Whilst away on that 'useful' exercise, Saif Sareea II in Oman in 2001 I had a chat with some US TALCE guys (the US 'Movers') who had pitched up literally overnight shortly after September 11th.
I commented on the vast amounts of kit they had bought in, which was a complete 'Bare Base' Movements setup, including vehicles and aircraft loading equipment. The array and amount of kit was truly impressive (no 12x12 tents and paste tables for them!)
The Master Sergeant told me that they had four C-17's loaded up with this 'QRF' Movements kit at all times based at a certain Eastern Seaboard USAF Base 'just in case'.
Just for this Movements setup. Nobody else.
When I commented on the fact that we had four
leased C17's for the entire UK Airforce, Army AND Navy's use he just looked at me, shook his head and said, "Jeez, how the HELL do you guys ever get anything done..."
I thought it was a fair point to be honest.
CC