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U.s. Army Signal Corps Essay

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The U.S. Air Force started its days as the U.S. Army Signal Corps on Aug. 1, 1907, when a small aeronautical division took charge of all matter that pertained to military air machines, ballooning and all kindred subjects (Pawlyk, Canty & News, n.d.). The Air Force has undergone some significant changes throughout the years, but it has only done so because it has identified its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. History The first plane was tested at Fort Meyer, Virginia, on Aug. 20, 1908. On this date, Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge died while flying with Orville Wright, which was the first military aviation casualty. After more testing and improvements came to the aircraft, the U.S. Army accepted the first plane on Aug. 2, 1909, which was called “Airplane No. 1.” On July 18, 1915, former president Woodrow Wilson signed a bill stating the Signal Corps an Aviation Section was to replace the aeronautical division. The aviation section was to supervise and operate all military aircraft, which at the time included balloons and airplanes. This section also looked after all the equipment and appliances that pertained to the crafts. The section trained officers and enlisted members in military aviation. During World War I, the 1st Aero Squadron represented air power of the U.S. Army and started with a total of 12 officers, 54 enlisted men and only six aircraft. By the end of 1915 the aviation section grew to 44 officers, 224 enlisted members and 23 airplanes. While

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