Page 10 - Leverage and Learn

Leverage Allied Investments and Combat Learning Experience in Modernizing the U.S. Military

offering. But the Boeing plane is clearly the KC-135 replacement; but the KC-10 which has become a key
tanking asset in the absence of a new tanker, has demonstrated what a larger tanker can do for a deployed
force.

And the allies are operating multiple A330MRTTs so that commonality has already been established and
significant investments by ALLIES in a needed US capability already in place.

For example, the Aussies are about to add an operational autonomous boom to their KC-30As.
According to the RAAF Commander in charge of lift and tanking:

“If it can anticipate and react to movements of the receiver aircraft faster than the boom operator can, then
you end up with faster contacts.

You also potentially end up with more consistent contacts when the turbulence level increases, in cloud or when
night falls.”
The Aussies are moving onto Tanker 2.0 while the USAF is waiting for Tanker 1.0. This makes no sense.

Recently, the Minister of Defence for the UK made the argument for the US opening the aperture with regard
to non-US systems. But one could argue that it is not simply a question of trade policy – it is about getting
serious about rapidly equipping a US combat force which needs to prepare for the certainty of high intensity
combat.

CRAFTING A 21 CENTURY COMBAT FORCE: AIR MARSHAL (RETIRED
ST
BROWN) FOCUSES ON THE CHALLENGE FOR THE UNITED STATES

By Robbin Laird

Shifting from a primary focus on the counterinsurgency focused land wars of the last 15 years to shaping a
high intensity combat force, which can prevail against peer competitors, is a significant challenge for the
United States and its closest allies. A key dynamic within this effort is the crucial opportunity the US and its
closest allies have from cross learning because a number of the core systems being stood up to achieve the
kinds of combat effects which is needed are being procured at the same time. Key allies have also put in
play concepts of operation in advance of the United States; ironically, often with systems derived from the
efforts of key US defense firms.

The F-35, P-8, Triton and Growler are all being stood up by the United States and by our closest allies,
notably Australia. Norway is also drawing upon this interactive modernization process to stand up its own 21
st
century combat force.
At the same time, the Wedgetail and the KC-30A have been deployed for some time and are cutting edge
systems NOT to be found in the US inventory. Additionally, the RAF is modernizing its Typhoons with long
range strike systems complementary to their F-35s prior to the US having made similar adjustments to its own
legacy aircraft.

There is no ambiguity in the UK or Australian minds about the shift to fifth generation warfare as opposed to
having lingering debates about remaining mired in a last generation mentality.

There is little question that key elements of the USMC, USN, USAF and US Army are working to drive a
transition; and they are aided and abetted in this process by core allies. It is not a question of selling systems
Second Line of Defense

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