What is one of the main considerations when forecasting air refueling requirements?

When forecasting air refueling requirements, operational readiness is a critical consideration because it encompasses the overall capability and preparedness of the units involved in the operation. This includes evaluating the availability and condition of aircraft, mission scheduling, maintenance status, and the ability to meet mission demands effectively. A high level of operational readiness ensures that air refueling assets can be deployed timely and efficiently to meet the operational needs of the mission, impacting both mission success and aircrew safety.

While aircrew availability, weather predictions, and route optimization are also important factors in the overall planning and execution of air refueling, they serve as secondary considerations that rely on the foundation of operational readiness. Without a high state of readiness, even the best-planned routes or favorable weather conditions cannot guarantee mission success.