There’s no question that US Air Forces in Europe forces are vital to the war in Southwest Asia, contends USAFE boss Gen. Roger Brady, who noted Tuesday at AFA’s Air & Space Conference that USAFE assets are some of the most utilized forces. Several USAFE bases, he said, are located at “the lens,” the focal point between Eurasia and the continental US for activities ranging from transport to medical evacuation to resupply. And, he noted, don’t forget the energy savings presented by USAFE—an often overlooked advantage—because his airpower forces are already “halfway to the fight.” However, of concern, is that the command’s smaller force structure and continuing high operations tempo greatly reduces its ability to respond to catastrophic events. Brady declared, “We are at the ragged edge.” He added, “If I lose a squadron, that’s another 100 events I won’t be able to participate in,” suggesting instead that USAFE could use two more aircraft squadrons to catch up with demand.
Pentagon leaders, eager to move fast and avoid pitfalls that have plagued defense acquisition in the past, are handing authorities and oversight for some of their biggest programs to officers outside the traditional structure. But the Air Force and Space Force four-stars given those responsibilities say they don’t intend their jobs to be a permanent change to the system.