AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION 2005 STATEMENT OF POLICY
(As approved by the delegates to the AFA National Convention on September 12, 2004)
The Constitution of the United States of America gives great powers to the federal government. The first and
most important responsibility of the government is to provide for the national defense.
Since the passage of the Goldwater-Nichols Reorganization Act of 1986, the President has been required to
submit a National Security Strategy (NSS) to Congress annually. The NSS articulates the nation's mid- and
long-term national security strategy. The current NSS declares that the President should have the option to use
preemptive military action to forestall or prevent hostile acts by our adversaries.
The National Security Strategy provides the basis for the National Military Strategy, which outlines the
strategic direction for the Armed Forces of the United States in times of war and peace. The NMS describes the
ways and means for protecting the nation, preventing conflict and surprise attacks, and prevailing against
adversaries. National Military Strategy 2004 rests on three pillars, each of which relies heavily on Air Force
capabilities in air and space:
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Winning the war on terrorism
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Improving the military's ability to fight as a joint force
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Transformation
A Dangerous World
The terrorist attacks of 9/11 have proven that threats to the homeland and US interests around the world are
real, persistent, and cannot be ignored. America has no choice but to fight and win the war against those
fanatical groups that resort to the use of terrorism, and those that harbor and support them. The alternative is
to suffer more 9/11-style attacks and surrender to uncompromising terrorists—specifically, the al Qaeda network
and its affiliates.
The pursuit of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by terrorists, spawned by fanatical religious or political
groups, and by rogue states represents a current and growing danger to the nation and the world. Cyber attack and
other methods of mass disruption could also cause damage comparable to that from use of a WMD. Our government
must use all political, economic, intelligence, and military instruments of national power to prevent
this from happening.
Pre-emption places a heavy burden on air and space intelligence collection, human intelligence, and analysis.
At the national level, we must be thorough and competent in our assessments of danger in the world. Depending on
the threat, the consequences of action, or lack of action, can be tragic.
International alliances and cooperative efforts are other critical elements in the war against those enemy
groups that employ terrorism and those that support them. By forging strong alliances, we can deny our enemies
sanctuary, restrict their ability to recruit new members, and hamper their attempts to organize and grow
financially. When military force is required, it is better to share the burden with other nations which have a
stake in eliminating the threat. As a last resort, we must be prepared to act alone to protect our freedoms and
way of life.
New Way of War
In recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, air and space power, combined with the use of Special Operations
Forces on the ground, was the key to the swift success of joint and coalition military operations. Through its
advocacy of Effects-Based Operations, the Air Force took the lead in further advancing a new American way of war.
Its hallmark is rapid dominance, which is achieved by combining modern Air Force capabilities--information
superiority, mobility and precision strike--with complementary capabilities of the other military Services and
government agencies.
The 21st Century Air Force brings with it an expeditionary mindset and a capacity for air and space dominance
that provides an asymmetrical advantage to joint warfighters.
Warfighters look to Global Vigilance, Reach, and Power to provide around-the-clock C4ISR--command, control,
communications, and computers combined with intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance systems--as well as
electronic warfare and special operations capability.
In the air, precision strike assets protect and support US ground forces, whether on patrol or engaged in
combat. In Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), two-thirds of the ordnance dropped by aircraft was precision-guided.
Additionally, 90 percent of air-ground operations were fully integrated, compared to 10 percent of such
operations in Operation Desert Storm. In the 1991 Gulf War, it took an average of four aircraft to destroy one
target. In OIF, by contrast, it took one aircraft to kill about four targets.
The USAF airlift of recent years has moved more than 1.5 million troops and nearly one million tons of gear
and supplies into and out of Iraq—making it one of the largest airlifts ever. During OIF, Air Force airlift and
air refueling assets were pressed to the limit. The huge demand on airlift and tankers will only increase as US
military forces become more expeditionary.
Demands on space assets are increasing, too. With each passing day, space employment in the combat environment
is becoming more and more commonplace. From space, Air Force assets provide surveillance and secure jam-resistant
communications, navigation, warning and weather forecasting. Satellites that saw through blinding sandstorms
during the initial phase of OIF continue to lift the fog of war by providing a clear view of the situation on the
ground.
Battlefield Airmen
A transformation initiative that blends technology, concepts of operations, and organization is producing a
new breed of "Battlefield Airmen." This group comprises combat controllers, pararescuemen, combat weathermen,
Tactical Air Control Party specialists (TACPs), and others. The Air Force intends to bring them together in a
common organizational structure to further improve precision strike.
