What act created the Department of Defense and made the Air Force its own branch separate from the Army?

The National Security Act of 1947 is significant because it established the framework for the modern U.S. military and intelligence community. This act not only created the Department of Defense, which oversees all branches of the U.S. military, but also designated the Air Force as an independent branch, separating it from the Army. This transformation allowed for a more specialized focus on air power and aerial warfare, responding to the growing importance of air capabilities in military operations post-World War II.

The act reformed the way military services were organized and integrated, laying the groundwork for a unified command structure that promotes cooperation among the branches. By establishing the National Security Council and the Central Intelligence Agency, it further enhanced the coordination of military and intelligence efforts. Understanding this pivotal act helps clarify the evolution of military structure and strategy in the United States, particularly the recognition of air power as an essential component of national defense.