February2012

USAF Force Structure Changes: Sustaining Readiness and Modernizing the Total Force

NewStrategicGuidance
Forthelastdecade,theUnitedStateshasundertakenextendedoperationsinIraqand Afghanistan.Asweresponsiblydrawdownfromtheseoperations,takestepstoprotectour Nationseconomicvitality,andprotectourinterestsinaworldofacceleratingchange,wefacean inflectionpoint.Thechanginggeopoliticalenvironmentandourchangingfiscalcircumstances meritedareassessmentofU.S.defensestrategy.Outofthisassessment,theDepartmentof Defense(DoD)developedastrategythattransitionsourdefenseenterprisefromanemphasison todayswarstopreparingforfuturechallenges,protectsthebroadrangeofU.S.nationalsecurity interests,advancestheDepartmentseffortstorebalanceandreform,andsupportsthenational securityimperativeofdeficitreductionbyreducingdefensespending.Theresultingstrategic guidanceprovidedasetofpreceptstoguidedecisionsregardingthesizeandshapeoftheforce oversubsequentbudgetcycles. Toimplementthenewstrategicguidance,theJointForcewillneedtorecalibrateits capabilitiesandmakeselectiveadditionalinvestmentstosucceedinthefollowingmissions: counteringterrorismandirregularwarfare,deterringanddefeatingaggression,projectingpower despiteantiaccess/areadenialchallenges,counteringweaponsofmassdestruction,operating effectivelyincyberspaceandspace,maintainingasafe,secure,andeffectivenucleardeterrent, defendingthehomelandandprovidingsupporttocivilauthorities,providingastabilizing presence,conductingstabilityandcounterinsurgencyoperations,andconductinghumanitarian, disasterrelief,andotheroperations. ThesemissionswilldetermineandshapethecapabilitiesrequiredbythefutureJointForce, andtheAirForcemustcontinuetoprovidekeycapabilitiesinall10missionareas.However,the overallcapacity,orsizeoftheforce,willbebasedontherequirementsthatthefollowingmissions demand:counteringterrorismandirregularwarfare,deterringanddefeatingaggression, maintainingasafe,secure,andeffectivenucleardeterrent,anddefendingthehomelandand supportingcivilauthorities.U.S.forceswillnolongerbesizedtoconductlargescale,prolonged stabilityoperations. ThenewguidancerequiresU.S.forcestoremaincapableofdeterringanddefeating aggressionbyanypotentialadversary.Credibledeterrenceresultsfrommaintainingboththe capabilitiesrequiredtodenyanaggressortheprospectofachievinghisobjectivesandfromthe complementarycapabilitytoimposeunacceptablecostsontheaggressor.Ourplanningenvisages forcesthatareabletofullydenyacapablestatesaggressiveobjectivesinoneregionby conductingacombinedarmscampaignacrossalldomainsland,air,maritime,space,and cyberspace.EvenwhenU.S.forcesarecommittedtoalargescaleoperationinoneregion,they
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willbecapableofdenyingtheobjectivesoforimposingunacceptablecostsonanopportunistic aggressorinasecondregion. TheAirForceemployedthisguidancetoprepareanFY13budgetrequestthatensuresthe AirForcemeetsthecapabilityandforcesizingrequirementsdirectedbythenewstrategic guidance,andis: Adaptableandcapableofdeterringaggressionandprovidingastabilizingpresence, especiallyinthehighestpriorityareasandmissionsintheAsiaPacificregionand theMiddleEast,whilestillensuringourabilitytomaintainourdefense commitmentstoEuropeandotheralliesandpartners; Ready,rapidlydeployable,andexpeditionarysuchthatitcanprojectpoweron arrival; Capableofconductinghomelanddefenseandprovidingsupporttocivilauthorities; Armedwithcuttingedgecapabilitiesthatexploitourtechnological,joint,and networkedadvantage; Abletoreconstitutequicklyorgrowcapabilitiesasneeded;and Mannedandledbythehighestqualityprofessionals.

Todeliverthecapabilitiesrequiredbythenewstrategicguidanceandremainwithin fundingconstraints,theAirForcemadedifficultchoicesinallcorefunctions,includingthedecision todivestportionsofcombatandcombatenablerforces.Theguidingprinciplewasbalance.To retaincriticalcorecapabilitiesandmaintainourabilitytorapidlyrespondtomissiondemands,the AirForcebalancedrisktoforcestructureandmodernization,whilemaintainingreadinessand peopleprogramsacrossallmissionareas.WewillprovidemoredetailsaboutourFY13decisions onmodernization,readiness,andpeopleprogramsinthecomingweeks. Thispaperwillfocusonthedecisionswemadetodivestaircraftandremissionunits,with aparticularemphasisonhowthesechoicesaffecttheAirNationalGuard(ANG)andAirForce Reserve.Ourprogrammedreductionsfollowdetailedassessmentsoffutureconflictscenariosand enduringrotationaldeploymentrequirementsandwerechosentomaintaincapableandlethal forceswhilepreservingreadyandsustainableActiveandReserveComponents.TheAirForcewill besmaller,butwillremainhighlycapable,lethal,ready,agile,anddeployable.

