Which information is required for CAS planning?

• A. Ground situation only
• B. Ground situation, Comms plan, and Wx
• C. Ground situation, Comms plan, EOB, and Wx
• D. Ground situation, Comms plan, and Wx environment

Answer: (D)

CAS planning relies on three essential inputs: the ground situation, the communications plan, and the weather environment. The ground situation tells you where friendly forces and potential threats are, where targets lie, safe routes, and any no-fire or risk areas. This information anchors what you can and cannot strike, helps you time the engagement, and guides deconfliction with other assets on the ground.

The communications plan is what makes the operation executable. It establishes how aircraft will communicate with ground controllers, what call signs and frequencies to use, and the procedures for requesting, granting, or aborting fires. Without a clear comms plan, coordination breaks down, increasing the risk of fratricide, misfires, or failed targets.

The weather environment is critical because conditions directly shape how you fly, spot targets, and deliver munitions. Wind and drift near the target can push munitions off target; visibility and cloud cover affect target identification and safe attack altitude; ceiling, precipitation, and temperature influence aircraft performance and sensor effectiveness. Weather can change quickly, so having current Wx data ensures you plan within survivable, accurate firing parameters.

Including Enemy Order of Battle as a separate item isn’t necessary because that information is typically encompassed in the ground situation. The combination of ground situation, a solid communications plan, and awareness of the weather environment provides the complete, actionable baseline needed for CAS, making this option the best fit.