secaf/csafwelcome	 

Michael W. Wynne

General T. Michael Moseley

SECAF/CSAF Welcome

2007 marks the United States Air Force’s 60th year as an independent service and over the course 

of the year we’ll honor our rich heritage: the Airmen of the past who secured and ensured our 

nation’s air and space dominance. We will also reach toward new horizons by continuing to build 

the Air Force of tomorrow, an information age Total Air Force organized, trained and equipped for 

21st century threats and missions. Our 2007 Posture Statement focuses on America’s Air Force in 

action today and how we’re preparing to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

The Air Force is engaged every single day in global operations, fighting the 

Global War on Terror, defending our homeland, providing strategic deterrence, 

and giving our nation unparalleled Global Vigilance, Reach, and Power. We are 

committed to sustaining our position of strength, the asymmetric advantages 

the Air Force gives our nation—America’s edge. However, future demands for 

air, space, and cyberspace power will grow in a world of increasing complexity.

Because we cannot accurately predict everything the future holds, our Air 

Force must be prepared to dominate all three of our warfighting domains 

across the spectrum of conflict for the Joint Team. Along with our Joint and 

Coalition partners, we must continue to deter, dissuade or defeat enemies 

ranging from insurgents to nuclear armed rogue states. While we’re meeting 

today’s challenges, we see some risk in our ability to do so over time.

We see a long-term strategic mismatch between national strategy and 

defense resources. The 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review called for a DoD 

sized and structured to concurrently defend the homeland, operate in and 

from forward areas, swiftly defeat enemies in two regions, and win one 

conflict decisively. This strategic prescription, referred to as 1–N–2–1 by the 

March 2006 Strategic Planning Guidance, requires an Air Force comprised 

of 86 modern combat wings. We are short of that force structure right now 

and project resource levels for the foreseeable future that will continue to 

leave us short of that mark. Moreover, we have depleted our modernization 

funds flying and fighting for the past 16 years and need to recapitalize and 

modernize our aging air and space inventories. Our 2007 Posture Statement 

clearly spells out our state of affairs.

Increased demand for military power, the complex and dynamic international 

security environment, and Department-wide fiscal constraints have put all 

the American military Services in an extremely challenging position. These 

challenges, however, should not embolden our enemies. America’s Air Force 

is committed to providing dominant air, space and cyberspace power for our 

nation. We will continue to deliver sovereign options for the defense of the 

United States of America and its global interests, and we will continue to fly 

and fight in air, space and cyberspace. 

Michael W. Wynne T. Michael Moseley

Secretary of the Air Force General, USAF

 Chief of Staff

No claim to copyright is made to works of the United States Government. The Spires (Copyright © 2006, Air Force Memorial Foundation) are used by permission of the Air Force Memorial Foundation.

Designed by HAF/ICMG Graphics, Pentagon

Maintaining America’s Edge...2

	 Challenges...3

	 	 Emerging NationalSecurityConcerns and Threats...3

	 	 IrregularWarfare...5

	 	 Adapting to Non-Traditional Roles...5

	 	 Defending Our Homeland...6

	 Cyberspace...6

Loss of Buying Power...7

Next Generation Air Force...8

Air Force Priorities...8

Fighting and Winning the Global War on Terror...9

A Day in the Life of America’s Airmen...10

	 	 Global Vigilance...10

	 	 Global Reach...10

	 	 Global Power...11

Fostering Joint Interdependence...11

	 	 Fifth-Generation Fighters...12

	 	 Numbered AirForces...12

	 	 Air and SpaceExpeditionaryForce...12

	 	 JointWarfighting Integration...12

	 	 Building Global Partnerships...13

	 	 AirStaff Intelligence Directorate...13

	 	 Partnershipwith the National Reconnaissance Office...14

	 	 CombatSearch and Rescue Realignment...14

	 	 Air and Space OperationsCenters...14

	 	 AeromedicalEvacuation...14

SpaceCapabilitiesin Joint Operations...15

	 	 Space Applicationsin Afghanistan and Iraq...15

	 	 JointSpace OperationsCenter...15

	 	 Counterspace...16

DEVELOPING AND CARING FOR OUR AIRMEN...17

Force Shaping...18

Total Force Integration...18

	 	 New and EmergingMissions...19

	 	 Way Ahead...19

Improving Training Opportunities...19

	 	 AirForce BasicMilitaryTraining...19

	 	 Space Professional Development...20

	 	 US AirForceWarfareCenter...20

	 	 RED FLAG...20

	 	 Military PersonnelExchange Program...20

	 Quality of Life...21

	 	 ExpeditionarySupport...21

	 	 Language and CulturalEducation Opportunities...21

	 	 Housing andMilitaryConstruction...22

	 	 Joint Basing...22

RECAPITALIZING AND MODERNIZING THE FORCE...23

	 Comprehensive Plan...24

	 	 An Aging Inventory...24

	 	 InventoryManagement...24

	 	 Procurement Priorities...25

Global Vigilance...25

	 	 TransformationalSatelliteCommunicationsSystem...25

	 	 Advanced Extremely High FrequencySystem...26

	 	 Wideband GlobalSATCOMSystem...26

	 	 Terminal Programs...26

	 	 Space BasedMissileWarning Capabilities...26

	 	 Space Radar...26

	 	 National Polar-orbiting OperationalEnvironmentalSatelliteSystem...26

	 	 Rapid AttackIdentification Detection and Reporting System...27

	 	 Global Hawk...27

	 	 MQ–1 Predator...27

	 	 RC–135 Rivet Joint...28

	 	 JointSurveillanceTarget Attack RadarSystem...28

	 	 E–3 AirborneWarning and ControlSystem...28

	 	 Air and Space OperationsCenter...28

	 	 BattleControlSystem—Fixed...29

	 	 BattleControlSystem—Mobile...29

	 	 AirForce Distributed Common Ground System...29

Global Reach...29

	 	 Tanker Recapitalization...29

	 	 Intra-Theater Airlift...30

	 	 Inter-Theater Airlift...30

	 	 SpaceLaunch Operations...31

Global Power...31

	 	 CombatSearch and Rescue...31

	 	 F–35A Lightning II...32

	 	 Next Generation Long RangeStrike...32

	 	 F–22A Raptor...32

	 	 MQ–9 Reaper...33

	 	 CV–22 Osprey...33

	 	 Global Positioning System...33

	 	 CounterCommunicationsSystem...34

	 	 Intercontinental BallisticMissiles...34

	 	 Operationally ResponsiveSpace...34

Science And Technology...35

	 	 Improving EnergyEfficiency...35

	 	 CyberTechnology...35

	 	 SmallSatellites...35

	 	 Directed Energy...36

	 	 Hypersonics...36

	 	 Composites...36

	 	 Nanotechnology...36

DELIVERING EXCELLENCE...37

Air Force Smart Operationsfor the 21stCentury...38

	 	 BusinessTransformation...39

	 	 Clean Audit QuickLook...39

Energy Conservation...40

Acquisition Excellence...40

	 	 Space Acquisition...42

	 	 Small Business Programs...43

Operations and Maintenance Facility Projects...43

	 	 DepotMaintenanceTransformation...43

	 	 RepairEnterprise...43

MINDING THE FUTURE...45

Airmen gather for briefing prior to a convoy mission.
	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Maintaining America’s Edge	

Members of the 61st Weapons of Mass 

Destruction Civil Support Team prepare 

a sample for testing during an exercise. 

We are building and posturing our 

force structure to meet future threats 

emerging on the dynamic world 

stage, and we are strengthening 

theinterdependent Joint team.

Challenges

A

merica’s Air Force faces significant challenges. We have been engaged in combat for 16 years while 

transforming into a smaller, leaner and more capable force. Fiscal constraints combined with operational 

challenges and a dynamic international security environment translate into risks we continue to manage and 

mitigate in order to provide capabilities America needs. The Air Force continues to fight the GWOT and prepares 

to face and overcome threats and conflicts of the future. In order to remain dominant, we must maintain our air, 

space and cyberspace power advantages over potential adversaries. 

Modern warfare is changing. This is nothing new to America’s 

Airmen, whose heritage spans and embraces change and whose 

culture embodies courage and innovation for America. We are 

ensuring a lean, lethal, and agile Air Force for America. We are 

building and posturing our force structure to meet future threats 

emerging on the dynamic world stage, and we are strengthening 

the interdependent Joint team.

We face a security environment that poses an array of dynamic 

challenges and threats. The 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review

(QDR) characterized this threat environment and mandated 

force structure goals for all of DoD. The Air Force and all of the 

Services must be able to operate and defend against traditional, irregular, disruptive and catastrophic threats. 

In the future, the Air Force and the entire Joint Team will operate within a strategic environment involving one or 

more of these challenges. We will prepare to defend against high-end conventional forces, asymmetric threats 

and irregular forces such as terrorists or insurgents. To mitigate potential for disruptive surprises, we will strive 

to stay ahead of adversaries’ technology efforts. Most importantly, we will protect our Homeland from hostile 

states’ and non-state actors’ use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and attacks in and through cyberspace. 

The threat array requires that we prepare the Air Force for a broad spectrum of future 

conflicts. At the same time, several factors have created a difficult and challenging fiscal 

environment in which to organize, train, and equip for the future. 

The 2005 QDR specified a Force Planning Construct to shape the entire DoD force to 

protect our Nation, its ideals and interests now and in the future. Originally presented in 

the National Military Strategy (NMS), the Force Planning Construct provides guidance for 

determining the capacity and capabilities needed to meet both steady state and surge 

demands for homeland defense, irregular warfare, and conventional campaigns. As a 

result of the NMS guidance and comprehensive analysis, the QDR determined America’s 

Air Force needs to organize, train and equip 86 “modern combat wings.” 

Emerging National Security Concerns and Threats

While the GWOT is our immediate priority, America’s Airmen must also stay ahead of 

competitors preparing for conventional conflict and attempting to counter the asymmetric 

advantage our air, space and cyberspace power currently gives our Joint Team. Sustaining 

US advantages in such conflicts will become increasingly more challenging as advanced air 

defense, aircraft, WMD, cyber and anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities proliferate.

Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS) continue to evolve, placing current generation 

aircraft at increasing risk. Modern IADS incorporate more data sources, process 

and pass information faster, and are increasingly mobile. Man-portable air defense 

systems (MANPADS), shoulder-fired SAMs, also are an increasingly serious threat. Their 

availability, affordability, and proliferation increases the likelihood of modern MANPADS

ending up in the hands of non-state actors, placing US civil and military aircraft at risk 

around the world. 

Maintaining America’s Edge

We are America’s Airmen. Our mission is to deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States of 

America and its global interests—to fly and fight in air, space and cyberspace.

Our Air Force Core Values of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do—embodied in 

every Airman—guide our actions and ensure your Air Force remains committed and ready to deter, dissuade 

or defeat any adversary anywhere in the world.

As Airmen, we are the Nation’s premier multi-dimension maneuver force, with the agility, reach, speed, stealth, payload, precision 

and persistence to achieve global effects. Control of the air, space and cyberspace domains provides the essential bedrock for 

effective Joint operations—securing freedom to attack and freedom from attack.

In 2005, we revised the Air Force mission statement to include cyberspace. This inclusion of cyberspace reflects our recognition of 

cross-domain interdependence and emphasizes our non-negotiable commitment to deliver sovereign options for the US through not 

only air and space but also cyberspace.

Our 2007 Posture Statement articulates the major elements required to fulfill our mission. It reaffirms our commitment to focus 

our energies on the Global War on Terror (GWOT); to develop and care for our Airmen and their families; and to recapitalize and 

modernize our aging aircraft, spacecraft, and equipment.

Our top acquisition priorities include: the KC–X Tanker; the CSAR–X Combat Search and Rescue Helicopter; space communications, 

space situational awareness and early warning programs; the F–35A Joint Strike Fighter (JSF); and Next Generation Long Range 

Strike—a new bomber.

Our Posture Statement further reaffirms our commitment to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us and our resolve to 

dominate air, space and cyberspace in defense of our Nation now and in the future.

Air Space cyberspace
	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Maintaining America’s Edge	

An Airman gives candy to children 

while on patrol, Tal Afar, Iraq. 

Airmen monitor young Iraqi girl bitten by a venomous snake.

The Air Force and the entire 

Joint Team must wage this war 

on a global scale, in multiple 

locations and domains at simultaneous 

times, and for a number of years.

Irregular Warfare

Our Nation is now in its sixth year waging the GWOT while the Air 

Force is entering its 17th year of engagement in Southwest Asia. 

Current conditions portend this to remain a long war. The enemy 

chooses not to operate as a “uniformed military,” but rather uses 

criminal networks and terror tactics to attack from the shadows. 

They use indiscriminate violence against combatants and noncombatants alike. They extensively use propaganda to advance 

their radical ideology of tyranny and hatred. Iraq and Afghanistan 

are two current fronts in this war, but the struggle extends beyond 

these vital campaigns. The Air Force and the entire Joint Team must 

wage this war on a global scale, in multiple locations and domains 

at simultaneous times, and for a number of years.

We are strengthening our ability to deter and defend against non-state threats and our ability to conduct globally 

distributed irregular operations of varying duration. We stand ready to conduct a large-scale, long-duration 

irregular warfare campaign as an integral part of the Joint Team, to include counterinsurgency, security, stability, 

transition and reconstruction operations.

Adapting to Non-Traditional Roles

Airmen are finding innovative new uses for our current systems 

while successfully executing irregular warfare operations in 

Afghanistan and Iraq. Airmen increasingly find themselves 

engaged in non-traditional roles requiring ingenuity and the 

use of Joint warfighting technology. Our missions and taskings 

range from standard close air support and armed reconnaissance 

to non-traditional taskings like convoy escort, infrastructure 

protection, provincial reconstruction, and host nation 

election support.

Still other Airmen have stepped in to fill Joint warfighter taskings 

in stressed skill areas in which other Services are shorthanded. 

The Air Force currently provides over 7,700 Airmen to fulfill these 

“In-Lieu Of” (ILO) ground force taskings. These Airmen fulfill ILO

requirements in areas such as detainee operations, convoy operations and protection, Explosive Ordnance 

Disposal, Police Training Teams, Provincial Reconstruction Teams, Military Transition Teams, civil engineering, 

security, interrogation, communications, fuels, medical services, logistics, intelligence, and base operating 

support. The Air Force also fills another 1,200 Joint Individual Augmentee positions. Airmen began fulfilling 

these requirements in 2003 and will continue to do so through 2007 and beyond—until the ground force 

component recaptures these missions and our job is done.

Finally, Air Force mission, training, and force structure 

requirements will necessarily increase correspondingly as Joint 

ground force, Army and Marine Corps requirements and end 

strength increase. The full range of Air Force air, space and 

cyberspace capabilities and personnel are interdependently 

woven into Joint ground forces operations.

Recognizing there will be an impact of increased ground forces 

on our budget, we are assessing our programs. We forecast 

there may be increased requirements in the areas of interand intra-theater airlift; command, control, communications, 

Explosive Ordnance Disposal team detonates 

a 1,100-pound Russian bomb 200 feet from 

the runway at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.

The lethality and availability of fourthgeneration combat aircraft is also 

increasing, and potential adversaries 

are already purchasing and fielding 

these complex and capable weapon 

systems. Many nations are enhancing 

the capabilities of their existing fighter 

and bomber aircraft through use of 

aerial refueling, signature reduction 

technology, and cyberspace weapons 

that inject confusion or mask operations. 

Ever greater numbers of states are not 

only acquiring advanced aircraft, but 

are developing indigenous production 

capability, increasing the likelihood 

of proliferation.

