SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE,Ill. --
In an era where the phrase “doing more with less” has become a mainstay, Air Mobility Command leadership remains focused on sustaining readiness and preparing mobility forces for the future.
As noted in the Air Force strategy titled, “America’s Air Force: A Call to the Future,” senior leaders recognize “… The future and its host of challenges, is fast upon our doorstep.”
Considering this notion, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III has previously explained, “The Air Force’s ability to adapt and respond faster than our potential adversaries is the greatest challenge we face over the next 30 years. We must pursue a strategically agile force to unlock the innovative potential resident in our Airmen and turn a possible vulnerability into an enduring advantage.”
In light of this challenge and the demands presented by the current operating environment, AMC leaders continually address the importance of providing the training, resources and modernization necessary for innovative Mobility Airmen to lead the way for the force of the future.
Recently, Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, AMC commander, released his Rapid Global Vision, which lays the path for the future of air mobility.
“The uncertainty of the future environment, coupled with constrained resources, demands that we take actions now to ensure enterprise-wide success in the future,” Everhart said.
One recent development made toward championing Rapid Global Mobility is AMC’s first Mobility Guardian exercise.
Mobility Guardian is expected to be one of the most realistic, real-word, scenario-driven exercises the command has ever undertaken, said Maj. Gen. Jerry Martinez, AMC director of operations.
“The objective is to execute Rapid Global Mobility missions we see today, as well as those we anticipate in the future, to enhance mobility partnerships,” Martinez said. “Exercising with allies we depend on every day will enhance the ability of our Mobility Air Forces Airmen to overcome challenges and achieve national objectives.”
While a large-scale exercise will provide Airmen with an opportunity to test and hone the skills necessary to sustain the command’s mission of providing global air mobility, bold and innovative ideas are also needed to pave the way toward modernizing Air Force capabilities and preparing mobility forces for tomorrow.
“It is the responsibility of air mobility professionals everywhere to lead the transformation of the force of today into the force of the future,” Everhart said. “We need bold, innovative Airmen now more than ever.”
AMC’s directorates have implemented a number of initiatives to ensure mobility air forces are prepared to provide unrivaled global reach for years to come.
Tanker recapitalization, simulator training, force structuring and process improvements are a few examples of AMC’s efforts to collaborate, share benchmarked processes, gain efficiencies and enhance the command’s ability to answer the call of the nation and coalition partners.
AMC’s communications directorate, A6, continually sets the standard in improving efficiencies and establishing benchmarked processes, such as the development and implementation of their electronic flight bag program.
Similarly, AMC’s Fuel Efficiency Division provides oversight and guidance, which bolsters the effort to conserve energy, decrease fuel consumption and implement cost-saving initiatives across the Mobility Air Force.
In order to continue transforming processes and programs like these, Mobility Airmen must rise to the challenge and help shape the future of Rapid Global Mobility.
“The future of Rapid Global Mobility is one of opportunity and promise,” Everhart said. “We must innovate, evolve and adapt to the ever-changing environment, and we will leverage other investments in technology, human capital and education to remain the preeminent air mobility force in the future.”