Meaning: The quote "According to Goering and the Luftwaffe High Command, they were supposed to be the fighter elite" by Adolf Galland refers to the role and expectations of the Luftwaffe (German air force) during World War II. Adolf Galland was a German Luftwaffe general and flying ace who played a significant role in shaping the air war on the Western Front during the war. His quote sheds light on the perception and aspirations of the Luftwaffe, as well as the leadership's vision for the air force.

Hermann Goering, a prominent political and military figure in Nazi Germany, was the commander-in-chief of the Luftwaffe. As such, he played a pivotal role in shaping the strategies and objectives of the air force. The Luftwaffe High Command, under Goering's leadership, was responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of aerial operations during the war. The quote implies that there was a sense of expectation and pressure for the Luftwaffe to excel and establish itself as the elite force in aerial combat.

During the early stages of the war, the Luftwaffe achieved notable successes, particularly during the Blitzkrieg campaigns in Poland, France, and the early phases of the invasion of the Soviet Union. The concept of aerial supremacy and the "fighter elite" was central to the Luftwaffe's doctrine and its role in supporting the German military offensives. The air force was expected to dominate the skies, provide close air support to ground forces, and ensure the protection of German territory from enemy air attacks.

Adolf Galland, as a highly decorated fighter pilot and leader within the Luftwaffe, was intimately familiar with the challenges and expectations placed on the air force. His role as a key figure in shaping the Luftwaffe's fighter tactics and strategies gives weight to his perspective on the aspirations of the German air force. The quote suggests that there was a concerted effort to position the Luftwaffe's fighter units as the preeminent force in aerial combat, reflecting the leadership's emphasis on achieving air superiority.

However, as the war progressed, the Luftwaffe faced increasing challenges and setbacks. The entry of the United States into the conflict, coupled with the Allied strategic bombing campaign, placed immense strain on the German air force. The Battle of Britain and the later air battles on the Eastern and Western Fronts also tested the Luftwaffe's capabilities, ultimately exposing its limitations in terms of aircraft production, pilot training, and logistical support.

The quote by Galland encapsulates the tension between the Luftwaffe's intended role as the "fighter elite" and the realities of the war. It reflects the ambitious goals set by the leadership and the pressure on the air force to deliver results in the face of mounting adversity. The eventual decline of the Luftwaffe's effectiveness in the later years of the war underscores the gap between expectations and outcomes for the German air force.

In conclusion, Adolf Galland's quote offers insight into the aspirations and pressures faced by the Luftwaffe during World War II. It highlights the leadership's vision of the air force as the "fighter elite" and the challenges encountered in fulfilling that role. The quote serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions inherent in wartime aspirations and the sobering realities of conflict.