The invasion of Ukraine by Russia emphasizes why air support is so important in modern warfare. Russia pretty much dominates the air and that gives it a great advanatge over the Ukrainian forces on the ground. Ukraine sure could have used more defensive weapons against air assaults before the invasion. Which reminded me of historical events that I’d recommend you knowing. Not the least of which is that a soldier raised in Papa’s hometown is often credited with advocating that the US develop air power in future wars. Of great consequnce in World War Two.
In World War One, long before the US joined that effort, young American pilots volunteered to help the French. Some were quite well to do but risked going into combat anyways. (Made sense because I suspect the wealthy had more opportunity to fly airplanes in those days.) The French government accepted American volunteers and that segment of air support in those days became known as “Lafayette Escadrille”.
A similar thing happened before World War Two when Ameicans formed the AVG to assist China in fighting Japan. The pilots were quite skilled and successful against the enemy. Some of their origins stemmed from daredevil pilots that once were popular in entertaining crowds. (i.e. it’s said that the founder once tied his plane to two other bi-planes and off the three of them flew to do tricks in the air!) The American Voluteer Group became known as the “Flying Tigers.” I remember having a model plane with their famous shark tooth painting.