Export your learner materials as an interactive game, a webpage, or FAQ style cheatsheet.
Unsaved Work Found!
It looks like you have unsaved work from a previous session. Would you like to restore it?
Total Categories: 6
Close Air Support (CAS) is defined by aerial warfare actions against hostile targets in close proximity to friendly forces, requiring detailed integration of each air mission with ground force movements.
Answer: True
The definition of Close Air Support (CAS) emphasizes aerial actions against hostile targets in close proximity to friendly forces, necessitating detailed integration of air missions with ground force movements.
Battlefield air interdiction requires the same detailed integration with friendly troop movements as Close Air Support.
Answer: False
Battlefield air interdiction, while affecting friendly units, does not demand the same level of detailed integration with friendly troop movements as Close Air Support, which is a key distinguishing factor.
Specialists like joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs) are crucial for coordinating Close Air Support with ground forces.
Answer: True
Specialists such as joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs) and forward air controllers (FACs) are essential for ensuring effective coordination between air and ground forces in Close Air Support missions.
What is the determining factor for an action to be classified as Close Air Support?
Answer: The requirement for detailed integration of the air mission with the fire and movement of all friendly forces involved.
The defining characteristic of Close Air Support is the imperative for detailed integration of the air mission with the fire and movement of all friendly forces, due to the close proximity of hostile targets.
Which of the following weapons are NOT mentioned as being used in Close Air Support missions?
Answer: Submarine-launched torpedoes
Close Air Support missions utilize a range of air-to-ground weapons such as bombs, missiles, rockets, and autocannons. Submarine-launched torpedoes are naval weapons unrelated to aerial support.
Which of the following is NOT a type of aerial warfare action typically involved in Close Air Support?
Answer: Long-range strategic bombing of enemy infrastructure.
Close Air Support involves direct air-to-ground actions against targets in close proximity to friendly forces. Long-range strategic bombing of enemy infrastructure is a distinct mission, classified as strategic bombing or air interdiction, not CAS.
The first significant military use of aircraft in close air support of ground forces occurred during World War II.
Answer: False
Significant military use of aircraft for close air support dates back to World War I, which marked the initial integration of air power into ground combat operations.
World War I CAS aircraft had a powerful psychological impact despite their limited destructive power.
Answer: True
Despite the limited destructive capability of early World War I aircraft, their presence and attacks had a significant psychological impact on both hostile and friendly ground troops.
Early CAS coordination during World War I was simplified by advanced air-to-ground radio communication.
Answer: False
Early CAS coordination during World War I was hindered, not simplified, by the primitive nature of air-to-ground radio communication, making effective coordination difficult.
A dedicated air support doctrine and specialized fighter aircraft for ground attack were first introduced in 1916 during WWI.
Answer: True
While sporadic air attacks occurred from 1914, a dedicated air support doctrine and specialized ground attack fighters were indeed introduced in 1916 during World War I.
The Battle of the Somme saw the first large-scale integration of air support into a battle plan.
Answer: False
While the Battle of the Somme featured improvised air assaults, the first large-scale integration of air support into a battle plan occurred at the 1917 Battle of Cambrai.
The Germans developed the first purpose-built ground attack aircraft, the Junkers J.I, during World War I.
Answer: True
The Germans were pioneers in ground attack warfare during World War I, developing the Junkers J.I as the first purpose-built ground attack aircraft.
CAS aircraft were a crucial factor in the British victory during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of 1918.
Answer: True
In the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of 1918, Close Air Support aircraft played a crucial role in the British victory by conducting wide-ranging attacks after achieving air superiority.
What innovation in CAS tactics was spurred by an improvised assault by British armed reconnaissance planes at the Battle of the Somme?
Answer: Strafing enemy trenches after surveillance operations.
The improvised strafing of enemy trenches by British reconnaissance planes at the Battle of the Somme demonstrated the potential of such tactics, leading to further innovation in Close Air Support.
