What capability does an air assault provide to a ground commander?

Choosing the capability of air assault that provides the most value to a ground commander is centered around the ability to rapidly secure and defend key terrain. Air assault operations leverage rotary-wing aircraft, allowing forces to be moved quickly into strategic positions that might be hard to access by ground vehicles alone. This swift movement is vital in situations where time is of the essence, allowing ground forces to occupy critical areas before the enemy can react.

Securing key terrain can provide a tactical advantage by disrupting enemy operations and facilitating follow-on forces. This allows for a more effective defense or the establishment of a staging area for further operations. By emphasizing the rapid movement of troops to vital areas, an air assault enables ground commanders to maintain the initiative and shape the battlefield dynamics to their advantage.

Other options, while they reflect certain aspects of operational capability, do not specifically capture the primary strategic benefit of air assaults in terms of tactical flexibility and responsiveness in maneuvering forces to critical locations swiftly. This agility in seizing terrain can significantly influence the outcome of engagements.