Marines do their own CAS - and are pretty much the subject matter experts on how to do it. We embed pilots with our grunt units who are the FAC - Fwd Air Controller. I used to be with a unit called ANGLICO, Air, Naval Gunfire Liason Company. CAS and Arty for non Marine units in our battle space. We do this with insane precision. Combined Arms is a Marine specialty in the prosecution of war - and Communications - my field is the glue that ties it all together. 
We don't trust the Air Force for CAS - they have killed a number of us with A-10's in the last two conflicts. A-10 Pilot killed 12 Marines in an LAV during the first gulf war, and 5 or 8 in Nasariyah this last go around.
Sean
Yes sir we sure do.

Last unit I was with 2/2 I was the NCOIC of the TACP (Tactical Air Control Party) and had guys in the field every week w/the grunts practicing. Nothing like seeing/hearing/feeling 500lb bombs been dropped w/precision on a target. Damn, wish I was young again. Thanks for bringing back that memory Sean. Semper Fi!!

Ride Safe,
Fired00d
