Flexibility is the key for Changing Combat Environments in Strategic and Military Airlift

LONDON, June 30, 2011 -

In ever changing battlescapes, flexibility and forward thinking
are key in order to carry out strategic airlift operations where a
speedy response is of paramount importance.

One of the most important aspects of any military operation is
to be able to adapt to the combat environment and provide adequate
support to troops in the air and on the ground. However, with the
battlespace consistently changing, Armed Forces have to adapt
faster than ever before.

Talking ahead of Defence IQ’s Military Airlift conference in
September, Colonel Jennifer Thompson, Chief at the Allied Movement
Coordination Centre, NATO SHAPE said: “The combat environment may
change, but the basic principles remain the same and what we’ve
experienced over the past few years is that remaining flexible in
applying these basic principles is key to any successful airlift
support.”

“What may seem like a simple application of those principles at
the planning phase of an operation often becomes more complex as
the mission matures or evolves. So what we need to do is be forward
thinking to prepare for such complexities so we’re ready for the
solution when it is needed. This is especially true for strategic
airlift operations where the expectation of a speedy response is
very high.”

Additionally, Colonel Thompson believes that the future is
exciting for military airlift operations as cooperation strengthens
in multinational operations to include more countries taking part
in strategic airlift operations.

“The challenges for us right now are planning for strategic
support to the repositioning of troops and possible drawdown of
forces in Afghanistan which will give us a good opportunity to
refine the multinational cooperation and that comprehensive
approach to involve as many members as possible within our global
strategic lift community.”

Colonel Jennifer Thompson was talking to Defence IQ ahead of the
Military Airlift conference in September. To listen to the full
interview, please visit href="D:\Documents and Settings\bcoomer\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK1\www.milairlift.com">
www.milairlift.com.

Defence IQ - +44(0)20-7368-9300

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