Interesting articles...
http://wethearmed.com/military-and-law-enforcement/the-a-10-close-air-support-myths-and-procurement-politics/
http://www.janes.com/article/31464/usaf-presses-case-for-a-10-cuts
I wonder, if the USAF isn’t; sweeping the skies of enemy aircraft, dropping bombs on the enemy, strafing the enemy, providing satellite recon to the ground troops, providing UAV and U2 intel to the ground troops, what, exactly, is the USAF doing then?
Aren’t all of the above and the numerous other roles they perform in DIRECT support of any US ground troops whether they be USMC or US Army?
When a bomb craters an enemy position, who is the “benefactor”? The USAF or the ground troops? When an F16 is called in by a USAF FAC and drops a load of bombs on Iraqis “danger close”, who are they supporting?
The “Airpower” mission for the USAF is a multi role effort...fighters gain and maintain control over the airspace. Fighters and bombers come in to DIRECTLY support the advance of the ground troops. ISR provides accurate and timely intelligence to Commanders in the field.
Yeah, maybe the USMC aren’t asking or maybe they have USMC aviation or Army helos in the area to provide the support.
Don’t know, but I really tire of this peristent maligning of the USAF when it is unwarranted.
Another article of “interest”...one where the AF “didn’t do anything for the Corps” except lose an entire crew of an AC-130.
http://astroguyz.com/2009/02/19/the-downing-of-spirit-03-did-the-moon-play-a-role/
The Marines do have their own Air Corps. But the A-10 is sooo sweet.
I would never bash the AF. I was just asking for one person’s perspective and experience for inter-branch service, so to speak. I was really disappointed that my son wasn’t going to have A-10s cover his butt when he was in the stan that’s all. Wondered about it.