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 APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200090014-1

4. Logistics

Logistical support of the air force is a responsibility of the Minister of Air, who controls procurement and establishes logistic policies. In actual practice he delegates this responsibility to the Subsecretariat for high-level planning, coordinating, and centralizing of air force requirements and to the Air Materiel Command for day-to-day logistical support of air force operational units. The Subsecretariat issues a requisition to effect delivery of materiel required by the Air Materiel Command or directs that its subordinate Central Procurement Board obtain the item if it is not available. Requests for unusual and expensive items must be referred to the Minister of Air for approval, and they are channeled through the Directorate of Aeronautical Industry in the Subsecretariat if they relate to significant aircraft and ordnance developments. Requests for additional or ongoing funds for existing programs or projects are often bogged down in the time-consuming chain of command, causing gaps in aircraft production, training, and logistical support.

The Air Materiel Command, created in late 1965, is primarily concerned with the acquisition, storage, maintenance, and distribution of materials required by the operational forces and the inspection and maintenance of aerospace systems (aircraft and associated equipment). Subordinate to the Chief, Air Materiel Command are the Technical Department for Purchases; the Office of Economic Statistics; sections for aircraft, communications, armament, automobiles, and fuel; and air force depots.

Logistic support for the air force is tied to four main depots at Cuatro Vientos, Getafe, Albacete, and Sevilla Airbases. Cuatros Vientos, the most significant, provides aircraft and engine overhaul. The Getafe depot handles communications and electronics equipment. It provides excellent facilities for receipt, storage, and issuance of these items, and is capable of conducting their overhaul and repair. Smaller depots which handle armament, POL, and vehicles are located in the Madrid area.

Unit maintenance is conducted by maintenance squadrons located at the various operational bases and is considered good, even though it is often handicapped by shortages of spare parts and materials. The majority of depot maintenance on airframes and engines is accomplished by civilian aerospace firms on a contract basis.

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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200090014-1