The Air Force stepped up its use of tactical airlift in lraq as a way to limit the need for ground convoys, which have been targeted successfully by insurgents. It costs more to ship cargo by air than by truck, but the reduced exposure of troops is considered worth it. "Replacing good people is a lot more expensive" than flying airplanes, Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper told Air Force Magazine in mid-December. After personally observing convoy operations on an inspection tour in November, Jumper said he launched "a big push to ... get these guys off the roads." Convoy casualties, he said, amounted to about 100 per month before the shift to airlift began.
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