“Why does the country need an independent Air Force?”
1st March 2010
It doesn’t, and never has. The Navy and Marines show how air forces can be integrated into a traditional service to great effect. Having a separate air force just adds coordination problems between air power and surface power.
Since its founding, the Air Force has existed primarily to support its daring and chivalrous fighter and bomber pilots. Even as they are being displaced by new technology, these traditional pilots are fighting to retain control over the Air Force and its culture and traditions.