AirForceAircraftReductions
TheAirForceFY13BudgetRequestachieves$8.7billioninsavingsacrosstheActiveand ReserveComponentsbyretiringover200aircraftinFY13andnearly300aircraftovertheFYDP, consistentwiththenewstrategicguidance.Ourprogrammedforcereductionsarewideranging andaffectover60installations.WithouttheTotalForceremissioningactionsdescribedlaterin thepaper,theywouldhavesignificantlyaffected24unitsandlefteightinstallationswithoutanAir Forcepresence.Theywillhavedirectimpactin33states,butinordertosupportTotalForcere missioning,themanpowerrealignmentplanbuiltbytheReserveComponentswillsignificantly
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affectadditionalunitsinall54statesandterritories.Wewillbeabletoprovidemanpower adjustmentsbyinstallationandstateinthecomingweeks. Ouranalysisofrequirementsdrivenbythenewstrategyshapedallofourdecisions.Our forcesizinganalysisansweredtwocomplementaryquestions:whatisthemaximum,orsurge, requirementposedbytheforcesizingmodelofthenewstrategy;andwhatisthesteadystate,or postsurge,requirementfordeployedrotationalforces?Becausethenewguidancerequiresthe JointForcetobecapableoffightingonelargescale,combinedarmscampaignwithsufficient combatpowertoalsodenyasecondadversary,anddeemphasizedlargescale,prolongedstability operations,ourFY13budgetrequestacceptsriskbyretiringfighter,mobility,andintelligence, surveillance,andreconnaissance(ISR)aircraftexcesstothesurgerequirementsofthenewforce sizingconstruct.AlthoughtheU.S.hasremovedallcombatforcesfromIraqandthenewstrategic guidancereducesthesteadystaterequirementforgroundforces,weexpectAirForcesteadystate rotationalrequirementstoremainnearlyconstant,orperhapsincrease,underthenewstrategy. Thiscontinuingrotationalpostsurgerequirementisakeyfactorindeterminingtherequiredmix betweenActiveandReserveComponentforcesduetodifferencesinsustainabledeploymentrates andoperationstempo. Wherepossible,weattemptedtoretireallaircraftofaspecifictype,allowingustoalso divesttheuniquetrainingandlogisticsupportstructureforthataircraft.Wherethatwasnot possible,weworkedtoretiretheoldestaircraftfirst,andredistributedaircraftintoeffectiveand economicalunits,eliminatingotherunitswhenthatwasmostefficient.Whereweretainedolder aircraft,wearetakingstepstoensuretheywillremainviableintothefuture. CombatAirForces Asdirectedbythenewstrategicguidance,weacceptedriskinourCombatAirForcesby retiringorreclassifyingaircraftfromsevensquadrons:fiveA10squadrons,oneF16squadron, andonetraining/supportcodedF15Aggressorsquadron.BecauseoftheDepartmentsevolving posture,oneoftheretiringsquadronsisanoverseassquadron.WechosetoretiremoreA10sas aresultofguidancetosizeourforcesforonelargescalecombinedarmscampaignwithsufficient combatpowertoalsodenyasecondadversary,withoutconductingalargescale,prolonged stabilityoperation.TheA10remainsessentialforcombinedarmsandstabilityoperationsandwe retainenoughA10stomeettherequirementsofthenewstrategicguidance,butmultirole platformsprovidemoreutilityacrosstherangeofthepotentialmissionsforwhichwearedirected toprepare. Afterreductions,weretain54combatcodedfightersquadronsandmaintainthe capabilitiesandcapacityrequiredtomeettherequirementsofnewstrategicguidanceat increasedriskwhileprovidingabridgetotheFifthGenerationF35.AlthoughwetransferfiveF15 AggressoraircrafttoattritionreservestatusandeliminateoneAggressorsquadronflag,we maintainarobustAggressortrainingcapability.WewillrelocateourF16Aggressorsquadronin AlaskafromEielsonAFBtoElmendorfAFB,allowingustoachievesavingsinbasesupportat EielsonbeginninginFY15.
