ples include operating thousands of miles from home soil, foreign-controlled transportation and communications dependent upon foreign resources. Today the Air Force faces very similar difficulties that differ largely in scope. Operating on foreign soil continues to be a test in the form of cultural and diplomatic conflicts, access to necessary operating terrain, and the need to deploy with our own resources to compensate for host nation shortfalls. Transportation issues are handled via forward operating locations, airlift and air refueling. Yet the high demand for airlift and refueling during operations continue to tax EAF forces. Finally, modern-day communications difficulties exist due to bandwidth congestion and malicious logic. The EAF concept combats today’s challenges and is based on the precedent set by forces throughout history. All eras shared similar prerequisites – an organized group of forces prepared to do battle or prevent battle, a clear mission, and the necessary resources to carry out its directives. The ability to mobilize and deploy with as much speed and efficiency as possible, often under adverse conditions, signifies the expeditionary ingredient we’ve strived to improve over the course of history. Our forces are no stranger to these roles and, while operating on foreign soil without the amenities of home, they continue successfully complete the mission objectives and meet tomorrow’s challenges. Like our many EAF predecessors, our forces are setting the standards now and for future forces that will follow....
