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First of all Which US Air Force Command would be responsible
for such an endeavor if it is undertaken? That responsiblity will fall under the auspicies of the Seventeenth Air Force.
This command does not have any actual units on its records. So this means
ANY Squadrons will have to be deployed from either the United States or Europe.
Currently there is a USAF Presence in Kigali,Rwanda assisting with the Current
Peacekeeping Operations in Darfur.
So why is there no great enthusiasm for this effort? After All the New Presidential
Envoy for Sudan has stated that this mission could be accomplished.
Darfur: A Flashpoint which according to the US Air Force is not of a vital National Interest.
So what is the Air Force Saying? Let us turn to the Commander
of the 17th Air Force: " I don't think that the Idea is well enough developed for us to start counting heads as to who might
and who might not (participate)."
It is believed that this would interject Western Forces into a situation
where they have no clear cut mandate. The Rules of Engagement will tie their hands to the point where at best the Air Effort
will be ineffective. Will they be limited to conduct Recon Missions? Will they be able to engage when there is a Sudanese
Airstrike? Will they have the Green Light to launch a Counter Attack even if it means launching a Strike against Khartoum
itself?
From a Logistical Standpoint Resupply most likely will have to Come From
US Stockpiles in Europe or Stateside as well. This could also mean that the US Base in Kigali, Rwanda may become the busiest
Airport in Africa in the near future if certain people in the State Department and the Pentagon have their way.
With Every Military Operation there is a Risk/Reward situation. In this case
it appears that there are plenty of risks getting involved in a situation that on the surface not to have anyone on a Government
Level anywhere come up with a resolution anytime in the near future.
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