The evolving Battlefield Airman concept will spur new ways of operating and will be an important addition to
joint warfighting. Sensors on unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) will extend the Battlefield Airman's awareness. In
the future, these Airmen will help decrease the load on aircrews, shorten the sensor-to-shooter chain, provide
secure machine-to-machine interfacing, and more.
Future battlefields most likely will be discontinuous, with shadowy hostile forces organized in small unlinked
groups. Eliminating these forces will require integration of air and ground forces on a scale greater than
today’s. The Air Force is preparing for the future by exploring concepts of operations featuring asymmetrical
air attacks on enemy ground forces, wherever they are hiding. The Air Force and the Army are working to
strengthen Joint Air-Ground Operations in order to improve combat capability.
USAF proudly defines itself as one Air Force--with Airmen (both uniformed and civilian) executing strike,
space, mobility, support, and special operations missions. They are waging war on terrorism, performing joint
operations, and transforming in place, all while maintaining America's air and space dominance.
New Steady State
Compared to the Cold War Air Force, today’s USAF is small and based mostly in the US, necessitating rapid,
large-scale deployments over long distances. Over the last two decades, the active duty Air Force was reduced
by nearly 40 percent--from 608,000 to 359,000 uniformed members. Higher retention rates have caused the active
duty force to expand temporarily to 375,000. The Air Force was allowed to exceed authorized active duty end
strength levels for the last two years because of the demands of the war on terror. Now the Air Force must
shrink by some 16,000 Airmen in order to meet the FY05 authorized force level of 359,000 people.
It must do this while shaping the force to remedy a skill mix imbalance. The goal is to eliminate
over-manning in some career fields and critical shortages in others. Some Airmen will have to retrain. Getting
smaller while re-shaping the force will be difficult, as retention rates remain high.
While the force shrinks, operations tempo at stateside and overseas bases remains high. Airmen are working
long hours, deploying with ever-increasing frequency to hot spots around the world, and spending more time away
from their families. To accommodate the new steady state, service leaders have extended overseas rotations for
each Air and Space Expeditionary Force (AEF), raising it from 90 days to 120 days. Combat deployments have been
extended. Crews are flying longer missions and have less ground time between missions.
At the height of Operation Iraqi Freedom, nearly 55,000 Airmen were deployed against the forces of Saddam
Hussein. Currently, more than 23,000 Airmen and 300 aircraft are on duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans.
This number does not include forces stationed permanently in U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Pacific Air
Forces.
Over the past decade, total USAF civilian personnel fell from 196,489 to 168,762. During the same period,
total Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve numbers remained essentially unchanged. However, today’s Guard
and Reserve play a much larger role in meeting worldwide commitments.
Across the board, the Total Force is straining to meet new requirements and challenges. The Air National
Guard and Air Force Reserve have been activated at unprecedented levels. Since September 11, 2001, the Air
Force has mobilized nearly 65,000 Guardsmen and Reservists. Together, they constitute 20 percent of Air Force
AEF packages supporting operations in Southwest Asia. Additionally, they conduct 89 percent of air patrols over
American cities in support of Operation Noble Eagle.
Beyond traditional air and space operations, Airmen are carrying out special operations, conducting convoys
and security patrols, performing rescue missions, and treating combat casualties. They make up a large part of
the approximately 150,000 US service members who are presently engaged in combat and nation building in Iraq
and Afghanistan. While interim governments work to restore civil order and basic services, US troops are
providing security—an effort which has placed severe strain on current force structure. In the future, more
forces may be required to support such transitions to democracy.
In spite of enormous challenges, morale throughout the Total Force remains high. Senior Air Force leaders at
present do not seek an increase in USAF end strength. While AFA defers to their judgment, we caution that if the
level of operations continue at the current pace, a decision to request more manpower cannot be avoided. The
bottom line is that resources must be matched to tasking.
Remaining Vigilant
On the counterterror front, there is good news: We are making progress and learning quickly as we wage the war
on terrorism. There is also bad news: Terrorism is widespread, deeply rooted, and will take years of effort and
expenditure of considerable resources to defeat. It is aimed directly at the American homeland, and we must not
let down our guard.
AFA recognizes the key role that the Air Force plays in support of US Northern Command and homeland defense.
From Civil Air Patrol flights to fighters flying sorties defending US airspace, USAF has stepped up in a big way.
Since 9/11, the US has quintupled the number of people devoted to the air defense mission, and the Air Force has
vastly increased the number of air assets ready to respond to an airborne attack against the US.
