CAS Execution Routing/ Safety

1
Timeline: of Flight

Urgent/ Troops
2 CAS Check In In Contact?

3 Situation Update

Ground Forces 4 -Control Type

Gameplan
Commander Intent -Method of Attack

Label 9-lines 5 CAS 9-Line Brief

Remarks/
6 Restrictions

7 Readbacks

8Target Correlation
Final Clearance
Instructions
9 Attack

10 Assess Effects
Reattacks? New Target?

11 BDA

Routing/ Safety
12 of Flight
 (1) Routing/Safety of Flight. FAC(A) should immediately advise newly checked-in aircraft of
other AOS, their call sign, operating altitude, and frequency, as soon as possible. FAC(A) should be
prepared to deconflict assets (i.e., aircraft from aircraft, aircraft from surface fires, and aircraft from
known hazards). FAC(A) should advise aircrew of available airspace and desired IP/hold point
locations for the attack. At initial aircraft check-in, FAC(A) shall respond with:

(a) Aircraft Routing/Holding Instructions. Upon initial contact, each controller shall
at least give “maintain” instructions in order to establish control of aircraft (see Figure V-3 for an
example of routing calls).

1. If using an unbriefed keyhole template for holding, the FAC(A) must pass the
center of the keyhole to the aircraft prior to passing holding instructions.

(a) Other AOS / freqs. If no other aircraft, that should be stated.

(b) Any other info necessary for safety of flight, e.g. immediate threats;
significant weather/ terrain.
 (2) CAS Aircraft Check-In. Aircraft check-in procedures are essential for establishing the
required flow of information between the CAS aircrews and control agencies.

a. FAC(A)s should be directive about when they want the aircraft check-in.

b. Authentication. If not using secure communications, authentication should be used to

determine if a station on the net is friendly.

c. Depending on the situation, a FAC(A) may ask for only those parts of the check-in he
currently needs.

d. The mnemonic “MNPOPCA” is useful for remembering the order of the check-in.

(1) Mission number.

(2) Number and type of aircraft.
(3) Position and altitude.
(4) Ordnance.
a. Laser code for LGBs.
(5) Playtime/time on station (time until bingo).
(6) Capabilities.
a. Current SITREPs onboard.
b. FAC(A) capability (capable / omit).
c. Sensors (TGP/ HTS/ Jammer capable / omit).
d. IDM codes / status (Dolly sweet / sour).
(7) Abort code.

a. If secure communications are in use, an abort code is not required. If

not stated, “ABORT, ABORT, ABORT” is considered the standard to abort.
 (3) Situation Update (SITREP). The situation update brief is a tool used to increase all
players’ SA to the level required by the tactical situation. Elements that can be included are: enemy
activity, surface-to-air threat activity, friendly situation, remarks, weather and hazards.

(4) Game Plan. A concise means to inform all players of the flow of the upcoming attack.
Minimum information shall include type of control and method of attack. Avoid repeating information
that will be given in other parts of the CAS brief, remarks, and restrictions. Additional information may
include ground commander’s intent, collateral damage concerns, ordnance requested, desired effects,
fuzing, interval, and number of digits to expect in line 6.

a. If there are questions regarding aircraft capabilities, ordnance, tactics, etc., these
should be cleared up, using plain language, prior to confirmation of the CAS briefing.

b. Game plan is utilized for attacks involving single or multiple elements. When
conducting coordinated attacks, the plan should be briefed to all players, followed by single element as
appropriate.

c. To frame a multiple element engagement, use the term “in order” to establish the
order in which the aircrew should respond to the JTAC’s calls. In the below example, Latch 65 should
acknowledge prior to Venom 11. This cadence order should match the order in which the JTAC is
planning on executing the attack.

(1) For multiple elements, the following information should be included:

a. Type of coordinated attack

(1) Type of attack: Combined or Sectored

(2) Attack timing: Simultaneous, Sequential, or Random

b. Flow of attack

(1) If combined, the order and method of separation (e.g., visual,

timing, altitude) that the elements will use.

(2) If sectored, which general target area each element will be

responsible for, and what will be used to define the sector (e.g., GEOREF, gridline).

(2) The FAC(A) should read the first element’s entire plan, CAS brief, remarks
and restrictions prior to the second element’s plan in order to maintain good communication cadence.
All aircrew should be paying attention to the plans and CAS briefs given to other elements. If both
elements are attacking the same target, the FAC(A) has the option of issuing a CAS brief to the first
element, and simply issuing changes to the same CAS brief for the second element.

