The big squeeze

The Air Force is being asked to take on new assignments and dedicate more airmen and equipment to high-demand missions in support of two wars. Moreover, this must be done without a major increase in personnel or funding. Following the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure round, the Air National Guard expanded significantly into the ISR mission as large chunks of its fighter force were moved out of the Guard or retired. The Air Force's special operations forces also have moved heavily into the unmanned aircraft game, collecting valuable ISR data on targets and locations across the US Central Command area of responsibility. In the meantime, AMC is making great strides in preserving the capabilities of the existing tanker fleet. While the force is growing its missions and stretching capability, concerns also surfaced about the sustainability of the current force and its requirements and the risk to air dominance.