The Mobility Forum The Mobility Forum

As a pilot, I certainly knew how to fly an airplane. However, I never really understood what went on behind the scenes—preparing the aircraft for flight. We cannot do it without our maintainers. Maintenance is an integral part of military operations, especially with regard to our aircraft—not only in Air Mobility Command (AMC) but also in the Air Force as a whole.

“I was a young kid before I joined the military… You know, I just worked at fast food. And now I have been given an aircraft to take care of that is seen worldwide and says ‘United States of America’ across it. It all started with me just saying, ‘Hey, I need to do something different.’

As the year draws to a close, it is a privilege and honor to pause, reflect, and praise the accomplishments of our exceptional team. Across our Total Force—active duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian personnel—each of you have contributed to our continued success. Airmen drive the mission forward, ensuring Air Mobility Command delivers Rapid Global Mobility when and where needed, rising to every challenge with honor and professionalism.

I heard an apocryphal story years ago about a commander receiving an intelligence briefing before making a decision on an imminent operation. The Intel Officer comprehensively discussed both possible courses of action (COAs), describing the advantages, disadvantages, and risks from the adversary’s point of view. After every question from the commander, the Intel Officer would describe one possibility, then state “on the other hand” and state the countering possibility. After ten minutes of questioning with similar answers involving “on the one hand” and then “on the other hand,” the commander’s deputy asked if anything else was needed before making a decision. The exasperated commander replied, “I need a straight answer…I need a one-handed Intel Officer!”

The Air Force Force Generation (AFFORGEN) model, which replaced the Air Expeditionary Force deployment model, is a twenty-four-month cycle that provides a predictable rotation schedule to ensure Airmen are capable and ready to meet any mission that lies ahead. Logistically speaking, AFFORGEN provides increased clarity in deployment planning.

When you love what you do, it shows. Seventy-five days into his command of the 618th Air Operations Center (618 AOC), Brig Gen Cassius T. Bentley III’s enthusiasm for the role grows with each new day—and with each new challenge. At the 618 AOC, the Department of Defense’s only Global Air Operations Center, no two days are alike. Personnel on the 24-hour operations floor execute approximately 100 to 150 missions daily, while the rest of the nearly 800-member team is busy planning, tasking, and assessing upcoming or recently completed missions.

Leading Air Mobility Command’s sole numbered air force is no simple task, but Maj Gen Charles D. Bolton, newly appointed Commander of the 18th Air Force, is up for the challenge. The 18th Air Force, headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, IL, consists of twelve wings and one direct reporting unit. Bolton’s responsibility includes ensuring the readiness and sustainment of approximately thirty-six thousand active duty, Reserve, and civilian Airmen. His leadership comes at a pivotal time for the 18th Air Force, and Bolton shared with The Mobility Forum how he is focused fully on preparing to meet the challenges of Great Power Competition and how his previous experiences have prepared him for this role.

As Brig Gen Stephen P. Snelson takes command of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center (EC) at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ, his vision is clear: to maintain the center’s legacy while adapting to the challenges of great power competition.

In our daily operations, we sometimes see where the responsibilities of the aircraft commander become a balancing act with mission accomplishment, the safe operation of the aircraft, and the welfare of the crew. This balancing act requires decision-making using deliberate operational risk management practices.

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, and earthquakes are inevitable occurrences that can cause damage to people, homes, and the environment. Most critically, they endanger lives. Despite their sudden and unpredictable nature, early planning and knowledge of emergency care for post-disaster circumstances can greatly reduce their impact.

U.S. Air Force (USAF) flight safety is paramount for our country’s defense forces. Ensuring safe and efficient operations, both in training and operational environments, is crucial in maintaining USAF readiness and the welfare of Air Force personnel.

The 56th Annual Airlift/Tanker Association (A/TA) Symposium, held in Grapevine, Texas, from October 31 to November 3, 2024, gathered more than 1,000 Airmen, industry partners, and leaders across the Air Force and Joint Forces. The focus was ensuring that the United States increases readiness to face global challenges and continues to reoptimize for the Great Power Competition.