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MobilityAirForces Wealsoreducedourmobilitycapacityinlinewiththerequirementsofthenewstrategic guidanceandtheparallelreductionsinlandforces,retiringall27C5As,retiringorcanceling procurementofall38plannedC27Js,andretiringthe65oldestC130s.WechosetoretireC5As becauseofhistoricallylowermissioncapableratesrelativetotheC17andC5M.Retiringthe entireC5Afleetprovidesadditionalsavingsintrainingandlogisticssupportthatcouldnothave beenachievedbyspreadingretirementsovermultipleaircrafttypes.DivestingtheentireC27J fleetalsoachievessavingsbysubstitutingthelowerlifecyclecostsofthemorecapableC130for thenicheC27Jcapability.AspartofourC130retirementstrategy,westreamlineoperationsand maintenancebyrealigningsomeadditionalC130aircrafttoensureReserveComponentunits operateonlyoneC130typeatanylocation. Afterretirements,wewillmaintainafleetof275strategicairlifters(52C5Msand223C 17s)and318C130s(134C130Jsand184C130Hs)andouranalysisshowsthattheremaining aircraftaresufficienttomeettheairliftrequirementsofthenewstrategy,includingour commitmentfordirectsupportoftheArmy.WeappreciateCongresssupportinadjustingthe legislatedmandatorynumberofstrategicairlifters.Giventhechangesinstrategyandforcesizing, wewillbeseekinganewminimumof275aircraft. Wealsoretire20KC135sandmaintainafleetof453airrefuelingaircraft,sufficientto meetrefinedrequirements.KC46developmentremainsontrackforinitialdeliveriesinFY16. Intelligence,Surveillance,andReconnaissance Intelligence,surveillance,andreconnaissancereductionsdivestall18Block30RQ4s, generating$2.5billioninFutureYearsDefenseProgram(FYDP)savingsbychoosingtorelyonthe provencapabilityofthematureU2Saircraftandsensors.TheU2hassuperiorsensorcapabilities now,meetsthenewJointRequirementsOversightCouncil(JROC)forcestructurerequirement, andisviablethrough2040.Wegenerateadditionalsavingsbyeliminatingfundingforall11RC 26swhiletransferringthemorecapableMC12fleetfromtheActiveComponenttotheAir NationalGuardinFY14.WealsoretireoneE8Caircraftthatisdamagedbeyondeconomical repair.

ReserveComponentAircraftReductionsandReMissioning
TheAirForcehasenjoyedgreatsuccessinleveragingourTotalForceEnterprisetopresent ourenduringcapabilitiestotheJointwarfighter,andwehavesuccessfullymetthedemandof increasedoperationstempooverthelasttwodecadesthroughacombinationofvolunteerism, selectivemobilization,andthecreationofActive,Reserve,andGuardAssociations.TheAir NationalGuardandAirForceReserveareintegratedintoallmajorAirForcemissionareas,trainto thesamehighstandardsastheActiveComponent,andareinvaluablepartnersinmeetingour manyandvariedcommitments.Overtheyears,wehaveadjustedthemixbetweenActiveand ReserveComponentstoensurewemaintainedareadyandsustainableforceandcouldmeetour
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surgeandrotationalrequirements.However,twodecadesofmilitaryendstrengthandforce structurereductionshaveshiftedtheratioofActivetoReserveComponentforces.In1990,the ReserveComponentrepresented25percentoftheTotalForceendstrength;thatpercentagehas increasedto35percenttoday.ReserveComponentaircraftownershipalsoincreasedfrom approximately23percentto28percentoverthesameperiod. OurReserveComponentshaveproventobeasuperbinvestmentprovidingcriticalAir Forcecapabilitiesthroughaverychallengingtime.However,ouranalysistellsuswehavereduced theActiveComponenttothepointthatfurtherreductionswouldlimitourabilitytorespond quicklytomultiplecrisesorsustainlongdurationcommitmentswithoutaskingourAirmen ActiveandReserveComponenttodeployatratesthatcannotbesustainedbyourTotalForce Airmenandtheirfamilies.WealsoknowthattheentireTotalForceActiveComponent,Air NationalGuard,andAirForceReservedependsontheActiveComponenttorecruit,train,and equiptheAirmenofthefuture.FurtherActiveComponentaircraftreductionswouldrequire detailedanalysistoensurewedonotmaketheActiveComponenttoosmalltoprovidetheskilled aircrew,maintenance,andsupportpersonnelrequiredtosustaintheTotalForce.Maintainingthe