What does CAS stand for?

Close Air Support refers to the combat operations in which aircraft engage enemy forces that are in close proximity to friendly troops. This type of support is vital in modern warfare as it provides direct assistance to ground units, enabling them to engage enemy forces while minimizing the risk of collateral damage. The primary mission of Close Air Support is to provide timely and effective airpower to help ground troops in various situations, including offensive and defensive operations, siege situations, and rescue missions.

Understanding Close Air Support is essential, as it integrates different military branches and requires coordination to ensure that air assets work effectively in conjunction with ground forces to achieve strategic objectives. This concept is a crucial part of modern air operations and military tactics. In contrast, the other terms such as Combat Air Strategy, Consolidated Air Strategy, and Critical Air Support, while they might sound plausible, do not accurately reflect the established military terminology relating to ground troop support from the air.