Which battle saw air support first integrated into a battle plan on a large scale, despite high pilot casualties?
Answer: The 1917 Battle of Cambrai
The 1917 Battle of Cambrai marked the first large-scale integration of air support into a comprehensive battle plan, despite the significant pilot casualties incurred.
What was a significant challenge for early CAS coordination during World War I?
Answer: Primitive air-to-ground radio communication.
A significant challenge for early Close Air Support coordination during World War I was the primitive state of air-to-ground radio communication, which severely hampered effective real-time interaction between air and ground units.
Which of the following was NOT one of the first ground-attack aircraft debuted by the British in 1917?
Answer: Junkers J.I
While the British debuted modified F.E 2b fighters, Airco DH.5s, and Sopwith Camels as early ground-attack aircraft in 1917, the Junkers J.I was a purpose-built German ground-attack aircraft.
How did British doctrine differentiate between types of air support during WWI?
Answer: Between trench strafing (modern CAS) and ground strafing (modern air interdiction).
British doctrine during World War I distinguished between trench strafing, which aligns with modern Close Air Support, and ground strafing, which corresponds to modern air interdiction, targeting tactical ground objectives away from the immediate battle.
During the interwar period, aviators generally advocated for CAS, while ground officers preferred strategic bombing.
Answer: False
During the interwar period, aviators generally prioritized interdiction and strategic bombing, viewing CAS as inefficient, while ground officers often advocated for the flexibility and psychological impact of air support.
The British Royal Air Force extensively used air power for policing colonial hotspots in the Middle East and North Africa during the interwar period.
Answer: True
The British Royal Air Force effectively utilized air power for policing and suppressing revolts in its colonial territories in the Middle East and North Africa throughout the interwar period.
The German Condor Legion's CAS tactics during the Spanish Civil War had little influence on subsequent Luftwaffe doctrine.
Answer: False
The Close Air Support tactics developed by the German Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War were highly influential and significantly shaped subsequent Luftwaffe doctrine.
Germany's unique recognition of the need for aerial support of ground operations was partly due to being forbidden from developing powerful strategic bombing capabilities by the Treaty of Versailles.
Answer: True
Germany's focus on aerial support for ground operations was partly influenced by the Treaty of Versailles, which restricted its development of strategic bombing capabilities, leading to a unique emphasis on CAS.
The Junkers Ju 87 Stuka was developed by Germany for close support after their experience with dive-bombing.
Answer: True
The Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bomber was a direct result of Germany's recognition of the accuracy and effectiveness of dive-bombing for close air support.
German CAS declined after 1943 primarily due to a shift in Luftwaffe doctrine towards strategic bombing.
Answer: False
The decline of German CAS after 1943 was primarily due to the growing strength of the Red Air Force, redeployment of Luftwaffe assets for strategic defense, and dwindling resources, not a doctrinal shift towards strategic bombing.
During the interwar period, which military theorists expounded upon the importance of CAS despite prevailing indifference?
Answer: J. F. C. Fuller and Basil Liddell Hart
Military theorists such as J. F. C. Fuller and Basil Liddell Hart were notable proponents of Close Air Support during the interwar period, advocating for its role despite a general lack of interest among many aviators.
What was a key reason for Germany's unique willingness to commit forces to Close Air Support compared to other air forces before WWII?
Answer: They were forbidden from developing powerful strategic bombing capabilities by the Treaty of Versailles.
Germany's unique emphasis on Close Air Support before World War II was partly a consequence of the Treaty of Versailles, which restricted its development of powerful strategic bombing capabilities, leading to a focus on ground support.
What psychological impact did Stuka attacks, aided by sirens, have on French defenders during the 1940 Meuse River crossing?
Answer: They had a disproportionately powerful psychological impact, preventing defenders from manning positions.
