SOTACC Day 1 Practice Test

This item focuses on the AV-8B’s mission set: Close Air Support and Forward Air Controller Airborne. Close Air Support means delivering firepower in close proximity to friendly ground forces to protect them and influence the engagement on the battlefield. The AV-8B’s design and Marine Corps use—its agility, ability to operate from austere or shipborne bases, and precision weapons—make it well suited for providing that near-support to troops in contact with the enemy. Forward Air Controller Airborne is the role of coordinating and directing air actions from above the battlefield—designating targets, communicating with other aircraft, and ensuring safety and deconfliction with ground forces. The Harrier has operated in this capacity as airborne control to shape the battlespace and guide strikes, making it a natural pairing with CAS in many Marine Corps missions. The other options describe roles more typical of different aircraft—fighter-oriented air superiority, specialized electronic warfare or reconnaissance platforms, or broader interdiction/suppressive missions—so they don’t align as the two primary roles assigned to the AV-8B.