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The article discusses the capability of the U.S. ground forces to achieve rapid strategic, operational and tactical mobility to remote areas of conflict. Presented are the airlift, sealift and ground mobilization options. Cited are the constraints of the reduction in the overseas bases, the destination's lack of modern infrastructure and the heavy weight of the vehicles. Recommendations are offered which include craft development, digital terrain analysis and realistic deployment goals.

Explains that the United States Army's strategy to transform itself into a generally homogeneous force equipped with advanced technology rests on a set of assumptions that are open to question. Ambitious schedule under which the Future Combat Systems will be developed by the next decade; Proposed array of manned and unmanned combat vehicles that weigh less than 20 tons; Capability to conduct maneuvers via tactical airlift; Deployment of substantial land forces early in crisis situations.

Focuses on the relief missions of the U.S. Air Force in Thailand following the tsunami disaster in 2004. Statistics of food and supplies airlifted by the U.S. Air Force; Description of the initial stages of a crisis response according to Air Force Colonel Mark Schissler; Operations of the tanker airlift control elements team of airmen.

Focuses on airlifters and tankers of the ground forces in the United States. Mobility requirements; Recapitalization of the tanker fleet; Prepositioning as a factor that will have an impact on future demands on airlift.

Reports that efforts in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union to increase European strategic air and sealift capacity are gaining momentum. Signing of letters of intent by NATO defense ministers; Resolve to address transportation shortfalls in accordance with terms specified in the Prague Capabilities Commitment; National or multinational programs to build strategic transport vessels and aircraft. INSET: NATO EUROPE: MODERN AIRLIFT.

The article discusses the impact of military strategical changes caused due to the military training exercise Unified Quest including lack of battlefield intelligence at the squad level, deficiencies in cyber warfare and lack of airlift.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to the articles in previous issues including "Navy looks for next-gen CODs, helos" in the July 29, 2013 issue, "Hazing or harmless" in the July 8, 2013 issue, and "Navy opening more jobs to women" in the July 1, 2013 issue.

The article shares guidelines on how U.S. military families can enjoy flying on military Space Available (Space-A) flights. Space-A flights are free within the U.S. For travel from the U.S. to overseas, dependents just pay 16.10 dollars and 13 dollars when flying back to the country. However, there are no reservations at Space-A. Some of tips when traveling on Space-A flights include having a backup plan as there are no guaranteed seats, doing research and having the necessary documents.

The article reports on the arrival of several U.S. military helicopters in Afghanistan in summer 2010 to satisfy the increasing demand for airlift and support in a country well-known for its high altitude terrain. The U.S. Defense Department announced the deployment of nearly 2,600 service members from the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), 4th Infantry Division, of Fort Hood, Texas to Afghanistan. According to the authors, the service has struggled to provide adequate helicopters to the fight as the number of soldiers in Afghanistan has increased.

The article offers news briefs related to the U.S. armed forces as of August 3, 2009. The U.S. is creating a multinational heavy airlift wing together with 11 countries in Europe. The planned construction of a new entrance to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina is anticipated to start in 2010. A study on suicide commissioned by the National Institute of Mental Health will need the help of volunteer active, Guard and reserve military personnel.

The article focuses on the initiative of the U.S. Air Force to make the service more fuel-efficient amid the rising oil price, a drive that is expected to change how the service flies, trains and even fights. It cites that the Air Force spends some $13 billion annually to power its force, and each one percent increase in jet fuel prices costs the service $23 million a year. As part of the initiative, the Air Force plans to change the way airlifters travel across the U.S. to pick up aircrews and equipment before starting a mission.

The article offers information on several activities in the U.S. Army as of October 3, 2013 including the return of National Guard soldiers in Oklahoma after a deployment to Afghanistan, the Operational Support Airlift by the Detachment 42 in Africa, and the Joint Special Operations Task Force of 470 soldiers in the Philippines.

The article presents information on several military troops around the world as of August 2013 including 1st U.S. Army Support Battalion in Sinal, Mexico, Detachment 42, Operational Support Airlift in Africa and 470 soldiers in Joint Special Operations Task Force in Philippines.

