Why the US Army Could Care Less about the A-10 Warthog

The argument that the A10 isn't a good match for a MIG is valid, but wouldn't the F15 and F16 be providing cover for the A10s while deployed? I have heard that the main Air Force complaint with the A10 is that it is an ugly aircraft, not a sexy ride like the fast moving F15/16.

From a ground guy's perspective I really don't care about the aesthetics of the tool used, I want to know that when we call for support we get the best tool for the target/threat. Thus far, I haven't seen anything better that the A10 for providing close air support to ground troops.

If the Air Force doesn't want to drive these slow and ugly airplanes, be adult about it, let the Army or the Marines have them. We know their value and understand how to deploy them.

The Air Force has gone through a couple stages in it's short history. At the onset it was run by the bomber guys due to Lemay and bombers reigned supreme. Then came the fighter pilots in all their glory and fighters reigned supreme. The only guys really doing anything now (outside of the bombers again, but not in a strategic role as before) are the CAS guys in A-10s. They will be next to run the Air Force.

Those generals against the A-10 will have to retire someday and some younger generals will think differently. I think the big shift will be when they find out how poorly the F-35 does in a real Combat situation when Forward Air controllers or special forces are pinned down in a bad weather situation and the other planes can't come in because it's too risky and the F-35 is mothballed at Davis-Monthan Airport period when men die and the F-35 runs out of ammunition, ordinance and can't do its job, then you will see the Army care about the A-10 Warthog!