appropriateActive/ReservemixwillremaincriticaltosustainingAirForcecapabilitiesforforward presenceandrapidresponse,meetingoverseasrotationaldemandswithasmallerforce,and takingcareofourmostpreciousresource,ourpeople. AsweweredriventoconsiderreductionsinFY13,wecarefullyconsideredtheratio betweentheActiveandReserveComponentsandmadechoicesthat: 1) EnsuredtheTotalForcecouldfulfilltheAirForcessurgerequirementsasdirected bytheforcesizingconstructofthenewstrategicguidance; 2) MaintainedthebalancebetweenActiveandReserveComponentsrequiredtofulfill continuingrotationalrequirementsatdeploymentratesandpersonneltemposthat aresustainableforboththeActiveandReserveComponents; 3) MadesuretheActiveComponentretainedtherecruiting,training,andoperational seasoningbaserequiredtosustaintheActiveAirForce,AirNationalGuard,andAir ForceReserveintothefuture;and 4) EnsuredtheReserveComponentremainsrelevantandengagedinbothenduring andevolvingmissions. TheAirNationalGuardandAirForceReservewereinvolvedinallanalysisanddecisions, andemployedthefollowingprinciplesandstrategiestobuildReserveComponentaircraft reductionandremissioningplans. TheAirNationalGuardsCapstonePrinciplesinformedAirForcedecisionsinvolvingthe ANG: 1) AllocateatleastoneflyingunitwithANGequipmenttoeachstate; 2) Recapitalizeconcurrentlyandinbalancewiththeregularcomponent; 3) ManageAirNationalGuardresourceswithAirNationalGuardpeople;
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4) Adoptmissionsthatfitthemilitiaconstruct;and 5) Builddualusecapabilities. TheAirForceReserveemployedthefollowingrealignmentstrategiesinselectingspecific locationsforaircraftreductions: 1) Ensureaircraftreductionsdonotnegativelyimpactoperationalsupporttothe CombatantCommands; 2) EnsureforcestructuremovementsdonotcreateanynewAirForcebills; 3) Ensureriskisminimizedbyoptimizingcrewratiostoexploitexpectedincreasein missioncapabilityrates;and 4) ConsideredlocationsthatcontinuedtohaveanAirForcemissionduetothe presenceofanotherAirForceComponent.

TotalForceAircraftReductionsbyFiscalYear
FY13Actions:DivestsallC27Jaircraft,eliminatingaircraftbasedatorplannedfor WarfieldAGS(MartinState),MD(4),KelloggAGS(BattleCreek),MI(4),FargoAGS(Hector),ND (4),MansfieldLahmAGS,OH(4),GreatFalls,MT(4),Bradley,CT(4),andKeyFieldAGS(Meridian), MS(6).RemovesA10sfromBarksdaleAFB,LA(retires21andtransfersthree),SelfridgeANGB, MI(21),FtSmith,AR(20),FtWayne,IN(20),andanActiveComponentoverseaslocation(20). RemovesF16sfromDesMoines,IA(21)andtransfersActiveComponentF16Aggressorsfrom EielsonAFB,AK(19)toJointBase(JB)ElmendorfRichardson,AK(19).Aircraftretirementsand transfersresultinnetreductionsofC130HsatJBElmendorfRichardson,AK(4H2)(eliminatingan Activeassociation),Niagara,NY(3H2)(eliminatingaReserveassociation),RosecransAGS(St Joseph),MO(10H2.5),YoungstownWarren,OH(6H2),Louisville,KY(1H2.5),Charleston,WV(1 H3),Cheyenne,WY(1H2.5),StrattonAGS(Schenectady),NY(4H2),DobbinsARB,GA(7H2),and Pittsburgh,PA(7H2).ThePittsburghactionsresultintheclosureoftheassociatedAirReserve StationatPittsburgh,PA(closuredoesnotexceedBaseRealignmentandClosure(BRAC)threshold inaccordancewith10U.S.C.2687).RetiresKC135sfromRickenbacker,OH(6),Pittsburgh ANGB,PA(4),TinkerAFB,OK(4),andAltusAFB,OK(threeActiveComponent)aswellasthree BackupAircraftInventory(BAI)aircraftfromSkyHarbor(Phoenix),AZ(1),SiouxCityAGS,IA(1), andMarchARB,CA(1).ReducesKC135satMcGheeTyson,TN(2)andGenMitchell,WI(2). BeginsretirementoftheC5AfleetatJBSanAntonio(LacklandAFB),TX(5)andeliminatesanE8C damagedbeyondeconomicalrepairfromRobinsARB,GA(1).RetiresActiveComponentBlock30 RQ4sfromBealeAFB,CA(18). ProposedFY14Actions:RemovesC130HsfromMaxwellAFB,AL(7H2),NavalAirStation (NAS)JointReserveBase(JRB)FtWorth(Carswell),TX(8H2)andMinneapolisStPaul(8H3),and removesC130JsfromKeeslerAFB,MS(10).ContinuestoretireC5AsatJBSanAntonio(Lackland AFB),TX(3)andShepherdFieldAGS(Martinsburg),WV(5).ConvertsActiveComponentF15Csat NellisAFB,NV(5)fromPrimaryAircraftInventory(PAI)toBAIstatus.Transfers42Active ComponentMC12sfromBealeAFBtotheAirNationalGuard.