Proliferation of WMD to countries and non-state actors remains a significant challenge to US interests and 

a top priority in the QDR. While nuclear weapons and materials proliferation always pose grave dangers, 

chemical and biological weapons pose arguably greater detection challenges. Easier and less costly to 

make than nuclear weapons, chemical and biological weapons are easier to transport, produce and mask 

from detection because they can be camouflaged as dual-use civilian industrial products. Proliferation may 

also enable future adversaries, especially terrorist groups, to develop, use, or threaten to use WMD as an 

asymmetric response to American conventional warfighting dominance, which might otherwise deter them 

from directly challenging the US. 

Perhaps less obvious, but all the more insidious, is the adversary’s use of the 

cyberspace domain to support and carry out their attacks world-wide and on our 

shores. The adversary knows that they can contest our use of the electromagnetic 

spectrum and conduct their war of ideas from a supposed sanctuary in this domain.

Finally, we see challenges to our current advantages in the 

space domain. Employment of Global Positioning System (GPS) 

jammers in an attempt to reduce US and coalition air strike 

precision is an example. While we can currently overcome this 

threat through a variety of methods, such a challenge presents 

a warning and a valuable lesson as we posture our air, space and 

cyberspace forces for the future.

Recent foreign testing of kinetic ASAT weapon capabilities further 

demonstrates an explicit willingness to challenge, disrupt, or 

destroy America’s space assets and capabilities. This testing also 

demonstrates a disregard for both American and global concerns 

over space debris and the damage it may inflict upon any object 

stationed in or traversing through low Earth orbit.

As technology matures and proliferates, and as access to 

space becomes available to more countries, organizations and 

individuals, threats to America’s air, space, and cyberspace 

capabilities will continue to grow and evolve. America’s 

Airmen aim to be ready to meet these and all other threats to 

our Nation. 

A convoy team from the 332nd Air Expeditionary 

Wing departs a forward-deployed location.

Battlefield Airmen accompany the Army on 

a foot patrol through an arms market in Iraq. 
	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Maintaining America’s Edge	

...our ability to meet steady 

state and surge requirements 

over the long term hinges on our 

ability to organize, train and equip 

86 modern combat wings, 

as mandated in the QDR.

The newly designated Air Force 

Cyberspace Command will provide 

combat ready forces trained and 

equipped to conduct sustained combat 

operations through the electromagnetic 

spectrum and fully integrate these with 

air and space operations. In November 

2006, we held a Cyberspace Summit and, 

in January 2007, we hosted the firstever integrated cyber exercise, CYBER 

VISION 2007, at the US Air Force Warfare 

Center (USAFWC). This exercise focused 

on dominating the cyberspace domain 

in a potential conflict. These events and 

future integration of Cyber Aggressor 

Teams into RED FLAG will build upon the 

significant cyberspace capabilities we 

already contribute to homeland defense 

and the Joint fight.

Cyberspace Command will leverage, consolidate and integrate unique Air Force 

cyber capabilities and functions across the spectrum of conflict from peace, to 

crisis and war: Command and Control; Electronic Warfare; Network Warfare; and 

Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). Many Air Force programs, while 

contributing to air and space power, also directly contribute to our dominance of the 

cyberspace domain.

Loss of Buying Power

While the Air Force is postured to meet our Nation’s near-term requirements, our ability to meet steady state and surge requirements over the long term hinges on our ability to organize, train and equip 

86 modern combat wings, as mandated in the QDR. Achieving these goals will be difficult, as we balance 

fighting the GWOT, maintaining our readiness, maintaining America’s air, space and cyberspace advantages, 

modernizing our equipment and capabilities, and shaping our Airmen, organizations and force structure for 

the future.

Several factors have applied pressure 

to the Air Force budget: GWOT and 

operations costs; increasing costs of fuel, 

utilities, manpower, and health care; 

increased costs to own, operate and 

maintain our aging aircraft; unforeseen 

BRAC costs; and lost savings due to 

congressional restrictions on retirement 

and divestment of our least useful legacy 

aircraft. Although recent congressional 

support for planned legacy aircraft 

retirements has aided our divestment 

strategy, unnecessary restrictions 

draw critical resources away from our 

aircraft modernization programs and 

degrade our efforts to recapitalize our 

An Airman sterilizes dental equipment. aircraft inventory.

Airmen stand on alert 24/7 to maintain America’s nuclear deterrent posture.

computers, intelligence, surveillance and 

reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities; Close 

Air Support (CAS); Tactical Air Control 

Party (TACP) personnel; and extended ILO

personnel requirements. While the Army 

and Marine Corps reset and recapitalize, 

we are following through in every way 

with our Joint teammates.

Defending Our Homeland

Future threats to our Homeland are 

constantly evolving. They present 

challenges to the established methods 

and structures of homeland defense. Development, fielding and proliferation of standoff weapons, such as 

long-range cruise missiles, provide potential adversaries with offensive capabilities 

of increasing accuracy and range. In addition, we can expect many of these future 

weapons to be of relatively small size, presenting an extremely difficult detection and 

tracking challenge. 

As we safeguard the aerial, maritime and cyber approaches to our Nation, the Air 

Force will continue to play a large role in providing the full spectrum of air sovereignty 

options, including air defense, missile defense and support to civil authorities for 

consequence management. Additionally, as illustrated by our response to Hurricane 

Katrina, the Air Force will surge and contribute to national responses in the event of 

natural disasters or catastrophic events, supplying airlift, communications, imagery 

from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and space assets, and combat search and 

rescue capabilities. 

Cyberspace

America’s Air Force is redefining air and space power for the 21st Century.

Our current and potential adversaries already operate in 

cyberspace, exploiting the low entry costs and minimal 

technological investment needed to inflict serious harm. We 

cannot allow them to expand their foothold. We seek to deny 

our adversaries cyberspace sanctuary while ensuring our access 

and operations in this domain. Our Nation’s ability to deliver 

effects in air, in space, on land, and at sea depends on control 

of this domain.

Cyberspace dominance goes beyond communications and 

information technology. It requires superiority across the entire 

electromagnetic spectrum—DC to daylight—radio waves, 

micro-waves, infra-red, x-rays, directed energy, and applications 

we have not even begun to think about—to ensure global 

command and control, global reach, and global power. We have 

a well-established capability to operate in cyberspace. We take 

advantage of physics, technology, and synergies to operate in and through it. Therefore, we are establishing 

a new Cyberspace Command to stand alongside Air Force Space Command and Air Combat Command. 

America’s Airmen are force providers the President, Combatant Commanders (COCOMs) and the American 

people can rely on to preserve freedom of access and operations in air, space and cyberspace.

Air Force and Army civil engineers monitor 

a sensor used to gather information from 

a Global Positioning System satellite.

A pararescueman surveys houses in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. 

An Airman tracks radar targets and identifies 

“tracks of interest” in the Western US air space. 
The Air Force is committed—

now and in the future—

to not only defend our Nation 

but also provide good 

stewardship of the resources 

entrusted to us. 

	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Fighting and Winning the Global War on Terror	

Fighting and Winning the Global War on Terror

Our Air Force has been engaged in over sixteen years of continuous combat in Iraq, currently a central front in the 

GWOT. In addition to OIF, the Air Force is a critical player on the Joint and coalition team in Operation Enduring 

Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan. Airmen also vigilantly defend the skies of our Homeland in Operation Noble Eagle 

(ONE). Our enemies are vile, unrelenting, adaptive and global. They are motivated by extremist ideologies and 

bent on subjugation and denial of basic freedoms of expression, government and religion. It will ultimately require all elements of 

national power to defeat them. Militarily, the Air Force remains committed to finding and destroying our Nation’s enemies wherever they 

seek sanctuary, fighting side by side with friendly nations in this struggle against violent extremism. 

America’s Airmen operate on a global scale every day. The full, complete impact of Air Force engagement includes Airmen deployed 

outside of the Continental United States (OCONUS) to contingencies, forward deployed in Europe and the Pacific, and employed 

from their home stations as they execute global missions. The Air Force has nearly 30,000 Airmen deployed in Central Command 

conducting theater operations. Similarly, 60,000 Pacific Air 

Forces and US Air Forces Europe Airmen are fully engaged in the 

full spectrum of dissuasion, deterrence, coalition training, and 

military-to-military activities. 

Furthermore, the inherent qualities of air, space and 

cyberspace—speed, range, and payload—allow the forward 

deployed Air Force footprint to be smaller, less vulnerable, and 

vastly more flexible. Airmen are also fully engaged in the GWOT 

from their home stations, controlling satellites, standing on 

alert with intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), providing 

intelligence assessments, operating UAVs, and launching airlift, 

tanker and other aircraft missions essential to Joint operations 

worldwide. Every day over 200,000 Active, Guard, and Reserve 

Airmen fulfill COCOM missions around the world. “The Green Mountain Boys” of the Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th

Fighter Wing return home after serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

We are meeting our current wartime commitments. We are also 

operating within the resources entrusted to our service—we are 

staying in bounds. We are self-financing our modernization and 

recapitalization efforts to the maximum extent possible though 

initiatives such as Force Shaping, Air Force Smart Operations for 

the 21st Century (AFSO21) and aircraft retirements, while focusing 

on a “mission first” basis. Furthermore, we are committed to 

operate, organize, train and equip to meet the projected demands 

of the future—they are many. The Future Years Defense Plan 

(FYDP) involves taking acceptable risk in lower priority areas in 

order to meet future readiness, capability, force structure and 

National Security requirements.

Next Generation Air Force

O

ur loss of overall buying power means the Air Force must attempt to rebalance our available 

resources and force structure to achieve Force Planning Construct goals. To reach our 2025 

force structure objectives, we will synchronize our investments to maximize their effect. 

In 2005, we began divesting significant numbers of our oldest, least capable, and most costly 

and difficult to maintain aircraft. In 2006, we also initiated a carefully calculated reduction in 

personnel end strength to match our declining force structure. As investments in research, 

development, and procurement grow, we will continue building our force structure towards 

86 modern combat wings. Our personnel end strength must concurrently keep pace as we 

modernize our force structure. These two elements—force structure and personnel end 

strength—drive our resource requirements.

The Air Force is committed—now and in the future—to not only defend our Nation 

but also provide good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. We look forward to 

working closely with Congress to ensure our force structure and personnel investments are 

synchronized, and our efforts to posture, recapitalize and modernize America’s Air Force fly 

together in close formation.

Air Force Priorities

A

s the Air Force strives to defend America’s interests within a dynamic strategic environment, we remain 

committed to our top service priorities, as stated by Air Force leaders and outlined in our Vision:

Fighting and Winning the GWOT

Developing and Caring for our Airmen and their Families

Recapitalizing and Modernizing our aging aircraft and spacecraft inventories

These priorities, together with our Enduring Core Values of Integrity, 

Service and Excellence, provide America’s Airmen a steady beacon, 

guiding how we organize, train and equip in defense of our Nation. 

Our national strategic requirements, global complexities and 

threats, and fiscal elements within the overall strategic environment 

will continue to shape how we execute these priorities. We remain 

focused on the GWOT, our people, and a modern, capable force. 

Your Air Force is dedicated to maintaining, evolving, and 

expanding America’s capabilities in air, space and cyberspace. 

These capabilities are America’s Edge—the foundation of 

America’s unparalleled Global Vigilance, Reach and Power.

This F–16 carries a LITENING pod, an 

operational precision targeting pod system. 

Airmen prepare 7.62mm rounds 

prior to a patrol through Baghdad.

An Airman refuels an MC–130 

Combat Talon over the Pacific Ocean. 
First C–17 Globemaster III airdrop 

to the South Pole, Dec. 20, 2006. 

An Airman attends a mission brief 

prior to a patrol in Baghdad. 

Post-flight review for the Global Hawk following 

a mission at a deployed location in Southwest Asia.

10	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Fighting and Winning the Global War on Terror	 11

Air Force tankers provide global mobility and reach for Air Force 

aircraft, the Joint Team and coalition forces. While the average 

tanker is over 40 years old, KC–135s and KC–10s nonetheless fly 

30 tanker missions on a typical day in Central Command and 

stand on alert to provide additional endurance for our aircraft 

performing homeland defense missions.

Global Power

At the sharp end of Air Force capabilities, America’s Airmen 

deliver Global Power in the GWOT. Using UAVs, tight air-ground 

integration, and time sensitive targeting, we have eliminated 

several high-value terrorist and insurgent targets in Afghanistan, 

Somalia and Iraq. In a war where intelligence is fleeting, the Air 

Force has made constant innovations to shorten the time cycle it 

takes to deliver rapid, precise effects. Fighters originally designed 

for strike missions are now using their targeting pods as nontraditional ISR sensors over Iraq and Afghanistan, providing a 

unique extension of both vigilance and power for the Joint Force 

Commander (JFC). Battlefield Airmen serve side by side with our 

Joint partners on the ground and use live streaming video from 

Predators or targeting pods to orchestrate rapid air and ground 

attacks on insurgents. The successful June 2006 strike against 

Al-Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is only one illustration of 

how the Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve 

Command seamlessly integrate capabilities from around the 

globe into precise, dislocating, and decisive effect. 

Since the beginning of the GWOT, the typical strike mission has 

evolved from a pre-planned sortie against a fixed target to a 

flexible, on-call mission profile responsive to a rapidly changing 

battlefield. In Central Command, fighters typically fly nearly 80 

strike, electronic warfare, or non-traditional ISR sorties each day. 

Back in the US, fighters stand guard over our Homeland, ready 

to launch at a moment’s notice. Worldwide, Air Force fighters 

and bombers, coupled with the strength of America’s space and 

cyberspace capabilities, are the tools of reassurance, deterrence 

and dissuasion. America’s Airmen are the global, strategic muscle 

behind US diplomacy, providing a lethal over-the-horizon 

capability to directly influence events on the ground—whether 

based in Japan, Guam, or Whiteman AFB, Missouri. 

Fostering Joint Interdependence

A

ir Force dedication to Joint interdependence is illustrated 

in the GWOT. Around the world, we are committed to 

providing COCOMs an increased ability to integrate air, space and 

cyberspace capabilities and gain cross-dimensional synergies in 

pursuit of National Security Joint Force objectives. The Combined Joint Air Operations Center team coordinating 

the air war over the Baltics during NATO’s Riga Summit in Latvia.

Airmen build a GBU–31 Joint 

Direct Attack Munition. 

Crew chief references a Technical Order for 

a Predator MQ–1 during a routine inspection in Iraq. 

A Day in the Life of America’s Airmen

T

he Air Force delivers Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global 

Power for our Nation. America’s Airmen provide vigilance that is 

persistent, focused and predictive; reach that is reliable, rapid and 

agile; and power that is flexible, precise, stealthy and decisive.

A snapshot of current Air Force operations illustrates the myriad 

ways in which COCOMs employ air, space and cyberspace power to 

accomplish their missions.

Global Vigilance

Air Force Global Vigilance capabilities are critical elements of the 

GWOT, at home and abroad. For instance, the Air Force currently 

operates and maintains satellites directly serving Central Command 

and providing the communications, sensor, and navigation 

capabilities on which the lives and missions of Soldiers, Sailors, 

Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen depend. From bases in 

the continental US, our Airmen also maintain space situational 

awareness (SSA) for the region, tracking over 500 daily orbital passes 

over Baghdad of satellites of all nations.

Theater-based aircraft have become critical elements in the CounterImprovised Explosive Device (Counter-IED) effort by “scanning and 

jamming.” On a daily basis U–2s, Global Hawk and Predator UAVs, 

and E–8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint 

STARS) aircraft survey, track, identify—and sometimes destroy—

insurgents and safe houses. In fact, the Air Force maintains over ten 

24/7 UAV Combat Air Patrols (CAP) in Central Command, providing 

persistent ISR and—in the case of Predator—a lethal strike option. In 

addition to their global responsibilities, stateside Airborne Warning 

and Control System (AWACS) crews and airplanes fly and stand on 

alert as part of our homeland defense surveillance requirements. 

