Why Need the C-17 Globe Master III

Kalib Steele

Mr. Pollard

World Literature and Composition

14 April 2011

Why Need the C-17 Globe Master III

The C-17 Globe Master III is the United States Air Force's most versatile and reliable strategic airlifter in service today. The U.S. Air Force depends onC-17's ability to deliver cargo, supplies, troops, and medi-vac patients directly to any destination in any condition at any time in the most cost effective and efficient manner. However, with all of the billions of dollars in budget cuts within the Defense Department, primarily due to the economic downfall and lack of available funds, The Department of Defense and The Obama Administration have decided to stop production and research on some of the most valuable assets to the Unites States Armed Forces, including the C-17 Globe Master III. With C-17 support in operation world-wide and the more than expected use of C-17's in Iraq ("C-17 Tutorial"), cutting the C-17 program from the Defense Department budget could lead to major problems in the future. By discontinuing C-17 production, we will not be able to respond to disasters and emergency crises as quickly and efficiently as we are able to now. It will cause a reduction of jobs and a decrease in the safety and security of the United States of America.

The C-130 Hercules is one of the world's most well known and also oldest military cargo transporter. With its rugged design and unique capabilities, it can deliver cargo in almost any region whether sand, snow, or foreign land. However, during the late sixties, larger aircraft were needed to deliver heavier and larger cargo. The year 1968 led to the birth of the C-5 Galaxy Super Transport, which was used to transport heavy equipment across long distances. The Air Force now had a good fleet of airlifters to meet their demands. Through the next couple decades, more and more heavy airlift demands were on the rise in remote areas and land-locked regions. The C-5 was too big to land in small foreign areas, and the C-130 was not a cost-efficient source as it took too much time and fuel. With the war on terror slowly increasing, the U.S. Air Force needed a new airlifter to better help serve these areas.

In 1995, the C-17 Globe Master III answered the U.S. Air Force's call for a new strategic airlifter. With a takeoff rate of 7,600 feet and a landing rate of less than 3,500 feet ("C-17 Globe Master III."), the multi-role C-17 can transport 102 troops, 54 ambulatory patients, plus nurses or 170,900 pounds of supplies directly to small airfields in harsh terrain anywhere in the world, day or night and in any condition ("C-17 Tutorial"). As of 2011, the C-17 has a 92% mission success rate, ("C-17 Tutorial.") the highest of any aircraft in the U.S. Air force. With over 200 delivered, it is ranked the most reliable and capable airlifter in the world, and has returned the best value for money.

As of 9/11, the war on terror has been rapidly increasing along with the deployment rate. The Army and Marines have increased their force size by 92,000 soldiers, ("C-17 Tutorial.") and that number is expected to rise. With the increase of troops also comes the increase of the equipment and equipment size, and that is not the only issue. With the more than expected usage of C-17's in Iraq and the increased emphasis on other remote and foreign areas such as Africa, the C-17 is the only capable aircraft to take off and land in those areas in the most cost-efficient manner. With C-17 operation in use and in need world-wide, ("C-17 Tutorial.") it is imperative that C-17 Production is not cut.

Although it may seem like a good plan at this time, discontinuing C-17 service could have a large impact on the United States and world-wide, if our national security interests increase, in which they are. The C-17 has the flexibility to respond to the current and future security interests. ("C-17 Tutorial.") The C-17 is readily available, has no deployment risk, and returns best value for money. With other airlift, and air mobility aircraft aging rapidly, the Air Force says that it needs at least 200 new aircraft per year in order to replace its aging fleets of aircraft, and 47% of those are airlifters (Shactman). Along with the aging fleet of aircraft, comes the increase in maintenance, and maintenance expenditure. The C-17 is the most cost efficient aircraft to maintain, and has a proven track record for reliability and dependability. It is understandable that the government needs to cut back on some programs and is