Which entity handles immediate air support requests and coordinates CAS sorties?

The Air Support Operations Center (ASOC) is responsible for managing immediate air support requests and coordinating Close Air Support (CAS) sorties. The ASOC functions to facilitate the timely integration of air support with ground forces, making real-time decisions regarding air assets based on the operational needs and the tactical situation on the ground. By coordinating directly with the air units, the ASOC ensures that the right aircraft are tasked to respond to ground troop requests for air support quickly and effectively, playing a critical role in maintaining the synergy between air and ground operations.

Other entities such as the Marine Tactical Air Control Center (TACC) primarily focus on overseeing air operations within the Marine Corps, while the Joint Air Coordination Element (JACE) serves to coordinate air assets at a joint level but may not handle immediate requests as directly as the ASOC. The Air Operations Center (AOC) has a broader responsibility for air campaign management and strategic air operations planning, rather than the immediate coordination of air support requests in active combat situations. Thus, the ASOC's specialization in immediate air support requests makes it the correct answer.