Definition

Noun 1. Military assistance provided at a very short distance: "Close support" refers to direct, immediate military action, typically involving firepower, delivered by one unit against enemy forces that are in close proximity to and actively engaged with another friendly unit. The supporting unit fires upon enemy positions that are near the allied forces it is assisting.

Usage

"Close support" is a specific military term. It describes a tactical situation where support, such as artillery fire or air strikes, is directed at enemy targets extremely close to friendly troops, requiring precise coordination to avoid harming allied forces. - It is often used with verbs like provide, call in, receive, and give. - It is commonly modified by adjectives like air, artillery, naval, or immediate.

Examples

• The infantry battalion received close support from attack helicopters during the assault.
• Effective close support requires excellent communication between ground troops and the supporting aircraft.
• The commander called for artillery close support to neutralize the enemy machine-gun nest.

Advanced Usage

• Close air support (CAS): A specific and common subcategory of close support involving military aircraft attacking targets near friendly forces.
  • The Joint Terminal Attack Controller coordinated the close air support mission.
• In close support of: A phrase indicating that a unit is positioned or operating to provide this immediate assistance.
  • The destroyer was stationed in close support of the amphibious landing force.

Variants and Related Words

• Close air support (CAS) (noun phrase): Air action against hostile targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces.
• Direct support (noun phrase): Similar to close support, but may imply a slightly less immediate proximity or a dedicated supporting relationship between units.
• Fire support (noun phrase): A broader term for military assistance provided by weapons fire, which includes but is not limited to close support.

Synonyms

• Immediate support
• Direct fire support

Related Phrases

• To be in support: A general phrase meaning to be positioned to assist.
  • The artillery regiment was in support of the frontline division.
• Supporting fire: Fire intended to help one's own forces by suppressing or destroying the enemy.
  • The squad advanced under supporting fire from their platoon's machine gun.

Noun

1. close-in firing by one unit against an enemy engaged by another unit