(3) When briefing coordinated attacks, the FAC(A) may state, “Hold all
readbacks,” in the remarks portion of each CAS brief, so the FAC(A) transmits briefs for all elements
prior to receiving readbacks. The FAC(A) should then request readbacks when ready. The FAC(A) may
also get readbacks immediately following the attack briefs to each element if this better fits the
FAC(A)’s habit pattern.
 (5) CAS 9-Line Brief

a. FAC(A)s will use a standardized CAS briefing, also known as the “9-Line Brief,” to
pass information rapidly. The brief does not dictate the CAS aircraft’s tactics. The attack brief follows
the numbered sequence (1-9) of the CAS briefing form. Elements of a CAS brief will not be passed
piecemeal over several minutes and out of sequence. The first 9 lines are understood and line numbers
do not need to be passed. However, if lines 1-3 were abbreviated, the elevation transmission should
begin with “Elevation.” To reduce confusion when working with non-native English speaking FACs/
CAS pilots, aircrews should expect to hear line titles being passed prior to each item in the CAS brief.
 b. Line 1–IP. The IP is the starting point for the run-in to the target.

c. Line 2―Heading and Offset. The heading is given in degrees magnetic from the IP
to the target. FAC(A)s give an offset (offset left/right) if a restriction exists. The offset is the side of the
IP-to-target line on which aircrews can maneuver for the attack. Give 3 digits sequentially “One eight
zero.”

d. Line 3―Distance. The distance in nautical miles is given from the IP to the target.

e. Line 4―Target Elevation.The target elevation is given in feet MSL. Give as

sequential digits “Two eight five four feet.”

f. Line 5―Target Description. The target description should be specific enough for
the aircrew to recognize the target. Use plain language. If target sorts are required, they should be given
later so as not to disrupt the flow of the CAS brief.

g. Line 6―Target Location. The FAC(A) provides the target location in 3 specific
manners:

(1) Options for Line 6.

a. Grid Coordinates. (N/A in Falcon)

b. Latitude and Longitude. Care should be taken to clearly communicate

which specific format is being used as transposition errors or misinterpretation can result in significant
coordinate error.

c. Offset from a Known Point. Direction and distance from a

geographical, man-made feature, navigational aid, or mark.

(2) The following target location considerations should be used in line-6:

a. For an area target, give the location of the target’s center or location of
the greatest concentration.

b. For a linear target, give the location of intended impact point,

orientation, and the distance to each end, either in line 5 or in the remarks section of the CAS brief, if
required.

c. Multiple Target Format. When issuing multiple lines 4 and 6, read one
standard CAS brief, then provide additional targets, using lines 4, 6, and 8 only, prior to remarks.

d. When passing latitude/longitude in Line 6, say the cardinal direction of

the latitude prior to providing the degrees (e.g., North XX). There should be a noticeable pause
between the easting and northing when reading coordinates to aid in copying.
 (3) The following are considerations to target locations being passed in a method
other than coordinates for Line 6:

a. A Known Point should be established by the controller and acquired by

the aircrew prior to the CAS brief, either visually or with a sensor.

b. For a moving target, give either a location along the target’s route of
travel or the origin of the target’s route of travel, along with the direction of movement and estimated
speed. Prior to aircraft engagement, both the attack aircraft and the FAC(A) assess the current location
of the target in relation to friendlies, civilians, and adjacent units/operations. The FAC(A) will then
update the CAS briefing and receive readbacks from attack aircraft prior to providing final clearance.
In order to avoid the need for updates, which increase the kill-chain timeline, all entities in the CAS
targeting process should emphasize quickness from briefing to engagement, but never at the expense of
procedure and SA.

(h) Line 7-Mark Type/Terminal Guidance

1. Mark Type. FAC(A) will state the type of mark to be used e.g., “Laser 1688”

2. Terminal Guidance. When conducting an attack using offboard lasing the

FAC(A) will pass call sign of the platform or individual that will provide terminal guidance for the
weapon, the word “laser,” and laser code.

(i) Line 8-Friendlies. Cardinal/sub-cardinal heading from the target (N, NE, E, SE, S,
SW, W, or NW) and distance of closest friendly position from the target in meters (e.g., “South 300”).

