
The Air Force has a program underway
enter the inventory, they will complement
to recapitalize the tanker fleet which is
the existing fleet until such a time as the
being shaped by the results of the KC-135
numbers enable legacy fleets to retire.
Recapitalization Analysis of Alternatives,
the Mobility Capabilities Study, and the Fleet
Viability Board reports on KC-135s. These
results will further define the size of the
future tanker force, mix of tanker capability,
and the timing and pace of recapitalization.
86 87
Air Refueling Force Structure
KC-10
KC-135 KC-X
KC-X
Single point air refueling Mixed fleet medium
capable with a few aircraft and large tankers
KC-X* KC-X KC-X
modified for multipoint
drogue refueling capability Multipoint refueling
90 91
Spacelift Force Structure
Atlas 5
Delta 4
Delta 2
ORS
ORS ORS
92 93
Precision Engagement
Providing powerful precise effects rapidly
Precision engagement
is the ability to apply
discriminate, lethal
or non-lethal force
precisely where required Current Air Force operations Precision capabilities allow In the future the Air Force will conduct
emphasize the powerful the joint force to engage in more precise operations to create
– the ability to command, advantage of being able operations with dramatically effects short of total destruction and
to create precise effects reduced risk to friendly forces, achieve intended consequences.
control, and employ rapidly. The Air Force offers significantly less costs in Such a capability is critical in
tremendous capabilities personnel and materiel, smaller the post-Cold War operations
forces to cause specific to meet this requirement, forward-deployed footprint, and that do not involve traditional
from pinpoint humanitarian greater likelihood of success. conventional warfare; such as urban,
strategic, operational, responses to precise weaponry. The strike side of precision stability, and peace operations.
engagement enables the Air
or tactical effects The Air Force has made Force to employ minimum These types of irregular operations
significant progress in its resources per target to achieve often require capabilities that can
efforts to develop and field a desired effects with the least deliver timely desired effects while
new generation of weapons collateral damage and enables minimizing collateral damage to
that can attack and destroy a greater number of targets infrastructure and people. Tailoring
pin-point, hardened, and to be struck per sortie. effects is also critical to disable
relocatable targets at night weapons of mass destruction without
and in most weather conditions The Air Force is also developing catastrophic collateral damage. Future
while greatly reducing risk. means to achieving effects directed energy systems promise to
Attention is also being focused without having to destroy the provide a range of lethal and non-
on enhancing Air Force ability target. At present, the usual lethal effects from surgical strike to
to engage moving targets. option to affect a target is to personnel denial without injury.
destroy it with a kinetic weapon.
94 95
Precision Engagement
Precision Engagement: Munitions
Advanced weapons will continue to be It is beyond the scope of this document Future weapons will employ
critical to the Air Force’s ability to apply to address all munitions currently in sophisticated target identification
precision engagement capability when the Air Force inventory or projected algorithms and efficient propulsion,
called upon. Air-to-ground and air-to-air to enter service within the planning allowing autonomous munitions
weaponry act in concert to provide a lethal period. However, inventory weapons, to persistently search wide areas
advantage in ground operations support and e.g., general purpose gravity for threats. These capabilities
air dominance. Air-to-ground weapons, such munitions, cluster bomb units, are complemented today by the
as the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile etc., will be supported by enabling procurement of sophisticated advanced
— Extended Range (JASSM-ER), Joint Direct technologies that provide the warfighter targeting pods for legacy fighter and
Attack Munition (JDAM), and Small Diameter with a vast array of tools for use in bomber platforms. Weapons will house
Bomb (SDB), will not only provide superb almost any operational environment. destructive mechanisms specifically
precision and devastating effectiveness, Advanced fuzing technology will designed to defeat tomorrow’s
but also provide aircrews the increased provide forces the flexibility to use emerging threats, including chemical,
safety of additional standoff distance. a single weapon for varied targets, biological, and radiological agents.
Future iterations of the SDB will incorporate including those deeply buried in Emerging directed energy technology
technology to track and destroy moving layered hideouts. Composite warhead will provide lethal and non-lethal
targets. Air-to-air weapons, such as the Air casings and specially formulated means to disrupt electronics, protect
Intercept Missile (AIM)-9X and Advanced energetics can provide tailored weapon friendly forces, and engage threats
Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), effects, low collateral damage, and with scaleable effects. The Air Force
combine long-range shoot down capability safer (insensitive) munitions. Another arsenal will eventually communicate
with unparalleled weapon maneuverability enabling technology, the Universal within the GIG with space, air, and
and countermeasure defeating techniques. Armament Interface, will allow for ground forces, as well as other
faster and cheaper weapons integration weaponry — supplying United States
by standardizing and simplifying and allied forces with a robust and
weapon-to-aircraft interfaces and by devastating advantage over opponents.
decoupling weapons upgrades from the
rigid schedule of pre-planned aircraft
operational flight program updates.
