Expeditionary Airfield Concept - A Call for Modernization

An analysis of two aspects of the Marine Corps' expeditionary airfield concept--logistic support and airfield survival suggests that existing procedures are extremely vulnerable vis-a-vis the modern threat. Threat capability is steadily growing as a result of the development of accurate, long range, stand-off delivery systems, capable of inflicting severe damage to expeditionary facilities. Existing methods of establishing airfields ashore are based on operational concepts developed in the Pacific during World War II, when air supremacy was, in most cases, the norm. Refinement of the concept, subsequent to the conclusion of World War II, has not reflected a modification of the basis assumption of air supremacy. Tactical aviation, an essential ingredient in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) ashore, may be, in the final analysis, dependent of the support and survival of the expeditionary airfield. An option that alleviates existing logistical shortfalls is addressed. Survival shortfalls are identified for future resolution. (Author)