The defense of the US homeland against ballistic and cruise missiles remains a requirement. Missile technology
is becoming more accessible worldwide. Significant DOD and Air Force initiatives have been mounted to counter
this threat. Congress should support an expansion of today’s modest missile defense capability until the nation
is no longer vulnerable to missile attack.
Until victory is achieved, we must stay focused on eliminating terrorism and remain vigilant about threats to
homeland security.
We should also recognize combat against terrorists is only part of the Air Force and DOD mission. A world
without terrorism would still be a dangerous place. Air and space forces must continue to be prepared to deal
with the full spectrum of threats, from low intensity war to conventional and strategic conflict.
Fiscal Challenge
A protracted war on terrorism requires a boost in defense spending. America can do more. In 1968, at the
height of the Vietnam War, the DOD budget represented 9.4 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 1986,
during the Cold War, the Defense budget represented 6.2 percent of GDP. In 2005, the Defense budget will consume
only about 3.4 percent of GDP.
America has never failed to provide resources for the military during times of war. The FY05 defense budget
for the steady-state program is projected to increase to more than $400 billion, which does not include $25
billion to pay for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Congressional Budget Office went on record stating
that DOD budgets need to grow by 20 percent annually just to maintain the current force structure. Half of the
increase is needed to cover increases in pay and benefits and the other half to replace outdated equipment.
Additionally, the US military now spends about $4 billion a month on operations in Iraq and between $600
million and $800 million a month on operations in Afghanistan. Defense is expensive and requires broad support
by Congress and the American people. There is no way around it; defense funding will have to increase
significantly in order to accommodate the reality of the war on terrorism, the transition in Iraq, and the
maintenance and modernization of the standing force.
AFA believes that national security imperatives require the US to commit a minimum of 4 percent of its GDP to
defense for a period of years.
Investing in the Future
US forces are unmatched in their ability to look deep and rapidly project power over vast distances, with
great situational awareness. Air Force people, systems, and concepts of operation are at the leading edge of DOD
transformation.
Past investments in research and development (R&D) and science and technology (S&T) have produced superb
weapons. Still, government and private sector funding for defense related S&T and R&D has been anemic in recent
years. The number of new major weapon system program start-ups has also fallen off. These trends must be reversed
or the defense industrial base will decline to a dangerous level.
The Air Force of the future will require new and dramatically more capable aircraft such as the stealthy
F/A-22 and F-35 fighters, UAVs and UCAVs, new multisensor command and control aircraft, and C-17 airlifters.
Tankers will continue to provide the life blood for air mobility and Joint Force air combat operations. New
tankers must be acquired to replace older ones, which are wracked with corrosion and have become too expensive to
repair. The Air Force also will need to upgrade older systems and aircraft such as the C-5s, KC-135s, and B-52s.
The F-15 first flew in the 1970s. In recent mock combat against MiG, Sukhoi and Mirage fighters, foreign air
forces scored unexpected successes against the Eagles. Once the F/A-22 enters the inventory in numbers, it will
easily defeat any adversary fighter in the air or currently on the drawing board. The F/A-22 is key to
maintaining air dominance and executing deep strike missions.
The bomber fleet, which numbered 360 in the 1980s, has shrunk. The current bomber roadmap calls for making do
with 157 bombers, only 96 of which are kept combat ready. Today's small fleet of B-1Bs, B-2s, and B-52s leaves
the US with too little margin for error. New, long-range global strike platforms are needed, and the sooner the
better.
The Air Force will also need more-capable airborne and space-based surveillance systems. USAF officials warn
that our space systems are vulnerable to disruption, and potential adversaries are trying to exploit space to
their own advantage. In OIF, Iraq unsuccessfully attempted to jam Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite
signals to defeat precision weapons. In the future, the Air Force will have to prevent adversaries from using
space against US forces. This entails improving space situational awareness and developing defensive and
offensive counterspace capabilities. As DOD's Executive Agent for Space, the Air Force needs the Administration
and Congress to continue funding projects identified to execute the space roadmap.
AFA believes nuclear deterrence provided by the triad of US land-, air-, and sea-based forces is essential to
national security. The United States should maintain flexible, reliable, and survivable nuclear forces even as
it continues the deployment of a missile defense capability.
Looking further into the future, the Air Force must acquire and field a new land-based strategic missile,
directed energy weapons, and more-advanced air-delivered munitions.