96 97
Precision Engagement
Precision Engagement: Air-to-Ground Munitions
JASSM-ER JDAM
The Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff The JDAM is a guidance tail kit that
Missile — Extended Range (JASSM- converts existing unguided free- HARM HSSW
ER) is a precision, low observable, fall bombs into accurate, adverse
cruise missile designed for launch weather “smart” munitions. The High Speed Anti-radiation The High-Speed/Hypersonic
from outside area defenses to kill With the addition of a new tail Missile (HARM) is an air-to-surface Standoff Weapon (HSSW) is a
hard, medium-hardened, soft and section that contains an inertial tactical missile designed to concept which will provide
area type targets. The weapon is navigational system and a global seek and destroy enemy radar- a standoff, rapid response
capable of attacking both fixed positioning system guidance control equipped air defense systems. The capability against time sensitive
and relocatable targets at ranges unit, JDAM improves the accuracy AGM-88 can detect, attack and targets in a limited “all
well beyond enemy air defenses. of unguided, general purpose destroy a target with minimum weather” environment. Using a
bombs in any weather condition. aircrew input. Future variants multi-aspect guidance system
will be upgraded to quickly and an advanced propulsion
SDB geo-locate mobile surface-to- system for high speed and long
air missile threats to support range, the weapon will be
SDB is a 250 lb-class weapon and is
time critical targeting. compatible with legacy and
designed as a small autonomous,
modern global attack platforms.
conventional, air-to-ground,
precision munition able to strike
fixed and stationary relocatable
targets from a standoff range. Dense
inert metal explosive technology is
being explored for use in the SBD
to minimize collateral damage,
particularly in urban environments.
The SDB weapon system consists of the
weapon; a 4-place common carriage
system; mission planning system;
and accuracy support infrastructure.
SDB provides increased load-out
and kills per sortie on current
and future weapons systems.
98 99
Air-to-Ground Munitions Force Structure
Precision Engagement
2006 2017 2025
GBU
CBU
JDAM
HARM
JASSM JASSM-ER
SDB1/2
HSSW
HSSW
100 101
Precision Engagement
Precision Engagement: Air-to-Air Munitions
102 103
Air-to-Air Weapons Force Structure
Precision Engagement
2006 2017 2025
AIM-7
JDRADM
104 105
Specialized Air Power
Key to irregular operations and the War on Terror
106 107
Specialized Air Power
Mobility Unmanned Systems
Special Operations Forces (SOF) MC-130 Talon (I and II) /Combat AFSOC intends to adjust its
Spanning strike and ISR mission
Shadow, MH-53 Pavelow, and the areas, unmanned systems continue unmanned systems focus into
soon to be operational CV-22, to transform the battlespace. several areas which include
provide infiltration, exfiltration, Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and the legacy MQ-1, the follow-
and resupply of special operations IRAQI FREEDOM solidified how RPAs on MQ-9 and other systems.
forces and their equipment could be used in conjunction AFSOC will leverage system
into hostile or denied territory. with manned aircraft and also assets in this focus area and
These highly technical aircraft directly support troops engaged maximize systems, which have
can be ready to respond to in combat on the ground. multiple roles including ISR,
global hot spots, transporting communications, direct combat
highly trained SOF troops of By 2020, technology will have and other mission areas.
the Army, Navy, and Combat completely transformed the
Control Teams of the Air Force. battlespace allowing air campaigns Some future missions will benefit
to effectively and seamlessly from having a human presence,
These effective and lethal troops integrate manned and unmanned but for many missions, the
can be transported direct from systems as one instrument of power. unmanned aircraft will provide
CONUS with air refueling support AFSOC’s initial development includes far superior capabilities. Future
or from a forward operating the focus of RPAs by mission area RPAs may be able to provide
location, clandestinely inserted, versus type of system. AFSOC’s close air support (CAS) in threat
ISR/Information and exfiltrated without detection. approach is for a family of systems environments that will be
Strike Operations to provide a flexible response unsurvivable for AC-130 gunships.
The MC-130 is an aging aircraft. for a variety of mission areas.
The SOF strike primary missions are SOF enables ISR and Information After 2025, the Air Force plans Though no program is in place,
close air support, air interdiction, Operations by providing the to transition the airborne PSYOP the desire is to replace it with
force protection, and the covert airborne dissemination portion broadcast mission to a new platform, an improved state-of-the-art
insertion of highly trained special of a joint SOF solution in denied or mix of platforms. These might infiltration, exfiltration platform.
operations forces. Missions in close areas. SOF will continue to include satellites, Remotely Piloted In the meantime, the Air Force
air support are troops in contact, provide airborne psychological Aircraft (RPA), near-space balloons, plans to replace the older Combat
convoy escort and urban operations. operations (PSYOP) broadcast with or a service-common platform. Talon I and Combat Shadow
EC-130J Commando Solo aircraft, Most AFSOC aircraft have the ability models with improved MC-130Js.
Air interdiction missions are or an alternate platform. to perform an ISR function.
conducted with AC-130 Gunships
against preplanned targets or The special mission equipment
targets of opportunity. The AC-130 (SME) onboard these aircraft will
will operate into 2025, but will be be more powerful, more reliable,
augmented and eventually replaced and more capable than the current
with the Next Generation Gunship SME, and may have the ability to
(NGG) beginning around 2020. broadcast on media unknown today.
