You're correct. Our national defense has developed doctrine and assigned missions based on an overall defense strategy. The Air Force has the heavy bombers, the Army has helicopters to support ground troops, the Navy and Marines are equipped to defend the ships and support operations at sea and Littoral operations.
The line between fighters and bombers is kind of fuzzy. The F117 is actually a bomber - it has no air to air capability. The F-16, F-18, and F-15E can be a fighter, surface attack, or close air platform depending on how they are armed for a particular mission.
During Desert Storm, the only aircraft that flew in the most heavily defended areas were the 117s.
The British Tornadoes were used to destroy runways and because of their low-level tactics and munitions, suffered the highest losses per aircraft type. That's the price of preparing to fight the last war and not looking to the future.
Wow, what a GREAT comment, and you are absolutely correct!! You also brought up some other great points that I hadn't considered.
Thanks for your lifetime of service and sacrifice to our great nation!!