(j) Line 9-Egress. These are the instructions the aircrews use to exit the target area.
Egress instructions can be given as a cardinal direction by using control points or, if the operational
environment allows, by stating “Egress at pilot’s discretion.” The word “egress” will be used before
delivering the egress instructions. Consideration should be given to providing egress altitude in actual
numbers, vice “in your block.”
 (6) Remarks/Restrictions

a. Remarks. The following is a list of remarks that may be included in the CAS brief.
Do not repeat any information previously given to the aircrew.

(1) Surface-to-air threat.

(2) Additional radio calls as requested.

(3) Additional remarks: Hazards to aviation, weather, other time considerations,

moving target-time stamp with speed and direction

(b) Restrictions. If issued, FAHs, danger close, and TOTs shall always be considered
restrictions and will be read back.

1. Danger close (mandatory readback)

2. Final Attack Headings (FAHs) (mandatory readback)

a. There is often a need to restrict aircraft run-in headings in order to

deconflict with other assets, avoid threat, reduce collateral damage potential, or create desired effects
on the target. FAC(A)s should choose the least restrictive FAHs possible while still achieving ground
commander’s intent and maximizing target destruction. Final attack direction/restriction given in sub-
cardinal directions or compass heading.

3. TOT/TTT (mandatory readback).

a. “Push When Ready” Versus “Immediate.” There may be times when

issuing a TOT is unnecessary and aircrews may proceed on a timeline of their discretion. JTACs should
use the terms “Push when ready” in this case. The word “immediate” in relation to TOT implies a level
of urgency that may result in task-shedding on the part of all players. Immediate TOTs should be
reserved for when that level of urgency truly exists.

(7) Readbacks

(a) Required readbacks of lines 4, 6, and restrictions

1. FAC(A)s should respond to correct aircrew readbacks with “Call sign

readback correct” or “Call sign good readback.” If the readback is not correct the FAC(A) should
restate the portion in question correctly, using voice inflection to draw attention to the portion that was
read incorrectly.
 (8) Target Correlation. The process by which the JTAC/FAC(A) coordinates and confirms
that the attacking aircraft has acquired the correct target or mark. Correlation is required on each and
every CAS attack.

(a) BOC. Correlation is complete when the attacking aircraft correctly reads back lines
4, 6 (from aircraft system), and restrictions.

(b) BOT. Correlation is mandatory with the attacking aircraft.

(c) Once the FAC(A) is satisfied that the aircrew has acquired the correct target, the FAC(A) should
transmit “The xxxx is your target.” Aircrew should respond with TALLY, (target/object) CAPTURED,
or CONTACT, as appropriate. FAC(A)s should strive to include what the target is in this statement,
such as “The third vehicle is your target” or “The individual north of the road is your target.” Simply
saying “That’s your target” is ambiguous and should be avoided.

(d) Procedures for target correlation using Laser Hand-Off / Talk-ons

1. Laser Hand-Off.

a. Laser hand-offs may be conducted as part of a target acquisition run

after readbacks, or as the aircraft are ingressing on the attack run.

b. Instructions should be assigned for the laser hand-off and may be

passed as part of remarks/restrictions. The directions/headings that are used for the hand-off may be
different than the FAHs. In this case, the headings used for the target acquisition pass should not be
called FAHs.

c. After readbacks, FAC(A) begins laser hand-off with:

d. Aircrew initiates laser communication when in position: “TEN

SECONDS Broadsword 11, LASER ON.” FAC(A) should echo calls to the laser operator (if
applicable) prior to responding to the aircrew.

e. Laser operator responds to FAC(A): “LASING, 1688.”

f. FAC(A) to aircrew: “Broadsword 11, LASING, 1688.”

g. The FAC(A) shall ensure continuous lasing until the aircrew directs
“Aircraft call sign, SPOT, CEASE LASER.” FAC(A) should direct CEASE LASER to the laser
operator.
 h. Once the aircrew has called SPOT, CEASE LASER, the FAC(A) shall
confirm the aircraft’s sensor was cued to acquire the correct target.

Correlation is still required to confirm the correct designation.

2. Talk-On

a. The objective of a talk-on is to correlate a specific target or target area

between the FAC(A) and the CAS aircrew to a level of fidelity such that the terminal attack controller
knows the CAS asset has acquired the target. Exact brevity and language to conduct a talk-on is
dependent on the situation and perspective of the FAC(A) and CAS aircrew and targeting systems
available to each. The FAC(A) must consider the following basic elements that will affect talk-on
effectiveness:

(1) Aircrew perspective.

