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In Military Tactics , close air support ('''CAS''') is defined as air action by fixed or rotary winged aircraft against hostile targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces, and which requires detailed integration of each air mission with fire and movement of these forces.1 The determining factor for CAS is the detailed integration factor, not proximity. CAS may need to be conducted not in close proximity to friendly forces, if the mission requires detailed integration with the fire and movement of these forces. . A closely related subset of air interdiction, battlefield air interdiction denotes interdiction against units with near term-effects on friendly units, but which does not require integration with friendly troop movements. The term "battlefield air interdiction" is not currently used in US joint doctrine. Close air support requires excellent coordination with ground forces. In advanced modern militaries, this coordination is typically handled by specialists such as Joint Fires Observer s, Joint Terminal Attack Controller s, and airborne Forward Air Controller s (aka FAC). HISTORY World War I reflects the increased use of electronic and optical technology to direct targeted fires for CAS. Air platforms communicating with ground forces can also provide additional aerial-to-ground visual search, ground-convoy escort, and enhancement of command and control (C2), assets which can be particularly important for Low Intensity Conflict .5 The question still remains if CAS aircraft need to be played by highly sophisticated and expensive aircraft or whether perhaps more rugged / cheaper platforms may be more appropriate. This is particularly true when it comes to combat outside the First World. Some others would suggest that UAVs are going to take over the basic CAS role, and that this would be both cheaper and more sophisticated. However, as long as no substitutes are found to boots on the ground, it is unlikely that manned CAS will be replaced effectively by UAVs.6 REFERENCES SEE ALSO
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