Airpower: More than bombs on target Published April 22, 2008 By Col. Thomas Huizenga 755 Air Expeditionary Group commander BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- Right now, outside my tent as I write this, yet another close-air-support mission is thundering into the sky. And right now, there is likely an Air Force joint terminal attack controller, or JTAC, ready in the field to employ that airpower in the fight against the insurgents here in Afghanistan. But as impressive as that classic use of airpower is, that is by no means the only measure of our Airmen's involvement in this counter-insurgency fight. Everyday, Airmen are deeply involved in this joint fight against extremism and terrorism. Countering an insurgency requires every tool of national power; and yes, that includes the force of combined arms. Airpower is vital to that striking force. Airpower, however, comes to the fight in many forms. As those CAS sorties fly, there are Airmen busting their tails maintaining the aircraft. There are Airmen working the extraordinary challenges of supplying those hungry aircraft in a difficult environment. And there are Airmen securing this air base against a complex threat from smart and dangerous adversaries. These things, too, are airpower. The Air Force contribution extends far beyond the base. From the global mobility provided by our airlift forces, to the worldwide communication and navigation network maintained by our comm and space specialists, to unmanned aerial vehicle operators running Predator sorties from half a world away, airpower is an indispensable part of the joint fight. And it doesn't stop there. Every Airman who supports deployed Airmen, and their families back home, is enabling the fight, and bringing airpower to bear. Airmen also are filling very non-traditional roles in this war, providing key capabilities and skills to the joint force. Whether serving in joint organizations, or often in Army formations, Airmen are taking their skills into the "in lieu of" or ILO field. Sometimes as teams, frequently as individuals, these ILO Airmen supply valuable expertise in support of our sister services. Lengthy pre-deployment training, longer deployments, and austere forward bases are the norm for these warriors. While this may not look like Airpower, the spirit and talents of the ILO Airmen show airpower at its finest. Beyond their technical skill, Airmen demonstrate their flexibility and dedication to duty every day. Airmen also go one step beyond: the airpower culture that produced them has taught them to look for the one thing that isn't getting done, and then find a better way of doing it. ILO Airmen show without a doubt that our people are the greatest form of airpower, and their contribution to the joint fight is immense. Some folks may glance at the struggle for Afghanistan and falsely conclude that airpower is but a small part of the equation. Although the numbers of Airmen and aircraft in country may be small, the impact of that airpower is huge and global in scope. Airmen can, and should, be proud of their contribution to this fight. The Air Force and our joint partners are making a positive difference in this country together. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page