Global Reach

Air Force airlifters and tankers provide the global reach that 

underwrites the Joint effort in the GWOT. An Air Mobility Command 

aircraft departs a runway somewhere on the planet every 90 

seconds, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. On a typical day, the Air 

Force flies over 250 airlift sorties, moves over 1,000 tons of cargo, 

and transports nearly 2,500 passengers. In Central Command, 

intra-theater airlift aircraft like the C–130 and C–17 have borne 

heavy loads, taking thousands of convoys off dangerous roads and 

reducing the threat of IEDs to about 8,500 people each month.

Aeromedical evacuation (AE) has emerged as a critical capability 

for the Joint Force. In fact, Air Force AE is responsible for the 

transport and care of over 36,000 patients in the GWOT. Our 

Airmen have achieved a record-setting average patient movement 

time of 72 hours, a dramatic reduction from the 10–14 days 

required during the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Such rapid global 

movement provides US service men and women the highest 

survival rates in the history of warfare.

America’s Airmen provide vigilance 

that is persistent, focused and predictive; 

reach that is reliable, rapid and agile; and power 

that is flexible, precise, stealthy and decisive.
12	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Fighting and Winning the Global War on Terror	 13

Air Force CSAR helicopters remain on alert in Iraq and Afghanistan, 

providing commanders with the capability to rescue isolated 

military and civilian personnel. Air Force CSAR crews answer the 

moral obligation to safely secure and return any and every member 

of our Joint team. 

The effectiveness CAS provides Soldiers and Marines is another 

example of interdependence. Tactical training at the National 

Training Center provides Soldiers and Airmen the opportunity to see 

how they will deploy and fight together on future battlefields. The 

Army’s Stryker Brigade Combat Teams now in service and the Future 

Combat System under development both rely heavily on Air Force 

strike capabilities to remain effective. Therefore, we are adding 700 

TACP Airmen to serve with ground components to ensure the Air 

Force’s timely and precise effects are always available.

Building Global Partnerships

Fighting and winning the GWOT requires commitment, capability, 

and cooperation from allies and partners around the world. We 

depend on our international partners to secure their territory, 

support regional stability, provide base access and overflight 

rights, and contribute a host of air, space and cyber power 

capabilities as interoperable coalition partners. As the pace of 

economic, political and cultural globalization increases, the 

importance of strong global partnerships—both now and in the 

future—is abundantly clear.

The Air Force leads the way in developing enduring air forceto-air force relationships around the world. To strengthen these 

relationships, we are expanding RED FLAG access to our allies and 

partners. We are also working to establish the Gulf Air Warfare 

Center as a tactical center of excellence. In addition to integrating 

coalition partners into our most robust combat training scenarios, 

we have established the Coalition and Irregular Warfare Center 

of Excellence to facilitate development of relevant airpower 

capabilities, capacities, and relationships in partner nations in 

the GWOT, and to facilitate development of innovative Air Force 

irregular warfare applications. We are also expanding the 6th

Special Operations Squadron to bolster our ability to train foreign 

air forces and expand our repertoire of non-kinetic capabilities in 

the GWOT. Furthermore, our aircrews, especially Airmen executing 

global mobility and airlift missions, interact daily with host nation 

personnel, representatives and citizenry, enhancing America’s image 

of strength, freedom, and hope.

Through the Air Force Security Cooperation Strategy, we continue 

working with allies and friends to help them attain capabilities 

that complement our own air, space and cyberspace capabilities. 

This document uses the OSD Security Cooperation Guidance as a 

foundation and aligns with COCOM Theater Security Cooperation 

strategies. This comprehensive, coordinated effort builds capability 

in potential partner air forces using the six US Air Force Distinctive 

Capabilities as driving tenets.

Recent commitments, such as procurement of C–17 airlifters 

by Australia and the NATO Alliance, and broad international 

participation in the F–35A Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, will 

further reinforce our current and future interoperability with global 

partners. Finally, we have infused expeditionary, regional, cultural 

and linguistic education throughout our training programs at every 

level. The Air Force executes a global mission. Our approaches 

to operations, interoperability and training exemplify our global, 

international perspective.

Air Staff Intelligence Directorate

Intelligence is becoming more critical in today’s rapidly changing 

security environment. Collection, analysis, and timely distribution 

of information are essential to kinetic and non-kinetic approaches 

to our Nation’s security challenges. Accordingly, we moved 

Intelligence directly under the Chief of Staff, creating the position 

of Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (A2) and elevating the 

position to a three-star billet from its former two-star billet.

America’s Airmen are understandably proud of their 

contributions to the Joint fight. They have prevented enemy aircraft 

from inflicting any US ground force casualties for over 50 years. 

US Central Command Air Forces Commander Lt. General North 

talks with Kenya Air Force officials at Laikipia Air Base, Nairobi.

An Army ground liaison officer and an Air Force 

intelligence officer review an aeronautical chart.

Fifth-Generation Fighters

Currently in production and fully operational at Langley AFB, Virginia, 

the F–22A is the newest member of the Air and Space Expeditionary 

Force—our Airmen are putting the world’s first fifth-generation 

fighter into action. Its attributes of speed, stealth, maneuverability, 

advanced sensors and adaptable, integrated avionics will meet our 

Nation’s enduring national security requirement to gain and maintain 

Joint air dominance, as well as enable precise engagement against a 

broad range of surface targets.

America’s Airmen are understandably proud of their contributions 

to the Joint fight. They have prevented enemy aircraft from inflicting 

any US ground force casualties for over 50 years. We dedicate 

our efforts and risk our lives to sustain this record. Production in 

sufficient numbers of fifth-generation fighters—both the F–22A

Raptor and the F–35A Lightning II—remains the best guarantee of 

homeland air sovereignty and Joint air dominance.

Numbered Air Forces

The Air Force has established component Numbered Air Forces 

(NAFs) dedicated to supporting each COCOM across the full range 

of military operations. Each component NAF provides an integrated 

and technologically advanced command and control capability, 

adaptable to contingencies across the spectrum of conflict. Over 

the next several years, we will continue to refine this command and 

control structure through the development of centralized “reach 

back” capabilities, integration of Guardsmen and Reservists, and 

more advanced cyber technologies.

Air and Space Expeditionary Force

The Air and Space Expeditionary Force (AEF) organizational 

construct is a modern design for the modern world.

Since the end of the Cold War, the Air Force has evolved from 

a force based at large, permanent US and overseas bases to an 

expeditionary force, requiring fewer permanent bases and using 

an expanded network of temporary forward bases. As we adapted 

to this new operating environment, we quickly recognized the 

deployment construct for our force also had to change. Since 1999, 

we have organized our Air Force combat forces into ten AEFs that 

present capability to COCOMs, provide trained and ready forces 

for emerging threats and contingencies, and help manage high 

deployment tempo through a stable and predictable rotation 

schedule. When demand for American air power skyrocketed after 

9/11, the Air Force extended the deployment period from 90 to 120 

days to accommodate the COCOMs’demands. 

We continue to adapt our people and organizational constructs to 

ensure Airmen are highly motivated, exceptionally well trained, and 

equipped with the right skill sets to present the Joint warfighter with 

a broad set of capabilities. We realigned the AEF Center under the Air 

Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, to leverage 

similar functions and merge permanent authorizations, wartime 

requirements, and assignments under a single commander. The Air 

Force is also moving forward with fielding of Contingency Response 

Groups (CRGs), organized, trained and equipped to provide an initial 

“Open the Base” capability to COCOMs. The CRG provides a rapid 

response team to assess the location-specific support requirements 

necessary to open an expeditionary airfield, as well as provide a rapid 

projection of America’s vigilance, reach and power.

Joint Warfighting Integration

Due to the dynamic demands of the GWOT, Airmen fly strike, ISR, 

combat search and rescue (CSAR), AE, electronic warfare and airlift 

sorties everyday over Afghanistan and Iraq. They also augment 

ground forces to provide security and stability in both countries. 

Airmen are working hand-in-hand with ground and naval forces 

training and augmenting both Iraqi and Afghan security forces, 

rebuilding critical infrastructure, and providing medical services to 

these war-torn countries.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force McKinley speaks to 816th

Expeditionary Airlift Squadron members in Southwest Asia. 

An F–22A Raptor peels away from a KC–135 

Stratotanker during a Red Flag exercise. 
14	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Fighting and Winning the Global War on Terror	 15

America’s Air Force has provided Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast 

Guardsmen and Airmen the highest casualty survival rates in the 

history of warfare. By leveraging AE and en route care, we will 

continue to improve our ability to save and sustain lives.

Space Capabilities 

in Joint Operations

T

he entire Joint force depends on Air Force space-based 

capabilities to meet not only the needs of military operations, but 

also the full spectrum of civil, economic, and diplomatic activities. 

Moreover, rescue and recovery operations in 2005 following 

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita clearly demonstrated the humanitarian 

mission utility of space-based communications, positioning and 

navigation services, and environmental monitoring. America’s 

Airmen safeguard the high ground of space and ensure America’s 

unimpeded access to vital space capabilities.

Space Applications in Afghanistan and Iraq

Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan highlight the importance of 

space-based capabilities to US and coalition forces. An example 

of Air Force response to warfighter needs is the successful 

deployment of the Satellite Interference Response System (SIRS), 

a defensive counterspace prototype. It aids in the identification, 

geolocation and reduction of interference sources for critical satellite 

communications. SIRS has improved the response time to unknown 

interference sources within the CENTCOM AOR and reduced friendly 

interference sources from impacting operations.

Blue Force Tracking capability is another success story. Joint Blue 

Force Tracking has fundamentally changed ground warfare. 

The ability to accurately locate friendly forces with GPS timing 

and positioning information, and then share that information, 

dramatically improves understanding on the battlefield and reduces 

the risk of friendly fire. The unprecedented real-time knowledge of 

friendly force locations renders all operations—especially night and 

urban operations—less dangerous and more effective.

Joint Space Operations Center

The 14th Air Force Air and Space Operations Center (Space AOC) at 

Vandenberg AFB, California, serves as the core of the United States 

Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) Joint Space Operations Center 

(JSpOC). The Space AOC/JSpOC is the primary command and 

control node for integrating the full resources of space-based sensor 

and command-control systems. The Space AOC/JSpOC proactively 

reaches forward to COCOMs, ensuring accomplishment of theater 

and global space objectives, while providing a continually updated 

space common operating picture for integration into current 

wartime and peacetime missions. An Airman calibrates a satellite 

communications ground station in Iraq. 

An Air Force Delta II booster successfully 

launches a NAVSTAR GPS satellite into orbit.

Partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office

The Air Force and the National Reconnaissance Office achieved a 

groundbreaking agreement on 7 June 2006 to share expertise and 

best practices. The agreement focuses specifically on sharing lessons 

learned in developing, acquiring, fielding and operating modern 

space systems. Both organizations recognize the need to enhance 

their respective capabilities, as well as to work collaboratively to 

respond to future challenges.

Combat Search and Rescue Realignment

The transfer of the CSAR mission from Air Force Special Operations 

Command to Air Combat Command provides a clearer presentation 

of forces to Joint commanders and ensures a direct CSAR link to the 

Combat Air Forces and the personnel they serve. In addition, the Air 

Force’s Next Generation Combat Search and Rescue aircraft (CSAR–X) 

will modernize an aging CSAR fleet, provide greatly improved 

all-weather combat search and rescue worldwide—an essential 

component of our commitment to the Joint team and our allies.

Air and Space Operations Centers

In June 2005, we achieved an Initial Operational Capability with 

our Air and Space Operations Center (AOC) Weapon System and 

are well on our way to a Full Operational Capability for the entire 

AOC inventory. The Air Force leads the way in delivering sovereign 

options to defend our Homeland and our global interests by 

providing a global command and control (C2) capability to COCOMs, 

enabling them to orchestrate air, space and cyberspace effects 

in pursuit of national military objectives. AOCs are the central 

operational nodes in this capability, and the Combined AOC in 

operation at Al Udeid, Qatar, exemplifies the most advanced and 

robust AOC system in the Air Force today.

Aeromedical Evacuation

Air Force AE contributes a unique, nationally vital capability to the 

Joint fight. Air Force AE innovations include use of “designated vs. 

dedicated” aircraft, “universally-qualified” AE crewmembers, able to 

fly on any AE-configured aircraft, and the extensive use of Critical 

Care Air Transport Teams to transport stabilized patients. 

Air Force AE is combat proven. Since late 2001, we have 

orchestrated the care and transfer of more than 36,000 overseas 

patients to CONUS facilities. We continue to refine this remarkable 

capability and the “en route care” system built upon our 

expeditionary medical system. 

Air Force AE is a Total Force system, and both AE and en route 

care are built on teamwork, synergy and Joint execution. 

Technological advances such as the single integrated 

patient data system, high-flow ventilators, high deck patient 

loading system, and the Joint Patient Isolation Unit are under 

development and will further enable safe patient movement 

regardless of transportation mode.

An explosive ordnance disposal technician prepares 

a reconnaissance robot, Balad Air Base, Iraq. 

A pararescueman scans the Iraqi desert from an HH–60 Pave 

Hawk helicopter during an Operation Iraqi Freedom mission. 

Contingency aeromedical staging facility team members prepare 

a critical-care patient for transport on a C–17 Globemaster III.

The unprecedented real-time knowledge of friendly 

force locations renders all operations—especially night 

and urban operations—less dangerous and moreeffective.
16	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Developing and Caring for Our Airmen	 17

Developing and Caring for Our Airmen

Your Air Force today is a seamless Total Force, with over 690,000 Airmen serving on Active Duty, in the Air 

National Guard (ANG), in the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and as Air Force civilians. While modern 

equipment, technology and capability are essential to success, your Airmen are the bedrock of America’s 

ability to succeed in an era of challenge and uncertainty.

While emphasizing our global expeditionary culture, organization and mission, we remain committed to providing and maintaining 

the highest possible standards of education, training, health care and installation services for America’s Airmen.

The Space AOC/JSpOC consists of personnel, facilities, and 

resources providing long-term strategy development, short-term 

crisis and contingency planning, real-time execution, space asset 

reallocation, and space forces assessment. The Space AOC/JSpOC

provides tailored space effects to Joint forces worldwide.

The Space AOC/JSpOC maintains SSA through the fusion of 

intelligence, space- and ground-based sensor readings, and 

operational indications to allow US and allied forces unfettered 

access to space. The Space AOC/JSpOC also provides predictive 

analysis of adversary space activity and supports the protection 

of National Security Space assets.

Counterspace

Air, space and cyberspace superiority are the foundational 

elements of Joint success in any action. Counterspace and 

Countercyber technologies and operations provide America 

with the tools to achieve space and cyber superiority, allowing 

America freedom of action while denying freedom of action to 

an adversary or enemy. SSA, Defensive Counterspace (DCS) and 

Offensive Counterspace (OCS) capabilities comprise the main 

elements of Air Force counterspace efforts.

SSA provides Airmen with detailed knowledge of the space 

environment, enabling responsive, effective execution of DCS

and OCS actions. Enhanced ground-based and new spacebased SSA assets would provide the needed information. 

In the near-term, the Rapid Attack Identification Detection 

and Reporting System (RAIDRS), along with SIRS, will test 

detection and geo-location technologies. The Space Based 

Space Surveillance (SBSS) and Space Fence programs will 

deliver transformational capabilities to improve responsiveness, 

surveillance coverage, and small object detection. We expect 

to field these improved capabilities in the FY09 and FY13 

timeframes, respectively.

Air Force Defensive Counterspace efforts will protect National 

Security Space capabilities vital to Joint success. Some 

defensive strategies comprise technical solutions integrated 

into satellite designs. We will design other systems specifically 

to counter adversarial threats. Additionally, our Airmen are 

continuously developing new tactics to mitigate potential 

threats to our space systems.

Offensive Counterspace technologies and operations seek 

to disrupt, deny or degrade an adversary’s ability to leverage 

space capabilities. The Counter Communications System (CCS) 

provides COCOMs a method to deny an adversary’s access to 

satellite communications through temporary, reversible and 

non-destructive means. CCS expands the options available for 

the COCOM to address the proliferation of advanced space 

technologies and their availability to potential adversaries. A Delta II rocket carrying a National Reconnaissance Office 

satellite successfully launches from Vandenberg AFB, California. 

