Improving Detailed Integration in Close Air Support Planning and Execution

<p>This study examines the current level of detailed integration in close air support (CAS) planning with the focus on air component support of Army conventional forces to determine if changes should be made to the current concept of operations for CAS. The results are based on interviews with numerous experienced CAS aviators with experience in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Analyses of these interviews and current doctrine were compared with the CAS Concept of Operations (CONOPS) from recent combat operations in Iraq to determine needed changes. Results demonstrate that a theater CAS CONOPS should include assigning forward air controller (airborne) (FAC(A) missions to ground maneuver units early enough for liaison with the unit; that CAS planners should create a communications architecture to facilitate direct liaison between FAC(A) wings and supported ground units; and that assignment and distribution of FAC(A) missions could be decentralized to the wing level. All of these changes are in accordance with current joint and Air Force doctrine and would improve detailed integration in joint CAS.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>