Which method involves using compass directions to adjust close air support strikes?

The method that employs compass directions to adjust close air support strikes is the compass direction method. This technique utilizes cardinal directions—such as north, south, east, and west—to communicate precise adjustments to the aircraft conducting the strikes. It allows ground forces to provide clear and effective guidance to aircraft in real-time, enhancing accuracy while reducing the risk of collateral damage.

By referencing the compass, leaders can easily convey directions in a way that is intuitive and universally understood across different units and branches of the military. This method is particularly useful in dynamic combat environments where quick adjustments are necessary to respond to changing tactical situations or enemy movements.

Other methods, while useful in their own rights, do not focus specifically on using compass points for adjustments. For instance, the clock direction method refers to visualizing angles in terms of a clock face, which can be less precise than compass points. The map method relies on grid coordinates for positioning and adjustments, and the grid method uses a systematic approach related to map coordinates, which may not always translate directly into the immediate and straightforward communication needed during fast-paced air support operations.