Combat weather team members inspect a tactical 

meteorological observation system at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Airmen check the perimeter at a satellite 

tracking station, Andersen AFB, Guam. 
18	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Developing and Caring for Our Airmen	 19

Total Force Integration (TFI). The Total Force construct seeks to maximize the Air Force’s 

overall Joint combat capability with Active Duty, Air National Guard and Air Force 

Reserve Airmen working together cohesively. TFI is critical to meeting the challenges of 

competing resource demands, an aging aircraft inventory, and emerging missions.

New and Emerging Missions

As the Air Force transforms to a smaller, more agile and lethal force, we will retain the 

strengths of the Guard and Reserve and use them in new ways to reflect a changing mission 

set. Increased integration allows Air Force personnel to capitalize on experience levels 

inherent in the Guard and Reserve, while building vital relationships necessary to sustain 

successful combat operations.

Ongoing Total Force initiatives integrate Air Force components into missions critical to 

future warfighting, and include ISR, UAVs, space and cyberspace operations. Given the 

ease of employing these capabilities from home station, these missions are ideally suited 

for the Guard and Reserve. In a time of increasing demand for these capabilities, it only 

makes sense to use reachback technologies to tap into our Air Reserve Component. Using 

this approach improves our operational effectiveness, reduces reliance on involuntary 

mobilization, and provides more stability for our Airmen and their civilian employers. It 

also allows the Air Force to capitalize on the state-of-the-industry advanced skills and best 

practices residing in the ranks of the ANG and AFRC.

Way Ahead

The Air Force continues to make significant progress on our Total Force initiatives. We 

have identified 136, secured funding for 98 opportunities and are executing 19. We have 

established associate units at several locations including F–22As in Virginia and Alaska, 

C–17s in Hawaii, F–16s in Utah, and C–130s in Wyoming. Additionally, Guardsmen are 

analyzing GWOT intelligence in Kansas, and Reservists are flying operational GWOT UAV 

missions from Nevada. With over 100 initiatives in the planning phase and many more in the 

development phase, Total Force Integration is paving the way for a smaller, more capable, 

more affordable Air Force.

Improving Training Opportunities

S

panning six decades of Air Force history, particularly over the past sixteen years, our 

Airmen have proven themselves as the global first responders in times of crisis—taking 

action anytime, anywhere. The foundation for this well-deserved reputation is the quality 

and frequency of the training and education we provide. Our Air Force training initiatives 

continue to evolve, improving our ability to develop and retain the world’s best air, space 

and cyberspace warriors—expeditionary, knowledge-enabled, ethical, and prepared for the 

interdependent fight.

Air Force Basic Military Training

We changed Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) curriculum to stress an expeditionary 

mindset in all phases of training, providing Airmen with more expeditionary capability 

from day one. These changes are the most significant in BMT history. The Air Force basic 

training experience now mirrors the AEF cycle with a pre-deployment, deployment and 

reconstitution phases. We emphasize basic war skills and practical application throughout 

BMT. Beginning 1st quarter FY09, BMT will incorporate two additional weeks of instruction—

lasting 8.5 weeks total—to provide more opportunities for practical application and field 

exercises. Finally, we have added “Airman’s Time,” mentoring sessions in which our veteran 

instructors share their real world experiences, relate daily training events to warrior and 

Airmanship qualities, and reinforce the Core Values expected of all Airmen.

An Air Force Academy cadet receives 

an introduction to UAV operations.

Airmen use a map and GPS to find their location 

during a ground survival training course. 

Drill practice at the 322nd Training 

Squadron at Lackland AFB, Texas. 

NCOs help an Airman secure her flak vest in 

preparation for departure to Afghanistan. 

Airmen guide an A–10 Thunderbolt II 

onto a target during Green Flag, one 

of the Air Force’s premier exercises.

Force Shaping

When the Air Force began to develop a long-term force structure plan, we started with divestment of legacy aircraft. While we 

have achieved some success, significant investment gaps remain. 

Moreover, the costs of personnel continue to rise. Personnel 

costs have increased 57% in the past decade. In early 2006, 

Program Budget Decision 720 directed additional end strength 

reductions over the FYDP. As we manage this downsizing, we 

remain committed to a balanced force. We will increase manning 

in stressed career fields, and expand opportunities for career 

development and training. Our goal is a lean, more capable, more 

lethal Air Force, organized, trained and equipped for our global, 

expeditionary mission.

To tailor our personnel mix to the new security environment, we 

authorized implementation of annual Force Shaping Boards (FSBs). 

The purpose of the FY06 FSB was to reduce officer overages by 

identifying eligible officers for separation, while balancing career 

fields and officer commissioned year groups. Prior to the board, 

eligible officers were offered voluntary options to transition to 

other forms of service in and out of the Air Force. The Air Force 

also waived most Active Duty Service Commitments (ADSC) to 

allow officers to separate early. In addition, the Air Force is offering 

Voluntary Separation Pay to officers in overage career fields, and 

we will convene a Selective Early Retirement Board to identify 

retirement-eligible officers for early retirement if necessary.

To achieve the required reductions of enlisted Airmen, the Air Force instituted a date of separation rollback for 

personnel with limitations on their assignment or enlistment eligibility. We also offered a limited number of 

ADSC waivers for eligible members in overage career fields. These initiatives to shape the enlisted force join 

the tools already in place: Career Job Reservations, reduction in accessions, and the Non-Commissioned Officer 

Retraining Program.

Overall, the Air Force aims for a reduction of over 4,000 officers and 10,000 enlisted members by the end of FY07. 

These reductions are difficult but necessary to ensure the Air Force maintains the right size and mix of forces to 

meet the fiscal and global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Total Force Integration

A distinguishing hallmark of the Air Force is the ease with which Airmen from 

Active Duty, ANG, and AFRC work together 

at home and abroad. From the build-up 

of the ANG after World War II, the first 

Reserve Associate unit in 1968 and the full 

integration of Guard and Reserve units 

into the Air & Space Expeditionary Force 

in the 1990s, the Air Force has a history of 

employing Airmen from all components in 

innovative and effective ways.

One of the Air Force’s significant commitments to long-term transformation is 

A combat photographer from a Combined Joint Task Force 

records the name of an orphan in Djibouti City, Djibouti. 

TFI is critical to 

meeting the 

challenges of 

competing resource 

demands, an aging 

aircraft inventory, 

and emerging 

missions.
20	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Developing and Caring for Our Airmen	 21

Quality of Life

Y

our Air Force has been at war for nearly 17 consecutive years. 

These challenging times underscore the importance of 

properly maintaining the capabilities of the primary weapons 

in our Air Force arsenal—our Airmen. Our focus on their Quality 

of Life ensures these vital “weapon systems” remain ready when 

called upon.

Expeditionary Support

We ensure the best possible facilities and programs at all our 

expeditionary locations. Our dining facilities are unequalled—

currently serving over 36,000 meals daily to deployed forces. 

We also provide fitness and recreation support to help maintain 

the health and morale of our Airmen. Additionally, our Learning 

Resource Centers provide the necessary means for distance 

learning, continued professional development, and connectivity 

with friends and family. 

Our Airman and Family Readiness Program is an aggressive effort to prepare Airmen and their families for 

deployment challenges. Mandatory pre-deployment briefings provide information on personal planning and 

stressors related to extended duty away from home, while mandatory post-deployment briefings prepare 

Airmen for the dynamics of reuniting with their families.

Language and Cultural Education Opportunities

We are moving beyond traditional Air Force and Joint warfighting skills development. 

Our educational programs provide increased opportunities for Airmen to receive 

focused cultural and language training, facilitating greater professional interaction, 

deeper understanding, and more effective operations.

The expanded instruction includes cultural awareness, regional affairs, and foreign 

language proficiency. All Air Force Academy cadets and Reserve Officer Training Corps 

(ROTC) non-technical scholarship cadets will be required to take language courses. 

Additionally, both Academy and ROTC cadets have increased opportunities for Foreign 

Language and Area Studies degrees and have expanded Cultural Immersion and Foreign 

Exchange Programs. Our enlisted basic military training also will provide instruction on cultural sensitivity. 

Once in the Air Force, each level of Officer and Enlisted professional military education (PME) provides 

additional cultural, regional and foreign language instruction, developing leaders who can articulate US

policy and operate effectively in foreign settings. Furthermore, we will increase Developmental Educational 

opportunities for global skills, including overseas professional military education and the Olmstead Scholars 

Program. We will then vector these Airmen into Political-Military Affairs or Regional Affairs Strategist career 

tracks, maximizing America’s return-on-investment.

Special Operations Airmen broadcast television and 

radio programming directly to the Iraqi people. 

Airmen waiting to return home after a deployment to the Middle East. 

Airmen are on the 

leading edge of forging 

stronger relations 

with America’s allies.

Space Professional Development

Space capabilities have become vital in the defense of our Nation and the continued 

growth of the US and world economies. Developing, fielding, operating, and 

maintaining the Air Force’s broad array of space systems demands a highly trained, 

expertly managed workforce of space professionals. As we begin to field even more 

capable and complex systems, the demands on our space professionals will only 

increase. We have brought these personnel together within the Space Professional 

Development Program, ensuring our operations, acquisition and support personnel 

receive the training, education and experience necessary to accomplish our mission in 

space—now and in the future.

US Air Force Warfare Center

The US Air Force Warfare Center (USAFWC) integrates initiatives across the Air Force. USAFWC sets the standard 

for executing Joint and coalition air, space and cyberspace operations. The USAFWC provides advanced 

training designed to ensure our Air Force warfighting capability remains unrivaled. USAFWC provides 

performance assessment and Joint integrated exercise venues for units from the USAF, USN, USMC and USA—

as well as our allies. They provide adversary analysis through a unified and coordinated “Red Force” ready 

to “combat” the United States’ and their coalition partners during all phases of testing, tactics development, 

training programs, and integrated exercises. 

RED FLAG

In addition to its original location at Nellis 

AFB, Nevada, the Air Force now conducts 

RED FLAG exercises in Alaska using Eielson 

AFB, Elmendorf AFB, and the Pacific Alaska 

Range Complex. The two exercises are 

designated RED FLAG-Nellis and RED 

FLAG-Alaska, respectively. 

RED FLAG is expanding aggressor 

capabilities to provide enhanced training 

at both locations. The Air Force added 

an F–15 aggressor unit in Nevada and, 

starting in October 2007, we will establish 

an F–16 Aggressor Squadron at Eielson 

AFB ready to participate in RED FLAGAlaska exercises in 2008. Aggressor 

functions have expanded to include air defense, space, and cyber operations. This integrated aggressor force 

provides all RED FLAG exercises with a consistent, world-class training capability. Bolstering the dissimilar 

combat experience, the Air Force also has taken steps to expand the participation of coalition partners and 

allies in RED FLAG. 

Overall, enhanced aggressor operations and common training concepts will increase the quality of RED FLAG 

training, and two locations will increase the quantity of training opportunities. When complete, these changes 

will make a great program even better—saving lives in the next fight.

Military Personnel Exchange Program

Through the Military Personnel Exchange Program, the Air Force builds, sustains, and expands international 

relationships that are critical enablers for our Expeditionary Air and Space Force. Long-term success in the 

GWOT calls for broad international partnership and integration. Expanding our exchange programs to Eastern 

Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia is critical to the conduct of the GWOT and in building lasting 

partnerships with our Allies.

 Airmen provide space-based theater 

ballistic warning to US forces from 

the Combined Air Operations Center. 

A pilot prepares for the F–22A’s first deployment to Red Flag.

Developing, 

fielding, 

operating, and 

maintaining the 

Air Force’s broad 

array of space 

systems demands 

a highly trained, 

expertly managed 

workforce of space 

professionals.

These challenging 

times underscore 

the importance 

of properly 

maintaining the 

capabilities of the 

primary weapons 

in our Air Force 

arsenal—

our Airmen.
22	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Recapitalizing and Modernizing the force	 23

Recapitalizing and Modernizing the Force

To meet the needs of our Nation at war and successfully build the 86 modern combat wings necessary 

to maintain a credible defense posture in the future, we are committed to aggressively recapitalizing 

and modernizing our inventories of aircraft, space systems, equipment and operational infrastructure. 

Executing a successful recapitalization plan is a balancing act. We will continue to meet today’s 

operational needs while striving to ensure America and our future Airmen inherit an Air Force that is ready, capable and 

sustainable. We are committed to maintaining air, space and cyberspace advantages and America’s unparalleled Global 

Vigilance, Reach and Power—America’s Edge.

Housing and Military Construction 

Air Force investments in housing underscore our emphasis on developing and caring 

for Airmen. Through Military Construction (MILCON) and housing privatization, we 

are providing quality homes faster than ever before. Over the next two years, the Air 

Force will renovate or replace more than 4,200 homes through military construction. 

We are on track to meet our FY09 goal of eliminating inadequate housing at 

overseas locations. 

Investment in dormitories continues to provide superior housing to our unaccompanied 

members. We have over 3,000 dormitory rooms programmed for funding over the next 

six years. Approximately 75 percent of these initiatives rectify inadequate dormitory 

conditions for permanent party members. Our new “Dorms-4-Airmen” standard is a 

concept designed to increase camaraderie, social interaction and accountability. The 

remaining dormitory program modernizes inadequate “pipeline” dormitories that 

house young enlisted students during their initial technical training. 

MILCON is an essential enabler of Air Force missions; however, 

we are accepting risk in facilities and infrastructure funding 

in order to bolster our efforts to recapitalize and modernize 

our aging aircraft and equipment. We have prioritized the 

most critical requirements to support the Air Force and DoD 

requirements. Our MILCON strategy supports these priorities 

by focusing on new mission beddowns, dormitories, fitness 

centers, childcare centers, and depot transformation.

Joint Basing

The Air Force has a long and successful history of working toward 

common goals in a Joint environment, without compromising Air 

Force principles and the well-being of our people. Joint Basing 

initiatives are no exception. We want Joint Basing to be a raging 

success. Therefore, each Joint Base should be required to provide 

an attractive setting to all of its assigned personnel.

To accomplish this end, we advocate the establishment of the highest Quality of Life standards of individual 

bases as the Joint Base Quality of Life standards. Joint Basing is an opportunity to improve efficiency, 

Quality of Life standards and common delivery of Installation Support Services. Joint Basing will consider 

best business practices to ensure enhancement of Joint warfighting capabilities, eliminate duplication, and 

ultimately achieve synergy for base support services. These actions will optimize Joint use of limited resources 

and result in more efficient installations from which all Services will project combat power for our Nation.

Through the establishment of the highest level of Quality 

of Life standards at each Joint Base, our Airmen, Soldiers, 

Sailors, Marines, DoD Civilians and their families will benefit 

from efficient, consistent Installation Support Services. These 

standards will ensure the Air Force and our sister Services 

continue to provide all personnel with the level of Installation 

Support Services they deserve. As we work with OSD and our 

sister Services, we will ensure all Joint Basing initiatives guard 

against any interference with the DoD’s ability to perform its 

mission. Joint Basing allows us to build closer relationships and 

forge stronger ties among the Services. We will not only train as 

we fight, we will live as we fight.

An Army officer briefs Airmen at Fort Dix, New Jersey, 

which has merged with McGuire AFB and Lakehurst 

Naval Air Engineering Station to become a “Joint Base.” 

Joint Basing is 

an opportunity to 

improve efficiency, 

Quality of Life 

standards and 

common delivery 

of Installation 

Support Services.
Air Force Proposed Retirements FY08–FY13

24	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Recapitalizing and Modernizing the force	 25

retirements remain the biggest obstacle 

to efficient divestiture of our oldest, least 

capable, and most costly to maintain 

platforms and equipment. Keeping these 

legacy aircraft on the flightline levies 

additional operations and maintenance 

costs at the expense of modernization 

programs and funding. These costs 

cascade into procurement delays for future 

platforms and divert resources away from 

expanded Joint capabilities. We welcome 

the opportunity to work with Congress to 

overcome these fiscal challenges, reduce 

risks to meeting our National Security 

and Joint requirements, and successfully 

prepare our Air Force for the future.