The article focuses on a proposed joint multirole helicopter being taken into consideration by the U.S. Army as of July 2010. The service may be forced into more expensive refurbishments of its aging OH-58D Kiowa Warriors because developing a new helicopter could take years. According to Brigadier General William Crosby, an examination of the concept of making this aircraft was completed by the Army Aviation Center of Excellence in December 2009. An analysis of options for Joint Future Theater Lift is also being planned by the Army and Air Force.

The article reports on a U.S. Air Force Audit Agency study on intra-theater cargo flights in Iraq and Afghanistan. Results of the study show that 20% of such flights carried no cargo while 24% were barely half-filled with pallets. The study delved into the operations of C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemasters in November 2007. The study indicates that the service has failed to change its flight operations to address the growing role of commercial airlift.

The article looks at the possibility that the U.S. Congress will award the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program to the Air Force. The Senate Armed and Services Committee wants the Air Force to have the operational control and funding for the JCA. An Air Force official said that the service can manage all intra-theater airlift in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. General Duncan McNabb told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Air Force can meet the needs of the Army.

The article reports that cost ceiling has hindered the plan of the U.S. Air Force to upgrade its fleet of C-5 galaxy airlifters. According to the service's acquisition czar Sue Payton, cost estimates of contractor Lockheed Martin were approximately $83 million, but the actual cost to the Air Force would be about 30 percent more than the estimates after spare engines and testing. The service has sought the help of the Department of Defense's Cost Analysis Improvement Group to determine the exact size of the growth.

The article provides information on the Coast Guard Fairchild C-123B Provider transport plane used during the Vietnam war. The C-123B was also used as a spray plane that dumped the Agent Orange defoliant over the rain forests in Vietnam during the war. The transport plane has been developed from the gliders designed by Michael Stroukoff of Chase Aircraft Co. The C0123Bs were flown by U.S. Coast Guardsmen to support Operation Tight Reign.

Focuses on the light cargo aircraft designed and contracted out by the U.S. Army and the Air Force for manufacture by the end of 2006. Potential of the Joint Cargo Aircraft to be an ideal fit to the total force of the Air Force; Estimate of the number of aircraft to be received by the services; Speculation about the cost of the military aircraft program.

Reports on the accusations against the U.S. Navy Engineering Logistics Office for the covert airlift of suspected terrorists to countries that are known for practicing torture according to documents obtained by "The Associated Press" periodical. Aviation companies affiliated with the Navy; Speculations on the involvement of the Navy with the rendition acts of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); Background on the alleged kidnapping of a Muslim cleric by CIA operatives in 2003.

Reports on a study to be launched by the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command that will address the future airlift needs of the military in 2005. Information on the proposed Advanced Mobility Concept-X (AMC-X) aircraft; Desire of the Air Force to gain more accessibility into lands using the aircraft; Benefits of the study for analysts involved in the development of the AMC-X aircraft.

Reports on the airlift missions of the U.S. Air Force for Hurricane Katrina relief in the U.S. and ongoing operations overseas in September 2005. Number of hurricane missions conducted by the Air Mobility Command (AMC) as of September 8, 2005; Participation of Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve volunteers in the relief effort; Views of Colonel Jeff Franklin, director of relief operations at the Tanker Airlift Control of AMC, on aircraft used in the missions.

Provides an overview of the vision of U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General John Jumper for the role of air tankers in airlift missions. His concerns on the recapitalization of aging aircraft; Controversy over the proposal for replacing the air tanker fleet; Aircraft needed for tactical airlift operations.

Reports on the due of a review being conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense on the Mobility Capabilities Study of the U.S. Air Force in 2005. Reason behind the need to finish the review on July 28; Views of U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.) on the review; Benefit of the study on the decision making of the U.S. Air Force on airlift and tanker fleets.

Describes a Helio U-10 Courier aircraft manufactured by Helio Aircraft Co., owned by Mark and Judi Price of Wolverine, Michigan. Features of the craft; Utilization of the craft during special operations in Vietnam; Statement issued by Mark Price about the aircraft.

Deals with the use of civilian aircraft by the U.S. military to transport troops and cargo for a possible war with Iraq. Activation of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF); Condition when CRAF flights are used; Problems experienced during CRAF flights.

