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During the first few days of war in March of 03' during OIF I understand the USMC landed their KC-130s at FARPS in Iraq on highway strips and captured airfields in order to deliever to the grunts, pilots, and helos critical fuel, ammo, water, food, and spare parts.

My question is does the Army use USAF C-130s for forward resupply to the same extent the USMC uses its KC-130s?

Using the 130s I would think would somewhat relieve the strain on the ground logistics vehicles, and allow for high-speed replenishment.

Then again, the practicality of the flights depends on the enemy air defenses, the level of ground security and FP at the FARP, the weather, and success in locating usable landing strips. And even after all the planning and energy that will go into a single support flight, four HEMET ground-based tankers could have moved the same amount of fuel.

Any thoughts on assault support flights in support of conventional forces in an OIF-type war?



Edited by - ViperTTB on Jun 19 2004 4:17 PM

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During the first few days of war in March of 03' during OIF I understand the USMC landed their KC-130s at FARPS in Iraq on highway strips and captured airfields in order to deliever to the grunts, pilots, and helos critical fuel, ammo, water, food, and spare parts.
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The Air Force and the Army have a lot to learn from the Marines...

ATTACK!