According to the Air Force, changes in the global strategic environment have underscored the need to maintain a higher level of readiness to deter and prevail in high-end conflict. In response, the service reevaluated how it generates and deploys combat airpower.
The Air Force said it has evolved its force presentation through several deployment models in recent years, including the Expeditionary Air Base, Air Task Force and Deployable Combat Wing. Lessons learned from those efforts led to AEW 2.0, which reflects updated national priorities and more efficient use of personnel and resources.
“AEW 2.0 allows us to present combat ready forces,” said Ken Wilsbach, Air Force chief of staff. “It is the next step in evolving our readiness, and it’s based on input from across the total force and feedback from the major commands and wings.”
Wilsbach added, “This model allows Airmen to train at home in a manner consistent with how they will operate when they deploy.” The Air Force described AEW 2.0 as a modular and scalable wing-level unit that provides standardized capabilities to command and control and project platform-agnostic airpower in any theater.
A key distinction from the legacy Air Expeditionary Wing is that AEW 2.0 will form about 18 months before deployment to allow units to train and certify together as a cohesive force. The service said this approach avoids the cohesion and integration challenges associated with earlier crowdsourced deployment models.
“AEW 2.0 will help us move faster and stay prepared to fight wherever and whenever we’re needed,” said Case Cunningham, deputy chief of staff for operations. “A key strength of this unit of action model is the deliberate training and teaming that improves collaboration and readiness across the service.”
The Air Force said the model also preserves capacity at host wings to support in-garrison missions and homeland defense while deployed units train and operate. Additional updates include continuing group command opportunities at deployed locations and replacing A-Staffs with Wing Operations Centers.
Source: U.S. Air Force.
