Toward a Single Air Force: Will Tactical Air be Part of the Marine Corps' Future

摘要

In light of the demise of the former Soviet Union, Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA) calledfor a review of roles and missions within the Department of Defense. Nunn's central theme is the fundamental question of not what is best for a service, but what is best for America. Senator Nunn describes a world in which we have no more enemies and therefore no need for large standing forces that are forward deployed. In his quest to reduce spending within DOD, the Senator cited nine areas where there appears substantial duplication and potential opportunity for streamlining. One specific area that he targets are the four service air forces. This study reviews the philosophical basis of the air forces and compares their orientation to assigned missions. The review focuses on historical examples to explain why certain air forces have performed some missions better than others. Recommendations are made reduce redundancy and provide better warfighting capability. The suggestions contained herein are fiscally sound, operationally supportable and in concert with the Senator Nunn's central theme.