What did the National Security Act of 1947 establish regarding the Air Force?

The National Security Act of 1947 was a landmark piece of legislation that established the United States Air Force (USAF) as a separate independent military service. Prior to this act, the Army Air Forces operated as a constituent part of the Army during World War II, and there had been ongoing debates about the necessity of an independent air service. The Act sought to streamline and improve the nation’s military organization after the war, leading to the creation of distinct branches.

By officially recognizing the Air Force as a standalone entity, the National Security Act of 1947 allowed for greater focus and specialization in aerial warfare, strategy, and technology, responding to the evolving nature of military conflict that increasingly relied on air power. This independence also included its own leadership structure and budget, enhancing operational capabilities.

The establishment of the Air Force as a separate service under the National Security Act marked a significant shift in military organization, reflecting an understanding of air power's critical role in national security and strategy in the post-World War II context.