Aircrew Training: Tactical Air Command and Strategic Air Command Flying Hour Programs

Earlier this year, we briefed your office on the results of our review of the Tactical Air Command (TAC) and Strategic Air Command (SAC) flying hour programs. As requested at that time, we are providing this briefing report on the results of our review. TAC and SAC establish continuation training requirements for the flying hours needed to bring pilots and other crew members to a fully combat-ready status -- capable of performing the wartime mission for which the unit is organized, designed, or tasked. Additional flying hours are to enhance performance and provide proficiency in secondary missions. The Department of Defense (DOD) says this additional flying is necessary to achieve full combat capability. Military judgments will always play a significant role in determining combat readiness and pilot proficiency. However, we believe that objective data should be used, to the extent feasible, to support and substantiate military judgment and this data should be made available to the Congress in exercising its oversight responsibilities.