The reason 'Navy' and 'Marines' is used is because of the vast
preponderance of readers in those organizations who must employ
their lips to sound out the words during the reading process. By the
time the meaning of either word sinks in the approaching airplane is
getting very close but has not yet passed by. MacNamara's efficiency
experts proposed substituting 'USN' and 'USMC' but long-entrenched
tradition forbade that common-sense action. (One said Mac himself
needed the help. Mac did manage to get the model numbering system down
to something he could comprehend. ) OTH an aircraft clearly marked U S
Air Force is already inside the weapons release point by time the
meaning has sparked a reaction in the lookouts Thus: "You - Ess - A-i-
r - F-o-r-c-e -- s--t, there it goes!"
Walt BJ.