Air Expeditionary Force: Forward Base Access.

The Air Expeditionary Force AEF is a new Air Force operational concept and a new way of presenting forces to an operational commander. The historically unique characteristics include operating at forward locations that maintain minimal infrastructure, launching combat missions 24 to 48 hours after execute order from anywhere in the world, and tailoring the force using sub-squadron size modules of aircraft. The biggest risk factor associated with the use of the AEF is forward base access. Regional commanders need to begin now to make the AEF a viable option by exercising the concept in host nations prior to a time of crisis and by prepositioning equipment. Exercising the AEF in targeted host nations prior to times of crisis offers the U.S. government and regional commanders the opportunity to further policy objectives by engaging selected countries. Logistic constraints fuel munitions.