Situation
The Department of the U.S. Air Force began its search for a site to locate a new Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program Pilot Training Center in 2020. The Secretary of the Air Force set the process in motion to establish the training center and determine the center’s location.
CHALLENGE
Ensuring that Arkansas has an active military presence is a key priority for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC). AEDC’s Military Affairs Division is charged with protecting the state’s military bases and missions and working to grow the military’s presence in Arkansas.
Solution
Partners across Arkansas worked as a team to develop a plan to win the FMS mission. The Governor’s Office, congressional delegation, AEDC, the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas Air National Guard, the Arkansas Military Department, the Governor’s Military Affairs Committee, and many others collaborated during the basing process to bring the FMS to Arkansas.Results
The Department of the Air Force selected Ebbing ANGB as the preferred location for the training center in 2021. Following this decision, the department conducted an environmental impact analysis to ensure that Ebbing could support the F-16 and F-35 missions.
