I say the above as a former zoomie.
/johnny
I said that here a long time ago.
Thanks for your service!
Strengthen the under carriage for carrier duty and let Marines have it.
Indeed. The Air Force has always institutionally hated the A-10. It was slated for the graveyard until Desert Shield/Storm. Then its superb performance and "Joint" popularity made it impossible for the Air Force to get rid of. But now memories are fading. So its days are numbered unless another publicly acceptable war erupts.
Before the Gulf Wars rescued the A-10, I was mystified why the Air Force so detested it. After speaking with numerous USAF pilots it became clear to me that the A-10's insurmountable problem was that it was not a fighter. Of course the pilots didn't express it that way. But that's what it boiled down to.
The A-10 would be a natural fit for the Army. But that would mean reconstituting US Army Air Corps (or Force) fixed-wing assets. And the USAF would rather attack the USA than to allow it to again soar with the eagles!
Give it to both the Army and the Marine Corps.
I helped develop some of the avionics for the more modern A-10s, and as a fellow zoomie, albiet in a different country’s air force, I always wished we had A-10’s.
Alas, our ground support role was/is fulfilled by F-16s and various attack helicopters.
Give the Air Force assets to the Army and the Marines keep their assets. (Though a few A-10s would be appreciated)
Throw in a few of these while you're at it.
Rutan ARES "Mudfighter" for U.S. Army Close Air Support
You could have warrant officers flying these after a year of training.