How is Close Air Support (CAS) integrated with ground fires in the FSCDC framework?

• A. CAS is planned in isolation from ground fires.
• B. CAS is planned and executed as part of joint fires, coordinated with fire support assets, airspace measures, and the Joint Targeting Cycle.
• C. CAS replaces artillery in FSCDC.
• D. CAS is only used for air superiority missions.

Answer: (B)

Close Air Support is integrated with ground fires as part of a single joint fires plan. It isn’t planned in isolation; CAS is coordinated with all fire support assets, airspace measures to keep air and ground activities safely deconflicted, and the Joint Targeting Cycle to ensure target development, validation, asset allocation, delivery, and assessment happen in a synchronized, timely way. In practice, airstrikes and ground fires are scheduled together so they complement each other—artillery, mortars, rockets, and missiles work in concert with CAS, under a unified command and control picture. The Joint Targeting Cycle provides the systematic process to move from target identification to delivery, ensuring the right asset is used at the right time for the right effect. CAS does not replace artillery, and it’s not limited to air superiority missions; its purpose is to directly support ground maneuver and fires with integrated effects.