Posted by
Bull 67 on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 8:16:08 AM
It appears the service will go ahead with contracting out at least of portion of the Air Refueling mission.
(Air Force eyes contractors for refueling, 25 July 2008 Air Force Times).
I've discussed this before, and I think this move may have many unintended consequences.
Some say using civilian aerial tankers is only a temporary arrangement until the new military tanker comes online. Others say civilian tankers will only be used supporting training, not combat. Never underestimate the permanence of ‘temporary’ defense contracts or the likelihood of mission creep. Like any other government programs, it will likely expand in size and scope, whether it’s needed or not.
If aerial refueling, a core mission, is outsourced thenwhat Air Force mission can’t be outsourced? If this combat role is civilianized it opens a Pandora’s Box. One day the Air Force may find it has evolved into a service of a few thousand uniformed ‘operators’ supported by legions of civilians. When that day comes some may logically question the validity of the Air Force remaining a separate military branch. The service must take a collective breath and think this through before taking such a leap into the unknown.