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ProposedFY15Actions:RetiresremainingAirNationalGuardC5AsbasedatShepherd Field(Martinsburg),WV(6),andadditionalAirForceReserveC5AsatJBSanAntonio(Lackland AFB)(2).Eliminatesfundingforall11RC26aircraft,retiringaircraftbasedatEllingtonField (Houston),TX(1),KirtlandAFB,NM(1),Tucson,AZ(1),Fresno,CA(1),FairchildAFB,WA(1),Key Field(Meridian),MS(1),DannellyField,AL(1),TruaxAGS(Madison),WI(1),HancockFieldAGS (Syracuse),NY(1),Charleston,WV(1),andJacksonville,FL(1). ProposedFY16Action:CompletesretirementoftheAirForceReserveC5Afleetby divestingtheremainingaircraftatJBSanAntonio(LacklandAFB),TX(6).RemovesC130Hfrom Savannah,GA(8H2)andLittleRock,AR(eightActiveComponentH3).RemovesC5Msfrom Westover,MA(8). ProposedFY17Actions:RemovesC130HsfromNiagara,NY(8H2),LittleRock,AR(three ReserveComponentH2),Charlotte,NC(2H3),andLittleRockAR(sixActiveComponentH3).

TotalForceReMissioningbyFiscalYear
AsaTotalForceActiveAirForce,AirNationalGuard,andAirForceReservewehave developedadetailedremissioningplanthatrealignscontinuingmissionstopreserve14of24 units,maintainsanAirForcepresenceonsevenoftheeightaffectedinstallations,expands ReserveComponentparticipationinourgrowingISRmission,andpreservesanappropriateActive andReserveComponentforcemix.TheAirForceFY13budgetrequestcommitsapproximately $600millionovertheFYDPtoexecuteandsustainremissioningactionsthatestablishnewMQ 1/9RemoteSplitOperationsSquadrons,transfertheMC12fleettotheAirNationalGuard, thickenReserveComponentISRandcyberparticipation,andtransferActiveComponentC17sto theReserveComponent. FY12Actions:TransferssixWC130aircraftfromNashville,TNtoLuisMunoz,PuertoRico, replacingretiringC130Es.EstablishesanMQ1/9RemoteSplitOperations(RSO)squadronat Nashville.EnlargesNashvillesIntelligenceSquadronintoaTargetingGroupandcreatesanew Cyber/ISRGroup. FY13Actions:CompletingaFY12PBaction,transferseightC17sfromtheActive ComponenttotheAirNationalGuardatMemphis,TN(replacingC5As).AddsC130Hsat YoungstownWarren,OH(4H2.5)andCheyenne,WY(1H3).EstablishesanISRGroupandexpands theNetWarfareSqatWarfieldAGS(MartinState),MDtoreplacedivestedC27s;establishesan IntelligenceTargetingGroupatFargoAGS(Hector),ND;createsfouradditionalMQ1/9RSO elementsatFtSmith,AR(replacingA10s),DesMoines,IA(replacingF16s),KelloggAGS(Battle Creek),MI(replacingC27s),andWillowGrove,PA;addsKC135stoSelfridgeANGB,MI(4).Adds A10satWhitemanAFB,MO(3). ProposedFY14Actions:Transfers42ActiveComponentMC12stotheAirNationalGuard byassigningbetweennineandelevenaircrafttoeachoffourAirNationalGuardlocationsFt Wayne,IN(replacingA10s),Bradley,CT(replacingC27s),KeyFieldAGS(Meridian),MS(replacing C27s),andNASFtWorthJRB(Carswell),TX(replacingC130s).CreatesanActiveAssociationat BealeAFB,CAtoconductMC12trainingandprovidesanadditionaldeployedCombatAirPatrol
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forwardusinguptosixAirNationalGuardaircraft.FinalaircraftassignmentsforthefourAir NationalGuardlocationsandtheActiveassociationatBealewillbedeterminedaspartoftheAir Force'sFY14budgetsubmissionaftercompletionofaprogramplanandoperationalconcept. TransfersC130JstoDobbinsARB,GA(10)(replacingC130Hs)andC130HstoRosecransAGS(St Joseph),MO(8H3)andGreatFalls,MT(8H2)(replacingC27s). ProposedFY15Action:TransferseightActiveComponentC17stotheAirNationalGuard atShepherdFieldAGS(Martinsburg),WV(replacingC5As). ProposedFY16Action:WithintheAirForceReserve,transferseightC5Msfrom WestoverARB,MAtoJBSanAntonio(LacklandAFB),TX,(replacingC5As).ReplacesC130H2sat Savannah,GA(8)withC130H3s.ReplacesActiveComponentC130H3s(8)atLittleRockAFB,AR withC130H1(7). ProposedFY17Action:DobbinsARB,GAreceivestwoadditionalC130Jsforatotalof12. ReplacesC130H2satNiagara,NY(8)withC130H3s.ReplacesActiveComponentC130H3s(6)at LittleRockAFB,ARwithC130H1s(7). Afterproposedreductionsandremissioning,ReserveComponentendstrengthwillmake up33percentofTotalForcemilitarypersonnel,areductionoftwopercentfromtheFY12 PresidentsBudget(PB)position.TheReserveComponentwillown24percentofTotalForce aircraft,twopercentlessthantheirFY12PBshare.WithintheCombatAirForces,thepercentage oftotalaircraftintheReserveComponentwillbe38percent,fourpercentlessthaninFY12.For theMobilityAirForces,theReserveComponentshareshiftsfrom51percentto46percent.