Improving Acquisition
AFA applauds USAF initiatives to streamline and improve the acquisition process. Program delays and
stretch-outs are all too frequent and leave the Air Force with equipment that is increasingly difficult to
operate and expensive to maintain. Some systems are so old that parts are no longer in production and must be
produced at exorbitant cost. This siphons funds away from modernization. As the maintenance budget grows,
acquisition investments shrink. More importantly, continuing program stretch-outs allow other nations to catch up
with American technology. US air dominance could wane as a result.
AFA urges the Administration, Congress, and DOD to work together to stabilize program funding for urgently
needed platforms. Air Force wide, equipment is wearing out at a rapid rate and needs to be repaired or replaced.
Munitions stockpiles also need replenishing. The goal should be straightforward--to acquire Air Force systems and
capabilities on time and in the quantities needed to meet ever expanding mission requirements.
DOD's acquisition workforce was cut by nearly 50 percent in the 1990s and needs to be reconstituted. A greater
investment in acquisition is needed to attract talented scientists and engineers back to Air Force laboratories
and research centers. Additionally, more investment will help industry partners to recruit and retain a
high-quality technical work force to design, develop, and produce the transformational systems of the future.
Right-Sizing Base Structure
On the infrastructure horizon, another Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round is set to occur in 2005. BRAC
would reduce excess infrastructure and free up scarce dollars for modernization, transformation, and readiness.
It must be carefully executed to ensure that the resulting base structure will provide efficient and flexible
support to air and space forces. Improvement of remaining stateside and forward operating bases will also be
required so that aircrews, logisticians, and other support personnel have the facilities required for the mission.
The next Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) will coincide with BRAC. It will be a comprehensive examination of
the defense strategy, force structure, force modernization plans, infrastructure, budget plans, and other
elements of the defense program and policies. The coincidence in 2005 of BRAC and the QDR requires careful
analysis so that DOD can seize transformation opportunities while avoiding actions that could inadvertently harm
the Armed Forces.
Finally, DOD must have access to military ranges and operating areas to provide a realistic training and
testing environment to prepare warfighters for combat today and in the future. This must be done in a way that
is consistent with the strong record of Air Force environmental stewardship and promotes military readiness.
People--Our Greatest Asset
On a national level, we must foster a spirit of service above self. Our nation benefits whenever young people
commit to national service. Serving in the Armed Forces of the United States is one of the most honorable forms
of patriotism.
The Airmen (military and civilians) who volunteer and serve in today's Air Force are professionals of air and
space power. They are the heart and soul of the world's most highly respected and powerful air force.
AFA believes that the success of the All-Volunteer Force concept is irrefutable and that reinstituting a draft
would be ill-advised and harmful. For more than 30 years, the All-Volunteer Force has produced a high-quality,
educated, and motivated military.
The times demand that today's Airmen be more technically skilled than ever before. Draftees, however, would
serve only short periods on active duty and then leave, producing unwelcome turnover and loss of experience. The
cost of training would increase substantially. It is more efficient and effective simply to provide the funds
that would ensure that Air Force careers and the overall compensation package remain attractive in a competitive
job market. The Air Force must continue to invest in quality of life programs, education, and training for
enlisted members, officers, and civilians across the Total Force.
Since 9/11, many have made the ultimate sacrifice in the war on terrorism. The Air Force Association and the
nation are eternally grateful to these brave men and women. To date, more than 1,100 US service members have
died and more than 6,000 have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. We salute all the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors,
Marines, Coast Guardsmen, DOD civilians, and defense contractors who continue to serve in defense of the nation.
Even as we honor those veterans returning from the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, we must not
forget the thousands of military veterans and retirees still with us today. Many have suffered severe injuries
and are in need of long-term medical care and assistance. The families and loved ones of military members endure
hardships, too, and deserve our continuing support.
Ongoing Mission
The AFA legacy is deep, reflecting the spirit of Billy Mitchell, "Hap" Arnold, Ira Eaker, Jimmy Doolittle,
and other airpower visionaries. We, the members of the Air Force Association, remain dedicated to educating the
public about the need for aerospace power, advocating for a strong national defense, supporting the Air Force and
the Air Force family, and supporting our nation’s efforts to fight and win the global war on terrorism.
TOP ISSUES
OF THE AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION
[The Top Issues of the Air Force Association complements the 2005 AFA Statement of
Policy. Each of the Top Issues is significant and they are listed in no particular order of priority. Find out
more about these and other important air and space power issues by visiting AIR FORCE Magazine Online at
http://www.afa.org or referring to Aerospace Education Foundation publications at
http://www.aef.org/pub/symposia.asp.]