Procurement Priorities

We design and structure every Air 

Force program throughout our diverse, 

comprehensive recapitalization and 

modernization plan to meet critical Air 

Force, Joint, and National requirements. 

Several programs currently receive our 

highest attention and represent our top 

priorities within the plan.

Our top acquisition priorities include: 

the KC–X Tanker; the CSAR–X Combat 

Search and Rescue Helicopter; space 

communications, space situational 

awareness and early warning programs; 

the F–35A Joint Strike Fighter (JSF); and 

Next Generation Long Range Strike—a 

new bomber. We will continue to 

advocate and advance these and many 

other modern elements of air, space and 

cyberspace capability. Collectively they 

will strengthen America’s advantages in 

Global Vigilance, Reach and Power for 

years to come. 

Global Vigilance

T

he Air Force acts as the global eyes 

and ears of the Joint Team and our 

Nation. Using a vast array of terrestrial, 

airborne and spaceborne sensors, 

we monitor and characterize the 

earth’s sea, air, space, land, and cyber 

domains around the clock and around 

the world. Our Command, Control, 

Communications and Computers (C4) 

networks link the Joint Team together 

and speed information to users at the 

point of action, from commanders 

in AOCs, to ground units engaged 

with the enemy, to a pilot dropping a 

precision-guided munition.

The future vision of all the US military 

Services is information-driven. Success 

will hinge on America’s cyberspace 

advantages. Air Force assets like Joint 

STARS, AWACS, Rivet Joint, Global Hawk, 

Predator and our constellations of 

satellites, contribute vital networking 

and C4ISR products and services to 

every aspect of every Joint operation. 

Our recapitalization and modernization 

plan aims to increase dramatically the 

quantity and quality of C4ISR capabilities, 

products and services available to the 

Joint Team and the Nation. Our plan 

especially focuses on ensuring Air Force 

space communications, SSA and early 

warning missions provide uninterrupted 

continuity of service for America and 

our allies. 

Transformational Satellite 

Communications System

The Air Force continues to pursue nextgeneration satellite communications 

technology with the Transformational 

Satellite Communications System (TSAT). 

The TSAT program will employ Internet 

Protocol networks, on-board routing and 

high-bandwidth laser communication 

relays in space, dramatically increasing 

warfighter connectivity. TSAT capabilities 

will enable the realization and success 

of all DoD and Joint visions of future 

network-centric operations, such as the 

Army’s Battle Command-on-the-Move 

and the Navy’s Sea Power 21 vision and 

Fleet FORCEnet/FORCEview concepts. 

In 2007, we expect the TSAT program to 

complete system design milestones. 

The E–3 Sentry, better known as the Airborne 

Warning and Control System aircraft or AWACS.

These “golf ball” protective covers at Thule Air 

Base, Greenland, house satellite dishes used 

to communicate with orbiting satellites. 

An Airman installs a slip ring into an F–16 

targeting pod at Eielson AFB, Alaska.

An Airman performs an operational check 

of panoramic night vision goggles. The 

devices give pilots a 90-degree field of view. 

Air Force and Coast Guard leaders participate 

in a homeland defense exercise at the 

Pentagon’s C4ISR Visualization Center.

Comprehensive Plan

Our recapitalization and modernization plan follows an integrated strategy 

of retirement, procurement, selective 

Service Life Extension Programs (SLEPs) 

and modifications—coupled with the 

broadest, most innovative science and 

technology program in DoD. We will 

progressively shed our oldest, most 

costly, and least capable legacy aircraft, 

while reinvesting in a smaller—but 

more capable—expeditionary force, 

emphasizing global and Joint capabilities. 

While these strategies will sustain selected 

legacy systems for near term, we will 

avoid billions of dollars on further SLEPs 

by working our stewardship of funds 

today. It has become far more expensive 

to continuously extend the life of older 

aircraft. We are fast approaching the point 

where it is cheaper to buy new aircraft.

Our plan will allow effective, efficient 

modernization and replacement of our 

air superiority, strike, space, ISR, mobility, 

special operations, and combat support 

systems. Fully recapitalized, America’s Air 

Force will remain dominant in the conduct 

of modern, networked, cross-dimensional 

21st Century warfare.

An Aging Inventory

The Air Force is meeting today’s combat 

requirements—but not without increasing 

risks and costs. We have an aging and 

increasingly unfit inventory of aircraft, 

space systems and equipment. Of our 

inventory of approximately 6,000 aircraft, 

a significant number operate under flight 

restrictions. Many transport aircraft and 

aerial refueling tankers are more than 40 

years old. The average age of the bomber 

force exceeds 30 years. The fighter force is 

the oldest it has ever been, at an average 

age of more than 18 years. Additionally, 

our Airmen operate and maintain many 

satellites well in excess of their originally 

designed mission durations. Across every 

mission, the Air Force is experiencing 

detrimental effects of high tempo 

operations and age, including engine and 

structural fatigue, deterioration, corrosion 

and increased rates of component failure.

As a result, the Air Force’s ability to meet 

the combat requirements of tomorrow 

is in question. The increased tempo 

of current operations delays routine 

maintenance and we find our systems 

becoming progressively less effective and 

more costly to own and operate. Aircraft 

and equipment modifications currently 

absorb 20 percent of the Air Force’s 

procurement budget. This is the highest 

percentage in the history of the Air Force. 

In fact, 14 percent of our Air Force fleet 

is either grounded or operating under 

mission-limiting flight restrictions. Our 

comprehensive plan for modernization 

and recapitalization outlines the prudent 

investments necessary today to avoid 

the future capability risks and spiraling 

maintenance and modernization costs 

we currently experience with our 

legacy systems.

Inventory Management

Fiscal responsibility is a critical element 

of our plan. The Air Force is committed 

to planning and operating within our 

allocated resources. However, we face 

fiscal constraints that introduce risk 

into our efforts to successfully posture 

America’s Air Force for the future. We 

appreciate congressional language in 

the 2007 National Defense Authorization 

Act supporting our efforts to retire older 

aircraft and manage our inventory of 

aging equipment. However, remaining 

legislative restrictions on aircraft 

Average Age of Aircraft over Time

Aircraft Agein Years

The Air Force will replace its F–117 

stealth fighters with F–22A Raptors.

KC–135 crews from across the Air Force 

participated in Exercise Northern 

Edge at Eielson AFB, Alaska.

A B–1B Lancer prepares to connect with 

a KC–135 Stratotanker over the Indian Ocean. 

Fully recapitalized,

America’s Air Force will remain 

dominant in the conduct of modern, 

networked, cross-dimensional 

21st Century warfare.
26	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Recapitalizing and Modernizing the force	 27

Advanced Extremely 

High Frequency System

The Advanced Extremely High Frequency 

(AEHF) satellite communications system 

reaches Assembly Integration and Test in 

2007, preparing for first launch in spring 

2008. When deployed, AEHF will provide the 

secure, survivable, anti-jam communications 

that MILSTAR currently provides. AEHF will, 

however, also provide greater bandwidth, 

larger throughput, faster dissemination, and 

better service quality to US and Allied users. 

Wideband Global SATCOM System

In 2007, the Air Force will take the first 

major step in the modernization of its 

satellite communications architecture 

with launch of the first satellite in the 

Wideband Global Satellite Communications 

(SATCOM) System (WGS), a program 

formerly known as Wideband Gapfiller 

Satellite. A single WGS satellite has more 

communications capacity than the entire 

Defense Satellite Communications System 

it replaces, enabling direct broadcast 

of digital multimedia, high-bandwidth 

imagery and digital video information 

directly from global and theater sites to 

deployed warfighters.

Terminal Programs

Air- and ground-based satellite communications terminals provide warfighters 

with critical links to America’s space assets 

from anywhere in the world. Our terminal 

modernization programs are maintaining 

pace with the high performance satellites 

they support. Through programs like 

the Family of Advanced Beyond Line of 

Sight Terminals (FAB–T) and the Ground 

Multi-band Terminal, the Air Force will 

transform its air- and ground-based space 

capabilities with terminals that consolidate 

logistics support, provide increased 

communications throughput, and ensure 

seamless command and control.

Space Based Missile 

Warning Capabilities

The Air Force is America’s only provider of 

Space-Based Missile Warning. Providing 

a robust missile warning capability to the 

Nation through enhanced space-based 

ISR systems remains a priority in 2007. 

We expect to launch the final Defense 

Support Program launch (DSP–23) in 

spring 2007, continuing 36 years of the DSP 

constellation’s outstanding service.

The Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) 

represents the next generation of Early 

Warning satellites. The first SBIRS Highly 

Elliptical Orbit (HEO) payload is currently 

deployed on-orbit and undergoing 

operational testing. The HEO–2 payload 

has been delivered for integration. Launch 

of the SBIRS Geosynchronous Earth Orbit 

(GEO)–1 satellite is scheduled for late 

2008. Once fielded, SBIRS will provide a 

transformational leap in capability over our 

current DSP system.

Space Radar

Space Radar (SR), another key transformational space-based ISR program, 

will have the ability to look into denied 

areas and to cue additional sensors, 

such as those on Predator and Global 

Hawk. The SR will provide COCOMs 

unprecedented surface wide-area 

surveillance capabilities, updating its AOR 

coverage report several times per hour. 

SR will characterize objects and activities 

of interest for target development in 

conjunction with other assets to meet 

critical Joint warfighter requirements. In 

2007, the program will focus on building 

engineering development hardware while 

emphasizing risk reduction, integration, 

and systems engineering.

National Polar-orbiting 

Operational Environmental 

Satellite System 

The National Polar-orbiting Operational 

Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) 

is a tri-agency program sponsored by 

DoD, the Department of Commerce, 

and NASA. NPOESS will support DoD 

forces worldwide as well as Homeland 

Security agencies. The system will 

provide assured, timely and high-quality 

environmental data to our warfighters 

for weather forecasting, mission planning 

Space Based Infrared 

System (SBIRS) 

One of the two radar faces of the Ballistic Missile 

Early Warning System at Thule Air Base, Greenland.

Advanced Extremely High Frequency 

(AEHF) satellite communications system.

A maintenance technician sets up 

a mobile tactical super-high frequency 

satellite communications terminal. 

Air Force space operators use space 

and missile analysis software to track 

man-made deep space objects. 

and weapons employment. NPOESS

environmental data will also enhance our 

domestic preparedness when dealing with 

natural disasters.

Rapid Attack Identification 

Detection and Reporting System

Meeting the requirement to assist in 

the protection of our space assets, the 

Rapid Attack Identification Detection 

and Reporting System (RAIDRS) will 

provide a capability to detect and locate 

satellite communications interference 

using fixed and deployable ground 

systems. A fully operational RAIDRS

Spiral 1 will be delivered in FY08 and 

provide detection and location of SATCOM 

interference. Future developments will 

automate data analysis and fusion, as 

well as provide decision support tools for 

near-real-time actions.

Global Hawk

The RQ–4A Global Hawk is a high altitude, 

long endurance UAV providing the Joint 

warfighter with persistent vigilance and 

observation of targets in day, night and 

adverse weather. Global Hawk entered 

development in 2001 after completing a 

successful Advanced Concept Technology 

Demonstration. We plan to develop and 

field the aircraft in blocks of increasing 

capability, allowing accelerated delivery to 

the warfighter, while the system evolves 

and expands to its full potential. 

We have already employed block 10, the 

first of four production variants, in support 

of GWOT. It provides an effective, persistent 

imagery capability using synthetic aperture 

radar (SAR) and electro-optical/infrared 

(EO/IR) sensors. The larger Block 20 aircraft, 

which will begin development test in 

early 2007, will provide 50 percent more 

payload capacity carrying enhanced SAR 

and EO/IR sensors for even clearer images 

at greater ranges. 

In 2012, Block 30 will field a more 

versatile, multi-intelligence capability 

by integrating Block 20 imagery sensors 

with a robust signals intelligence 

(SIGINT) suite. The fourth Global Hawk 

variant, Block 40, will be available for 

operations in 2011. It will carry a single 

payload— a Multi-Platform Radar 

Technology Insertion Program sensor—

to provide the warfighter a highly 

advanced radar imagery and moving 

target indicator capability. Global Hawk 

has demonstrated its combat value in 

GWOT and the Air Force will continue to 

mature and enhance its capabilities in the 

coming years.

MQ–1 Predator

Leading the way in armed reconnaissance, 

the Air Force is currently flying MQ–1 

Predator missions 24 hours a day, 7 days 

a week. The MQ–1 Predator is a mediumaltitude, multi-role, long endurance 

UAV, providing persistent ISR and strike 

capabilities to COCOMs. Predator aircraft 

are able to transmit live, full motion 

digital video to ground-based and 

airborne targeting teams equipped with 

the Remote Operations Video Enhanced 

Receiver (ROVER) system. 

The Predator is operational, and by 2010, 

we will expand its capability from 10 to 

21 total CAPs to meet increased COCOM 

and warfighter demands. We also plan 

to incorporate Target Location Accuracy 

improvements to rapidly provide 

targeting data for GPS-guided munitions. 

Total Force Airmen in Nevada and 

California control Predator aircraft 

operating in numerous locations around 

the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan. 

By 2010, this capability will spread to Air 

National Guard units in Arizona, North 

Dakota and Texas. The Predator has 

transformed the way we fight, providing 

persistent ISR, reliable target acquisition 

and lethal strike capability for COCOMs 

and our Joint warfighters. The MQ–1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle 

armed with the AGM–114 Hellfire missile.

A Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle is 

towed back to its hangar following a mission 

at a deployed location in Southwest Asia. 

An Airman inspects a satellite dish at Thule Air 

Base, Greenland as it rotates to track a satellite.

The Predator is operational, 

and by 2010, we will expand 

its capability from 10 to 21 total 

CAPs to meet increased COCOM 

and warfighter demands. 
28	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Recapitalizing and Modernizing the force	 29

RC–135 Rivet Joint

The RC–135 Rivet Joint continues its four 

decades of success in providing SIGINT 

capabilities across the full spectrum of 

Joint operations and national information 

needs. Most missions directly support 

OEF and OIF tactical operations, adding 

to Rivet Joint’s outstanding record 

of accomplishment and continuous 

presence in CENTCOM since 1990.

In addition to mission equipment upgrades, 

we have completed re-engining and 

cockpit modernization, keeping the 

force viable until 2040. In 2007, the Air 

Force will procure Rivet Joint 17, a GWOT 

acquisition for additional medium-altitude 

SIGINT capacity.

Rivet Joint has become the cornerstone 

of an airborne targeting modernization 

effort known as Net-Centric Collaborative 

Targeting. Rivet Joint has demonstrated 

the capability to horizontally integrate 

C4ISR assets across the entire Joint Force 

and dramatically improve target location 

accuracy, timeliness and identification.

Joint Surveillance Target 

Attack Radar System

The E–8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack 

Radar System (Joint STARS) is an airborne 

battle management, command and 

control, intelligence, surveillance, and 

reconnaissance platform. Its primary 

mission is to provide theater ground and 

air commanders with surface moving 

target indications (SMTI) and tailored 

surveillance in support of operations 

and targeting. Joint STARS has been a 

significant contributor to US Air Force 

fighting effectiveness in Operations 

DESERT STORM, JOINT ENDEAVOR, 

ALLIED FORCE, OEF, and OIF. Continuing 

modifications and enhancements will 

sustain Joint STARS viability beyond 2034.