During the 1940 Meuse River crossing, Stuka attacks, amplified by their sirens, exerted a significant psychological effect on French defenders, disrupting their ability to man positions despite limited direct physical damage.
Which German dive bomber was known for its psychological effect and anti-tank capabilities, including sirens and 37 mm cannons?
Answer: Junkers Ju 87 Stuka
The Junkers Ju 87 Stuka was a notorious German dive bomber, recognized for its psychological impact, enhanced by sirens, and its anti-tank capabilities, particularly variants equipped with 37 mm cannons.
Which conflicts during the interwar period saw notable use of CAS?
Answer: The Polish–Soviet War, Spanish Civil War, and Gran Chaco War.
The interwar period featured notable applications of Close Air Support in conflicts such as the Polish–Soviet War, the Spanish Civil War, and the Gran Chaco War, among others.
What dive-bombing tactics did U.S. Marine Aviators experiment with during the Banana Wars?
Answer: Dive bombing.
During the Banana Wars, U.S. Marine Aviators experimented with and adopted dive-bombing techniques as part of their air-ground tactics to support ground forces.
How did the Luftwaffe organize for air-ground coordination in WWII?
Answer: By organizing air liaison detachments attached to ground units of the main effort.
In World War II, the Luftwaffe organized for air-ground coordination by attaching limited air liaison detachments to ground units, facilitating communication and reconnaissance, though not direct aircraft guidance.
The Royal Air Force was well-prepared for CAS during the Battle of France in 1940, with excellent communication between air and army headquarters.
Answer: False
The Royal Air Force was poorly prepared for Close Air Support during the Battle of France in 1940, suffering from unreliable communications and separate headquarters for air and army commands.
The 'cab rank' strategy developed by the British in North Africa ensured continuous air support by rotating aircraft through attack, transit, and rearming phases.
Answer: True
The British 'cab rank' strategy, developed in North Africa, was an innovative system designed to provide continuous Close Air Support by maintaining a rotation of aircraft in various stages of mission readiness.
Forward air control (FAC) was first used by the USAAF during operations in Salerno.
Answer: False
Forward air control (FAC) was first implemented by the British Desert Air Force in North Africa, with the USAAF later adopting the technique during operations in Salerno.
The principal mission of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) at the start of WWII was close air support.
Answer: False
At the outset of World War II, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) primarily focused on strategic bombing, believing it could win the war without extensive ground troop involvement, rather than close air support.
To prevent friendly fire during the 1944 invasion of France, Allied aircraft were painted with black and white 'invasion stripes'.
Answer: True
The distinctive black and white 'invasion stripes' were applied to all Allied aircraft during the 1944 invasion of France as a critical measure to prevent friendly fire incidents.
General Elwood Quesada introduced the use of modified antiaircraft radar to track and redirect friendly attack aircraft for CAS in 1944.
Answer: True
General Elwood Quesada implemented several innovations for Close Air Support in 1944, including the use of modified antiaircraft radar to track and redirect friendly attack aircraft.
General Patton credited close air support from XIX Tactical Air Command as a key factor in his Third Army's swift success.
Answer: True
General Patton acknowledged the crucial role of close air support from XIX Tactical Air Command, particularly armed reconnaissance, in enabling the rapid advance and success of his Third Army.
The American Navy and Marine Corps primarily used CAS in the Pacific theater as a substitute for strategic bombing.
Answer: False
In the Pacific theater, the American Navy and Marine Corps primarily utilized Close Air Support as a complement to or substitute for artillery and naval gunfire, not as a replacement for strategic bombing.
The Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik was a purpose-built aircraft highly effective for the Soviet Union in blunting German Panzers during WWII.
Answer: True
The Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik was a highly effective, purpose-built ground attack aircraft that played a critical role for the Soviet Union in countering German armored forces during World War II.
Dive bombers offered greater accuracy and were harder for anti-aircraft gunners to track during WWII CAS missions.