Resources for Defense
President Bush proposed a Fiscal 2005 defense budget of roughly $400 billion, not counting some $25 billion in
emergency funds appropriated to cover the estimated cost of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan during the first
six months of the new fiscal year. The FY05 defense budget contains a one-year increase of approximately $20
billion. However, the budget does not include funding for new tankers or other pressing needs. New
requirements brought on by the ongoing war on terrorism are clashing with requirements from previous years—most
notably, modernization, recapitalization, and transformation. Those needs are being squeezed by spending for
operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, projected to reach $50 billion in FY05.
In 1968, during the Vietnam War, our nation devoted 9.4 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense.
In 1986, during the Cold War, we devoted 6.2 percent of GDP to defense. Today, we are fighting a global war on
terrorism, yet we are committing only 3.4 percent of GDP to the armed forces. We can afford to spend more on
national defense, and we must balance our resources and our tasking, as specified by the National Military
Strategy.
AFA believes that national security imperatives require the US to commit a minimum of 4 percent of its GDP to
defense annually for the foreseeable future. Congress and DOD must work together to recapitalize and modernize the force’s
equipment, improve quality of life programs, and foster transformation of the armed forces.
Terrorism and Homeland Defense
The survival of the United States and the civilized world hinges on our winning the war on terrorism. Some
3,000 Americans died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Since that time, thousands of others have
been killed in terrorist attacks around the globe. The year 2003 was the worst for global terrorism in two
decades, according to the most recent "Patterns of Global Terrorism" report, issued annually by the State
Department. Terrorists will resort to any conceivable act of horror, as has been seen in the grisly executions
of hostages in Iraq.
Notable progress has been made in the war on terrorism and homeland defense since 9/11. The US and coalition
military forces are getting better at fighting terrorists. The Taliban and foreign terrorists no longer rule
Afghanistan. Saddam Hussein no longer rules Iraq. Two-thirds of the al Qaeda leadership has been captured or
eliminated. Its planning and operations have been severely disrupted. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
has made significant strides in coordinating government efforts to prevent more attacks.
Much of the current criticism of the war in Iraq is the result of the continuation of the fighting and the
failure to find stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction. While the primary rationale for using force in Iraq
has been called into question, the struggle to establish a stable government in Iraq has become central to the
war on terrorism. Terrorists want to fundamentally reshape the international system in accordance with their
radical beliefs. A fully functioning and sovereign Iraq is less likely to become a future safe haven for
terrorists' training and operations, which is clearly in the best interest of the United States and the world.
Beyond conducting military operations around the world, DOD has made great progress in the homeland defense
mission. Air and space power forces, in concert with US Northern Command and NORAD, have reduced homeland
airspace vulnerabilities that existed prior to 9/11. Use of fighters, Civil Air Patrol assets, Unmanned Aerial
Vehicles, and advanced communication systems have strengthened the observation and control of US airspace.
AFA believes that homeland defense must remain a priority and that Congress and the Administration should work
together to provide funding for aircraft flying hours, maintenance, communication systems, and upgrades, as well
as the personnel required to support Operation Noble Eagle.
Concern for People
A substantial portion of the Air Force budget--34 percent--is devoted to people. Investing in the people, who
have the capability and the education to exploit modern technology, is as important as the modernization and
recapitalization of air and space systems. AFA applauds service initiatives concerning force development, which
will help attract quality people and develop their skills and experience to successfully create and exploit new
aerospace capabilities.
The Air Force must continue to take the lead in educating, training, and providing for the professional
development of enlisted members, officers, and civilians across the Total Force. AFA advocates equal opportunity.
It calls for continued vigilance and fair treatment regardless of age, ethnicity, race, gender, or
creed. Harassment of any kind must not be tolerated.
Recruiting and Retention. In the era of the
All-Volunteer Force, the Air Force has recruited and retained the best educated, best trained, and most
technically proficient Airmen ever. They serve in an Air and Space Expeditionary Force with global reach and are
called on to deploy regularly. In 1993, about 53,000 Airmen were coded for deployment. Today, though the force is
almost 20 percent smaller, about 272,000 Airmen are coded for deployment.
Airmen—whether active duty, Guard, Reserve, or civilian--are deploying with ever-increasing frequency, in
keeping with the requirements of a US military that has fought three wars in five years. The demands of global
operations have increased the stress on air and space forces. About 2,000 air and space expeditionary combat
support personnel now support operations in the Southwest Asia theater. In fact, the rotational requirement for
nearly 20,000 Airmen to US Central Command is about three times the demand prior to 9/11.
