If they want a prop plane, why not just bring back the Navy’s Skyraider, AD-1. This was truly a great attack aircraft. Put a turboprop in it.
Navys Skyraider, AD-1
If you can get it in the doors or hang it on the wing, it will get it off the ground.
Old idea come back:
http://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/p51variants/Cavalier.shtml
Since the Navy and AF already use them as a training aircraft, they already have support personnel and pilots familiar with it, as well as an existing supply chain.
Makes sense from that standpoint.