Which branch of service employs its attack rotary wing aviation primarily as a CAS platform?

The Marine Corps employs its attack rotary wing aviation primarily as a Close Air Support (CAS) platform. In this role, Marine Corps helicopters, such as the AH-1Z Viper, are integral to providing direct support to ground forces. This capability allows them to engage enemy forces close to friendly troops, facilitating a quick response to threats in the battlefield. The Marine Corps' emphasis on combined arms operations underscores the importance of integrating air and ground maneuvers, where rotary wing assets play a critical role in enhancing the effectiveness of infantry units by providing fire support and increasing overall situational awareness.

In contrast, while the Army does utilize attack helicopters for close air support, its approach also places significant emphasis on offensive operations and troop transport. The Navy primarily focuses its rotary wing aviation for anti-submarine warfare and logistics support, while the Air Force employs its aircraft more typically for broader strategic bombing and air superiority roles rather than specifically for on-call ground support like the Marine Corps.