academy
coming out of lurking after over a year to make this post...impressed by the thoughts about a national academy. I am AF, but did a tour at Whiting teaching T-34s and taught a few Merchant Marines who joined the Navy. Was always intrigued, but never made the connection to a potential air connection. This is such a good idea I already inquired with a few of my friends who work on the Hill if such an idea has been floated in the past. I'll let you know if they have ever considered it.
I think a year ago this would have been a laughable idea...but we are nearing crisis mode. It's been said before, but, "never waste a good crisis."