AEF Rotation Cycle
The rotational structure provides Air Force personnel predictability for their lives and stability for their training. Predictability also is key to optimizing peacetime participation of the traditional guardsmen and reservists who must balance military duties with full-time civilian employment. The 20-month AEF cycle includes periods of normal training, preparation, and oncall or deployment eligibility. The approximate 14- month normal training period concentrates on unit missions and basic proficiency events. The 2-month deployment preparation period focuses unit activities on area of responsibility (AOR) specific events required (if known) for the 4-month oncall or deployment eligibility period that follows.
Following the deployment or oncall period, units will enter into a major command (MAJCOM) defined recovery period. Personnel assigned to the BGLs are on the same 20-month cycle. In addition, there are also some limited forces that must be managed carefully so they can support the AEFs. These forces are the low density/high demand (LD/HD) assets such as JSTARS, EC-130 Compass Call electronic warfare platforms, and U-2 aircraft. LD/HD assets are not managed under the same training and deployment cycle as AEFs. These capabilities are managed by the Joint Staff and have the highest tempo (temporary duty) rotation schedule in the Air Force.
Future AEF Goals
The Air Force will continue to improve its expeditionary capabilities as it becomes lighter and leaner—at the same time, lethal. Air Force forces are already responsive, but they will become even more so. An AEF will be able to deploy in 48 hours—fast enough to curb many crises before they escalate. According to Air Force Vision 2020, the Air Force will be able to rapidly deploy additional AEFs—up to 5 AEFs in 15 days— providing Joint Force commanders options to begin offensive operations and halt and win MTWs. In addition, each AEF will improve its capabilities. For example, the size of the battlespace an AEF can control will expand and the AEF will enhance its ability to do real-time, adaptive targeting to dominate this battlespace. The number of targets one AEF can engage in a day will dramatically increase. Long-range and stealthy assets will be leveraged to ensure access to any target and the quick defeat of enemy defenses to allow other forces to operate. Focus will be placed on the expeditionary combat support capabilities that underpin the ability to operate anywhere. Effective, efficient logistics will be key to sustaining expeditionary forces. The harnessing of information technology, rapid transportation, and the strengths of both the organic and industrial logistics base will ensure responsive, dependable, precise support. Finally, skills and discipline will be constantly improved to protect the force in any environment.
Some of the above information derived from Air Force Pamphlet 36-2241, Volume 1
