Force Structure: Air Force Expeditionary Concept Offers Benefits but Effects Should Be Assessed
NSIAD-00-201
Published: Aug 15, 2000. Publicly Released: Aug 15, 2000.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the Air Force's Expeditionary Aerospace Force Concept.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| In light of the high level of congressional interest in the application of the Expeditionary Concept to Air Force operations, Congress may wish to consider requiring the Secretary of Defense to direct the Secretary of the Air Force to establish specific, quantifiable goals and performance measures based on the Concept's broad objectives, and to use this management framework to provide Congress with annual updates on the Concept's status and results. |
Closed – Implemented
|
During January 2001, the Air Force issued a report to the Congress, mandated by Senate Report 106-50, which identified 13 metrics to measure the progress of the Expeditionary Aerospace Force in six areas. In March 2001, Air Force Headquarters sent a message to its major commands and numbered Air Force commands, describing the six areas and the 13 metrics, including a goal for each metric. This message also established a primary office of responsibility for collecting and reporting these metrics. These metrics are to be reported quarterly to the Air Force's Chief of Staff. The first report was on May 2, 2001. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | To enable the Air Force to better understand the effects of its Expeditionary Aerospace Force Concept and make any needed adjustments, the Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Air Force to develop specific quantifiable goals based on the Concept's broad objectives, and establish needed metrics to measure progress toward these goals. These measurable goals should directly relate to the Expeditionary Concept's overall objectives. Examples of specific aspects concerning the Expeditionary Concept that the Air Force should consider measuring include the amount of advance notice servicemembers receive before deploying to ongoing contingencies and the length and frequency of deployments for specific units and servicemembers. In particular, the Air Force should monitor factors critical to reserve participation in the Expeditionary Aerospace Force Concept including the level of volunteerism achieved and the extent to which the reserves can meet theater commanders' requirements for certain high-demand capabilities, such as aircraft that can deliver precision-guided munitions. |
Closed – Implemented
During January 2001, the Air Force issued a report to the Congress, mandated by Senate Report 106-50, which identified 13 metrics to measure the progress of the Expeditionary Aerospace Force in six areas. In March 2001, Air Force Headquarters sent a message to its major commands and numbered Air Force commands, describing the six areas and the 13 metrics, including a goal for each metric. This message also established a primary office of responsibility for collecting and reporting these metrics. These metrics are to be reported quarterly to the Air Force's Chief of Staff. The first report was on May 2, 2001.
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Air Force personnelAir Force reservistsArmed forces abroadCombat readinessForce structureContingency operationsDefense contingency planningMobilizationStaff utilizationU.S. Air Force