[Jacquerie]

The Air Force doesn't now nor has it ever claimed a right to monopolize military aviation.

Wrong. In the late '40s the USAF tried to do just that shortly after their inception.

Each service has unique needs and missions. If the Army uses some boats to patrol the Tigris or Euphrates in Iraq, why get the Navy involved? Naval aviation has developed uniquely as well. Want to kill retention? Just ask Air Force types to give up cushy shore bases for sea duty.

[dakine]

"Want to kill retention? Just ask Air Force types to give up cushy shore bases for sea duty."

ok...

[beelzepug]

"Wrong. In the late '40s the USAF tried to do just that..."

In the '60's they stole my Caribous and hollered till we stripped the rocket pods off our Mohawks. Took all the fun out of being in Army aviation.