United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office National Security and International Affairs Division author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao legislative 2010-08-12 U.S. Government Printing Office 1996-05-06 monographic deposited born digital 26 p. GA 1.13:NSIAD-96-82 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-96-82 P0b002ee180389533 f:ns96082 DGPO 2010-08-12 2011-03-24 GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-96-82 machine generated eng fdlp REPORT GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-96-82 NSIAD-96-82 Fighter aircraft Military aviation Military cost control Combat readiness Base realignments Defense capabilities Cost effectiveness analysis Defense contingency planning Air warfare Tactical air forces F-15C Aircraft F-15D Aircraft F-16C/D Aircraft Eagle Aircraft Falcon Aircraft DOD Bottom-Up Review Letter Report NSIAD GAO reviewed the cost-effectiveness of the Air Force's reconfiguration of F-15 and F-16 fighters into smaller squadrons, focusing on the consequences this might have on the Secretary of Defense's efforts to reduce defense infrastructure costs.<p/>GAO found that: (1) while smaller 18-aircraft squadrons provide more deployment flexibility than 24-aircraft squadrons, the larger configuration provides enough deployment flexibility to meet the Air Force's needs; (2) the ability of squadron commanders to manage the personnel and tasks of 24-aircraft squadrons has not proved to be a problem; (3) the Air Force's decision to reduce squadron size from 24 to 18 aircraft was not based on organized analysis or documented studies; (4) using 24-aircraft squadrons instead of 18-aircraft squadrons could reduce costs; (5) by consolidating some existing F-15 and F-16 squadrons with other squadrons to better maximize base utilization, the Air Force could cost-effectively increase the number of 24-aircraft squadrons; (6) all 18-aircraft squadrons could return to their original size of 24 aircraft with little or no effort and expense; (7) if the Air Force consolidates its squadrons, it should keep aircraft with the similar modernization, mission characteristics, and engine types together; and (8) at least 4 alternatives exist to consolidate the Air Force's squadrons that could save between $25 and $115 million annually. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-96-82/html/GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-96-82.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-96-82/pdf/GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-96-82.pdf GAO/NSIAD-96-82 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-96-82 Letter Report GAO/NSIAD-96-82; Air Force Aircraft: Consolidating Fighter Squadrons Could Reduce Costs; Fighter aircraft Military aviation Military cost control Combat readiness Base realignments Defense capabilities Cost effectiveness analysis Defense contingency planning Air warfare Tactical air forces F-15C Aircraft F-15D Aircraft F-16C/D Aircraft Eagle Aircraft Falcon Aircraft DOD Bottom-Up Review