Answer: True
Dive bombers proved advantageous in World War II Close Air Support due to their enhanced accuracy compared to level bombing and their rapid altitude changes, which made them more challenging targets for anti-aircraft defenses.
The North American A-36 Apache was a modification of the P-51 Mustang specifically developed for CAS, including dive brakes.
Answer: True
The North American A-36 Apache was indeed a P-51 Mustang variant specifically engineered for Close Air Support, featuring modifications such as dive brakes to optimize its ground attack capabilities.
Many WWII fighters were effective CAS platforms because they were optimized for low-level flying with external ordnance.
Answer: False
Many WWII fighters were not ideal CAS platforms because they were typically optimized for high-altitude operations without external ordnance, making low-level flying with bombs inefficient and quickly depleting fuel.
The Soviet Union used specifically designed ground attack aircraft more extensively than the UK and US during WWII.
Answer: True
Among the Allied powers in World War II, the Soviet Union notably employed specifically designed ground attack aircraft, such as the Ilyushin Il-2, more extensively than the United Kingdom and the United States.
What report in August 1940 recommended the creation of distinct tactical air force liaison officers ('tentacles') for RAF CAS doctrine?
Answer: The Wann-Woodall Report
The Wann-Woodall Report, issued in August 1940, was instrumental in recommending the establishment of tactical air force liaison officers, or 'tentacles,' to improve RAF Close Air Support doctrine.
What system, introduced by the British during the Italian Campaign, allowed air controllers and army liaison officers at the front to redirect incoming strike aircraft to more pressing targets?
Answer: The 'Rover' system
The British 'Rover' system, implemented during the Italian Campaign, significantly enhanced Close Air Support flexibility by enabling air controllers and army liaison officers to dynamically redirect strike aircraft to emerging targets.
What was the primary mission and doctrine of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) at the start of World War II?
Answer: Strategic bombing.
At the commencement of World War II, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) doctrine was predominantly focused on strategic bombing, with the belief that it could achieve victory independently.
What was one of the innovations General Elwood Quesada introduced for CAS under IX Tactical Air Command in 1944?
Answer: Assigning fighter pilots to tours as forward air controllers.
General Elwood Quesada's innovations for Close Air Support in 1944 included assigning fighter pilots to serve as forward air controllers, fostering a deeper understanding of ground operations among aircrews.
How did the American Navy and Marine Corps utilize CAS in the Pacific theater during WWII?
Answer: As a complement to or substitute for artillery and naval gunfire.
In the Pacific theater of World War II, the American Navy and Marine Corps employed Close Air Support as a vital complement to or substitute for traditional artillery and naval gunfire, particularly against entrenched Japanese positions.
What famous quote by Joseph Stalin highlights the importance of the Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik?
Answer: 'They are as essential to the Red Army as air and bread.'
Joseph Stalin's famous quote, 'They are as essential to the Red Army as air and bread,' underscored the critical importance of the Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik to the Soviet war effort in World War II.
What system did Marine Captain Marian Cranford Dalby develop for radar-guided bomb release?
Answer: The AN/MPQ-14
Marine Captain Marian Cranford Dalby developed the AN/MPQ-14 system, which enabled radar-guided bomb release, significantly improving precision bombing capabilities in adverse conditions.
What measure was taken by the USAAF in 1943 that hindered CAS efforts during the North African Campaign?
Answer: They changed radio frequencies to be incompatible with ground radios.
In 1943, the USAAF's decision to change its radio frequencies, rendering them incompatible with ground radios, significantly hampered Close Air Support efforts during the North African Campaign.
When did the Soviet Red Air Force begin to recognize the importance of ground-support aircraft?
Answer: As early as the Battles of Khalkhyn Gol in 1939.
The Soviet Red Air Force recognized the importance of ground-support aircraft early, with tasks involving disrupting enemy ground operations dating back to the Battles of Khalkhyn Gol in 1939.
