All the arguments about tankers hauling cargo or troops are worthless. The USAF doesn't even want any more C-17. Civilian airliners have been hauling cargo and troops for the US Mil for more than 50 years, at a much lower cost than USAF planes.
The prudent customer buys used airliners and converts them to tankers, and puts the $Billions saved into UAVs.
Now there is a career path for all those kids playing Microsoft Flight Sim.
EADS should be moving into UAVs, if they aren't already. Seen the Hexacopter?
GB