Who typically establishes an Airspace Coordination Area (ACA)?

The establishment of an Airspace Coordination Area (ACA) is typically the responsibility of the ground commander. This is because the ground commander possesses the tactical understanding and situational awareness necessary to determine the areas where air support can be safely integrated with ground operations. An ACA provides a defined space in which air assets can operate while minimizing the risk of friendly fire incidents and ensuring coordinated use of airspace.

The ground commander's decision is influenced by the unit's operational objectives and the specific terrain and mission context. This area allows for deconfliction of air and ground assets, supporting the effectiveness and safety of combined operations during combat or any joint mission. The ground commander's leadership role necessitates a thorough understanding of both ground and air dynamics, making them the most appropriate choice for establishing such coordination areas.

In contrast, the roles of the air force commander, intelligence officer, and executive officer involve different aspects of military operations and do not typically carry the direct responsibility for establishing an ACA. The air force commander focuses primarily on air operations, while the intelligence officer gathers and analyzes information to inform decision-making, and the executive officer generally handles administrative tasks within a unit.