Fighters, Attack, Bomber, Cargo, Recon, Helo, it doesn't matter...we're all support.

 

I can't dispute that on the macro level.

 

With one exception...
... FAIP.

 

It is amazing how many military aviators seem uncomfortable with accepting that,

"The mission is an 18-year-old with a rifle".

 

It is very nice to see USAF aircrew say that since has been a topic of contention in the past when the GROUND CENTRIC forces have had discussions with other services.
Appreciate it crewdawg and Hacker.

USMCFLYR

 

A handful of lucky winners in the Air Force get to be ALOs along the way. I've known dudes who have jumped into Panama and Iraq with airborne forces, ridden in tanks and APCs into ground combat (self included), and host of other little opportunities glossed over in my AFROTC classes.

If you don't "get" the mission as a fighter pilot initially, you may "get" it figured out after that alpha tour.

The fun part is when some Army puke tries to take the moral high ground at an O club somewhere, and let you know how little you know about "real war". They usually S-T-F-U when you ask them where they were at the Battle of 73 Easting or Medina Ridge. There are some former FACS out there who have seen some pretty crazy stuff and been part of some heavy ground battles. Marines do it as part of the job description, but there are Air Force guys who've been there/done that too.