MASTER OF THE SKIES

Cleared for takeoff, take it to the skies...

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Full military power

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As seen from the aircraft’s cockpit, an OV-10A Bronco aircraft flies behind two other Broncos during a flight out of Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. The aircraft are assigned to the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron. 1990.

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The US Air Force has been toying with the idea of light support CAS planes for a while, but now SOCOM wants in on it.  SOCOM plans on purchasing 75 light attack aircraft for armed overwatch, ISR missions and precision strike missions for special operators. Another article.  

If this goes through, it will set the precedent for Special Operations Forces to have their own fixed wing aviation assets without having to reach out to another branch of service, which is something that our Allies in the Middle East are experimenting with also.   I predict we will start to see something similar, where SOF have specialized infantry weapon teams, tanks, artillery, engineering assets, fixed and rotary wing aviation and potentially Naval support as well ALL IN ONE UNIT, under ONE COMMANDER, NOT SUBORDINATED FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.  

“Even in cases where tanks are fighting alongside an infantry unit, the tank operators are subordinate to their armored units and the infantrymen are led by their infantry commanders.That will not be the case in this type of new unit. The fighter pilots serving there will no longer be directly subordinate to the air force but would be formally part of the same unit, under the same commander, the IDF said.“

Further reading:

https://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/immediate-lessons-from-the-battle-of-mosul

https://mwi.usma.edu/fixing-way-army-trains-urban-warfare/

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F-15E Strike Eagles from the 492nd Fighter Squadron arrive at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, May 5, 2020.  (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandria Brun)

https://www.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2002300477/

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A C-130 Hercules assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. flies over its home state, May 8, 2020. The flyover was part of America Strong; a collaborative salute to healthcare workers, first responders, military, and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with all Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Irvin)

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RAAF F-111 Aardvark, “Turkey Shoot”

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Absolute unit

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USAF F-4D 465th TFG, Tinker AFB

By Joe Cupido

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USS America (LHA 6) transits the eastern Pacific Ocean. by Official U.S. Navy Page Via Flickr: PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 8, 2019) The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) transits the eastern Pacific Ocean. America is at sea conducting routine operations in the eastern Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chad Swysgood/Released) 191008-N-ZQ712-1746

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MH-47 aerial refueling over a serene landscape

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Huge C-5 in the flare

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Fiat G.59

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“ AIR BRIDGE “ // AIB102 // TLS // 2020