United States Army Air Corps - Definition and Overview

1. The Army Air Corps is an administrative corps of the US Army and was established in 1987 and serves to organize, train, equip and operate the Army's light aircraft and Helicopter assets. The Army Air Corps was formed by renaming the Army Aviation Branch which was established during the 1950s . Its primary function is the tactical support of the army by providing tactical close air support and transport services. Allegedly a gentlemen's agreement exists between the US Army and the US Air Force prohibiting the army from operating jet aircraft.

2. What is now the United States Air Force (USAF) was formerly a part of the U.S. Army, namely the United States Army Air Corps or USAAC. It was established under this name by an act of Congress on July 2, 1926. During World War II its role grew greatly; the Air Corps eventually became the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) on June 20, 1941. The required Congressional disestablishment of the Army Air Corps itself did not occur until 1947. See also: List of military aircraft of the United States