intertheater airlift

The common-user airlift linking theaters to the continental United States and to other theaters as well as theairlift within the continental United States. The majority of these air mobility assets is assigned to the Commander, United States Transportation Command. Because of the intertheater ranges usually involved, intertheater airlift is normally conducted by the heavy, longer range, intercontinental airlift assets but may be augmented with shorter range aircraft when required. Formerly referred to as "strategic airlift." See also intratheater airlift.