The Marine Corps should acquire the OV-10X, a fixed wing light attack aircraft, and group that newly formed squadron with future Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) squadrons and the newly armed KC-130 squadrons into a common Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) in order to achieve several significant goals. First, this proposal addresses the MV-22 Osprey escort gap and the training and personnel limitations of the UAS and KC-130 communities by establishing a primary career path for UAS officer aircrew and integrated aircrew training across all three squadrons. Second, it provides a model to supply additional U.S. Marine Corps airframes, in support of an identified U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy strikefighter shortfall, while simultaneously reducing Marine aviation and logistical fuel requirements for the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) in the most likely conflicts requiring a persistent forward presence. Third, the proposed organization facilitates the most effective combat employment of all Marine Tactical Air (TACAIR) assets and UASs, resulting in several positive effects across the spectrum of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) through the efficient use of assets, training, time, and money. The proposed twenty-first century MAG yields an Aviation Combat Element (ACE) that provides strategic, operational, and tactical flexibility to the MAGTF commander, while continuing to provide the Ground Combat Element (GCE) with increased time on station coverage and the highest level of Close Air Support (CAS) execution. Furthermore, the organization of the ACE helps to preserve the service life of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) or F-35B; and allows time for UAS technology to continue to mature as the Marine Corps defines its aviation assets for the future beyond 2030.
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