E–3 Airborne Warning 

and Control System

The E–3 Airborne Warning and Control 

System (AWACS) is the premier airborne 

command and control platform in 

the DoD and a key element of all 

airborne operations. AWACS supports 

decentralized execution of the Joint 

air component missions and provides 

theater commanders with the ability 

to find, fix, track and target airborne or 

maritime threats, and to detect, locate 

and identify radars. AWACS has been 

the key airborne asset in all operations 

since its fielding in 1983. Our ongoing 

modernization of the platform will 

position AWACS to remain a viable 

airborne command and control platform 

beyond 2035.

Air and Space Operations Center

The Air and Space Operations Center 

(AOC) Weapon System is the Combined/

Joint Force Air Component Commander’s 

(C/JFACC’s) tool for employing air, 

space and cyberspace power. The AOC

enables decision-makers to focus and 

synchronize our air, space and cyber 

superiority, global attack, precision 

engagement, information superiority, 

and rapid global mobility capabilities 

across the full range of military 

operations in multiple, geographically 

separated arenas.

The AOC weapon system, with its 

Theater Battle Management Core System 

(TBMCS), has evolved significantly since 

its designation as a weapon system in 

2001. We used the Al Udeid Combined 

AOC model to establish the AOC Weapon 

System Block 10.1 baseline. Creating 

this baseline enabled us to standardize 

our development, procurement and 

presentation of C2 capabilities to 

Joint and Combined Commanders 

worldwide. Increment 10.1 standardizes 

configuration among the five deployed 

FALCONER systems, providing operators 

with greater and faster access to air 

battle management information. The 

program team efforts continue to 

A Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System 

aircraft liaison tracks an ongoing OIF mission 

from inside the Combined Air Operations Center. 

An RC–135 Rivet Joint 

flies over Afghanistan. 

An Airman uploads imagery maps for 

use onboard an E–8 Joint Surveillance 

Target Attack Radar System. 

The E–8C Joint STARS is the only airborne 

platform in operation that can maintain realtime

 ground surveillance over the battlefield. 

Electronic warfare specialists run diagnostic tests 

aboard an RC–135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance 

aircraft deployed to Southwest Asia. 

generate greater system performance for 

warfighters, with major improvements 

planned for delivery over the next 

two years. 

The Air Force has committed to continue 

evolving and modernizing our AOC

Weapon System through the FYDP, 

building toward a fully operational, crossdimensional C2 enterprise by FY14.

Battle Control System—Fixed

The Battle Control System—Fixed (BCS–F) 

system is a cooperative program with 

Canada. The system provides air defense 

and surveillance capability for the 

entire North American continent. BCS–F 

supports ONE and serves as the Air Force’s 

homeland defense battle management, 

command, and control system. The 

BCS–F system integrates data from 

multiple radar sensors providing tactical 

communications and data link capabilities 

with other military and civil systems 

responsible for air surveillance, air defense 

and control of sovereign US air space. 

Battle Control System—Mobile

The Battle Control System—Mobile 

(BCS–M) is the next generation of Low 

Density/ High Demand (LD/HD) groundbased tactical C2 nodes supporting 

the warfighter with theater air defense, 

airspace management, aircraft identification, wide-area surveillance and 

tactical data link management. These 

are the same missions the current legacy 

system, the Control and Reporting Center, 

performs in support of OIF, OEF, and ONE, 

as well as homeland defense activities 

such as counter-drug operations and 

special security events.

Air Force Distributed 

Common Ground System 

The Air Force Distributed Common Ground 

System (AF–DCGS) is the Air Force’s 

premier ISR Tasking, Collection, Processing, 

Exploitation and Dissemination (TCPED) 

weapon system. From reach back 

locations, AF–DCGS operators collect 

raw sensor data from the Global Hawk, 

Predator, and other platforms around 

the world, turn it into decision-quality 

intelligence in near-real-time, and 

send it directly to those in need at 

the Joint Task Force level and below. 

Its proven capabilities in sharing and 

correlating multi-source SIGINT, imagery 

intelligence, and signature intelligence 

data will be enhanced with the fielding 

of the AF–DCGS Block 10.2, which is 

leading the way in DoD’s net-centric ISR 

enterprise transformation.

Global Reach

America’s Airmen provide not only the long legs and heavy lifting for Joint 

warfighters’ rapid global mobility, but 

also the long arms for global strike and 

high endurance for global persistence 

and presence. On a daily basis, Air Force 

mobility forces support all DoD branches 

as well as other government agency 

operations all over the world. Increased 

demand and decreased availability 

underscore the critical need for tanker 

recapitalization and investment to ensure 

the long-term viability of this national 

capability. Without prudent, timely 

investment, our national defense, global 

vigilance, reach, presence and power are 

put in serious peril.

Tanker Recapitalization

Aerial refueling capability is essential to 

the expeditionary nature of America’s 

armed forces. Aerial refueling serves as a 

Joint force multiplier, providing American 

and coalition air forces with increased 

range, persistence, and endurance. We are 

committed to maintaining an inventory of 

tankers that guarantees the projection of 

US combat power.

For the past 50 years, the Air Force’s 

primary tanker platform has been 

the KC–135, and it has served with An aircrew exercises a C–17’s semi-prepared 

runway take off and landing capabilities.

F–16 fighters flying Combat Air 

Patrol over Washington, D.C. 

At a distributed ground station, an Airman 

conducts quality control during a Predator 

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle training mission. 

Airmen in the Combined Air 

Operations Center on the Arabian 

Peninsula monitor the status of OIF. 

Without prudent, timely 

investment, our national 

defense, global vigilance, 

reach, presence and power 

are put in serious peril.

Rivet Joint has demonstrated the 

capability to horizontally integrate C4ISR 

assets across the entire Joint Force and 

dramatically improve target location 

accuracy, timeliness and identification.
30	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Recapitalizing and Modernizing the force	 31

distinction. However, we are carrying 

great risk operating this aircraft beyond 

expected service life. Some of the oldest 

models already operate well beyond 

the point of cost-effective repair. Tanker 

recapitalization is not a new idea. In 1999, 

a thorough GAO report presaged the 

declining operational utility of our aging 

tankers and underscored the need for 

immediate investments in recapitalization. 

Given the increased operational requirements of the GWOT, procurement of 

a new tanker aircraft—the KC–X—has 

become both an operational necessity 

and the most fiscally prudent option to 

maintain America’s global presence and 

expeditionary capabilities.

The KC–X is our number one procurement 

priority. KC–X tankers will provide 

increased aircraft availability, more 

adaptable technology, and greater overall 

capability than the current inventory of 

KC–135E and KC–135R tankers they will 

replace. Enhancements in every aspect of 

aircraft operation will provide the Joint 

warfighter with more flexible employment 

options. It is imperative we begin a 

program of smart, steady reinvestment in 

a new tanker—coupled with measured, 

timely retirements of the oldest, least 

capable tankers. Recapitalizing our tankers 

will ensure the viability of the vital national 

capability they provide.

Intra-Theater Airlift

The Air Force has a two-pronged approach 

to modernize America’s intra-theater airlift 

capabilities. First, we are striving to replace 

our oldest aircraft with a mixture of new 

C–130Js and Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA). 

The JCA offers the potential for additional 

solutions to the Air Force’s intra-theater 

airlift recapitalization strategy. JCA will 

provide a modern mobility platform suited 

to accessing an array of demanding and 

remote worldwide locations, including 

short, unimproved and austere airfields.

Second, we will standardize remaining 

C–130s via the C–130 Avionics 

Modernization Program (AMP) and 

center-wing box replacement programs. 

C–130 modernization extends operational 

lifetime, reduces operation and sustainment costs, and increases the combat 

effectiveness of our intra-theater 

airlift capability.

For decades, C–130s have been the 

workhorses for intra-theater airlift during 

numerous contingences. Additionally, the 

C–17 has done a superb job augmenting 

the C–130s in the intra-theater airlift role. 

Similarly, the new C–130Js, which are far 

more capable than legacy C–130s, have 

proved their worth supporting GWOT 

and humanitarian operations since 

December 2004.

Inter-Theater Airlift

The C–17 continues its outstanding 

support for Joint operations across the 

spectrum of conflict. During the past year, 

C–17s flew over 44,000 sorties, bringing 

the total number of OEF and OIF missions 

to over 123,000. Additionally, the C–17 

flew 900 humanitarian and disaster relief 

sorties following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita 

and Wilma, as well as the Southeast Asian 

tsunami, Pakistani earthquake, and the 

Lebanon non-combatant evacuation 

operations. Given this high operational 

tempo, the Air Force appreciates 

congressional action to procure additional 

C–17s to sustain a fleet of 190. 

During 2006, the Air Force’s other heavy 

lifter, the C–5 Galaxy, flew 5,500 sorties in 

support of the GWOT. Since 11 September 

2001, C–5 have flown over 50,000 sorties 

in support of the Joint warfighter and 

provided humanitarian aid around the 

world. To keep the C–5 mission capable 

and maximize capability, the Air Force is 

continuing the C–5 Avionics Modernization 

Program (AMP) and the Reliability 

Enhancement and Re-engining Program 

(RERP). The AMP and RERP efforts ensure 

compliance with emerging airspace 

requirements, upgrade aircraft propulsion, 

and improve over 70 other unreliable C–5 

systems, enabling this large airlifter to 

remain viable through 2040.

Humanitarian aide in Dadaab, Kenya, after being 

delivered by C–130 Hercules aircrews assigned to 

Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa. 

A KC–135 Stratotanker 

refuels an F–22A Raptor. 

Airmen and Soldiers from the Contingency 

Aeromedical Staging Facility transfer 

a patient to a C–17 Globemaster III. 

Pararescue personnel jump out 

of a C–130 Hercules over the 

Nevada Test and Training Range. 

Together, the C–17 and C–5 weapons 

systems provide complementary 

capabilities and are critical to meeting 

our US inter-theater airlift requirements 

today and in the future—for the entire 

Joint force.

Space Launch Operations

The Air Force continues to fulfill its role 

as the guardian of the world’s premier 

gateways to space and America’s vital 

national space launch capabilities. 

Space launch is another element of Air 

Force space capability that is vital to 

American global military, political and 

economic success.

With fourteen operational launch 

successes, the Evolved Expendable Launch 

Vehicle (EELV) program provides assured 

access to space in support of operational 

requirements. In FY 2007, we expect to 

continue building upon our DoD launch 

successes with seven EELV and three 

Delta II launches.

Launch and Test Range System

The Eastern and Western Ranges, located 

at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, 

Florida and Vandenberg AFB, California, 

respectively, comprise the Launch and Test 

Range System (LTRS). The LTRS, part of the 

DoD’s Major Range and Test Facility Base 

(MRTFB) infrastructure, provides tracking, 

telemetry, communications, command and 

control to support the testing of ballistic 

missiles, precision weapons, national 

missile defense and advanced aeronautical 

systems. The LTRS also provides the 

vital infrastructure necessary to support 

manned and unmanned space launches 

for DoD, National, civil and commercial 

space missions. We will continue LRTS

modernization and further reinforce our 

capabilities to ensure space launch safety 

and mission success. 

Global Power

T

he US Air Force provides the Joint Team 

a historically unprecedented ability to 

deliver a precise, tailored effects whenever, 

and wherever and however needed—

kinetic and non-kinetic, lethal and 

non-lethal, at the speed of sound and at 

the speed of light. It is an integrated crossdimensional capability that rests on our 

ability to control air, space and cyber. We 

exploit these domains to hold at risk any 

target on the surface of the Earth. As we 

continue to transform this capability, we 

will focus on expanding our effectiveness 

in multiple dimensions. We will continue 

to refine our abilities to deliver lethal and 

non-lethal effects at the time and place of 

our choosing, shortening the sensor-toshooter “kill chain.”

Combat Search and Rescue

Uniquely within DoD the Air Force 

organizes, trains and equips dedicated 

forces for Combat Search and Rescue 

(CSAR) mission. Air Force CSAR crews fulfill 

our absolute moral imperative to safely 

secure and return all of our Airmen and any 

member of our Joint team. 

We are recapitalizing this vital combat 

capability with the CSAR–X aircraft. This 

effort represents one of our top Air Force 

acquisition priorities. These modern aircraft 

will enable COCOMs to recover isolated 

Joint or coalition personnel engaged across 

the spectrum of military operations as well 

as perform non-combatant evacuation and 

disaster relief operations. 

CSAR–X aircraft will relieve the high 

OPSTEMPO strain placed on the current 

LD/HD inventory of HH–60G Pave Hawk 

helicopters, and they will present COCOMs 

with key combat and non-combat 

mission options.

This new aircraft will dramatically improve 

Air Force CSAR mission capabilities. It will 

provide our personnel recovery forces 

with an aircraft that is quickly deployable 

and capable of operations from austere 

locations. It will operate day or night, 

A Delta IV heavy 

launch vehicle. 

Air Force pararescueman fast roping 

from an HH–60G Pave Hawk in Baghdad. 

An F–15C Eagle

patrols the sky. 

We will continue to refine our 

abilities to deliver lethal and 

non-lethal effects at the time and 

place of our choosing, shortening 

the sensor-to-shooter “kill chain.”
32	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Recapitalizing and Modernizing the force	 33

during adverse weather conditions, and 

in all environments including nuclear, 

biological and chemical conditions. 

On-board defensive capabilities will 

permit the CSAR–X aircraft to operate in 

an increased threat environment, and 

in-flight refueling will provide an airborne 

alert capability and extend its combat 

mission range.

These increased capabilities are crucial 

to meeting current and future Joint 

operational needs, while providing 

greater capability to Air Force CSAR 

forces, “that others may live.”

F–35A Lightning II

The F–35A Lightning II JSF is a fifthgeneration multi-role strike fighter 

aircraft optimized for air-to-ground 

attack. The F–35A is the Conventional 

Take-off and Landing (CTOL) variant, 

and it will recapitalize F–117, F–16 

and A–10 combat capabilities. The 

F–35A will complement the capabilities 

of the F–22A. Like the Raptor, the 

F–35A reaps the benefits of decades of 

advanced research, development and 

field experience.

The F–35A will provide affordable 

precision engagement and global attack 

capabilities for the Air Force, Navy, 

Marines, and our international partners. 

In 2006, the JSF program delivered 

the first CTOL variant test aircraft 

and completed its first flight on 15 

December 2006.

Next Generation 

Long Range Strike

Range and payload are the soul of 

an Air Force. These elements form 

the foundation of strategic military 

deterrence. The LRS mission, a primary 

reason the Air Force became a separate 

Service in 1947, continues as a vital 

and unique Air Force contribution 

to national defense. The Air Force 

has a three-phased strategy to help 

ensure the US meets its enduring LRS

capability requirements. Phase One 

includes near-term maintenance and 

modernization of current bombers and 

air-to surface weapons.

By 2018 and in accordance with QDR 

goals, Phase Two will deliver a new LRS

bomber incorporating highly advanced 

technologies. This next generation 

bomber will combine speed, stealth, 

payload, and improved avionics/sensors 

suites. This new bomber will bring 

America’s bomber forces up to the 

same high standard we are setting with 

our F–22A and F–35A fifth-generation 

fighters. It will ensure our bomber force 

will continue to be effective in meeting 

COCOMs’ global needs across the full 

range of military operations. The Analysis 

of Alternatives will be complete in the 

spring of 2007.

In Phase Three, the Air Force plans to field 

a revolutionary LRS capability in the 2035 

time frame using an advanced system-ofsystems approach. We expect technology 

maturation to yield advancements in 

several areas, including hypersonic 

propulsion, advanced materials and 

non-kinetic weapons.

F–22A Raptor

The F–22A Raptor is the Air Force’s 

primary air superiority fighter, providing 

unmatched capabilities for operational 

access, homeland defense, cruise missile 

defense and force protection for the Joint 

Team. The F–22A’s combination of speed, 

stealth, maneuverability and integrated 

avionics gives this remarkable aircraft the 

ability to penetrate denied, anti-access 

environments. The F–22A’s unparalleled 

ability to find, fix, track, and target enemy 

air- and surface-based threats ensures 

Official rollout of the 

F–35A Lightning II. 

