During CAS, who is primarily responsible for coordinating between air and ground forces?

• A. The lead aircraft pilot.
• B. The weather team.
• C. The Tactical Air Control Party (TACP).
• D. The ground commander alone.

Answer: (C)

In CAS, the person bridging air and ground operations is the Tactical Air Control Party. The TACP embeds with the ground forces to translate the ground commander’s intent into actionable air support. They manage the flow of information between aircraft and ground units, identify targets, provide target location and designations, and control the timing and sequence of air deliveries. They also assess risk, deconflict with other fires and airspace, and maintain comms with the pursuing aircraft to adjust or abort as needed. The lead aircraft pilot handles flying and delivering weapons, but relies on the TACP to understand the ground situation and coordinate the air strike, while the weather team provides meteorological data and the ground commander delegates authority for employment, the actual coordination role rests with the TACP.