Focuses on space-available seats on military aircraft in the United States (U.S.). Remarks from John Monroe, a spokesman of the U.S. Air Mobility Command (AMC); Improvement in the Space-A situation; Procedures for AMC passenger terminals; Fees associated with Space-A travel; Meal cost on military aircraft.

Editorial. Comments on the shortfall of airlift in the United States Armed Forces. Percentage of shortage reported; Reason for the situation.

Reports that the United States Army and Marine Corps are counting on the Air Force to fix its strategic airlift problem to make their own force transformations a reality. Implication of the Army's transformation; Plans of the Marine Corps to conduct more expeditionary operations by air rather than by sea.

Focuses on the Mobility Requirements Study 2005 completed by the United States (U.S.) Defense Department, which concludes that the U.S. needs strategic airlift to fight wars and support other missions. Shortfall in intertheater airlift by 2005; Other findings of the study; Recommendations.

Reports that United States (US) Air Force Chief of Staff General Michael Ryan declared they could not meet the airlift visions set by US Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki. Overview of the demands of Shinseki from the US Army; Goals of General Shinseki for his forces; Decision of Ryan on how to prioritize airlift assets.

Reports that the United States Naval Air Reserve helped to airlift US Sailors and Marines, who were stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, so that they can spend the Christmas holiday home with their families. Information on the airlifts.

Reports that admiral Leighton `Snuffy' Smith is in charge of efforts to airlift troops and equipment into Tuzla, Bosnia, which will serve as headquarters for the United States component of the multinational Implementation Force. His military career; Impact of the weather on airlift operations; Plans of U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR).

States that the United States military will not have enough airlift and sealift to wage two simultaneous wars until well into the 21st century. How this was the basis of testimony given by Air Force General Robert Rutherford to the Senate Armed Services Committee on February 23, 1995; The need to modernize the airlift fleet; Other problems with the military's airlift and sealift capabilities.

Reports on the aircraft and other difficulties being experienced by the United States Air Force's Air Mobility Command. Structural problems and repair backlogs of transport aircraft; Possible loss of help from commercial airlines; Sagging morale in the airlift community; Plans for upgrading the airlift command.

Reports on the assessment of General Robert Rutherford, commander of the United States Transportation Command, on the airlift capabilities of the military. Antiquated airlift fleet; Manifestation of cracks and corrosion in the planes; Need for the modernization of the airlift fleet.

Reports the purchase of Russian-made Mig-29 aircraft by the United States Defense Department, as a pre-emptive strike against Iran. Reason for the purchase; Plans for the aircraft; Date when the agreement was signed with the former Soviet Republic of Moldova.

The author points out the need for a stealthy airlifter by the U.S. Armed Forces to provide capability for special-operations forces (SOF) get past advanced air defenses. An overview of the 2012 Defense Strategic Guidance which cites the six types of missions vital to the national interests including deterring and defeating aggression by adversaries and protecting the homeland. Some ways to meet SOF requirements after substantial modifications are discussed.

Reports that airpower can be used to greatest advantage in the war against terrorism in an air-policing role. Options available to air planners; Humanitarian airlift operations; Conventional bombing operations.

Reports on news concerning the U.S. military art and science for fiscal 2004. Examination of the Navy's ambitious modernization plans in January; Changes that are occurring among special-operations forces with emphasis being placed on airlift and sealift programs in February.

Discusses plans of the United States armed forces in November 2003, December 2003, and January 2004. Status of strategic airlift capabilities; Improvements in air-to-air and ground-to-air missile systems; Artillery and mortar programs; Department of Defense's 2004 procurement budget; Navy's Expeditionary Strike Group; Developments in the close-air-support realm.

Profiles General John W. Handy, Commander of the United States Transportation Command and Military Airlift Command of the Air Force. Mission to provide global air, land, and sea transportation for the Department of Defense during war and peace; Operation Iraqi Freedom's mobility lessons; Solutions to the lift shortfall; 767 tanker lease proposal; C-130J transport purchases; C-5 transport modernization; Shoulder-fired infrared missile threat.