"The LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." — Proverbs 2:6
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🔹 Historical context
The Key Law: The National Security Act of 1947 and subsequent Department of Defense directives created a separation of missions between the Army and the Air Force.
Reason: After World War II, the Air Force became a separate service branch, and the Army agreed to limit itself to rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters) and some light fixed-wing aircraft.
Goal: Prevent duplication of effort and inter-service rivalry over aircraft missions.
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🔹 Modern reality
The U.S. Army does operate some fixed-wing aircraft, but they are mostly:
Light utility aircraft (like the C-12 Huron)
Reconnaissance or surveillance planes
Training aircraft
Combat fixed-wing aircraft (fighters, bombers, attack aircraft) are exclusively the Air Force's responsibility.
The Army also operates unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), some of which are considered fixed-wing drones.
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🔹 Why the confusion exists
People often hear "the Army doesn't fly planes" and generalize it to all fixed-wing aircraft.
Legally, the Army cannot operate large combat fixed-wing planes, but it can and does fly small fixed-wing utility and surveillance planes.
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✅ Bottom line:
False if interpreted as "the Army cannot have any fixed-wing aircraft."
True in context: The Army cannot operate large combat aircraft like fighter jets or bombers; those are under the Air Force.
Generated by ai, always verify
