If, years ago, the Air Force had transferred the A-10 to the Army, as the Army had asked, the FAC and ALO roles could be played by guys who cut their teeth in the Army, know Army Aviation, know Army nomenclature, terms, acronyms, etc, etc. As well, I believe, that our (ARMY) grunts would feel better knowing that the guys flying cover and CAS for them are of their service. That's not to say that they don't appreciate, in a very big way, the work of their Air Force buds, because they do. Very much. But, it would allow them to have a better feeling for the support that they would be getting. As well, it would streamline the request process, from the grunt under attack, up through the chain of command, and then down to the fighter wing, to get those fast attack, close air support assets on site and weapons on targets in a more expeditious manner. But the Air Force has never signed off on the Army operating fixed wing aircraft, never mind fast attack, fixed wing, jets. Just another example of parochial thinking. This is one case where the Marines have it all over the AF. (Don't beat me up too badly on this one .)