AdditionalActions
Inadditiontospecificremissioningactions,theAirForcehasalsotakenavarietyofsteps tosecurethefutureoftheAirNationalGuardandAirForceReserveinabalancedTotalForce. FutureAircraftFlowDown WeremaincommittedtoacquiringtheF35Aasourfuturemultirolefighter.Although deliveryoftheF35hasbeendelayed,itisstillthefutureofbothActiveandReservemultirole squadrons.TheAirForcehasacquired12F35stodateandplanstoacquireover160more throughFY17.Thefullrateproductionplanisyettobedetermined. WehavedecidedtopursueascalableServiceLifeExtensionProgram(SLEP)for approximately350F16s.AlthoughouroldestF16swillremainviablethroughtheendofthis decade,weplantobeginfieldingaircraftwithSLEPstructuralimprovementsin2017.The programwillensuretheF16remainsviableandrelevantforfutureActiveandReserve ComponentmultirolefightersquadronsuntiltheF35arrivesingreaternumbers.Wewillalso upgradecombatavionicsforasubstantialportionoftheSLEPedaircraftwithaircraftdelivery beginninginFY18. Wearecommittedtodevelopingadetailedaircraftflowdownplanthatdescribeshowthe F35andmodernizedandSLEPedF16swillbeintegratedintotheTotalForceandreplaceaging aircraft.WewillbuildadetailedplanafterwehaveaclearerviewofF35deliveryschedulesand
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havecompletedForceCompositionAnalysisstudiestodeterminetheoptimumActiveandReserve Componentunitsizeandforcemixforourremainingmultirolefighterforce.Asalways,the leadershipoftheAirNationalGuardandAirForceReservewillbeactivepartnersindetermining thismix. Wearealsocommittedtomakingsureour184remainingC130Hvariantsremainviable andrelevant.WedevelopedtheC130AvionicsModernizationProgram(AMP)toensureourC 130Hfleetmetbasiccommunication,navigation,surveillance,andairtrafficmanagement (CNS/ATM)requirements.Welaterdeterminedthattherearelesstechnicallycomplex approachestomeettheserequirementsandresolveselectobsolescenceissues.Therefore,our FY13budgetsubmissionterminatestheC130AMP.However,wehavefundedanFY13newstart CNS/ATMprogramtoensureourC130Hfleetwillremainviableandrelevant,whilegenerating morethan$2.2billioninsavingsovertheFYDP. StrategicBasingProcess TheAirForceStrategicBasingProcesswasestablishedbytheSecretaryoftheAirForcein August2009tocreateanopen,transparent,andconsistentprocessforselectingpreferredTotal Forcebasingoptions.WewillemploytheStrategicBasingProcesstoidentifypreferredActiveand ReserveComponentbasinglocationsfornewaircraftastheybecomeavailableaspartofour recapitalizationandmodernizationefforts. BRAC2005establishedEglinAFBastheInitialJointTrainingSitefortheF35A.InJuly 2010,theAirForceannouncedpreferredalternativesforfurtherbasingoftheinitial250300F 35As,identifyingHillAFBandBurlingtonANGBastheinitialoperationallocationsandLukeAFBas thenexttraininglocationafterEglin,accommodatingallF35Ascurrentlyscheduledfordelivery throughFY19.TheAirForcewillannouncefuturepreferredandreasonablealternatives approximatelythreeyearspriortodeliveryofaircrafttothenextroundofbases.GivencurrentF 35productionestimates,thenextsetofF35basingdecisionswillincludedomesticandoverseas basesandwillnotberequiredpriortoFY17.Overthenexttwoyears,wewilldeterminethe optimumsizeofActiveandReserveComponentF35unitsandthetotalnumberofrequiredF35 operatinglocations. TheAirForceiscurrentlydevelopingrequirementsforthefirsttwoKC46bases,and expectstoapprovebasingcriteriainMarch2012,identifycandidateinstallationsinJune2012, selectpreferredandreasonablealternativesinDecember2012,andmakefinaldecisionsin December2013.ThesefirsttwobaseswillbeginreceivingaircraftinFY16.Wewillannounce futurepreferredandreasonablealternativesapproximatelythreeyearspriortodeliveryofaircraft tothenextroundofbases.Givencurrentproductionestimates,thenextKC46basingdecisions willnotberequiredpriortoFY14.WearecommittedtocreatingassociationsatallKC46 operatinglocationsinthecontinentalUnitedStates. PotentialLegislativeChanges IncoordinationwiththeAirNationalGuardandAirForceReserve,theAirForceandthe DepartmentofDefensearereviewingtheauthoritiesthatmightbeneededtoaddresstheimpact
