NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS

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RESOLUTION IL-06

Relating to the Procurement and Assignment of C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft

Background

The ANG possesses 16 percent of the Total Air Force Strategic Airlift Fleet to include C-141 and C-5 Aircraft and 49 percent of the Total theater Airlift Force. The ANG is scheduled to begin receiving it's first C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in the FY 2003 timeframe to replace aging C-141 aircraft in on of two ANG units. Although the C-141 aircraft are scheduled to retire in 2003, the Air Force may decide to retain these aging aircraft until 2006.

Major shortfalls continue to exist in Total Force airlift capability, expecially in the responsive delivery of both heavy and light forces to meet rapid deployment requirements. The case for improved mobility and flexibility provided by the C-17 is stronger than ever. The original Air Force Airlift Total Force Plan (ATFP) which provide for a total of 210 aircraft with concurrent assignment of C-17s to Air Force, ANG and Air Force Reserve units was modified to reduce the number of aircraft to be procured to 120, later increase to 180.

Recommendation

The National Guard Association of Illinois recommends that Congress and the Department of Defense continue C-17 multi-year procurement (120 C-17s) at a rate of 15 aircraft per year and support the multi-year follow-on procurement of 60 additional C-17s at a minimum of at least15 aircraft per year. Additionally increase procurement of C-17 Globemaster III aircraft by at least 42 additional aircraft (222 total) at least 15 to 18 aircraft per year. Program new production C-17 aircraft into the ANG to ensure the ANG remains modern, relevant and able to participate more effectively in the Total Force Mission.