Mission Objectives

There's more to Marine aviation than simply shooting down bandits. VMF-124 can be tasked with a number of mission types, depending on MAG needs in-theater. For the mission to succeed, we must accomplish our assigned objectives.

Mission objectives include:

• Combat air patrol (CAP) – protect a given area from enemy attack, usually behind friendly lines
• Fighter sweep – achieve temporary air superiority over a given area, usually behind enemy lines
• Intercept – head off an enemy formation before it can strike a friendly target
• Escort – protect another group of aircraft to and from a target
• Bombing – strike a specific target, usually behind enemy lines
• Close-air support (CAS) – strike a ground target in support of infantry or armor
• Anti-shipping strike – sink or damage seagoing vessels

Note that mission objectives take precedence over individual scores. Naturally, in the course of achieving mission objectives, you will destroy enemy aircraft and targets. However, squadron security and the safety of your division, leader, or wingman always come before your own score.