Can a Close Combat Attack (CCA) be conducted without positive identification of friendly and enemy forces by both the ground and aviation commander prior to attack aviation aircraft opening fire?

Can a Close Combat Attack (CCA) be conducted without positive identification of friendly and enemy forces by both the ground and aviation commander prior to attack aviation aircraft opening fire?

• A. Yes
• B. No, both must have positive ID
• C. Only ground commander
• D. Only aviation commander

Answer: (B)

In a Close Combat Attack, both the ground commander and the aviation commander must positively identify the target before any attack aircraft fires. Positive identification is essential to confirm that the target is an enemy and that engaging it won’t put friendly forces or noncombatants at risk. The ground and air teams share a live picture of the battlefield, verify targets through markers, communications, and mutual confirmation, and only then authorize the engagement. If either commander cannot positively identify the target, the attack is not authorized, to prevent fratricide and adhere to rules of engagement. So, you cannot conduct a CCA and open fire without positive ID by both sides.

In a Close Combat Attack, both the ground commander and the aviation commander must positively identify the target before any attack aircraft fires. Positive identification is essential to confirm that the target is an enemy and that engaging it won’t put friendly forces or noncombatants at risk. The ground and air teams share a live picture of the battlefield, verify targets through markers, communications, and mutual confirmation, and only then authorize the engagement. If either commander cannot positively identify the target, the attack is not authorized, to prevent fratricide and adhere to rules of engagement. So, you cannot conduct a CCA and open fire without positive ID by both sides.