JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va -- Air Combat Command hosted principals and action officers from across numerous Air Force major commands here in May to continue building the logistics support plan for ACC’s Lead Wings.
After a running a series of table-top exercises internally within the command, ACC identified the necessity of bringing together key players representing the Pacific and European theaters. During this cross-MAJCOM conference, players collaborated on possible solutions and processes for supporting ACC’s Lead Wings deploying into each of these theaters.
ACC set out to increase understanding on theater requirements in the Pacific and Europe to conduct Agile Combat Employment, what it takes to integrate Lead Wings and identify enterprise-wide gaps in organization, and training, and equipping for ACE.
“As we reviewed the theaters’ Concepts of Employment from a logistics lens, we recognized where our Concept of Operations overlaps, while also identifying gaps. We’re hoping to leave (the conference) acknowledging that some gaps do still exist, but we are working towards more alignment in the future,” said Capt. Kera Clark, Chief of Logistics Readiness Operations at ACC.
The team accomplished synchronization on several key areas, as well as identified where they needed further development and other long-range goals. They learned that both theaters already shared some common operational language, making it easier for Lead Wings to integrate into either the Pacific or Europe. They also identified a need to continually inform and educate MAJCOMs on Lead Wings, Air Force Force Generation, and other related topics across the service.
“The conference was a key step in ensuring our Lead Wings have what they need to be agile when they integrate into the Pacific or Europe,” said Col. Frank Marconi, Chief of Logistics Readiness Division at ACC. “Conversely, it was a great opportunity to help ensure ACC’s Lead Wings are providing the capabilities combatant commanders want in those theaters.”
As the command works towards furthering refining its Lead Wings, ACC is continuing to evolve its organizational structures, warfighting concept of operations, force presentation and generation models and how it prepares its Airmen to be ready for today’s and tomorrow’s battlespace.