How are close air support assets coordinated with ground commanders through the AOC?

• A. By issuing random target lists without feedback.
• B. By using automated targeting with no human liaison.
• C. By aligning targets, timing, and safety measures and maintaining direct liaison channels with ground units.
• D. By letting ground commanders handle targets without AOC input.

Answer: (C)

Coordinating close air support through the AOC centers on synchronizing targets, timing, and safety with direct liaison to ground units. Ground commanders supply the battlefield picture and requests for CAS, and the AOC aligns aircraft availability, weapon effects, routing, and the sequencing of fires to fit the ground plan. Maintaining ongoing, direct communication with ground units gives real-time updates on enemy positions, friendlies, and evolving conditions, enabling rapid changes to targets, timing, or authorization while keeping safety and deconfliction at the forefront. This integrated approach is essential because CAS must be fast, precise, and safe, blending airpower with ground maneuver. The other options miss critical elements: random target lists lack feedback and context; automated targeting without human liaison removes essential battlefield judgment and safety oversight; letting ground commanders proceed without AOC input breaks the necessary air-ground integration and deconfliction.