The Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS) is the aviation command and control agencies of the United States Marine Corps that provide the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) commander with the means to monitor, supervise, and influence aviation operations in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The command and control agencies of the MACCS are provided by the squadrons and battalions of the Marine Air Control Groups that are present within each Marine Air Wing. The capabilities resident within the MACCS allow the MAGTF commander to safely conduct aviation operations, facilitate timely maneuver and prosecution of fires and ultimately retain full control of their entire area of operations. MACCS agencies are also responsible for coordinating Marine Corps aviation operations with joint, multinational and civil aviation.
The three principal objectives of the MACCS are to enhance unity of effort, integrate the elements of the command and control system, and disseminate common situational awareness.[1] The MACCS focuses the other five functions of Marine Aviation (Antiair Warfare, Offensive Air Support, Assault Support, Electronic Warfare and Air Reconnaissance) and gives the ACE commander the ability to real-time allocate resources and control aircraft in support of the MAGTF commander. [1]