Cartadanian Air Force

The Cartadanian Air Force (AC) has a history dating back to its formation in 1913 at the beginning of the Galician War. As the oldest independent in the world, the Air Force has played a significant role in Cartadanian military history, particularly during the Great Wars. The emphasis on air superiority has been a top priority for Cartadania since the 1960s, resulting in the Air Force budget surpassing that of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, making it the most well-funded branch of the Cartadanian Armed Forces.

As a military service branch within the Department of the Air Force, the Air Force is one of three military departments of the Department of Defense. The civilian Secretary of the Air Force heads the Air Force through the Department of the Air Force and is appointed by the President, with the highest-ranking military officer being the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. The Chief of Staff exercises supervision over Air Force units and serves as one of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Air Force operates under the direction of the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Air Force, with specific components assigned to unified combatant commands. Combatant commanders are delegated operational authority over the forces assigned to them, while the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force retain administrative authority over their members.

The Air Force has a rich tradition of training its pilots and support personnel to the highest standards of excellence. The Dalian Air Force Academy, located in the city of Oasis Springs, is a highly selective institution that prepares future officers for leadership roles in the Air Force. Additionally, the Air Force provides extensive training to its enlisted personnel to ensure that they are highly skilled and capable of carrying out their duties effectively.

Origins
The history of the Cartadanian Air Force can be traced back to the early 20th century when the country was facing political and regional conflicts with neighboring Caphiria. In 1913, the Cartadanian Secretary of War approved the purchase of an early airplane, which was initially intended for reconnaissance purposes. However, the Cartadanian military soon recognized the potential of aerial warfare, and the newly acquired plane was quickly outfitted for military operations.

By the following year, four more planes were added to the Cartadanian military's aviation arm, and plans were set in motion to establish an official air force. On 17 December 1913, General Gabriel Seabra was appointed as the Inspector General of this aviation arm of the Armed Forces, laying the groundwork for the future Cartadanian Air Force.

Great Wars era
The Cartadanian Air Force's involvement in both Great Wars was largely concentrated on key areas where air support provided a strategic advantage. Although largely uninvolved in the First Great War, the Second Great War saw Cartadania's determination to utilize the full impact of its armed forces, especially its Air Force. After the annexation of the eastern states, the Department of Defense redirected much of its efforts towards developing equipment and mobilizing the workforce in the western states of Victoria and Verona. This included contractors such as Angelico and Murena Defense, who increased production to meet the demand.

The Cartadanian Air Force saw significant changes during this time period, as the Department of Defense emphasized the importance of air superiority and air-to-surface campaigns. This led to the development of new tactics and technologies, such as precision-guided munitions, which allowed for more effective strikes against enemy targets.

During the joint campaign between Cartadania and Pelaxia, the Cartadanian Air Force conducted a number of strikes in the eastern front, working closely with the Pelaxian Air Force to cross-train, supply, and plan out the operation of the conflict. As the Cartadanian Air Force was 16 years senior to its Caphirian counterpart, with the Pelaxians having a six-year headstart on Caphiria, the joint force had a significant advantage in terms of experience and expertise. Time was also on its side, allowing for more effective planning and execution of operations. The success of the joint force was due in no small part to the close collaboration and coordination between the Cartadanian and Pelaxian Air Forces, as well as their advanced equipment and tactics.

Luso Wars
During the Carto-Porlosi conflict, the Cartadanian Air Force played a crucial role in providing air support to the Army. As the conflict was largely concentrated in inland areas, the air force became the primary means of transportation for supplies and personnel. With the help of the air force, the army was able to move quickly and efficiently across the rugged terrain, launching surprise attacks on the rebel militia. The air force was also responsible for conducting reconnaissance missions over the conflict zone. These missions provided valuable information to the army, allowing them to adjust their strategy and tactics to gain an advantage over the rebels. The air force pilots were highly trained and experienced, allowing them to fly at low altitudes and navigate through challenging terrain with ease.

Furthermore, the Cartadanian Air Force played a significant role in the siege of the rebel militia in San Ysidro. The air force launched a series of air-to-surface campaigns, bombing key rebel targets and supply lines. These attacks helped to weaken the rebels' position and pave the way for a ground assault by the army.

Despite the conflict ultimately going in favor of Alahuela, the Cartadanian Air Force's contribution was invaluable in securing victory. The lessons learned during the Carto-Porlosi conflict were taken into account by the Department of Defense and the Air Force continued to grow and develop its capabilities in air support and reconnaissance missions. In future conflicts, the Cartadanian Air Force would prove to be a formidable force, securing air superiority and aiding the army in achieving its objectives.