Who controls aviation assets when enemy forces are out of friendly contact?

• A. Air Mission Commander
• B. Ground Combat Designer
• C. Theater Air Officer
• D. Forward Air Controller

Answer: (A)

When enemy forces are out of friendly contact, the task of directing aviation assets falls to the Air Mission Commander. This role has the authority to plan, prioritize, and execute air operations across the assigned area, issuing air tasking orders and coordinating all air assets to meet higher-level objectives while keeping airspace safe and deconflicted. The Forward Air Controller is focused on coordinating air support with ground forces that are in contact and require on-scene guidance; without contact, the AMC is the appropriate central authority to manage multiple assets. The Theater Air Officer operates at a higher theater level, not the day-to-day control of individual missions, and Ground Combat Designer isn’t a role used to direct aviation assets.