In CAS, who controls the fires?

• A. Ground commander controlling fires, with the JTAC coordinating airpower.
• B. The aircrew alone decides targets without ground input.
• C. A separate air defense system controls all fires.
• D. The naval commander controls land-based fires.

Answer: (A)

In CAS, the ground commander owns the fires and sets the intent for the target area. The JTAC (or FAC(A)) serves as the integral air-ground controller, coordinating airpower to execute those fires safely and effectively. The aircraft don’t decide targets on their own; they rely on the ground commander’s request and the JTAC’s guidance to designate targets, ensure correct location and timing, and deconflict with other assets. This arrangement keeps the fires aligned with the maneuver and intent on the ground, while still leveraging the precision and reach of airpower.

Why the other scenarios don’t fit: aircrews do not independently determine targets; that would bypass the ground commander’s control and increase risk to friendly forces. A separate air defense system isn’t responsible for directing land-based fires. And naval commanders don’t control land-based fires.