The AF Chief of Staff's statement regarding close air support and his contention that "destroying the mass of an enemy’s air force (the second echelon, known to most as the reserve) saves the most lives on the ground and at sea" begs a question....luckily, one supplied by Paralus.
After you've destroyed the enemy's air forces, what do you plan on doing with that shiny Air Force of yours if the enemy doesn't surrender and continues to engage our forces on the ground?Good question.
My guess.
Have the Air Force equivalent of a LCpl wash and wax it.
NOTE: I used the F-35 as the image for this post to illustrate the obvious. The A-10 is about to be retired early to pay for it, but will you put the F-35 in the weeds? Will you do firepower demonstrations with it to stay within the rules of engagement? Will pilots take a 100 Million Dollar plus plus fighter within anti-aircraft gun range to support troops on the ground? The answer is obvious. Some will. They'll be putting their careers at risk, will damage their airplane, will save lives and will be drummed out of the AF because they did what their leadership refused to do. Those Airmen will keep faith with the ground forces and let it all hang out to help. If leaders select those like them for advancement (which is true) then I would expect those type of Airmen (fly guys) to be fewer and fewer.
