Publisher's Synopsis
The Air Force will benefit from a modularized package of capabilities that assesses and assigns the roles and responsibilities of closing an overseas airbase. These roles and responsibilities are a perfect match for the diverse skills and unique equipment of Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Contingency Response Elements. The projection and employment of United States military forces has involved the rapid establishment of bases throughout the globe. The Air Force's five-phased Force Module doctrine prescribes a methodology for seamless transitions from airbase seizure forces through to airbase sustainment forces. However, no author has taken the time to write on the matter of closing an airbase. The Force Module doctrine that facilitates smooth transitions through the phases of a base opening will benefit from a base closure module to bookend the process of an airbase life cycle. Specialized mobile command and control teams known as Contingency Response Elements play a significant role in the first of the five Force Modules and will find a niche in the proposed sixth Force Module.