Which Allied power in WWII used specifically designed ground attack aircraft more extensively than the UK and US?
Answer: Soviet Union
The Soviet Union, among the Allied powers in World War II, made more extensive use of specifically designed ground attack aircraft, such as the Ilyushin Il-2, compared to the United Kingdom and the United States.
During the Korean War, the newly created United States Air Force (USAF) prioritized CAS, leading to excellent battlefield support.
Answer: False
During the Korean War, the USAF initially de-emphasized Close Air Support in favor of strategic bombing and jet interceptors, resulting in significant coordination issues and insufficient battlefield support.
General MacArthur excluded USAF aircraft from the Inchon Landing, relying instead on Marine Aircraft Group 33 for CAS.
Answer: True
General MacArthur's decision to exclude USAF aircraft from the Inchon Landing and rely on Marine Aircraft Group 33 for Close Air Support highlighted the USAF's initial challenges and lack of focus on ground support during the Korean War.
The Howze Board recommended a helicopter-based CAS requirement in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Answer: True
The Howze Board's landmark report in the late 1950s and early 1960s indeed recommended the establishment of a helicopter-based Close Air Support requirement for the U.S. Army.
U.S. Marine Corps Aviation was well-prepared for CAS in Vietnam because it considered CAS its central mission.
Answer: True
U.S. Marine Corps Aviation was uniquely prepared for Close Air Support in Vietnam, as CAS was considered its primary mission, a doctrine reflected in its training manuals.
Helicopters offered greater battlefield persistence in CAS roles compared to fixed-wing aircraft due to their higher speeds.
Answer: False
Helicopters offered greater battlefield persistence in Close Air Support due to their low speeds and ability to use terrain for cover, not higher speeds, which is a characteristic of fixed-wing aircraft.
The Douglas AC-47 Spooky was the first cargo aircraft converted into a gunship for CAS during the Korean War.
Answer: False
The Douglas AC-47 Spooky was the first cargo aircraft converted into a gunship for Close Air Support, but this occurred during the Vietnam War, not the Korean War.
What critical assessment did Harold K. Johnson make regarding CAS effectiveness in the Korean War?
Answer: CAS was unreliable, often unable to find or hit targets, and caused little damage.
Harold K. Johnson's critical assessment of Close Air Support in the Korean War highlighted its unreliability, frequent inability to locate or strike targets effectively, and limited destructive impact.
What was a main flaw in CAS application revealed by the Korean War regarding joint training?
Answer: There was a lack of joint training and culture.
The Korean War exposed a significant flaw in Close Air Support application: a pervasive lack of joint training and a unified culture between air and ground forces, hindering effective coordination.
What system proved crucial to improving Air Force CAS during the Vietnam War?
Answer: The Tactical Air Control System
The adaptation of the Tactical Air Control System was pivotal in enhancing Air Force Close Air Support during the Vietnam War, addressing long-standing communication and procedural challenges.
What debate occurred within the Marine Corps regarding CAS doctrine during the Vietnam War?
Answer: Whether to adopt the helicopter gunship as part of CAS doctrine and its integration with fixed-wing CAS.
A key doctrinal debate within the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War centered on the integration of helicopter gunships into Close Air Support operations and their relationship with existing fixed-wing CAS capabilities.
Which of the following aircraft was NOT mentioned as being used for ground attack during the Korean War?
Answer: Lockheed AC-130
While Hawker Sea Fury fighters, Vought F4U Corsairs, and Douglas A-1 Skyraiders were used for ground attack in the Korean War, the Lockheed AC-130 gunship was developed and deployed later, during the Vietnam War.
What was one of the improvements the USAF made to its CAS coordination efforts during the Korean War?
Answer: Requiring pilots to serve 80 days as forward air controllers (FACs).
Among the improvements made by the USAF to its Close Air Support coordination during the Korean War was the requirement for pilots to serve 80-day tours as forward air controllers (FACs), enhancing their understanding of ground operations.