The National Security Strategy has required air and space forces to adapt to a new steady state of high
operations tempo. The Air Force has extended the length of AEF deployments from 90 to 120 days. Personnel
remaining on station at US and overseas bases work long hours to fill in for those deployed. More and more,
military members and their families must deal with the pressure and hardship of extended and frequent absences
from home base.
The importance of recruiting and retaining quality people in sufficient numbers cannot be overstated. AFA
commends Air Force efforts to increase the pool of deployable Airmen and re-shape the force to achieve the right
skill mix and meet authorized manpower levels. As a result of several years of high operations tempo, the Air
Force was not required immediately to come down to the congressionally authorized end strength of 359,000. Now
it is being directed to shrink by a net of 16,000 Airmen in FY05 to meet the end strength limit.
AFA believes that we are fast approaching the point where the demands of the war on terrorism will be
incompatible with the current size of the military. Although retention and morale remains strong and the Air
Force is performing at a high level, there is considerable stress on key personnel such as aircrew members, air
traffic controllers, and security forces. At some point, if things do not improve, retention will suffer.
Congress and DOD must work together to set reasonable active duty end-strength levels so that the services
have sufficient manpower to carry out the mission. DOD should also strengthen quality of life programs to attract
adequate numbers of high-quality volunteers. For example, it should make available to all Airmen an open season
for enrollment in the Montgomery G.I. Bill program.
Civilian Workforce Concerns. The impending
retirement of many Air Force civilians remains a key concern. More than 40 percent will be eligible to retire in
the next four years. Many are engineers, scientists, program managers, and others in technical fields. At some
point, they will decide to leave, and aggressive recruiting will be needed to maintain workforce quality.
The National Security Personnel System (NSPS), now in the development and implementation phase, will change
the way DOD hires and trains the workforce of the future. DOD must carefully define the NSPS so that current and
future employees will understand the new personnel system and policies that affect pay, promotions, performance,
and evaluations. The best way to achieve this is through collaboration and transparency throughout the
development and implementation of the program.
In a very direct way, the attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, put DOD civilians on the front lines
in the war on terrorism. Today, civilians also serve in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan and often face the
same hazards and hardships as military members. At the same time, DOD's civilians, who engage in some combat
support functions, help free up military personnel for combat.
AFA believes that DOD should carefully evaluate the role and use of civilians in combat zones. It should also
provide equal treatment to such civilians in terms of tax exemptions, accidental death and dismemberment coverage
benefits, and other benefits. In addressing this issue, DOD should ensure fair treatment of all employees.
Total Force Concerns
In the Global War on Terrorism, Guardsmen and Reservists are being deployed in the longest sustained,
large-scale mobilization in the history of the Air Force. The Air Force since September 11, 2001 has mobilized
nearly 65,000 Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command members. Reservists account for 20 percent of air
and space expeditionary force packages supporting operations in Southwest Asia and conduct some 90 percent of
Operation Noble Eagle sorties, maintaining patrols over American cities.
AFA commends the patriotism and dedication of Guardsmen and Reservists. However, we should not underestimate
the cumulative impact of extended call-ups on these components and their civilian employers.
Many Guardsmen and Reservists have put careers on hold, dropped out of college programs, or had to close
businesses. There is a point at which there will be an erosion of recruiting and retention and a decline in
employer support. Already, Air National Guard recruiting has fallen short, according to congressional testimony
by senior defense leaders. For the time being, retention is much higher than predicted and has offset recruiting
shortfalls, but that could change, too. We must take action now to prevent further harm.
The increased use of reserve component forces has highlighted the inequities in the pay and compensation
system that is based on Cold War reserve policies. AFA believes the Guard and Reserve should be compensated,
manned, equipped, and modernized commensurate with their increased contribution to the Total Force. Because the
Guard and Reserve have to maintain the same readiness standards as active duty members, they should also receive
increased access to TRICARE. Additionally, the recapitalization of Guard and Reserve facilities needs attention
and funding, as many do not meet DOD's minimum adequacy standards. Finally, a thorough review of the roles and
missions of the Guard and Reserve should be undertaken immediately.
Commitment to Veterans
The Air Force Association remains totally committed to the maintenance of promises made and the betterment of
benefits to our nation’s veterans, retirees, and their survivors.
The most pressing veteran issues today are the increasing cost of health care and growing number of veterans
and retirees requiring medical treatment. Of today’s 25 million veterans, nearly three quarters served during
periods of war or hostilities, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nearly a quarter of the nation's
population—some 70 million people—are potentially eligible for VA benefits and services because they are
veterans, family members, or survivors of veterans.
