During which step of the CAS execution template is the attacker given the authority to engage?

The phase during which the attacker is given the authority to engage is the Attack step of the Close Air Support (CAS) execution template. This step is crucial because it represents the point in the operation where the final coordination and approval for the attack are confirmed. During this phase, the air support element receives and processes the necessary clearance to carry out the strike on the identified target.

Prior to the Attack step, the preceding steps such as the Game Plan and CAS Brief involve planning and briefing aspects where the intended course of action is discussed, and necessary information is disseminated among involved parties. These early steps set the groundwork but do not provide direct authorization to engage.

The Correlation step focuses on confirming the target and ensuring that all elements in the operation are synchronized and aware of the current situation, but it does not provide the direct authority to commence an attack. In contrast, during the Attack step, all preparations and considerations culminate in the formal authorization for the engagement, allowing the attacker to proceed with the mission confidently.