108 109
Specialized Air Power
Special Operations Forces: Strike
AC-130H/U Next Generation Gunship
The AC-130H/U Gunship is a heavily The NGG will be an integrated system
modified C-130 aircraft armed with of-systems incorporating survivable
side-firing weapons ranging from a vehicle, organic sensor, air-launched
25MM gatling gun and 40MM cannon, RPA, and transformational lethal and
to a 105MM howitzer. Its lethality less-than-lethal weapons technologies.
comes from sophisticated sensors, Though there is no current funding for
navigation and fire control systems, all this program, the process is underway.
integrated into these weapons to provide
surgical firepower or area saturation It must possess capabilities that are
during extended loiter periods, at well beyond those of the current AC-
night and in adverse weather. 130 fleet in order to be effective and
survivable in the future. It must be
It provides a precision engagement able to operate during the daylight
capability that is survivable, responsive, and be effective in close, dangerous
and persistent to joint, allied, and settings such as urban environments.
Survivable, responsive, persistent, coalition conventional and special
operations forces in the low – to As directed energy weapons (lasers and
and precise fire support to joint, selected high-threat environment of high-powered microwaves) become
the modern battlefield. Over the next available, AFSOC will analyze them
allied, and coalition conventional 25 years there will be a proliferation as potential options to enhance the
of infrared, radar-guided, electro- AC-130 and NGG weapons suites. The
and special operations forces optical, and directed energy threats challenge is to put the pieces together
rendering many of the current AC-130 – integrate lethality; connectivity,
defensive systems ineffective. The Air situational awareness, and target
Force is programming immediate, identification; survivability; and
off-the-shelf systems and emerging persistence to achieve the right effect,
technologies to enhance the survivability at the right place, at the right time.
and effectiveness of the AC-130s; and
is developing options for an NGG.
110 111
SOF Strike Force Structure
AC-130H/U NGG
112 113
Specialized Air Power
Special Operations Forces:
ISR/Information Operations
EC-130J
The EC-130J Commando Solo is a specially-
modified four-engine Hercules transport,
which conducts information operations,
psychological operations and civil affairs
broadcasts in AM, FM, HF, TV and military
communications bands. A typical mission
consists of a single-ship orbit offset from
the desired target audience – either military
or civilian personnel. Many modifications MQ-1 MQ-9
have been made to Commando Solo. These
MQ-1 Predator is a medium-altitude, The MQ-9 Predator is a scaled-up
include enhanced navigation systems,
long-endurance, remotely piloted derivative of the MQ-1 Predator. The
self-protection equipment, air refueling,
aircraft. The primary mission is primary mission equipment consists
and the capability of broadcasting radio
interdiction and conducting armed of a multi-spectral targeting system,
and color TV on all worldwide standards.
reconnaissance against critical, sensor turret/laser designator and
perishable targets. When the Predator a synthetic aperture radar. In the
is not actively pursuing its primary future, the MQ-9 Predator can also
mission, it acts as the Joint Forces Air be used as an armed multi-mission
Component Commander-owned theater RPA, launching AGM-114C/K Hellfire
asset for reconnaissance, surveillance missiles and other guided weapons.
and target acquisition in support of
the Joint Forces commander. Predator
is a system, not just an aircraft. A fully
operational system consists of four
aircraft (with sensors), a ground control
station, a Predator Primary Satellite
Link, and approximately 55 personnel
for deployed 24-hour operations.
114 115
SOF ISR/Information Operations Force Structure
EC-130J
MQ-1
MQ-9
116 117
Specialized Air Power
MH-53
Special Operations Forces: Mobility
The MH-53 Pave Low’s mission is Additionally, the advanced systems
low-level, long-range, undetected enhance its present defensive
penetration into denied areas, day capabilities providing instant
MC-130P or night, in adverse weather, for access to the total battlefield
infiltration, exfiltration and resupply situation, through near real-time
The MC-130P Combat Shadow flies of special operations forces. Versions Electronic Order of Battle updates.
clandestine or low visibility, single of the MH-53 Pave Low heavy-lift
or multi-ship low-level missions helicopter are the largest, most As the MH-53 phases out, the CV-22
intruding politically sensitive or hostile powerful and technologically advanced will provide infiltration, exfiltration
territory to provide air refueling for helicopter in the Air Force inventory. and resupply of special operations
special operations helicopters. The The terrain-following and terrain- forces and their equipment into
MC-130P primarily flies missions at avoidance radar, forward-looking hostile or denied territory. Drawdown
night to reduce probability of visual infrared sensor, inertial navigation completion of the MH-53 is slated for
acquisition and intercept by airborne system with global positioning system, FY12; however, efforts are underway
threats. Secondary mission capabilities along with a projected map display to retire all aircraft by 2011.
include airdrop of leaflets, small enable the crew to follow terrain
special operations teams, bundles contours and avoid obstacles, making
and combat rubber raiding craft. As low-level penetration possible.
MC-130E/H MC-130Js become available, they are
planned to replace the MC-130Ps.
