Here, let me fix that for You 😉
Hmmm…. lets examine the last, say, 25 years for “major” conflicts in which the US have got involved.
1. Afghanistan. A-10 critical to supporting those at greatest risk (i.e. the troops on the ground, not the pilots in the sky.)
2. Iraq II. A-10 critical to removing any armoured vehicles and to providing on-call air support to troops in country and city.
3. Serbia/Yugoslavia. Originally not used due to the interdiction nature of the strike plan, but being used eventually.
4. Bosnia. Not used extensively. No troops on ground.
5. Iraq I. A-10 critical to scud hunts, removing armoured columns and on-call support. The initial proposed retirement of the A-10 was halted due to its performance.
So, in 4 out of 5 conflicts the A-10 has seen extensive use.
In the 3 conflicts where troops have been on the ground, the A-10 has been absolutely essential. Given the assumption that the primary role of the USAF would be to support the US Army in any conflict where they are engaged, you have to ask… why are they being retired again?
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