The last time you flew on a commercial airline for official Air Force travel, did you think about the relationship that exists between the Air Force and the commercial airline industry? There has always been interdependence between them. As Keith Hutcheson, a retired Air Force officer, Vice President for Air Force Programs, Point One VII, Inc., and Present of Global Strategists, shows in his book Air Mobility The Evolution of Global Reach, It is a partnership that dates back to the beginning of aviation. (Hutcheson:116) The bond between them became even stronger, with the creation of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF). Since the birth of the CRAF in 1950, both sectors, as well as the American people have benefited from the cooperative-partnership.2. The CRAF Program enlists the US airline industry to help create an increased airlift capability for contingencies. Airlines sign a one-year contract with the government entitling Air Mobility Command (AMC) to mobilize the aircraft and their aircrews in case of a national requirement. It is a significant and important part of the nations mobility resources as stated by USAF General Walter Kross, former commander in chief, United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), in the US Transportation Commands Posture Statement USTRANSCOM could never meet its wartime requirements without its absolutely unique partnerships with civilian industry. In fact, the backbone of our nations [air] lift capacity lies in its commercial fleets. (Kross) Without the creation of the CRAF, the burden would be overwhelming on our Air Force and the American Taxpayers to maintain a fleet capable of our airlift requirements during various types of emergencies.3. This arrangement not only benefits the Air Force with increased readiness, it also saves the American taxpayers billions of dollars. General Tony Robertson, commander of Air Mobility Command and also commander in chief of USTRANSCOM, emphasized thi...
