U.S. Military Seeks To Save Fuel

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The U.S. Air Force, in what could reduce missions in
the Middle East, has sought to stem the cost of operating air platforms.
Officials said the air force was examining the prospect of expanding the
use of simulators to reduce training flights. They said the air force has
encountered a $600 million increase in fuel costs for every $10 rise in the
price of a barrel of oil.
"But, is there a way for us to get at some of that combat-skills
training and do it by burning less fossil fuel?" Gen. John Corley, commander
of Air Combat Command, asked.
In a June 19 address to the 2008 Joint Warfighting Conference, Corley,
who is also air component chief for U.S. Joint Forces Command, said the
military service was examining a switch to alternative fuels. The general,
who did not identify the alternative fuels, termed this "Plan B."