The MC-130E/H Talon (I and II) provides
infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of
special operations forces in hostile or denied
territory. Its secondary missions include
psychological operations and helicopter
air refueling. An extensive electronic
warfare suite enables the aircrew to detect CV-22
and avoid potential threats. If engaged, Joint Cargo Aircraft
the system will protect the aircraft from The CV-22, Osprey is a tilt-rotor, Active and passive defensive
both radar and infrared-guided threats. The JCA will be a light, multi-mission vertical/short takeoff and landing, countermeasures increase the
As MC-130Js become available, they are aircraft that can fit into various multi-mission aircraft. Its primary survivability of the aircraft. The Osprey
planned to replace the MC-130Es. AFSOC missions. This small, intra- mission is low-level, long-range, can rapidly deploy and can carry 18
theater airlift aircraft, may serve undetected penetration into denied combat troops. Battle damage tolerance
as a clandestine delivery system for areas, day or night, in adverse is built into the aircraft by means of
cargo/special forces in blackout weather, for infiltration, exfiltration, composite construction and redundant
mode, into austere unimproved and resupply of special operations and separated flight control, electrical,
locations. JCA may also serve as a forces. Its terrain-following, terrain- and hydraulic systems. It will be
general-purpose resupply platform avoidance radar and forward-looking equipped with the Directional Infrared
for operations near or behind the infrared sensor, along with a projected Countermeasures system, which works
frontline. Additionally, the JCA may map display, enable the crew to follow with other onboard self-protection systems
have the ability to be modified as an terrain contours and avoid obstacles, to enhance the aircraft’s survivability
air refueling tanker for helicopters. making low-level penetration possible. against infrared guided missiles.
118 119
SOF Mobility Force Structure
MH-53
CV-22
MH-53 CV-22
* Initial funding for MC-130Js planned within the future years defense program
120 ** Initial funding provided within the future years defense program 121
Specialized Air Power
Air Combat Command provides
Combat Search and Rescue
– a core Air Force mission
122 123
Specialized Air Power
Combat Search & Rescue
HC-130
HC-130P/N is an extended range, combat
search and rescue version of the C-130 HH-60 CSAR-X
Hercules transport. HC-130P/Ns primarily
fly at night to reduce the probability The primary mission of the HH-60G The Combat Search and Rescue Vehicle
of visual acquisition and intercept CRT-X Pave Hawk helicopter is to conduct Replacement Program (CSAR-X) will
by airborne and ground threats. The day or night operations into hostile provide Personnel Recovery (PR) forces
primary mission is to extend the range The Combat Rescue Tanker (CRT-X) is environments to recover downed with a medium-lift vertical take-off
of recovery force helicopters through an advanced tanker aircraft set to aircrew or other isolated personnel. and landing aircraft that is quickly
aerial refueling of CSAR helicopters. augment then replace the current Because of its versatility, the HH-60G deployable and capable of main
fleet of fixed wing rescue tankers is also tasked to perform military base and austere location operations
Extended visual and electronic that are used in the combat search operations other than war. These for worldwide PR missions.
searches over land or water, tactical and rescue mission. The CRT-X will tasks include civil search and
airborne radar approaches, and provide Personnel Recovery/Recovery rescue, emergency aeromedical The CSAR-X will be capable of operating
unimproved airfield operations Operations forces with increased evacuation, disaster relief, in all environmental regions of the
are included in its capability. range by conducting in-flight and international aid, counterdrug globe day or night during adverse
ground refueling of vertical lift assets activities and space shuttle support. weather conditions. It will be capable of
Ongoing modifications have added to include (but not limited to) the passing through Chemical, Biological,
an integrated global positioning HH-60, CV-22 and next generation and Nuclear environments.
system navigation package, radar (CSAR-X) rescue platform. CRT-X will
and missile warning receivers, have the capability to provide overt/ On-board defensive capabilities will
chaff and flare dispensers, airborne covert airland or airdrop delivery of permit the CSAR-X to operate in an
integrated satellite communications rescue forces and their equipment. increased threat environment. The aircraft
radios, and cockpit armor. In addition, and when prudent, will be self-supporting to the maximum
the CRT-X will have the capability extent practical and range extended with
Selected aircraft are equipped with to perform the Airborne Mission inflight refueling. The aircraft will have
night vision goggle compatible Commander mission, as well as hoist and alternate insertion/ extraction
interior and exterior lighting, extended visual/electronic searches capability. Procurement deliveries for
improved low-power color radar and and unimproved airfield operations the CSAR-X are planned to begin in FY10.
forward-looking infrared systems. for survivor medical evacuation.
124 125
CSAR Force Structure
CSAR-X
HC-130
CRT-X
126 127
Agile Combat Support
Create, protect and sustain
128 129
Agile Combat Support
Capabilities to Effects
Functional Capabilites Master Capabilities Master Processes Master Effects
130 131
Agile Combat Support
Readying the Force
The Air Force has a proud tradition of The Air Force intends to replace the service-
producing the world’s most proficient pilots. life extended, yet aging T-1A’s and T-38
As such, undergraduate flying training fleets after the current Future Years Defense
produces approximately 1,500 pilots and Program (FYDP) once there is sufficient
550 combat systems operators per year for time to evaluate the service life of these
the Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force key systems. The T-38 will undergo engine,
Reserve Command, sister services, and foreign avionics, brakes and escape system upgrades.
countries. This process is instrumental in the The Air Force plans to retire the T-43 by
development of advanced combat crew and FY12 and the T-37 by FY09. Although a T-1
survival training for the joint rated force. replacement is not reflected as of 2025, the
Air Force may procure a commercial variant
between 2018 and 2030, depending on the
T-1 evaluation programmed for the FY17
timeframe. There are new challenges with
the UH-1H helicopter training mission taken
from the Army in 2006, and the growth of
remotely piloted aircraft operator training.
