The discussion continues.
The question. Does the USMC need fast jets?
I truly believe that the only reason why fast jets are seriously being questioned when it comes to the Marine Corps is because of the F-35.
Before the F-35 came along the world was happy to have the Marine Corps with fast jets. Again that had to do with cost. We flew airplanes long after the US Navy had retired similar models (the A-4 Sky Hawk and the A-6/EA-6) are the best modern day examples of this.
In the past, Marine Air was entirely affordable. But again, because of the F-35 we see critics taking a disturbing, yet logical look at Marine Air. Trons Away (a reader of my blog) makes the case....
Prior to the Harrier, the Marines flew aircraft already in service with other branches - primarily the Navy. The Harrier set the precedent for USMC unique aircraft procurement. That trend has continued; the Marines will be the sole or primary operator of nearly all the type/model/series in the future Marine Air Wing. Lack of economies of scale in procurement and maintenance drive costs up. CH-53K and MV-22 both cost twice as much as CH-47, more than a Super Hornet, UH-1Y costs more than MH-60S.I'm a bit befuddled by the whole thing.
The STOVL capability has rarely been used operationally. Consider that Al Asad and Bastion were both 10,000+ foot runways. I understand the need for STOL capabilities, but you already have it - expeditionary airfields with cats and arresting gear that can launch and recover fully loaded carrier aircraft in very short distances.
Without Harrier, you don't have organic fixed wing support from the amphibs, but despite what some in the Corps preach, a major opposed amphibious assault will be a Joint sequential operation with all services providing capabilities.
There was a time when I would have shot it down out of reflex. Damn your talking points, we're right---we need them---you're wrong. Times have changed and I find my defense of the F-35 non-existent and I'm beginning to waiver on STOVL.
Why? Because I did a short review of Marine History.
Do you know how many independent operations that MEU's have taken part in where the only option was the airplanes on deck to provide air support for Marine ground?
Zero.
If I missed one then please let me know. Either US Navy carriers, USAF fighters and bomber, allied aircraft....take your pick, but we had friends in goofy blue uniforms providing support.
So to my Marine brothers I ask a simple question. Do we need fast jets or should we have Marine Air that is dedicated to providing ground support in the form of AH-1Zs now and a future tilt-rotor gunship later?
