The VFA Time-Force Problem

The Carrier Air Wings (CVWs) three F/A-18 squadrons must be specialized to provide high-end capabilities desired by senior commanders. The current portfolio of missions is too large to be effectively executed by VFA squadrons who focus disproportionately on air-to-air combat training. This paper asserts that the large portfolio of F/A-18 missions and air-to-air focus create a significant time-force problem which leaves CVWs unable to produce expertise sufficient for the modern battlespace. This paper confronts arguments that specialization will needlessly hinder CVW operational flexibility, and that change is irrelevant due to the aircraft carriers questionable survivability against peer threats. This paper asserts that the current flexibility of the CVW is designed for high-sortie operations in littoral environments, making concerns about flexibility anachronistic. The Navy's investment in long-range weapons and maritime strike training signal that the carrier will participate in future major maritime operations. To provide maximum available combat potential, this paper outlines a model for CVW F/A-18 specialization for air-to-surface or air-to-air regimes.