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ofprogrammedforcereductionandremissioningactionsontheaffectedmembersoftheAir NationalGuard,AirForceReserve,andtheirfamilies. AirForceTotalForceEnterpriseandAssociations TheAirForceTotalForceEnterprise(TFE)managementapproachprovidesaninclusive, factbased,anditerativeprocessdesignedtomaximizecombatcapabilityandoptimizeforce structurethrougharangeofinnovativeorganizationalconstructsandpersonnelpoliciesthat optimizeandintegratethecapabilitiesofallAirForcecomponents. AssociationsareanintegralpartofbalancingtheTotalForcetomeetthecurrentand futureair,spaceandcyberrequirementsoftheJointwarfighter.TotalForceIntegration(TFI) associationspairtwounits,(hostandassociate)representingtwoAirForcecomponents,operating together.Thehostunitisassignedthephysicalresourcesformissionaccomplishment(aircraft, equipment,facilities)andtheassociateunitsharesthoseresources.Currently,therearethree typesofTFIassociations:Classic,ActiveandAirReserveComponent(ARC). ClassicAssociationspairunitsasanActiveComponenthostwithaReserveComponent associatewhichcanimproveoperationalsynergiesandaddcapacityduringsurgeoperationsat reducedcost.ActiveAssociationspairaReserveComponenthostandanActiveComponent associatetoimproveaccesstoaircraftandtotalrotationalcapacitybyassigningActiveComponent AirmeninReserveComponentunits,allowingthehighlyexperiencedReserveComponenttohelp developandseasonmaturingActiveComponentAirmen.ARCAssociationspairaReserve ComponenthostandaReserveComponentassociatetodeliveroperationalandorganizational efficiencies. Therearecurrently100TFIassociationsacrossavarietyofweaponssystems/functional areasandAirForceMajorCommands.TheAirForceisplanningtoaddActiveAssociationsatall ARCfighterlocations,andAirMobilityCommandintendstoestablishActiveorClassicAssociations atallcontinentalU.S.KC46locations.TheAirForcewillcontinuetoexploreadditional opportunitiesforassociationsinordertocreateefficiencies,encourageretentionofvaluable humancapital,andaboveall,increaseAirForcecombatcapabilities. NewAssociations TheAirForcehasdecidedtomaintain18assignedF16aircraftatAirNationalGuard fightersquadronstosupportnewF16ActiveAssociationsatTruaxAGS(Madison),WI,Buckley, CO,JoeFossField,SD,andDuluth,MN,inadditiontotheAssociationsalreadyprogrammedat Burlington,VT,andDannellyField,AL.AlthoughthepreviouslyprogrammedActiveAssociationat BarksdaleAFB,LA,iseliminatedwiththeAirForceReserveCommandA10retirement,theActive AssociationsatWhitemanAFB,MO,NASFtWorthJRB(Carswell),TXandHomesteadARB,FLwill continueasplanned.TheChiefofStaffoftheAirForcehasdirectedtheAirForcetodevelop additionalActiveAssociationsatallARCfighterlocationstoensurethattheTotalForceisableto absorbandseasonenoughyoungpilotsandmaintainerstomeetfutureTotalForcerequirements. TheAFFY13budgetrequestalsoestablishesC130JActiveAssociationsatDobbinsARB,GA startinginFY14,QuonsetPointAirport,RIinFY16,andChannelIslands,CAinFY17,aswellasan
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ActiveAssociationwithaC130HunitinFY13atalocationstilltobedetermined.Additionally, ClassicAssociationswillbeestablishedinintelligenceatFortMeade,MD,OffuttAFB,NEand HurlburtField,FL,andinprogramanalysisatWrightPattersonAFB,OH.Wehavealsoestablished anewassociationwiththeMC12WmissiontransfertotheAirNationalGuardinFY14.AnActive AssociationwillbestooduptooperatetheMC12WFlyingTrainingUnitatBealeAFB,usingupto sixAirNationalGuardaircraft.TheActiveAssociationwillalsoprovideoneCombatAirPatrol (CAP)ofdeployedcapability. TheAirForcepreviouslyfundedaREDHORSEActiveAssociationatBealeAFB,CA,aswell asClassicAssociationsincyberatJBSanAntonio(LacklandAFB),TX;AviationForeignInternal Defenseatalocationtobedetermined;SecurityForcesatDavisMonthanAFB,NM;and intelligenceatWrightPattersonAFB,OH,andJBLangleyEustis,VA.Inall,15newAssociationsare