Creative Logistics

Is traditional logistics and aircraft maintenance doctrine suitable in fulfilling the needed structure for today's warriors in sustaining airpower during irregular warfare? While a review of the literature to date shows that current doctrine is useful as a basis for aircraft maintainers to use in the field, the thesis of this research is that new techniques and non-traditional methods in aircraft maintenance must be employed by personnel to continue to provide the airpower necessary to conduct irregular warfare based on the current Air Expeditionary Unit structure. In fact, practitioners in the field are using creative methods to provide the logistical sustainment necessary in the face of evolving nature of airpower in the Global War of Terror. This research outlines the basis for aircraft sustainment described in current doctrine and instructions, the new methodologies being employed in the field to keep pace with commanders' requirements, and the need to bridge the gap between the two for the USAF practitioner.