132 133
Undergraduate Flying Training Force Structure
T-1A
T-6A
T-37B
T-38
T-43
T-38
Replacement
134 135
Agile Combat Support
Science and Technology
Sustaining the Force
The Air Force is committed to providing the Directed Energy
nation with the advanced air and space
technologies required to protect national The Air Force is investing significant
security interests and ensure the Air Force resources in directed energy technology,
remains on the cutting edge of system to include lasers and high powered
As a core component of ACS, sustainment must
performance, flexibility, and affordability. Air microwaves. Directed energy weapons will
be highly mobile, technologically superior,
Force S&T investments are focused on achieving allow truly surgical precision, including a
robust, responsive, flexible, and fully integrated
the warfighting capabilities required by the variety of non-lethal effects. Additionally,
with combat operations. It includes improving
Air Force Concepts of Operations. Among the directed energy will support missions
the quality of life for deployed personnel as
future technologies currently being explored such as missile defense, information
well as the steady-state employment of combat
by the Air Force that will likely significantly operations, and force protection.
operational forces. It is the long-term mastery
impact future force structure are:
of an environment (peacetime and contingency)
that requires constant and consistent support,
Hypersonics
Advanced Energetics
and includes both materiel and personnel
Experimentation with hypersonic technology
resources. Science and Technology (S&T),
The Air Force is exploring advanced energetics will enable next generation rockets,
Agile Sustainment and its enabling concepts,
for explosives and propulsion. This research missiles, and aircraft to operate at speeds
along with Health Services will be examined to
will enable future generations of munitions above Mach 5. Hypersonics will enable
show how ACS delivers its enabling effects.
that are safer to handle and deliver more the prosecution of time sensitive targets
explosive and controlled effects than today’s in support of global strike and rapid
weapons. In addition, new liquid and solid mobility on a global scale. Furthermore,
propellants will revolutionize space launch, this technology will greatly enhance space
satellite propulsion, and aircraft persistence. access with greatly expanded launch
windows, rapid orbital rendezvous,
and decreased gross lift-off weight.
Nanotechnology
136 137
Agile Combat Support
Depot Maintenance
Sustaining the Force A key element of Air Force sustainment is Building upon the foundation laid by the
depot maintenance. The Source of Repair Depot Maintenance Reengineering and
Assignment Process (SORAP) is the process Transformation effort, Headquarters Air Force
Materiel Command chartered a Business
Agile Sustainment by which the Air Force postures its depot
Process Reengineering team to integrate
level maintenance workloads. This analysis
starts very early in the acquisition process “LEAN” process improvement efforts on the
Agile Sustainment is the ability to provide Deployability
-- prior to the Milestone B decision. The shop floor with production support processes.
materiel, facilities, services and other support
to maintain readiness and enable operations SORAP embodies the sustainment strategy
Deployability, effectiveness, and
reviewed by the Acquisition Strategy Panel. The future depot maintenance operation will
until successful accomplishment of the sustainability of forces are directly
be characterized by resources available at
defined mission or national objective. Product dependent upon the combat support upon
The Depot Maintenance Master Plan identifies point of use and time of need. A professional,
support is the continuous and collaborative which they rest. In the environment of
future weapon systems and equipment flexible workforce will be well trained and
set of activities that establish and maintain today and tomorrow, supporting the needs
upgrades and lays out a timeline to establish have a culture that thrives on continuous
readiness and operational capability of of the Joint Force Commander will require
organic depot repair capability for specific improvement. Visual controls and a single
a system, subsystem, or major end item both flexibility and efficiency. Massive
workloads. For example, the C-5 RERP and information system will standardize work.
throughout its life cycle; it is the overarching deployed inventories will be replaced by
AMP will require depot activation in the FY08 Facilities and equipment will be right-
activity that bridges acquisition and support reflecting what is needed, when
through FY11 time frames. Depot activations sized and state of the art. DMT will align
sustainment phases. Depot maintenance and it is needed -- agility and responsiveness
include partnering discussions, which begin responsibility, authority, and accountability
supply are key elements of product support. will be the hallmarks of future support.
early in the acquisition process. Partnering and benefit from pro-active planning and
The Air Force has already begun to pursue
is part of the sustainment strategy and scheduling of workload in anticipation
concepts supporting LEAN Logistics and
Sustainability is key to maximizing the capabilities of of customer requirements. The goals are
intends to complement and extend these
both the public and private sector. to achieve 100% On-Time Delivery and to
activities with approaches emerging from
The Air Force depot maintenance strategy calls reduce flowtime by 25%. The overarching
the Air Force and throughout industry.