AFA recognizes that the VA has substantially improved its response to the medical needs of veterans, but much
remains to be done. Congress should pass legislation that requires mandatory funding of the Department of
Veterans Affairs health care system; increase the number of VA employees assigned to processing claims; and
reduce the waiting time for veterans to be medically evaluated (to include creative approaches to allow veterans
to receive routine and preventive care in non-VA facilities).
Each day, more than 1,000 elderly veterans pass away, and our nation has not fulfilled all of the commitments
that it made to them. We have an obligation to honor these commitments to all veterans.
Antiquated laws and a lack of funding are preventing former service members from receiving benefits to which
they are entitled as the result of their service in the military. Survivors also face a number of short-sighted
regulations that limit or reduce the value of annuitant benefits. Incompatible government databases maintained
by the VA, Social Security Administration, and Defense Department further complicate the problem.
AFA applauds recent concurrent receipt (Disabled Veterans
Tax) legislation that provides for Concurrent Disability Pay for veterans
with a disability rating of 50 percent or higher. The administration, DOD and Congress must not turn their backs
on any disabled retired veteran or surviving spouse. It is imperative that our government end the current
discriminatory policies on concurrent receipt and the Survivor Benefit Program. Any legislation that leaves any
disabled retired veteran and/or surviving spouse behind through compromise or extended phase-in is not in the
best interest of America and these American patriots.
Science and Technology Concerns
Investments in science and technology (S&T) help produce breakthrough systems for the Air Force of the future.
The S&T program provides for basic and applied research and advanced technology development. In FY04, the Air
Force S&T budget totaled $2.2 billion--approximately 2.5 percent of the overall Air Force budget. This relatively
low level of investment in defense-related S&T throughout DOD and the private sector remains a concern.
It is imperative that the US vigorously pursue future military capabilities, from microchips to directed
energy and hypersonic technology. The Air Force has launched a number of initiatives to increase the emphasis on
S&T programs and improve industrial base facilities. Additionally, however, the Air Force must recruit and
maintain a strong technical workforce of engineers and scientists—both military and civilian.
AFA believes that DOD and the Air Force should work toward a goal of S&T investment at 3 percent of their
overall respective budgets. Adequate resources must be applied to invigorating and strengthening the
public/private partnership of Air Force, industry, and academia.
Modernization
Throughout the Air Force equipment inventory, old systems are deteriorating and costing more and more to
maintain. From aircraft to space systems and ground equipment, age is taking its toll. As a result, maintenance
and repair costs are increasing each year. Recapitalization and investment are needed to assure the continued
viability of legacy systems until they can be replaced.
The F-117 represents first-generation stealth technology and averages 16 years in age. The stealthy B-2
represents late 1970s technology. In other systems, the average ages are as follows: F-15C, 19 years; F-16, 14
years; A-10, 22 years; E-3 AWACS, 24 years; HH-53, 32 years; C-5A, 32 years; B-52, 42 years; and KC/RC-135, 42
years. By 2013, the average age of Air Force aircraft will reach 25 years even taking into account planned buys
of new aircraft.
Recent mock combat by older F-15s against newer foreign aircraft indicates that, without modernization, US air
dominance could decline in the future. New air dominance platforms are urgently needed. The F/A-22 and F-35
fighters, which represent vital and complementary capabilities, must be fully funded. We applaud Air Force
initiatives to ramp up pursuit of an interim long-range strike platform and accelerate the fielding of a
next-generation long range strike capability. A new system or systems will result in a more balanced mix of
bombers and fighters and enhance long-range strike capability.
The importance of the tanker fleet is demonstrated on a daily basis in worldwide DOD operations. However, a
significant number of tankers are old and plagued with structural problems. The Air Force would like to retire as
many as 131 of the Eisenhower-era KC-135E tankers by the end of the decade. Unfortunately, the controversy that
has surrounded the KC-767 tanker-lease proposal has placed the tanker fleet in limbo. However, the replacement of
aging tankers cannot be indefinitely delayed. DOD and Congress must work together to get on with the replacement
of these aircraft.
As the US military becomes more expeditionary, it will need more airlift. DOD should complete the planned buy
of 180 C-17s and act quickly to procure more airlifters once the new mobility requirements study is completed.
DOD should also continue with multi-year procurement of C-130Js and press ahead with modernization of existing
C-5s and C-130s.
Minuteman III, the primary US intercontinental ballistic missile and a key element of the nuclear triad, is
also three decades old and needs continued updating or replacement.
Space modernization is equally challenging. Many systems are being used well beyond their planned design lives.
