Origins of Airpower. Hap Arnold's Command Years and Aviation Technology, 1936- 1945

In January 1936, Brig Gen Henry H. Arnold was transferred back to Washington, D.C. Maj Gen Oscar F. Westover had taken over as chief of the Air Corps and had convinced Gen Ma lin Craig, chief of staff, that he needed Arnold as his assistant. Another candidate for that job was General Headquarters GHQ Air Force commander Brig Gen Frank M. Andrews. Andrews and Westover had clashed regarding independence of the air arm. Westover, who had opposed separation from the Army through out his career, and Arnold, perhaps having learned a lesson about bucking the system at too high a level, agreed that remaining part of the Army held definite advantages for the Air Corps, particularly in the area of logistical support. From that point, Andrewss career took a different path from Arnolds. By 1939, Andrews had moved over to the General Staff under Gen George C. Marshall, and Arnold held command of the Air Corps. Arnold used this position to ensure, among other things, continued scientific and technological advances in his command. Even before assuming command, Arnold chaired a committee formed in 1936 to examine how best to create a Balanced Air Program. There was nothing unusual in his final report in fact, it followed very closely the recommendations made previously by the Drum Board a committee headed by Maj Gen Hugh Drum that was appointed to review and revise the Air Corpss five-year procurement plan. The numbers reflected in each report for personnel and planes were similar. Surprising today but realistic at that time, the forecast for air planes required was only 1,399 in 1936, increasing to a meager 2,708 in 1941. Although Arnolds report was primarily an attempt to reckon with depression budgets, no mention was made of scientific research or technological development.