for major transformation in financial and Following this timeline will allow the transformation goals are to increase airframe
infrastructure capitalization. To support this Air Force to establish organic capability availability by 20% and to have a 10% reduction
Responsiveness
plan, the Air Force increased investment in for specific workloads identified as core in annual operating costs by 2011. Depot
plant, equipment, processes and personnel to capability. Depot Activation, if required, maintenance process improvement methods
Responsiveness will replace huge in-theater
modernize our depot maintenance operations. is accomplished for each weapon system will improve affordability, provide reliable,
inventories. Time definite resupply and
Weapon system managers are charged with NLT four years after establishing IOC. predictable prices and improve data system
reliable ‘reachback’ to CONUS practices will
establishing their product support and efficiency. Production and production support
be adopted. Many of these approaches can be
depot maintenance strategies early in the Depot Maintenance Transformation (DMT) is an will have a “LEAN” focus and each production
made through the advances in information
system life cycle, as well as planning the Air Force initiative designed to improve depot line will implement the 6S (sort, straighten,
technology. ACS is the foundational concept
necessary investment dollars required for production, processes, and practices to provide scrub, standardize, safety, and sustain).
of combat support for Air Force forces – from
capacity and capability. Additionally, the customers with responsive, predictable and
CONUS based to disaster relief buildups
Air Force is partnering with private industry affordable products and services. As a result,
to expeditionary combat operations.
to adopt technologies to meet capability the Air Force will have consistent, standardized
requirements to enhance warfighter support. processes that increase throughputs, agility and
responsiveness in the depot maintenance shops.
138 139
Agile Combat Support
Sustaining the Force
Expeditionary Logistics
Expeditionary Logistics for the 21st Century The second effect is integrated processes.
Agile Sustainment – Enabling Concepts (eLog21) is the Air Force transformation This is the drive toward total efficiency
campaign plan to improve logistics warfighting and effectiveness in the expeditionary
ACS encompasses many key enabling concepts which capabilities to meet both the current and logistics enterprise. With integrated end-
sustain the force. Two such concepts are Operational future threat environment. eLog21 is action to-end businesses processes, orders can
Support (OS) and Expeditionary Logistics. focused, and is a strategy that guides key move from the flight line to the source of
logistics transformation initiatives to realize supply in minutes rather than days; parts
expeditionary logistics. Two goals are being used can be directed and redirected to the most
Operational Support
to drive and measure the effort: 20% increase urgent need with near real-time visibility,
in equipment availability; reduce annual O&S and planning is integrated with execution
The OS Modernization Program is the business OS has two main goals: first, improve
costs by 10% ($2.75B) by FY11. The initiative takes which will help close the feedback loop.
modernization, process improvement, warfighter effectiveness by fashioning
fast, flexible, agile and lethal combat advantage of best practices both internal to
systems integration engine of the Air Force. It
the Air Force and from the private sector. Third, to support integrated processes, human,
describes the Air Force approach to promote forces; and second, achieve increased
financial, acquisition and infrastructure
Air Force-wide OS modernization, manages efficiencies that will allow OS to return
eLog21 will achieve four effects. First, the plan resources will be optimized across the
OS processes and information technology resources toward recapitalization of Air
will establish an enterprise view to ensure enterprise. These optimized resources will
investment from an integrated commander Force weapon systems and infrastructure,
that logistics decisions are made and actions ensure training, financial resources and other
and airmen perspective, and creates the return Airmen to core missions, and
taken with the understanding of their impact systems are augmented and re-engineered as
necessary governance structures and makes increase job satisfaction of the workforce.
across the Air Force. It requires end-to-end needed to support the transformation objective.
key decisions related to issues and priorities
The strategy to achieve these two business processes enabled by integrated
of enterprise-wide support modernization.
technology, and supported by well-trained Finally, integrated technology tools must be
The Operational Support Modernization Plan goals has five components:
professionals that execute to a common Air employed. The goal is to automate business
not only looks at modernizing systems, but 1. Focus OS on improving Joint
Force objective across the enterprise. processes, provide process visibility, and
also transforms Air Force business processes, Warfighter effectiveness establish total transparency across all systems.
personnel skills and organizations. The Air
2. Set common goals and priorities This new capability is the key to establishing
Force OS transformation vision improves
across the OS enterprise an integrated, network-centric infrastructure.
capabilities that provide rapid and
predictive combat support and response 3. Re-engineer critical processes
through situationally aware commanders. 4. Move systems into a modern
information network
5. Harvest resources to complete
OS transformation and support
modernization of Air Force
and joint capabilities
140 141
Agile Combat Support
Sustaining the Force
Health Services Effects
for the Warfighter
Health Services Ensure a fit and healthy force. Enhance human performance.