A B–52 Stratofortress launches a JointDirect Attack Munition as part of its 

Weapons Systems Evaluation Program. 

An F–22A Raptor on the 

flightline during Red Flag. 

A B–2 Spirit over 

Andersen AFB, Guam.

This next generation 

bomber will combine speed, 

stealth, payload, and improved 

avionics/sensors suites. This new bomber 

will bring America’s bomber forces 

up to the same high standard we 

are setting with our F–22A and 

F–35A fifth–generation fighters.

air dominance and freedom of maneuver 

for all Joint forces. In addition, the F–22A

is the only airborne system in the US

military that can conduct network-centric 

warfare and provide ISR capability from 

inside adversary battlespace in the 

opening moments of any contingency.

Until the F–22A became operational in 

2005, America’s Air Force had not fielded 

a new fighter since the 1970s. Today, 

combat-capable Raptors are in full-rate 

production on the world’s only fifthgeneration fighter production line. As 

of 1 January 2007, 84 aircraft have been 

delivered, including 44 combat coded 

aircraft, and another 25 are in production. 

The first operational F–22A unit declared 

initial operational capability at Langley 

AFB, Virginia in December 2005,. The 

second operational F–22A unit will 

pick up the AEF rotation in May 2007. 

Meanwhile, the third operational unit is 

standing up at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska 

with a projected AEF rotation of May 

2008. We will also station a fourth unit 

at Elmendorf, followed by fifth and sixth 

units at Holloman AFB, New Mexico and 

the seventh unit at Hickam AFB, HI.

The F–22A flew its first operational 

mission in support of ONE in January 

2006, participated in the Alaskan 

NORTHERN EDGE exercise in July 

2006, and is preparing for upcoming 

AEF deployments.

MQ–9 Reaper

Similar to its smaller MQ–1 Predator 

sibling, the MQ–9 Reaper is a mediumaltitude, multi-role, long endurance 

UAV that will provide persistent ISR and 

improved strike capabilities to COCOMs. 

MQ–9 incorporates MQ–1 operational 

design improvements, a larger airframe, 

battle-proven sensors, full motion digital 

video, ROVER connectivity and expanded 

munitions capability.

Initial mission capability will begin at 

Nellis AFB Nevada, with future expansion 

to New York ANG. In 2007, we expect to 

continue rigorous MQ–9 development 

and demonstration, as well as operational 

employment with pre-production aircraft 

to meet urgent Joint warfighter needs.

The MQ–9, like the MQ–1, will also 

incorporate Target Location Accuracy 

improvements to support GPS-guided 

munitions. Ultimately, the MQ–9 will 

provide theater commanders with 

expanded employment options in a 

vastly improved Hunter-Killer UAV, 

incorporating a larger payload, automatic 

cueing, and self-contained capabilities to 

strike time sensitive and hard targets. 

CV–22 Osprey

The Air Force will procure 50 CV–22s, 

with an Initial Operational Capability 

scheduled for FY09. The CV–22 is a 

V–22 tilt-rotor aircraft designed to meet 

a US Special Operations Command 

(USSOCOM) requirement for longrange infiltration, exfiltration, and 

re-supply of Special Operations Forces. 

The CV–22’s advanced systems include 

Terrain Following/Terrain Avoidance 

Radar, Integrated RF Countermeasures, 

Directional Infrared Countermeasures, the 

Multi-mission Advanced Tactical Terminal, 

and additional fuel tanks and tactical 

communications gear.

Global Positioning System

The Global Positioning System (GPS) 

constellation serves as a global utility 

for precision navigation and timing. GPS

is yet another Air Force mission that 

has become vital to American military 

and global economic activity. As with 

all elements of the Air Force space 

mission, we are dedicated to ensuring 

uninterrupted continuity of GPS services.

GPS modernization continues in 2007 

with additional launches of GPS IIR–M 

satellites. The GPS IIR–M satellites will 

provide a new military signal more 

resistant to jamming and a new civil signal 

for improved position accuracy for civil, 

commercial, and recreational GPS users. 

The follow-on system, GPS IIF, will provide 

A CV–22 arrives at Air Force Special 

Operations Command as part of Hurlburt 

Field’s Heritage to Horizon commemoration.

A telemetry analyst coordinates countdown 

procedures as seconds tick away toward the 

launch of Global Positioning System IIR–M 15 

from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. 

An Airman runs through a procedure for the 

Global Positioning System satellites providing 

navigation data to military and civilian users. 

The MQ–9 “Reaper” is an extremely 

lethal and combat-capable killer scout. 
34	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Recapitalizing and Modernizing the force	 35

IIR–M capabilities plus an additional civil 

signal for aviation safety-of-flight services. 

The development of the next-generation 

GPS–III will further enhance navigation 

and precision-engagement capabilities 

and improve resistance to jamming, as 

well as add a third civil signal compatible 

with the European Galileo System.

Counter Communications System

As part of the broader Counterspace 

mission, the ground-based, theaterdeployable CCS provides COCOMs with 

a non-destructive, reversible capability 

to deny space-based communication 

services to our adversaries. CCS enhances 

our capability to ensure air, space and 

cyberspace superiority for the Nation. 

We plan to procure three additional 

operational CCS and one training system. 

This comprises the full complement 

of systems for two Space Control 

Squadrons. We will continue block 

upgrades to the CCS to enhance our 

Offensive Counterspace capabilities and 

begin pre-acquisition work for the next 

generation CCS.

Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles

America’s ICBM force remains the 

foundation of our Nation’s nuclear 

deterrent capability. Modernization 

programs are crucial to the Minuteman 

ICBM, which, when initially deployed 

in the 1960s, were designed to last ten 

years. Service life extension programs are 

underway to ensure the Minuteman III

remains mission capable through 2020. 

These programs replace obsolete, failing, 

and environmentally unsound materials, 

while maintaining missile reliability, 

survivability, security and sustainability. 

These efforts are critical to sustaining 

the ICBM force and are vital to America’s 

nuclear deterrent posture.

Operationally Responsive Space

The Air Force intends to continue 

its demonstration, acquisition, and 

deployment of an effective Operationally 

Responsive Space (ORS) capability in 

support of the DoD’s focus on meeting 

the urgent needs of the COCOM.

ORS includes the ability to launch, 

activate and employ low-cost, militarily 

useful satellites to provide surge 

capability, reconstitute damaged or 

incapacitated satellites, or provide timely 

availability of tailored or new capabilities. 

ORS capabilities can lead to long-term 

benefits by advancing technology, 

improving space acquisitions, enhancing 

the skills of the technical workforce, and 

broadening the space industrial base.

Space Development and Test Wing 

In 2006, the Air Force established the 

Space Development and Test Wing 

(SDTW), headquartered at Kirtland 

AFB, New Mexico, to focus on the 

development and testing of orbital assets 

with the goal of encouraging innovation 

in the space mission area.

One of the Wing’s responsibilities 

is ORS. Working with other services 

and agencies, it will perform concept 

development, design, manufacturing, 

and operation of small satellites, as well 

as other activities required to support 

the fielding of ORS capabilities. As 

capabilities are developed and fielded, 

the wing will directly interface with 

user organizations responsible for 

employing ORS capabilities in Joint and 

coalition operations.

During FY07, we will develop a plan 

further refining ORS. This plan will fully 

define ORS roles and missions, along with 

the organization and reporting structure. 

In addition, we plan to develop specific 

acquisition policies, implementation 

schedules, funding, and personnel 

requirements to support deployment of 

ORS capabilities.

A space system operator monitors orbiting space 

objects at the Ballistic Missile Early Warning 

System site on Thule Air Base, Greenland. 

A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile 

launches from Vandenberg AFB, California.

This large blast door leads to a Launch 

Control Center at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.

Science and Technology

T

rue to our history over the past century 

of powered flight, the Air Force continues 

to maintain the most complex, diverse and 

ambitious Science and Technology (S&T) 

portfolio of all the Services. History clearly 

demonstrates the broad benefits to America 

of our S&T efforts, in terms of military power, 

industrial capability, economic growth, 

educational richness, cultural wealth, 

and national prestige. Examples include 

aerospace technology and propulsion, 

materials science, advanced computing 

and communications, atmospheric science, 

remote sensing and satellite navigation. 

What has been good for the Air Force has 

been great for America. We are committed 

to building upon this heritage.

The Air Force S&T Program develops, 

demonstrates and tests technologies and 

advanced warfighting capabilities against 

the spectrum of 21st century threats. 

As we continue to adapt to a volatile 

and uncertain world, today’s focused 

investment in our S&T Program will 

strive to produce the future warfighting 

capabilities needed to ensure America’s 

continued technological pre-eminence 

and military flexibility. Additionally, Air 

Force S&T organizations work closely with 

the other Services, Defense Agencies, 

Intelligence Community, and other 

Federal agencies, such as the National 

Aeronautics and Space Administration, 

as well as partner nations. Through 

these partnerships, we leverage 

efforts, share information, and advance 

state-of-the-art technologies.

The Air Force S&T Program provides the 

foundation for future Joint warfighting 

capabilities, focusing on dominance of 

the air, space and cyberspace domains 

for America.

Improving Energy Efficiency

The Air Force is taking the lead in reducing 

the DoD’s dependence on foreign oil. As the 

DoD’s leading consumer of jet fuel, we are 

currently engaged in evaluating alternative 

fuels and engine technologies leading to 

greater fuel efficiency. Air Force efforts focus 

on high-efficiency aerodynamic concepts, 

advanced gas turbines and variable cycle 

engines providing higher performance and 

greater efficiency.

As a part of this effort, the Air Force is 

performing flight tests on a B–52 using a 

blend of MILSPEC JP–8 fuel and a synthetic 

fuel derived from natural gas. We plan to 

continue airworthiness certification testing 

of synthetic fuel. 

Cyber Technology

Fulfilling its role as a leader in the 

Information Age, the Air Force is 

exploring technologies and concepts 

of operations within the cyberspace 

domain. Air Force Cyberspace initiatives 

will provide tools for offensive and 

defensive cyberspace operations as well 

as bolster our information assurance 

capabilities. The Air Force is investing in 

technology concepts to ensure reliable, 

operational links between individuals 

and systems—in addition to machineto-machine interfaces—to ensure 

cyberspace dominance, information 

delivery, situational awareness, and rich 

connectivity across the Joint Team. 

Small Satellites

The Air Force is pursuing development 

of small satellite technologies, including 

modular buses with “plug-n-play” payloads, 

along with the development of low-cost 

launch systems. We aim to provide a greater 

range of responsive space applications 

for the tactical warfighter. Small satellite 

technology demonstrations have achieved 

lighter payloads and reduced development 

and integration timelines. Additionally, 

these achievements serve to mitigate 

technology risks for larger, more complex 

satellite programs in development. Small 

Airmen monitor internet activity to maintain 

security of Air Force computer networks. 

The Air Force is using B–52 engines 

to test a synthetic fuel blend as 

an alternative to JP–8 aviation fuel. 

The Air Force continues to operationalize 

cyberspace as a warfighting domain. 

The Air Force Instant Messenger and Global Internet 

Mail programs help ease the stress of deployments. 

History clearly demonstrates 

the broad benefits to America 

of our S&T efforts, in terms of military 

power, industrial capability, economic 

growth, educational richness, cultural 

wealth, and national prestige. 

ORS capabilities can lead to long-term 

benefits by advancing technology, 

improving space acquisitions, enhancing 

the skills of the technical workforce, and 

broadening the space industrial base.
36	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Delivering Excellence	 37

satellites with operationally responsive 

payloads could potentially provide either 

specifically tailored, stand-alone capabilities, 

or rapid augmentation capability for a 

satellite or constellation of satellites that 

suffer failure or attack. 

Directed Energy

Directed energy weapons will profoundly 

transform how we fly, fight, and defend 

ourselves, and we are integrating them 

into our broader cyber operations effort. As 

lasers and radio frequency weapons find 

applications in the battlespace, their ability 

to operate at the speed of light will change 

both offensive and defensive capabilities 

and tactics. New designs and technology 

may be necessary to offer adequate 

protection for our people and capabilities.

Weapons in development include the 

Airborne Laser (ABL), a large aircraft carrying 

the High Energy Laser for missile defense. 

Additionally, the Active Denial System has 

demonstrated the viability for a long-range, 

non-lethal, anti-personnel weapon.

These systems benefit from many years of 

technology development. Revolutionary 

technologies continue to be developed. 

These include versatile high power 

solid-state lasers; devices for aircraft selfprotection; higher power Active Denial 

components for airborne applications; relay 

mirrors to extend the range of systems like 

ABL; and high power microwave devices 

to disable electronics covertly without 

affecting structures or people.

Hypersonics

The Air Force is a world leader in the 

development of practical hypersonic airbreathing propulsion. Hypersonic research, 

relating to flight speeds greater than five 

times the speed of sound, offers dramatically 

reduced time-to-target for conventional 

weapons and, in the future, may provide 

“airplane-like” on-demand access to space. 

Our effort involving supersonic-combustionramjets (Scramjets)—specifically our 

planned flight tests of the X–51 Scramjet 

Engine Demonstrator—highlights our 

commitment to maintaining America’s 

leading role in this field.

We also expect advanced hypersonic 

munitions technologies to improve 

penetration capabilities and decrease 

collateral damage. These characteristics 

will allow us to expand our target attack 

ability, particularly in urban environments 

and against time critical, hardened, and 

buried targets.

Composites

Air Force S&T is exploring advancements 

in composite structures and manufacturing technologies for lightweight 

unconventional aircraft shapes. Example 

applications include short take-off and 

landing capabilities, high-lift aircraft wing 

systems, integrated propulsion inlet/diffuser 

geometries, and integrated flight control 

surfaces. We expect these efforts to shorten 

development times for next generation 

aircraft with lighter, stronger airframes 

offering far greater mission utility than 

legacy aircraft. 

Simultaneously, we are addressing 

sustainment of composite structures, in 

order to ensure future aircraft built with 

these materials will be readily maintainable 

and serviceable.

Nanotechnology

Investment in nanotechnologies 

could provide stronger and lighter air 

vehicle structures including potential 

applications in unmanned vehicles. Other 

nano-materials show promise as highperformance water-repellant coatings. 

These coatings may protect Air Force 

systems against corrosion and chemical/

biological contaminants, providing 

significant savings in maintenance costs 

and extending the lifetime of aircraft and 

other military equipment. 

Airmen operate an airborne tracking 

laser during an experiment with 

future directed-energy weapons.

NASA’s B–52 launch aircraft cruises to a test 

range carrying an X–43A hypersonic research 

aircraft attached to a Pegasus rocket. 

The B–2’s composite materials, 

special coatings and flying-wing design 

all contribute to its “stealthiness.” 

A Minotaur I rocket lifts off carrying 

the TacSat–2 micro satellite as well 

as NASA’s GeneSat–1 spacecraft. 

Directed energy weapons will 

profoundly transform how 

we fly, fight, and defend ourselves, 

and we are integrating them into our 

broader cyber operations effort. 

Delivering Excellence

Fighting the GWOT, developing and caring for our Airmen and their families, and recapitalizing and 

modernizing the Air Force all require substantial national resources.

Throughout 2006, the Air Force embarked on several forward-leaning initiatives to improve our organization, 

efficiency, agility and lethality. We are committed to good stewardship of America’s resources, while 

strengthening America’s current and future air, space and cyberspace capabilities.

The Air Force is making strides in a range of activities and through multiple, overlapping initiatives to improve what the QDR refers 

to as “reshaping the defense enterprise.” The Air Force is moving toward financial transparency and reinforcing our culture of 

efficiency and process improvement through the AFSO21 initiative. We are also transforming our approach to infrastructure and 

maintenance, executing an aggressive energy strategy, and reforming our acquisition practices—emphasizing a “Back to Basics” 

approach to space acquisitions, in particular.

