The USAF is attempting to take control over all UAV systems that operate above 5000 feet. This is about the USAF wanting new toys, not any special skills or abilities to handle the programs in a better manner.

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“I think this is a case of the Air Force having too much time on its hands,” said John Pike, who runs the Arlington, Va.-based military think tank GlobalSecurity.org. “They seem to be striving for purpose as a military service and this is a way to go about that.”

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Army leaders have said losing the UAV mission could endanger soldiers because of delays in Air Force close-air support to troops in combat.

“The service chiefs and our (U.S. House) committee met in a closed session,” Cramer said, “and I asked them directly if the Air Force could perform as well and support troops on the ground, specifically Army troops on the ground, as well as the Army could.

“The Army and Marine chiefs said no, they did not believe it based on past performance.
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