The US military operates a fleet of modified civilian Boeing and Gulfstream VIP private jets - here's what they do
The US Navy and Marine Corps do also maintain a fleet of the larger C-37s, used for VIP transport.
Some of the military's private jets are used for more than just VIP transport, such as the E-11A.
A modified Bombardier Global Express aircraft, the E-11A is a communications node that acts as a flying repeater and facilitates communications between various forces. The aircraft is particularly useful in allowing forces to communicate with their base when separated by mountainous terrain or other obstructions.
The small fleet of three aircraft is solely based in Afghanistan, far from the other converted private jet aircraft based in Washington. One Air Force E-11A recently crashed in Afghanistan, with the cause of the incident still unknown.
While no converted civilian jet aircraft are equipped with weapons, the Air Force called the plane "as essential to mission success as bullets."
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