In CAS, who is the aviation officer who exercises control of combat engaged aircraft?

• A. FAC(A)
• B. JTAC
• C. FAC(C)
• D. ALO

Answer: (A)

In CAS, the aviation officer who exercises control of combat-engaged aircraft is the Forward Air Controller in the air. This person sits in an aircraft and has the authority to direct the engagement from order to release, handling target designation, altitude, airspeed, headings, and vectoring of strike aircraft to the target. Being airborne gives the controller the clearest, most immediate view of the battlefield, allowing rapid adjustments and helping to prevent misidentification or fratricide. The airborne FAC can see both the target and potential hazards (friendly forces, civilians, airspace constraints) and communicates directly with the pilot to execute the mission precisely and safely. Ground-based controllers, such as a ground FAC or JTAC, play crucial liaison and target-marking roles, but they don’t exercise air control from the cockpit; they typically delegate air-control authority to the airborne controller when an aircraft is engaged. The Air Liaison Officer provides advisory support to the ground commander but does not personally control aircraft in flight.