What does the term EYEBALL refer to in military operations?

The term EYEBALL in military operations specifically refers to a fighter responsible for visual identification. This designation emphasizes the importance of using visual confirmation to identify targets and ensure accuracy in mission objectives. In the context of air operations, having a pilot or aircraft designated as the "eyeball" allows for real-time assessment of threats, friendly forces, and the operational environment based on their direct visual observations. This role is crucial in avoiding misidentification and ensuring the safety of both ground and aerial forces.

While surveillance drones, intelligence gathering, and ground support codes are all integral to military operations, they do not capture the specific meaning of EYEBALL, which is rooted in the unique responsibility of pilots to visually confirm and identify targets.