Sustainment of the Aviation Combat Element: 'A Look Beneath the Umbrella'

摘要

The Aviation Combat Element (ACE) of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) is highly dependent upon the accompanying aviation logistics for its initial warfighting capability and long-term sustainment. The cost of that capability and sustainment, and the ability to rapidly mobilize it, has become one of the greatest challenges that Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) commanders face today. The lethality and endurance of the MEF depends on a well-contrived logistics operation. To echo the words of Henry E. Eccles in FMFRP 12-14: 'First and foremost is the fundamental relationship whereby the scope and timing of strategic plans are both governed by logistics capabilities.' An exhaustive operational schedule has accelerated aircraft systems degradation, while consuming aviation spares inventories to the point that it has compromised the Marine Corps' ability to field adequate warfighting assets. This document will describe how the management of aviation spares has not been conducive to providing surplus support material necessary for surges in tempo as it transitions from peacetime to contingency operations. Additionally, the cost and diminished availability of strategic airlift has hampered the expediency with which aviation logistics support can be established in any one theater of operations. Aircraft systems support has become so cumbersome and complex that mobilization utilizing strategic airlift is not easily conducted. During the Gulf War, both airlift and sealift were greatly augmented by coalition nation assets. Over 250 missions were devoted to replenishment of equipment, materials, and supplies. Operational plans have dictated the need to task-organize aviation support so that the logistics necessary to maintain each type-model-series (TMS) aircraft arrives in theater simultaneously. Load plans and limitations make such a requirement less attainable using heavy airlift.