I can't speak for everyone...but this line of conversation was driven by post 4 suggesting that the Air Force wasn't military. So, in my mind, there's no question about the Army or Marines. They don't need to defend themselves.
However, after 28 years of service (including 1 year as a director on a JTF staff), I can tell you that the USAF shouldn't have to defend itself either. ESPECIALLY after the support airmen have given in Iraq & Afghanistan. We’ve got folks on the ground, working outside their element…running convoys, leading reconstruction and training teams…keeping everyone supplied.
Inter-service rivalry is fun…but when we get in the fight, everybody has to play their part.
Yeah, it's going to be hard for this USAF motorhead to see his son join the Army (Combat Engineer is his goal). ;-)
But through and through, I think we can all agree that every service has its share of folks who have tough jobs to do.
SZ