The RNAS's technical outlook grew from Royal Navy reforms that had already brought engineers into the officer corps. The Army and RFC worked through that professional integration on a different timetable. In this interpretation, the RFC's many cavalry officers brought a reputation for concentrating on the immediate fight, while naval officers were more accustomed to considering support beyond it. A particular RFC group and its allies later gained influence in the Air Ministry, where experience of the trenches encouraged an emphasis on bombing. Retaining a naval air service would preserve a different professional background among the people making aviation decisions.
Notable Point · 25:44-28:49
Engineering culture divided the RNAS from the RFC
Earlier naval integration of engineering officers provides one explanation for differences between RNAS practice, RFC culture, and the Air Ministry's later emphasis on bombing.