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Air Force Aircraft: Reorganizing Mobility Aircraft Units Could Reduce Costs

NSIAD-98-55 Published: Jan 21, 1998. Publicly Released: Jan 21, 1998.
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Highlights

GAO assessed the cost-effectiveness of organizing the Air Force's airlift and refueling force into fewer, larger-sized squadrons and wings, focusing on: (1) the effect that reorganization may have on mission accomplishment; (2) whether costs could be reduced through redistributing aircraft among fewer wings; and (3) five possible options for redistributing C-130 and KC-135 aircraft among fewer wings at lower operating costs.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Air Force to develop a plan to organize the C-130 and KC-135 aircraft in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve into larger wings at fewer locations and seek congressional support for the plan.
Closed – Not Implemented
DOD did not concur pending legislative authority to close and realign bases. According to DOD, until Congress is receptive to such action, it is premature to develop a plan along the lines discussed in the report.

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Topics

Armed forces reservesCombat readinessCost effectiveness analysisDefense contingency planningFederal agency reorganizationMilitary aircraftMilitary aviationMilitary cost controlMilitary downsizingMilitary facilities