What did the Howze Board recommend regarding CAS in the late 1950s and early 1960s?
Answer: The necessity for a helicopter-based CAS requirement.
The Howze Board's significant recommendation in the late 1950s and early 1960s was the establishment of a helicopter-based Close Air Support requirement for the U.S. Army.
What adaptations were made to Air Force CAS during the Vietnam War?
Answer: Air Force assuming responsibility for the air request net to improve communication.
During the Vietnam War, Air Force Close Air Support saw adaptations such as the Air Force taking responsibility for the air request net, which significantly improved communication and coordination.
Which cargo aircraft was first converted into a gunship for CAS and air interdiction during the Vietnam War?
Answer: Douglas C-47 Skytrain
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain was the first cargo aircraft to be converted into a gunship, becoming the AC-47 Spooky, for Close Air Support and air interdiction roles during the Vietnam War.
After the Vietnam War, the Air Liaison Officer (ALO) role expanded to include terminal attack control, in addition to liaison duties.
Answer: False
After the Vietnam War, the Air Liaison Officer (ALO) role shifted, with terminal attack control duties largely being transferred to an enlisted force, allowing ALOs to focus primarily on their liaison and advisory functions.
Since 2001, bombers have offered advantages for CAS missions due to their longer loiter times, greater range, and larger weapon capacity.
Answer: True
Since 2001, bombers have offered significant advantages for Close Air Support missions, including extended loiter times, greater range, and substantial weapon capacity, altering U.S. doctrinal thinking.
Modern CAS relies heavily on information technology, including lasers, GPS, and battlefield data transfer, for precision air support.
Answer: True
Modern Close Air Support heavily integrates advanced information technology, such as lasers, GPS, and battlefield data transfer, to achieve precision and effective coordination across various air platforms.
Air platforms can provide ground-convoy escort and enhance command and control (C2) assets in addition to direct attack.
Answer: True
Beyond direct attack, air platforms contribute to ground operations by offering aerial visual search capabilities, ground-convoy escort, and enhancing command and control (C2) assets, particularly in low-intensity conflict scenarios.
What impact did the development of anti-tank guided missiles have on CAS capabilities, as demonstrated in the 1973 Yom Kippur War?
Answer: They provided aircraft with an effective ranged anti-tank weapon.
The advent of anti-tank guided missiles, notably demonstrated in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, significantly enhanced Close Air Support capabilities by equipping aircraft with effective ranged weapons against armored targets.
What role does the Air Liaison Officer (ALO) primarily serve today, after the USAF trained an enlisted force for terminal attack control?
Answer: Primarily a liaison role, advising ground commanders on airpower.
With the training of an enlisted force for terminal attack control, the Air Liaison Officer (ALO) today primarily functions as a liaison, advising ground commanders on the strategic application and limitations of airpower.
What advantages do large high-altitude bombers like the B-1B Lancer offer for CAS missions, particularly since 2001?
Answer: Significantly longer loiter times, greater range, and larger weapon capacity.
Since 2001, large high-altitude bombers like the B-1B Lancer have provided significant advantages for Close Air Support, including extended loiter times, greater range, and increased weapon capacity, especially with precision-guided munitions.
What additional support, beyond direct attack, can air platforms provide to ground forces, especially in low-intensity conflict scenarios?
Answer: Ground-convoy escort and enhancement of command and control (C2) assets.
Beyond direct attack, air platforms can offer crucial support to ground forces, particularly in low-intensity conflicts, through capabilities such as ground-convoy escort and the enhancement of command and control (C2) assets.
What types of aircraft commonly fill close air support roles today?
Answer: Military helicopters and dedicated fighters/ground attack aircraft like the A-10 Thunderbolt II.
Today, Close Air Support roles are commonly filled by military helicopters, often integrated closely with ground operations, and dedicated ground attack aircraft such as the A-10 Thunderbolt II.