Most airmen acknowledge the adage "train the way you fight" with an intuitive understanding of the necessity of combat forces properly preparing for battle. Fortunately, the US Air Force does a fine job of readying its forces for combat. Annual squadron-training plans based on realistic aircrew proficiency (RAP) requirements, along with major exercises such as Red Flag, Cope Thunder, and Air Warrior as well as air and space expeditionary force (AEF) ground-training requirements, provide deployed Air Force commanders with the world's most capable and prepared air force. Once these forces reach a theater, however, focus shifts to ongoing combat operations with reduced emphasis on training and maintaining proficiency. For conventional wars or short-duration deployments, such a shift away from continuation training makes sense. However, the recent extension of AEF rotations from 90 to 120 days and the nature of low intensity conflicts in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have increased the need for conducting training to maintain required levels of combat proficiency. Unexercised combat skills atrophy, and current operations in Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have not adapted to provide sufficient employment opportunities for aircrews to maintain core skills.
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