In order for the aircraft to attack the ground, what must the observer announce?

The phrase "cleared hot" is a directive that communicates to the pilot of an aircraft that they are authorized to engage a specific target with their weapons. This term indicates that the necessary conditions for engagement are met, including any required target verification and clearance from command. By stating "cleared hot," the observer ensures that the aircraft can proceed with the attack without further delay or questioning, which is critical in fast-paced combat situations.

In contrast, other terms like "engage target," "fire at will," and "weapons free" have different meanings. While they may indicate an intention to use weapons, they do not specifically provide the final authorization to attack a designated target in the same way that "cleared hot" does. "Engage target" can suggest that the observer is signaling intent but does not indicate that the aircraft is fully authorized to fire. "Fire at will" implies that the aircraft can engage any targets of opportunity but lacks specificity regarding a particular target, while "weapons free" indicates a general status of engagement without control measures, not necessarily tied to a specific target clearance.