All of these efforts will lead to greater efficiency, lower operating costs, and greater availability of resources for recapitalization 

and modernization of critical Air Force capabilities. In short, our Airmen are striving to provide an even higher return on 

America’s national security investments.
38	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Delivering Excellence	 39

Air Force Smart 

Operations for 

the 21st Century

T

o meet the challenges of this 

environment and the road ahead, 

we have embarked on an Air Forcewide effort embracing efficiency and 

process improvement. AFSO21 applies 

many concepts developed and proven 

in industry—Lean, Business Process 

Reengineering, Six Sigma, and Theory of 

Constraints methodologies. We expect 

significant savings from this initiative.

The AFSO21 vision is to increase combat 

capability by integrating process 

improvement into the culture of all of 

the Active Duty, Air National Guard and 

Reserve Airmen, as well as our civilians and 

contractors. All Airmen must understand 

their role in improving daily processes. 

AFSO21 identifies and eliminates activities, 

actions and policies that do not contribute 

to efficient and effective operations.

We seek several outcomes from AFSO21. 

First, we want all Airmen to be fully aware 

of the importance of their work—how they 

contribute directly to the Air Force mission 

and national defense. Second, we will strive 

to improve safety and maintain quality of 

life for all Air Force personnel. Third, we push 

to decrease process cycle times, thereby 

increasing our ability to respond to rapidly 

changing demands. Fourth, we aim to cut 

costs and free up funds for modernization. 

Finally, we seek to eliminate waste.

Process changes have occurred at every 

level of the Air Force, resulting in significant 

savings. We have more work to do, but 

institutionalizing AFSO21 concepts into 

daily operations allows us to meet the 

enormous challenges of the next decade 

and ultimately sustain and modernize 

the world’s premier air, space and 

cyberspace force. 

An AFSO21 official observes maintenance 

improvements at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

AFSO21 identifies and eliminates 

activities, actions and policies 

that do not contribute to efficient 

and effective operations.

Business Transformation

The Air Force vision of Business 

Transformation creates rapid and 

predictive operational support and leads 

to greater situational awareness for 

commanders. Our high-level Business 

Transformation goals include improving 

warfighter effectiveness through fast, 

flexible, agile, horizontally integrated 

processes and systems; establishing a 

culture of continuous process improvement; 

achieving efficiencies allowing us to return 

resources for the recapitalization of aging 

weapons systems and infrastructure; and 

creating an acquisition process unparalleled 

in the federal government. 

National Defense Authorization Act 

Certification and Portfolio Management

The Air Force fully leverages DoD 

enterprise transition planning and DoDmandated certification reviews. We ensure 

business systems development supports 

the effects and capabilities articulated 

in the Agile Combat Support concept of 

operations. These certification reviews have 

resulted in the shutdown and elimination 

of hundreds of legacy systems and allowed 

us to redirect additional resources to 

critical warfighting requirements. 

Transparency

The Air Force is accelerating efforts 

to deliver authoritative information 

to decision makers at all levels, 

improving information availability 

and quality, realizing warfighter crossservice information requirements, and 

implementing DoD-wide information 

priorities. We will achieve transparency by 

using correct information at all echelons—

trustworthy, traceable, auditable, and 

valuable. We will support cross-domain 

or cross-mission efforts by defining 

architecture and information standards 

necessary for easy discovery, use and 

reuse of data. 

Clean Audit Quick Look

Warfighters perform their missions 

with increasingly limited resources and 

manpower. Decision-makers at every 

level need the best information when 

allocating these scarce resources. To 

achieve greater levels of information 

fidelity, the Air Force is committed 

to improving transparency in its 

business processes, to include Financial 

Management. A Clean Audit Opinion 

defines a major objective of this 

commitment. Financial transparency 

requires the Air Force to have processes 

and procedures in place ensuring data is 

accurately collected at the source, flows 

efficiently through to reporting systems 

and analytical tools, and is error-free.

The Air Force Information Reliability 

and Integration (AFIR&I) plan is our road 

map toward financial transparency. It is 

a key component of the DoD Financial 

Improvement and Audit Readiness (FIAR) 

Plan aimed at improving DoD financial 

health. The AFIR&I Action Plan reinforces 

our ongoing commitment to ensuring the 

absolute highest level of stewardship of 

our Nation’s investments in the Air Force. 

Airmen taking part in a readiness training exercise at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

An Airman checks a pallet at the Cargo 

Movement Center inbound section 

at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. 

An Airman clarifies an inprocessing 

form for a finance customer.
40	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Delivering Excellence	 41

Energy Conservation

We are pursuing an aggressive energy strategy and are committed to meeting 

and surpassing the energy goals mandated 

by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 05) 

and other national policies. We successfully 

reduced our energy consumption in 

accordance with past legislation and 

continue to use a variety of programs 

aimed at reducing our use of fossil fuels 

and controlling cost growth. Our vision 

creates a culture where Airmen make energy 

considerations in all their actions. We aim 

to implement our vision with solutions that 

include alternate sources of domestic energy 

as well as an aggressive drive for greater 

efficiency in our facilities and vehicles.

The Air Force remains the largest renewable energy purchaser in the US. Our 

commitment to install 18 megawatts of 

solar photovoltaic energy at Nellis AFB is 

one example of our pursuit of on-base 

renewable power generation. Currently 37 

bases meet some portion of their base-wide 

electrical requirements from commercial 

sources of wind, solar, geothermal or 

biomass. We have several projects planned, 

in design, or under construction to expand 

this capability. With our combined purchase 

and production strategy, the Air Force is 

poised to surpass the renewable goals set 

by the Energy Policy Act. 

The Air Force applies sustainable 

development concepts in the planning, 

design, construction and operation of 

facilities using the Leadership in Energy 

and Environmental Design (LEED) 

certification process. Our long-term 

goal is to ensure 100 percent of eligible 

new facilities are LEED certifiable by 

FY09. This complements our use of 

facilities construction and infrastructure 

improvement programs designed to 

create cost effective energy efficiencies 

in new and existing facilities. 

We have also taken an aggressive stance 

on replacing our existing general-purpose 

vehicles with low speed vehicles (LSVs) 

without adversely affecting peacetime 

or wartime mission requirements. This 

measure will reduce vehicle acquisition 

cost, fuel expenditures and ozonedepleting exhaust emissions and free up 

funds for use in other critical areas. Our 

goal is to replace 30 percent of generalpurpose vehicles with LSVs by FY10. 

Coupled with the goal to replace 100 

percent our general-purpose vehicles with 

alternative fuel vehicles, the Air Force is 

taking the lead in the use of alternative 

energy technologies.

Acquisition Excellence

T

he Air Force continues its goal of 

streamlining the acquisition process to 

providing efficient and responsive services 

to the warfighter. A number of completed 

and ongoing projects have contributed to 

the improvement of acquisition, and FY08 

promises more progress.

We have revitalized the Acquisition 

Strategy Panel, providing a systematic and 

disciplined approach to develop an effective 

acquisition program roadmap. The newly 

developed Air Force Review Board process 

provides a structured and repeatable 

system that aids decision-making on critical 

aspects of selected acquisition programs. 

We have also streamlined periodic 

review processes by combining several 

independent reviews into a single event, 

saving preparation and travel time.

Airmen test the new Global Electric Motorcars 

Lackland AFB, Texas, is using to conserve energy. 

An Airman inspects the fuel system 

at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

The alternate energy source HydraFLX System is loaded onto 

a C–17 Globemaster III to demonstrate its mobile capability. 

In 2006, the Defense Acquisition Performance Assessment (DAPA) made a number 

of recommendations for improving the 

acquisition system. The Air Force is in the 

process of evaluating and implementing 

key recommendations of the DAPA report. 

For example, the Air Force is exploring the 

concept of Time Certain Development (TCD) 

as the next step in evolutionary acquisition. 

TCD involves structuring a program to 

deliver its initial capability to the warfighter 

at an explicitly specified (and much shorter) 

interval. Such a policy helps improve the 

responsiveness of the acquisition system 

and keeps our warfighting capabilities 

aligned to current threat conditions.

To enhance the credibility of the acquisition 

system, the Air Force is strengthening its 

efforts to analyze risks prior to initiation 

and execution of a program. The Air Force 

is prototyping the Probability of Program 

Success model, a framework for identifying 

and reporting risk issues that threaten a 

developer’s ability to deliver on time and 

budget. Use of this model has the potential 

to highlight risk areas requiring the program 

manager’s attention.

The Air Force is improving the source 

selection process, ensuring appropriate 

use of incentives, assessing current 

contracting organizational alignments, and 

implementing strategic sourcing strategies. 

We are committed to providing support 

of contingencies and to the warfighter by 

acquiring commodities and services by the 

most effective means possible. We continue 

to maintain the majority of the deployed 

contingency contracting assets in the Iraq/

Afghanistan AOR, and we remain dedicated 

to supporting the COCOMs through Joint 

and Air Force taskings.

The F–35A Lightning II Joint Strike 

Fighter simulator at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.

We are committed to providing support 

of contingencies and to the warfighter 

by acquiring commodities and services 

by the most effective means possible. 
42	 2007 USAF Posture Statement Delivering Excellence	 43

Space Acquisition

The Air Force is committed to revitalizing 

and restructuring its overall space acquisition strategy. We will build upon our 

heritage of providing unmatched space 

capabilities to meet national, COCOM, and 

Joint Force objectives by developing and 

executing more deliberate plans focused 

on cost and schedule containment. 

The Air Force “Back to Basics” initiative 

is part of our plan to improve space 

acquisitions. The initiative promotes a 

renewed emphasis on management 

techniques and engineering practices 

that lead to better definition of 

requirements as well as deliberate 

acquisition strategy planning. Clear and 

achievable requirements, appropriate 

resources, disciplined systems engineering, 

and effective management are the basic 

elements—the foundation upon which 

successful acquisition depends.

The “Back to Basics” initiative promotes 

a block approach strategy focused on 

delivering capability through value-added 

increments. This concept is consistent with 

current policy specifying “evolutionary 

acquisition as the preferred strategy” 

for DoD acquisition. Specific capability 

increments are based on a balance of 

capability, delivery timeline, technology 

maturity, risk, and budget. Well-defined 

increments reduce many of the instabilities plaguing our past efforts. We will 

deliberately apportion cost, schedule, and 

technical risk across these increments to 

meet the primary objective—delivering 

combat capability on a predictable 

timeline and at a predictable cost.

In 2006, the Air Force restructured two 

major programs to comply with the “Back 

to Basics” strategy initiative. We have 

restructured the GPS III and TSAT programs 

to reduce risk and define executable block 

strategies. We expect these changes to 

deliver warfighting capabilities in the least 

amount of time.

In 2007, the Air Force will expand the 

implementation of its “Back to Basics” 

initiative by deliberately and establishing 

block development strategies for a 

greater number of programs within the 

Air Force space portfolio. We will continue 

our conscientious efforts to stabilize 

requirements, funding, and workforce 

within program blocks. This strategy 

will place increased emphasis on cost 

Test engineers ready a Hypersonic 

Technology Vehicle-1 model. 

 Clear and achievable requirements, 

appropriate resources, disciplined 

systems engineering, and effective 

management are the basic elements—

the foundation upon which 

successful acquisition depends.

estimating, systems engineering, and risk 

management to provide capability to 

our warfighters. 

Small Business Programs

The Air Force employs over 129 small 

business professionals across the country. 

They strengthen our Nation’s industrial 

base through their advocacy for the small 

business community. They also identify 

future procurement opportunities for small 

businesses and refer these companies 

to potential Air Force customers. We 

surpassed our small business goals for the 

third consecutive year across all Air Force 

primary small business programs. Small 

business prime contract awards, in both 

dollars awarded and percentage of total 

procurement, increased in every category. 

We awarded a record $8B in Air Force 

contracts to small businesses, accounting 

for 16.9 percent of all awarded contract 

dollars. Additionally, we awarded $86M to 

Historically Black Colleges and Universities 

(HBCU) and other minority institutions, 

accounting for 9.1 percent of all awarded 

contract and grant dollars to institutions of 

higher education.

Operations and 

Maintenance 

Facility Projects

T

he Air Force will continue to prioritize 

investments in facilities and infrastructure 

critical to mission operations. Maintenance 

and repair of runways, weapons system 

facilities, utility systems, and training facilities 

represent the Air Force’s top projects. We will 

invest O&M funds to maximize the economic 

life and value of this critical infrastructure, 

minimizing mission disruptions. The Air Force 

continues to face significant challenges 

in preserving an aging inventory of utility 

systems, airfield pavements, and essential 

support facilities. 

Depot Maintenance Transformation

Throughout Air Force history, our depots 

have been vital to success. Our commitment 

to retain technically relevant depot-level 

maintenance and repair capability will 

ensure sustainment of the world’s dominant 

air, space and cyberspace capabilities 

beyond the next decade. We programmed 

investments in depot infrastructure, 

equipment, and personnel throughout 

FY04–FY09 in order to implement the 

Air Force Depot Maintenance Strategy 

and Master Plan. The Air Force strategy 

benchmarks industry standards to improve 

depot maintenance infrastructure, 

implement re-engineering initiatives, and 

transform depot processes to maintain 

“world-class” status.

Repair Enterprise

As an expeditionary air, space and cyberspace force, we challenged our logisticians 

to develop agile combat support concepts 

that enhance our current and future 

warfighting capabilities. Repair Enterprise 

(RE21) is a lean logistics initiative and an 

integral part of the Global Logistics Support 

Center (GLSC) concept of providing global 

logistics support to the Air Force. RE21 

leverages global visibility of all repair assets, 

centralized funds management, strategic 

sourcing, and partnerships with industry 

to provide the Air Force highly technical 

logistical support. The main RE21 goal is to 

establish an enterprise-wide single repair 

network supporting the entire Air Force 

supply chain and to optimize support to the 

warfighter through the GLSC.

C–5 Galaxy workers from Robins AFB, Georgia, received the 2006 Chief of Staff Excellence Award. 

Vehicle maintainers analyze data 

and check a faulty sensor.

Air Force contractors review progress of the fuel 

station project at Vandenberg AFB, California. 
44	 2007

USAF Posture StatementMinding thefuture	 45

Minding the Future

September 18th, 2007, will mark the 

60th Anniversary of the creation of our 

independent United States Air Force. This 

year, we commemorate this anniversary 

of our proud Service—a service born of 

revolutionary ideas, forged in combat, and 

proven through decades of progress and 

achievement. The mission of the Air Force 

remains to fly, fight and win—in, through 

and from air, space and cyberspace. 

While remembering our history and 

reaffirming our commitments to the 

current fight, we are ever mindful 

of the need for investment in future 

capabilities. We will remain focused on 

our top priorities: Fighting and Winning 

the GWOT; Developing and Caring for 

Our Airmen; and Recapitalizing and 

Modernizing the Force. Meeting these 

priorities has become more challenging 

in light of current fiscal constraints. 

Nonetheless, we will move forward, 

striving to maintain the Global Vigilance, 

Reach and Power advantages America has 

come to expect. Our allies respect us, and 

our enemies fear us.

The Air Force has faced challenging times 

in its past and is meeting the stress of 

today’s operating environment. It is our 

heritage and mission to fly, fight and 

win. Our Legacy inspires us. Our Mission 

propels us. Our Core Values guide us. We 

have inherited and will build upon a rich 

heritage—a heritage shaped through 

the ingenuity, courage and resolve of 

great Airmen who preceded us. Our proud 

heritage, focused priorities, and enduring 

Core Values will serve to guide our actions 

and reaffirm our commitments today, over 

the next 60 years, and beyond.

It is our heritage and 

mission to fly, fight and win. 

Our Legacy inspires us. 

Our Mission propels us. 

Our Core Values guide us. 

http://www.posturestatement.hq.af.mil
2007 USAF Posture Statement

http://www.posturestatement.hq.af.mil