What distinguishes Type 2 control during air support missions?

The distinguishing feature of Type 2 control during air support missions is that it allows for the control of individual attacks under specific conditions. This level of control offers a degree of flexibility and responsiveness in the targeting process, making it suitable for situations where precise engagement is necessary. Type 2 control is appropriate when the observer is unable to maintain continuous visual contact with the target, thus allowing for the execution of air strikes while still ensuring safety measures are followed.

This choice reflects the nature of Type 2 control, which focuses on the ability to manage an attack based on updated information about the target and the situation, even if the observer cannot see the target throughout the engagement. This is crucial in dynamic combat environments where visibility can change rapidly and accurate information needs to be relayed to the strike aircraft.

The other choices either mischaracterize the capabilities of Type 2 control or restrict its application unnecessarily. Direct visual contact is not a prerequisite for Type 2; rather, it is a feature of another control type. Limiting Type 2 control to reconnaissance missions does not accurately capture its broader application in strike scenarios. Finally, while coordination and communication are characteristics of Type 2, it does not disregard the importance of assessing target visibility altogether, as situational awareness is