What did WWII demonstrate about the need for an independent Air Force?

World War II showcased the significant impact and effectiveness of airpower in warfare, which highlighted the need for an independent Air Force. The war demonstrated that air forces could conduct operations that had a decisive influence on the outcome of battles and overall military campaigns. Successful strategic bombing campaigns, air superiority achieved in engagements, and support for ground operations illustrated that airpower was not merely a supporting or auxiliary force but could operate independently to achieve victory.

The experiences of World War II revealed that controlling the air was critical to ensuring the success of ground and naval forces, thus establishing airpower as a cornerstone of modern military strategy. The ability of air forces to hit strategic targets, disrupt enemy logistics, and provide rapid response capabilities proved that independent Air Force operations could significantly alter the course of a conflict, underscoring the necessity for it to function autonomously rather than as an adjunct to ground or naval forces.