Summary: Since 1960 the United States has attempted to rely on host countries for assistance to provide needed rear area support in case of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) conflict. The concept has been mostly applied to base maintenance, but not weather support functions. Weather support is generally provided by Air Weather Service personnel on U.S. bases.
The Air Weather Service has not studied the feasibility of host nation weather support to U.S. installations. The Air Force has a positive attitude toward increasing host nation support even though it has voiced concern about such support. Current operations tend to indicate that, with some exceptions, host nations can provide weather support at the central guidance center and base level. The Air Force is concerned over the following issues: economies derived from host nation services, classified material, contingencies, differences in operating requirements, and control over civilians. These issues must be closely examined before a final conclusion can be reached. On the other hand, the Air Force reliance on host nations tends to downgrade concern over some of these potential problem areas.
