Which personnel are qualified to control Close Air Support (CAS) in the USMC/USAF?

The correct answer identifies the personnel specifically trained and qualified to control Close Air Support (CAS) within the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and United States Air Force (USAF). TACP (Tactical Air Control Party) members and JTACs (Joint Tactical Air Controllers) are vital to coordinating air support at the tactical level, providing the capability to direct aircraft in close proximity to friendly forces. A FAC(A) (Forward Air Controller (Airborne)) has similar responsibilities but operates from an aircraft, enabling direct control of air strikes.

Personnel in these roles are equipped with the skills, training, and certification required to ensure safe and effective integration of airpower into land operations. This includes communicating targets to pilots, ensuring deconfliction of airspace, and managing the application of firepower in dynamic and often high-pressure environments.

Other options encompass various roles within military operations, but they do not specifically pertain to the expert control of CAS as required for close support operations on the ground. Those roles may have other specialized functions, but when it comes to direct supervision and control of air support missions engaging ground forces, TACP (JTAC) and FAC(A) are the recognized authorities.