During my second elistment, 18 years later (after 9-11, by the hair of my chinny, chin chin, based on age and waivers), and the whole Joint Task Force thing.... I gained some perspective. AF can't take care of Army boots or Marine boots nearly as well as Army or Marine close air support can. A Marine FAC on the ground with Marines talking to Marine pilots can do a better job than an AF para-jumper on the ground with Marines talking to Navy pilots. Although interservice operability is very important.
Personal opinion. But considered opinion.
Being older my second enlistment, I really read all the books on the NCO reading list, did the war college remote thing, and thought hard about logistics, strategy, and tactics.
I firmly believe USAF should own the airspace over the battlefield and let the organic units on the ground do close air support. Their guys, taking care of their guys.
Specialty stuff, like dropping the new SDBs from Angels 30 and hitting literally in the pickle barrel can be done by USAF. But low and slow needs to be Army or Marine. Supporting their own boots. AF has a role. But it needs to be tailored.
/johnny
Johnny I am old school FAC.. I took over the ranges in Southern Arizona AND taught those fighters how to hit. I get sick and tired of anyone telling the AF what or how to do it.
Merry Christmas!