How do combat pilots identify friendly vs enemy ground forces? Infantry seems like it would be almost impossible to discern.

Question

How do combat pilots identify friendly vs enemy ground forces? Infantry seems like it would be almost impossible to discern.

In: Other

Answer 1

There is usually some form of Mission Control, coordinating all forces. This might be back on the ground, or some kind of air combat officer in a AWACS/EWACS type plane.

Fire missions will be given by the mission coordinator, who should know the location of troops.

Also there might be preplanned “safe zones” or similar, such as a planned convoy route – don’t shoot shit in the corridor.