Defines the characteristics of a fit Provide medical, psychological,
The AFMS partners with individuals to and healthy war fighting force and
The education and training, experience, and physiological interventions,
accomplish healthcare maintenance maintains these standards through
and physical and cognitive abilities of operational analyses, technology
activities. The AFMS works with prevention and treatment.
every Airman make each unique and consultation, adjuncts and
commanders and weapon systems
fundamentally irreplaceable. Each individual augmentations, and advocacy
designers to optimize the interface Prevent casualties. Preventive
is intrinsically valuable to the function of the for research and development to
between personnel and machines. AFMS medicine activities, based on a
Air Force as a whole. The Air Force Medical enhance human performance in
expertise is integral for force protection, view of total health risk, required
Service (AFMS) is dedicated to optimizing all operational environments.
sustainment and mobility operations. In to achieve the ultimate goal of
the potential of each individual. To do so,
addition, the AFMS identifies, evaluates, ensuring the force is available for
the AFMS promotes human performance
designs, and recommends controls to all phases of directed missions.
sustainment and enhancement technologies,
health hazards to prevent illness and
provides preventive health maintenance
injuries. If prevention fails, the AFMS Restore health. The combined processes
and ensures appropriate treatment/
will rapidly restore each Airman to a utilized to recover an individual from
therapy for any health and performance
combat ready status or arrange for the an illness and/or injured condition
deficits whether physical or mental.
appropriate rehabilitative services. to duty as quickly as possible.
142 143
Agile Combat Support
Health Services Science & Technology Modernization
The following figures represent timelines for health services modernization and development in the areas
of Science & Technology, Home Station Infrastructure & Force Development, and Expeditionary Platforms:
144 145
Agile Combat Support
Health Services Home Station Infrastructure & Health Service Expeditionary
Force Development Modernization Platforms Modernization
146 147
Agile Combat Support
Sustaining the Force To sustain the force, Health services supports As the Air Force Medical Service moves
human system integration and performance toward 2025, medical experts will support
enhancement to maximize operational Air & Space Expeditionary Force and
effectiveness. Increased joint and coalition joint requirements (e.g., AE, Special
medical operations interoperability and Operations Forces, Homeland Security,
leveraging of sister service, Veterans etc.) to include prevention, primary care,
Affairs, and civilian healthcare/medical human-systems integration, Chemical,
platforms and education systems are central Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and
to continuous focused, capabilities-based High Yield Explosives/directed energy
medical modernization. AFMS will partner human health effects, and trauma/
with Civilian/Military Healthcare/Veterans critical care with a balanced future
Affairs systems to support healthcare delivery medical force… all deployable.
and capabilities will be enhanced through
realistic, performance-based training.
148 149
Agile Combat Support
Employing the Force
Integrated Defense
Integrated base defense (IBD) is defined Security Forces is the Air Force enterprise
as the integrated application of offensive leader for IBD. There is also resident within
and defensive actions, both active and this capability a synergistic FP effort
passive, taken across the ground dimension comprised of myriad functional specialties,
of the force protection (FP) battlespace including Civil Engineers, Communications
to achieve local and area dominance. and Information, Transportation,
Supply, Medical Services, Intelligence
and Office of Special Investigations.
150 151
Agile Combat Support
Employing the Force
152 153
Summary
Summary
Overall, this modified force structure
Within projected funding limits, the increases support to the joint warfighter.
Air Force Roadmap represents the best, With more airlift and aerial refueling
moderate risk combination of capabilities capability; more capable space
to maximize effectiveness of air and constellations; persistent air-breathing
space power across the range of military ISR; and new ways to think about
operations required in the future security close air support, the future Air Force
environment. The force structure presented will provide more of the capabilities
in this roadmap creates the distinctive demanded by the joint force.
capabilities that allow the Air Force to
provide global vigilance, reach, and While there is a degree of uncertainty
power to joint force commanders every associated with planning 20 years
day. It is a smaller, yet significantly more into the future, such an effort charts
capable force than is currently fielded a course, which allows all affected
parties to work towards a common
A smaller, but significantly
today. It is grounded in national strategic
guidance and envisions a total team goal. But uncertainty does exist, not
of Active, Guard, and Reserve Airmen only in the strategic environment, but
fighting as an integral part of a joint force in the fiscal environment as well.
in an uncertain environment across the
spectrum of conflict from irregular to If the fiscal environment were to change
more capable force
traditional. It will assure our allies and in a manner that allowed increased
dissuade, deter, and defeat our foes. procurement, the Air Force would seek
to reduce risk by increasing capabilities
In the future, the Air Force will continue to and capacity in key areas. To mitigate the
shift investment from traditional combat effects of decreasing relative capability
forces with single mission capabilities vis-à-vis potential adversaries and
to multi-role forces, and aggressively increasing operating cost, the Air Force
divest itself of legacy systems. This smaller would augment the recapitalization of
but more capable force will provide for the fighter force. To more effectively and
modernization and recapitalization of efficiently enable air power throughout
selected weapon systems, allowing the the range of military operations, capacity
Air Force to commit more resources to would be enhanced in the rapid global
networked and integrated joint enablers. mobility capabilities with synergies
possible across the spectrum of assigned
missions, to include special operations.
Such investments would reduce risk,
increase flexibility, and bolster
effectiveness in irregular operations
and the War on Terror, while ensuring
a decisive deterrent and operational
advantage in traditional forms of conflict.
