Which specialized Army element serves as the senior Army operational commander's liaison with the air component?

The selection of the Battlefield Coordination Detachment as the correct answer is accurate because this specialized element is specifically designed to facilitate coordination between the Army and the air component within operational command structures. The Battlefield Coordination Detachment serves as the senior Army liaison with air forces, ensuring that air support is effectively integrated into battlefield operations.

Its role involves providing the operational commander with a dedicated team that can assess airpower capabilities, coordinate air operations, and manage the synchronization of joint fires. This is crucial for conducting joint operations where both ground and aerial components are involved, promoting effective communication and collaboration.

Other choices, such as the Ground Liaison Detachment, typically focus on ground unit support and are not primarily tasked with broader air component integration. Similarly, the Fires and Effects Coordination Cell and the Joint Fires Cell, though involved in coordinating fire support, do not have the same primary function of acting as a liaison with the air component as the Battlefield Coordination Detachment. Therefore, the Battlefield Coordination Detachment distinctly fulfills this vital liaison role, substantiating its selection as the correct answer.