What data should be recorded during a strike group check-out?

• A. Time of last ordnance fired
• B. OFFSTA time, ETA to RTB, and fuel state
• C. Crew rest status
• D. Communications log

Answer: (B)

The data turned over at the end of a strike group’s mission needs to convey current status and next steps clearly. Recording the time the group departs the operating area (OFFSTA), the estimated time to return to base (ETA to RTB), and the current fuel state provides a concise snapshot of where the group is, how long it can continue, and when it will be available for recovery or redeployment. This trio supports safe sequencing, airspace coordination, and risk management during handoff.

Time of last ordnance fired is tactical history rather than immediate status, so it doesn’t tell the next unit what’s necessary to anticipate or plan for recovery. Crew rest status is important for future missions but isn’t the critical handoff data needed to coordinate tasking and risk, and a communications log, while useful for traceability, doesn’t replace the essential operational status data that informs the upcoming phase of operations.