Evening star., 1936-06-14
Aviation Forces Gaining Emphasis
AS War Clouds Are Darkening Skies

was developed for the strategical
bombing of industrial centerS and key
positions in lines Of communications.
Light bombers and pursuit planes we're
used in special situations against
ground troops. Bombardment opera
tions were being undertaken on an
ever increasing scale by the Allies
and, had the war continued, these
operations against Germany would
have increased at least skiold BY the
Spring Of 1919.
The Germans were the first to
develop and utilize a special attack
airplane and attack units. This was
in 1917. However. the French and
the British recognized the value OF
attack aviation under certain condi-
tions and used light bombing, pursuit
and observation units for this purpose
in practically every major operation
in 1918.
AT the conclusion of the World
War, and as a result of the expert
ence gained thereby, it was apparent:
That observation aviation. with de-
velopments in photography and radio,
would play continuously more i'm
portant tactical and strategical roles.
That two new classes Of aviation
had been found to be essential, name
ly, bombardment and pursuit.
That, in addition to the direct
cooperation with ground units, an
air force, composed of all classes Of
aviation. was a new and effective
weapon for executing distant strategic
missions to further the plan of the
armies as a whole"
Headquarters Force Created.
The United States Army, through
the creation just little more than a
year ago Of the General Headquarters
Air Force, achieved the formation Of
a force composed of bombardment,
pursuit and attack aviation. capable
of instant use as a unit by the COM
mander of the armies.
To-day" Gen. CLANCY says. 'mili-
tary airplanes are far superior to those
of 1918 in speed, radius Of action,
useful load, rate of climb, ceiling, re-
liability and defense in the air. These
factors, together with improvements
in navigation equipment, radio and
armament, have greatly amplified
their strategical and tactical roles
both as to scope and effectiveness"
Bombardment Main Arm.
Gen. CLANCY concludes by pointing
out, on the basis of published reports
of air maneuvers in the leading coun-
tries in recent years, it is apparent:
That today bombardment aviation
is the most important and main air
arm anc is rapidly playing an in.
creasingly major role year by year.
THAT bombardment, pursuit, attack
and observation operate as an air
force to get the best results; that
while each in its action contributes
to the success of the bombardment
mission, bombardment when in the
air neither requires nor expects pro-
lection other than its own defensive
means.
That attack aviation is no longer
a weapon of opportunity, for, due to
its greatly increased powers, remuner.
ative targets are always available.
THAT initial results may well be
the decisive factor in modern war.
That the immediate and success
full employment Of an air force and
highly mobile mechanical ground
forces permits the assumption Of the
initiative and paves the way for re-
tanning it both in the air and on the
ground.
THAT without freedom Of action IN
the air, without adequate information
of the enemy, and with his supply lines
harassed and main reserves attacked
and delayed, a belligerent Is helpless
In modern war"