programmed,andtheAirForcewillexploreadditionalopportunitiesforassociationsinourFY14 budgetsubmission. MilitaryPersonnelAppropriationBudgetActivityCode WearenormalizingourapproachtohowweprogramARCMilitaryPersonnel Appropriation(MPA)mandayfundingbyimprovingthewayweforecast,plan,program,andfund MPAmandayaccountsinourbudgetbuildprocess.Theseinputswillensureadequateand predictablefundingtosupporttherequiredlevelofReserveComponentparticipation.Our normalizationeffortsincludeintroducingMPArequirementsintoourcorporateplanningprocess earlierandworkingwiththeOfficeoftheSecretaryofDefensetocreateadistinctbudgetactivity withasubaccountdedicatedtofacilitatingmoreflexibleReserveComponentoperations, increasingopportunitiesforReserveComponentparticipation,andtrackingMPAwithintheAir ForceMilitaryPersonnelAccount.Ifapproved,wewouldexpecttoincludethisaccountinour FY14budgetsubmission. ImprovingStrategicPlanningTransparencyandProcesses WehaveembarkedonanefforttoexamineActiveAirForce,AirNationalGuard,andAir ForceReservecompositionacrossalltheAirForcesmajorfunctionsthroughtheTotalForce EnterpriseReviewProcessandSystemForceCompositionAnalyses.TheTotalForceEnterprise EvaluationGroupreviewsandprovidesoversightofallTotalForceAssociationsandensuresthey havemettherequirementsforeffectiveoperations.ForceCompositionAnalysesexamine individualweaponssystemsorprocessesandmakerecommendationsforanappropriate Active/ReserveComponentmixbasedonanalysisofcombatrequirements,TotalForcecapacity, andsystemandmanpowercosts. Mostimportantly,wehavestrengthenedandrefinedourcorporateprocessestoensure thattheAirNationalGuardandAirForceReserveareinvolvedateverystepofouranalysisand decisionmaking.AirForceseniorleadershavedirectedthattheAirForceReserveandAir NationalGuardwillcontinuetobefullyrepresentedduringsystemForceCompositionAnalyses andwillparticipatefullyindevelopmentoftheCoreFunctionMasterPlansthatguideactionsto organize,trainandequiptheTotalForceineachcorefunction.
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AirForceReserveComponent2020Study WebelievetheAirForceReserveComponentssettheDoDstandardforTotalForce integrationandoperationaleffectiveness,butwemustensurethatwecontinuetoimproveour performanceandprocessestomaximizeourcontributiontotheJointForceof2020andbeyond. TheChiefofStaffoftheAirForceandReserveComponentleadershiparedevelopingtermsof referencetoguideanindependentstudythatwillevaluateourongoingeffortstooptimizethe TotalForceandmakerecommendationstoguideandshapeourfutureefforts.Thestudyteam willlikelybeledbyaformerChiefofStaffoftheAirForceandwillincludeaformerDirectorofthe AirNationalGuardandChiefoftheAirForceReserve.

Conclusion
WeremainfullycommittedtotheessentialcontributionsoftheTotalForceandhavetaken proactivestepsto: AddresstheimpactofforcestructurereductionsinourReserveComponentsbyre missioningunitswithenduringmissionsandassigningaircraftwithextendedlife spansandimprovedcapabilities; PlanforrobustuseofassociationsaswefieldF35andKC46units; IncreasethenumberofassociationsbetweenexistingActiveandReserveunits; NormalizeourmanagementofReserveComponentmandays;and ImprovethetransparencyofTotalForceplanninganddevelopourTotalForce visionforthefuture.

ThefutureoftheAirForcedependsonsustainingstrongandreadyReserveComponents, andwebelievetheAirForceTotalForcesetsthestandardforintegratingActiveandReserve Componentstoimproveefficiencyandeffectivenessinpeaceandwar.Theforcereductions proposedintheAirForceFY13budgetrequestweredevelopedinresponsetonewDoDstrategic guidance,informedbyreducedfunding,andshapedbyanalysistoensurethattheTotalForcewill continuetofulfilltheAirForcessurgerequirementsandmeetcontinuingrotationaldemand.We willensurethattheReserveComponentremainsengagedandrelevantastheActiveComponent maintainstherecruiting,training,andoperationalseasoningbaserequiredtosustaintheTotal Forceintothefuture.

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