Many logistics functions, like support, aircraft maintenance, and administration used to be largely conducted by enlisted Airmen.  As a result of budget decreases and manning decisions, however, much of these jobs are now done by civilian contractors.  This adds some complexity to the issue of conducting military operations, as when a labor strike recently grounded the fleet at Vance Air Force Base.  (Operations are still suspended at the base.)

The Air Force isn’t even a party to the labor conflict, as the dispute is between two external organizations.  Still, it is the victim of the work stoppage.

The base even had to bring in augmentees from other bases just to man basic life-saving functions like the Fire Department.  Officially, however, the Air Force remains “neutral” in the labor dispute.