154 155
Summary
The force structure detailed in this This force structure will not only
Roadmap will also enable the ongoing revolutionize traditional, high-intensity
transformation of the Air Force. This combat operations, but also help
transformation will improve the ability enable the United States to face new
This force structure will not only of the Joint Force Commander to achieve
decision cycle dominance and strike
irregular, potentially catastrophic, and
disruptive challenges in the post-Cold
adversaries before they can mount an War security environment. Rapid global
combat operations, but also help systems to sustain air superiority into
the foreseeable future and significantly
global war on terrorism. Rapid global
attack, rapid global mobility, persistent
improve combat air support to ground C4ISR, precision engagement, information
forces. It will protect space systems and, superiority, and stealthy air defense
enable the United States to face new if necessary, deny space to adversaries.
These increased capabilities will
penetration capabilities will counter
various anti-access and area-denial
use smaller forces to disable an strategies used by our adversaries.
irregular, potentially catastrophic, adversary rather than having to
destroy it with mass attrition, and Information superiority, precision
provide both kinetic and non-kinetic engagement, special operations, agile
and disruptive challenges. options to achieve desired effects. combat support, and rapid global
mobility capabilities will greatly enhance
counter insurgency operations, urban
operations, peace operations, and
stability operations. Predictive battlespace
awareness and force protection; will
greatly improve the ability to detect,
pre-empt, and defend United States
forces and the United States homeland
against attacks. The result will be a force
structure with expanded capability to
combat irregular, catastrophic, and
disruptive threats, while maintaining the
capability to combat traditional threats.
156 157
Glossary
ACS Agile Combat Support COMAFFOR Commander, Air Force Forces JDAM Joint Direct Attack Munitions S&T Science and Technology
AE Air Expeditionary CONOP Concept of Operations JDRADM Joint Dual Role Air Dominance Missile SATCOM Satellite Communications
AEF Air and Space Expeditionary Force CONUS Continental United States JFACC Joint Forces Air Component Commander SBIRS Space Based Infrared System
AEHF Advanced Extremely High Frequency CS Counterspace JSTARS Joint Surveillance and Target SBSS Space Based Space Surveillance
AESA Active Electronically Scanned/Steered Array CSAR Combat Search and Rescue Attack Radar System SCC Space Control Center
AF Air Force DCGS Distributed Common Ground System LRS Long Range Strike SDB Small Diameter Bomb
AF CBP Air Force Capabilities Based Planning DCS Defensive Counterspace MCCC Mobile Command and Control Center SF Security Forces
AF CONOPS Air Force Concept of Operations DMSP Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Multi-INT Multiple Intelligence SME Special Mission Equipment
AFB Air Force Base DMT Depot Maintenance Transformation NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization SOF Special Operations Forces
AFMS Air Force Medical Service DoD Department of Defense NCW Net Centric Warfare SORAP Source of Repair Assignment Process
AFNCS Air Force Network Control System DSCS Defense Satellite Communications System NDS National Defense Strategy / SR Space Radar
NUDET Detection System
AFSOC Air Force Special Operations Command DSP Defense Support Program SSA Space Situation Awareness
NetOps Network Operations
AIM Air Intercept Missile EA Expeditionary Airmen SSN Space Surveillance Network
NGG Next Generation Gunship
AMP Avionics Modernization Program EELV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle TCA Transformational Communications
NORAD North American Air Defense Architecture
AMRAAM Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile eLog21 Expeditionary Logistics for 21st Century
NPOESS National Polar-orbiting Operational TSAT Transformational Satellite
AOC Air and Space Operations Center EMEDS Expeditionary Medical Support
Environmental Satellite System Communications
AWACS Airborne Warning and Control System EW Electronic Warfare
NSS National Security Strategy U.S. United States
BCS Battlefield Control System GEODSS Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep
NUDET Nuclear Detonation
Space Surveillance System UAV Unmanned Air Vehicle
C2 Command and Control
NW Network Warfare
GIG Global Information Grid USSTRATCOM United States Strategic Command
C2ISR Command Control Intelligence
OCS Offensive Counterspace
Surveillance Reconnaissance GPS Global Positioning System VIPSAM Very Important Person
ORS Operationally Responsive Space Special Airlift Mission
C4ISR Command, Control, Communications, HSSW High Speed Stand Off Weapon
Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance OS Operational Support WGS Wideband Gapfiller System
ICBM Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
and Reconnaissance PR Personnel Recovery WMD Weapons of Mass Destruction
IOC Initial Operating Capability
CAF Combat Air Forces PSYOP Psychological Operations
ISCN Integrated Satellite Control Network
CAS Close Air Support QDR Quadrennial Defense Review
ISR Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance
CBRNE Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, RAIDRS Rapid Attack Identification,
ITW/AA Integrated Tactical Warning
Detection and Reporting System
Nuclear and high-yield Explosive
/ Attack Assessment
CCATT Critical Care Air Transport Team RERP Reliability Enhancement and
JASSM-ER Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-off
Re-engineering Program
CCIC2S Combatant Commander Integrated Missile – Extended Range
Command Control System RPA Remotely Piloted Aircraft
JCA Joint Cargo Aircraft
COCOM Combatant Commander
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