Definition

Close Air Support—aircraft attacking enemy forces in dangerous proximity to friendly troops, requiring precise coordination to avoid turning your own soldiers into pink mist. Fighter pilots playing danger close while ground troops provide running commentary.

Example Usage

We need immediate CAS on that tree line—enemy machine gun position, 150 meters from our forward element.

Origin

World War II tactical aviation doctrine

Fun Fact

The A-10 Warthog was designed specifically for CAS, built around a massive 30mm cannon that fires depleted uranium rounds—the ultimate case of building a plane around a gun.

Source: Air Force tactical aviation and joint fire support doctrine

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