Launch and space infrastructure is, on average, 45 years old. The Defense Satellite Communications System program
and Defense Meteorological Satellite Program are 36 and 41 years old, respectively. The Defense Support Program,
whose satellites provide missile warning, is more than 31 years old. Some GPS satellites have lasted twice their
design life. As a consequence, the Air Force will be replacing virtually all of its legacy systems over the next
15 years with new and far more capable technology. Congress and DOD must provide the necessary funding and
resources to modernize space systems and capabilities identified in the space roadmap.
Securing Space
The Air Force continues to excel in its role as DOD's executive agent for space. USAF space forces support the
entire Joint Force. During Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Air Force space forces
conducted more than 5,000 satellite contacts/sorties with more than 40 Air Force satellites operated by active
duty and reserve personnel worldwide. They provided data for precise navigation and timing, missile warning,
surveillance, space control, weather tracking, and communications.
AFA applauds Air Force stewardship of space for DOD and supports continued emphasis on the development of the
right people, programs, systems, and forces to secure the nation's preeminence in space. Significant strides have
been made toward providing global situation awareness, assuring access to space, developing a cadre of space
professionals, and integrating the work of space and intelligence community professionals.
AFA believes it is critical that we maintain our military advantage in space. The Air Force and DOD must
continue to emphasize and put high priority on the mission of space control.
C4ISR Spectrum
The performance of US forces in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom confirms the wisdom of
Air Force investments in C4ISR systems. The Air Force triad of intelligence sensors includes the RC-135 fleet,
E-8 Joint STARS and E-3 AWACS. Together with Global Hawk, Predator, space-based systems, and the U-2, they
provide unmatched multi-source and all-weather capability to warfighters.
In Iraq, C4ISR systems allowed US forces to “see” through clouds and sandstorms and target enemy forces with
precision-guided munitions. They also facilitated command and control of UAVs and made it possible to engage in
time-sensitive targeting, thereby shortening the sensor-to-shooter kill chain.
C4ISR platforms are in high and increasing demand, but they are, unfortunately, in short supply. We need to
field these systems in greater numbers and continuously upgrade their capabilities to meet future warfighter
requirements. The new E-10 multisensor Command and Control Aircraft will be optimized to work in conjunction
with other forces, help spot and destroy cruise missiles, control the battlespace, and assist Special Forces
deep behind enemy lines. The E-10 will greatly increase the synergy and effectiveness of the Joint Force in the
battle space.
To prosecute future conflicts, it will be necessary to tie ground, airborne and space-based resources together
in a global network. Connected infrastructure and resources are basic requirements for tomorrow’s
network-centric warfighting environment.
AFA believes that Congress must continue to fund C4ISR systems in greater numbers, while providing necessary
capability upgrades. Moreover, a robust technology development effort for the Space Based Radar must be funded,
along with research and development of other space-based, manned and unmanned C4ISR systems.
Industrial Base Support
We depend on the US defense industrial base to manufacture and produce the space systems, aircraft, computers,
and data networks needed to support air dominance now and in the future. However, foreign competition, the
dwindling of major defense programs, and the consolidation of the US defense industry have eroded America's base
for manufacturing defense products. Since 1994, the number of prime contractors doing major aerospace defense
work has gone from 21 to four. Add to that an aging aerospace workforce, low employment, and an electronics
manufacturing and technology base in decline, and one finds considerable cause for alarm.
Further, industry support to combat areas is a growing reality and their personnel should be adequately
trained and prepared. DOD and Congress should also ensure equity for contractor employees in the areas of
tax-exemption, accidental death and dismemberment coverage and other benefits.
AFA believes that government and industry must be equal partners in finding solutions to this problem. We
must continue to develop incentives for enhancing manufacturing productivity, encouraging innovation,
revitalizing the aerospace workforce, and establishing tax, trade and regulatory policies to improve the
attractiveness of US products in the global economy.
DOD must pursue sensible acquisition policies, business practices, and support the research and development of
manufacturing technology. A revitalized industrial preparedness program is a key facilitator in transitioning
science and technology from the laboratories to the production floor and is one of the critical elements of a
strengthened pre-systems acquisition process. The Air Force and DOD must strike the right balance in the
partnership of the private sector, logistics centers, research labs, and academia.
DOD must also conduct a fair and transparent Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round in order to reconfigure
and reduce excess infrastructure to free up scarce dollars for modernization and transformation. Moreover, the
next Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) must accurately examine defense strategy, force structure, force
modernization, infrastructure, budget, and other elements of the defense program and policies.
