Preparing AIR FORCE Mobility Experts for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

The US military's response to the devastation two cyclones levied on the South African nation of Mozambique--officially known as Joint Task Force- ATLAS RESPONSE (JTF-AR)--was a watershed event for U.S. Air Force (USAF) employment in disaster relief. The success of this Third Air Force-led JTF provides insight that training USAF mobility experts specifically for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) enhances the timely attainment of the JTF's objectives and furthers the relief effort. This paper examines whether the USAF should pursue providing its mobility experts with the distinct knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to facilitate effective and efficient integration of airlift resources into HA/DR operations.