Airpower 101: an expeditionary air base model

Air & Space Power Journal, Fall, 2004 by John Dobbins

The model may have uses beyond bare-base setup. Consideration could be given to using it as a departure point to more closely aligning wing organizations along the lines of the model, with separate groups having responsibility for aircrew, aircraft, and airfield components and squadrons within those groups having responsibility for the elements described under each component. This would put group commanders in charge of all the value chains for a particular component, requiting that fewer command lines be crossed. For example, if an airfield runway is currently closed, the wing commander must go to either the Mission Support Group or Operations Group to find out why. Likewise, weight management has both Medical Group and Mission Support Group aspects, which force policy decisions up to the wing commander when a new Airmen Group could have complete oversight. There will always be pluses and minuses to any way we organize; however, if the generation of airpower has a logical construct, then a more functional organization might logically follow that construct.

The Airpower 101 model served me well during an intense period at Al Jaber and Tallil Air Bases, when the mission was critical and time and resources were limited. I offer it now to those who may find themselves in a similar situation in the future, with the hope that it may keep them from having to relearn those lessons while under fire.

Notes

(1.) "Summary of Facts" (MacDill AFB, FL: Headquarters United States Central Command, 14 June 2002), http:// www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/Reports/Tarnak_Farms_Report.htm.> (2.) Michael Porter, Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Performance (New York: Free Press, June 1998). Developed by Michael Porter, the value-chain framework is a model that is used to help analyze specific activities through which firms can create value and competitive advantage.

(3.) Harvest Falcon is the Air Force's transportable system of modular personnel tents, shelters, equipment, and vehicles that is used when there are infrastructure limitations. The Harvest Falcon equipment was specifically designed for use in Southwest Asia and is sized as a 1,100-person housekeeping set of tents, electrical generators, and billets.

COL JOHN DOBBINS, USAF

COPYRIGHT 2004 U.S. Air Force

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group