The United States Army Air Service was the aerial warfare branch of the United States Army during and immediately after World War I. Established in 1918, it played a crucial role in the conflict by providing air support for ground troops and conducting reconnaissance missions. The Air Service was responsible for training pilots and developing aviation technology. In 1926, the Army Air Service was reorganized and renamed the United States Army Air Corps. This change marked the beginning of a more structured approach to military aviation, leading to advancements in aircraft design and tactics that would be vital in future conflicts, including World War II.