The Air Force and Space Force are using airsoft rifles in basic training . . . and why does the Air Force (and Space Force) have separate basic training anyway?

Which is absurd.

They're asking for real M4 carbines, which they should get.

But it also raises this question.

Why doesn't the Air Force simply use the Army for basic training?  The Marines send their artillerymen to Ft. Sill for artillery training from the Army. Everyone uses the Air Force for training in dog handling.

Each service has its own requirements, but basic training conveys basic soldierly skills.  Granted, the Air Force is unique from the Army, but in regard to basic training, not that unique.  And after all, the Army did provide basic training to the U.S. Army Air Corps prior to the Air Force existing, and enlisted Marines in the Marine Corps' aviation branch go through regular Marine Corps basic training.

It's not as if this would save piles of money, but it would save some, and do away with some needless duplication here.