First in! Expeditionary Airbase Seizure and Operations

This study analyzes the historical perspectives of airbase seizure and follow-on airbase operations from World War Il to today. It attempts to glean lessons for the new USAF Contingency Response Groups (CRG). I explore what the value of such a unit is to the United States armed forces and the potential effects it should offer in future conflicts. CRGs are an attempt to combine several legacy groups, from various Air Force commands, into standardized units with like capabilities. There is debate, however, over the capability these groups should possess and how they should operate. USAF leadership must examine future CRG requirements and train these personnel to meet USAF and sister service needs, enabling effective combat operations. The conclusion recommends how the USAF must organize, train, and equip the CRG to build a combat unit with the capability and culture to meet future anti-access environments.