Rethinking C-17 Training Requirements: Air Refueling

In 2013, the Air Force s budget for flying hours was dramatically reduced as a result of sequestration. In the wake of this reduction, senior leaders began searching for efficient means to save money and still perform the Air Force s core functions. Should sequestration take effect again, Air Mobility Command AMC will have to face fiscal realities that will require smart solutions to difficult problems regarding its capability to field a mission capable force. AMC s C-17A community currently trains its Aircraft Commanders ACs, Instructor Pilots IPs, and Evaluator Pilots EPs in a myriad of mission sets that it rarely calls upon them to execute. Aerial Refueling AR represents one such mission set. While continually tasked to remain current with AR, this author only experienced two real world missions that required AR in eight years of experience. The question then becomes, what cost is AMC willing to pay in order to maintain this C-17A AR capability to support Combatant Commander COCOM needs This study seeks to examine the implications of reducing the C-17A community s AR training requirements by limiting AR qualifications to only the IPs and EPs. This study analyzes the current C-17A flying program, the costs of maintaining the current AR training requirements, and conducts a cost benefit analysis of reducing those requirements for future operations. Substantial cost savings are possible.