Crossword Genius

Communicate strength of military branch? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

airforce

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'military branch?' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I cannot tell whether this works.

'communicate strength' is the wordplay.
'communicate' becomes 'air' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'strength' becomes 'force' (synonyms).
'air'+'force'='AIRFORCE'

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for airforce that I've seen is " service".)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app