This United States Marine Corps USMC manual, Marine Corps Reference Publication MCRP 3-20F.5 Direct Air Support Center Handbook June 2021, focuses on the details of direct air support center (DASC) operations and the role that the DASC plays in integrated MAGTF operations. Written for MAGTF, naval expeditionary force, and joint force commanders and their staffs, MCRP 3-20F.5 highlights DASC organization, equipment, planning considerations, operational fundamentals, and employment options. This publication provides commanders and their staffs with the information they need to understand and evaluate the operational principles and capabilities of various DASC employment options. The Marine air command and control system (MACCS) provides the Marine aviation combat element (ACE) commander with the means to exercise control of those organic and nonorganic aviation assets necessary to support Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) operations. Marine Corps Tactical Publication (MCTP) 3-20F, Control of Aircraft and Missiles, addresses basic planning considerations for MACCS operations, employment, and interoperability among MACCS and joint Service agencies.
