Steve-
You are refering to the same GEN McPeak that wanted to take Apaches and the MLRS away from the Army as the used the Air Force's airspace? I suppose the change in his tune would reflect the "All or nothing" mentality.

Re: DePuy's thoughts; the break between tactical air and strategic air seemed much more natural that the break between all air power and all ground power in WW II, and even in 1961 when DePuy was writing. But as air defence systems improved, the need to stay above ADA, or engage in a complicated, and resource intensive suppression of eneamy air defenses (SEAD) operation blurred the tac/strat line. Note that even in Viet Nam, B-52s (a SAC airframe) could frequently provide more responsive support to ground forces than conventional CAS aircraft, because of the reduced ADA threat for the high altitude aircraft. In Desert Storm, Apaches were essential to operational/strategic level SEAD because of their ability to fly below the Iraqi integrated air defense system (IADS).

Improvements in the sensor to shooter cycle, sensor technology, communications, combined with a global environment more inclined to Small Wars than maneuver warfare make the distinctions between strat air power, tactical air power, and CAS of limited utility. The distinctions are limiting the way we look at the tools availible to us, and discouraging innovative and flexible application of air power.

This having been said... Get rid of the Air Force? Why not take it one step further and return to the intent of the Constitution; only the Navy (and a subordinate Marine Corps under the Navy) as a standing service, and place all the combat power in the AF and Army back under the National Guards. Nope, both schemes are politically untenable despite good reasons for both. More logical and practical would be to legislate that the general officers of the Air Force be distributed consistantly with the distribution of rated (flying and operational officers), intel, and comm officers in the AF. 10% fighter pilots means no more than 10% Generals from the fighter community... Include intel and comm as GEN Jumper (fmr AF CoS) correctly identified these non-rated fields as being central to the future of air power as well as being the non-rated fields of greatest impact on DoD's capabilities.