What aspect is given priority during the initial stage of bare base development?

In the initial stage of bare base development, the primary focus is on developing combat sortie capabilities. This phase is vital because it sets the foundation for the operational effectiveness of the base, allowing for the rapid deployment and readiness of aircraft. The capability to launch combat sorties ensures that the base can fulfill its primary mission of supporting military operations.

By prioritizing the aspect of combat sortie capabilities, the bare base can effectively support mission requirements, maintain operational tempo, and ensure that forces can be projected quickly into the area of operations. While other aspects like utility systems and safety measures are also essential components of base development, they typically follow the establishment of combat capabilities to ensure that the base can function as intended in a combat environment.