Organization of Military Aeronautics, 1907-1935. Congressional and War Department Action
Abstract
Almost from the beginning of military aeronautics in the United States there has been a well-defined movement to secure a greater degree of autonomy for aviation. This movement first took the form of agitation for separation from the Signal Corps which had originally controlled it. Following World War I air veterans urged complete severance from the Army, advocating first a department of aeronatics and when that appeared impossible of attainment initiated proposals for a department of national defense in which aviation would be coordinate with the Army and Navy. They secured the organization of the air arm as a corps of the War Department but failed to realize either of their major objectives. The more conservative officers then compromised on a mobile, striking GHQ Air Force based upon the concept of air power as an offensive weapon. This study describes the attempts of Congress and the War Department to determine the appropriate place for the air arm in the nation's defense organization. Based on legislative materials and the action of War Department boards, it is limited to authorizations for external organization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1944
- Accession Number
- ADA529935