You had me right up till you said taking control of ground forces. For many aviators, OCS and TBS was quite a period of time in their past, which is to say they received a combat 101 level exposure to warfare. Unless they've done a ground tour (not many have) they are likely not up on the latest in tactics and equipment. To say they commanded ground forces is likely to say they were the ranking Marine present, that I'd buy. I'd rather take my chances tactically with a 3rd combat tour company Gunny fresh back from the sand box leading the way over a LtCol whose baseline of knowledge was learned when the M-16A1 was the latest and greatest. Hopefully that aviator would be smart enough to recognize that as well. If not, he better have eyes in the back of the noggin after the first boneheaded decision that got friendlies hurt or killed.