Air Base Opening

Have you heard the one about the most powerful military in the world unable to project its capability because air bases were unavailable? Fortunately, the answer is no! The United States military, whether in support of contingency or humanitarian efforts, has been able to gain access to airfields and bases to accomplish its mission. Whether well organized and executed or simply ad hoc and adequate, air base opening has been successful. However, since the end of the Cold War, the Department of Defense (DOD) finds itself in an age of ever-decreasing overseas military presences that is "permanent" in nature and must dramatically improve its ability to "create" global basing access. History has proven there is no cookie cutter approach to air base opening operations. This research first provides a historical glimpse of modern air base opening from the limited use of non-improved airstrips in World War II and Korea through the complex joint operations witnessed during the current Global War on Terror then introduces and analyzes current DOD efforts to professionalize the art of air base opening. Finally, the author argues the development of a next generation global basing access capability is paramount and should be explored to ensure continuous access to even more challenging environments to come. To be successful in future global air base access requires well-trained warriors versed in the full spectrum of air base opening. These professionals must be able to fill the gaps or "seams" created in the ever-evolving joint and coalition environment that is airbase opening. The AF has laid the foundation for base opening success by creating the Contingency Response Group (CRG) Concept. The CRG is the AF's first responders for opening bases with its primary mission to provide seamless transition from airfield seizure to air base opening to force employment and v sustainment in concert with follow-on force modules and theater-assigned mobility forces across the full
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