(2) Controller perspective.

(3) Environmental conditions.

(4) Target area relief.

(5) Resolution and currency of reference graphics.

(6) Ability to establish a unit of measure.

b. As the FAC(A) considers the CAS asset’s perspective, they should also
consider whether to use large target area features to cue to smaller features or a more narrowly-focused
initial search pattern to expedite target correlation. Generally, visual talk-ons should be conducted big-
to-small. Sensor talk-ons in an urban area may, on the other hand, start by orienting the aircrew’s sensor
to a specific intersection or recognizable building in order to ensure a common starting point. From
these features, a gradually more detailed description would begin, ultimately resulting in proper
correlation to the intended target.

For an example of an effective talk-on, see Appendix E, “Examples of Close Air Support
Missions,” Example 4.

c. Talk-on descriptions and directions should be simple and short,

driving the aircrew’s eyes and/or sensors from one point to another. A technique for doing
this is to give directions in the following format, known by the mnemonic, “FIDO”:
 (1) From a point (easily recognizable start point).

(2) In a direction (cardinal/sub-cardinal direction).

(3) Distance to travel (established unit of measure or meters).

(4) Object seen (target or object the JTAC/FAC[A] wants the

aircrew to see).

d. Short, directive transmissions using “call contact” as an instruction are

more likely to result in a successful talk-on.

e. Features such as buildings, roads, and intersections should be named

throughout the talk-on if they do not already have names assigned. This allows all players to quickly
reference them without having to resort to “this road” and “that building.”

f. Establishing units of measure may be helpful to aid in estimating

distance over the ground. FAC(A)’s should attempt to use features along the route of the talk-on when
establishing these units of measures.

g. A two-to-one ratio should be used when conducting talk-ons. Give two

directive statements, then ask a confirming question of the aircrew.

h. Once the JTAC has talked the aircrew onto the correct target,
correlation should be completed by verifying the aircrew is looking at the correct target. This should be
done by asking specific questions about the target that are unique and distinct.

Examples include:
 (9) Attack

(a) Throughout a CAS attack, the FAC(A) must maintain awareness of the aircraft
position, the friendly situation, and the objective area.

(b) FAC(A)s should compare the distances required by attack geometry, from IP to
target with the time it will take the CAS aircraft to transit that distance and relate this to the TOT. By
developing this timeline, and using aircraft calls to update it, FAC(A)s can monitor the CAS attack
timeline in order to ensure effective integration with fire and movement.

(c) Changes to the friendly situation must be monitored to ensure their fire and
movement will remain integrated with the CAS attack timeline. If changes occur, FAC(A) must weigh
their ability to continue, shift, or abort the attack based on the attack timeline. For instance, if SEAD is
required, the FAC(A) must know the SEAD timeline so that he can shift the CAS TOT if the SEAD is
late. The earlier these adjustments can be made, the greater the chance of mission success.

(d) Radio Discipline. The radio frequency can become very congested very quickly.
All players on must use “active listening” and appropriate communications discipline and cadence.

1. Once an aircraft calls IN, all other calls should be held until after the FAC(A)
has issued weapons-release authority or an abort. An exception to this is that anyone can and should
call an abort at any time they deem necessary.

(e) Clearance to Drop/Fire. Once the clearance requirements for a particular type of
control are met, it is important to pass clearance in a timely manner to give aircrews time to prosecute
the attack before release parameters have expired.

(f) Abort Procedures. The FAC(A) shall direct CAS aircrews to abort
if they are not aligned with the correct target, and must abort them if it appears that friendly
troops may be endangered, or for the safety of the CAS aircrew.

(10) Assess Effectiveness of the Attack. Execute reattacks or issue new game plans/CAS
briefs as necessary. Once ordnance impacts the target, the FAC(A) must assess whether the
commander‘s desired effects were created. This assessment will determine whether to continue the
attack, abort sequential attacks, or set up a reattack.

(a) Obscuration may preclude effect assessment for several minutes. JTACs should
weigh the need for follow-on attacks with the need to preserve ordnance until an assessment can be
made.

(b) Reattacks allow CAS aircraft to quickly reposition to attack the same target, and
while maneuvering, maintain compliance with any restrictions in force. A reattack by CAS aircraft
under Type 1 and 2 control may be requested if additional fires are required on the target; aircraft under
Type 3 control are free to reattack as long as their “cleared to engage” is in effect.
 (11) BDA
(a) BDA is used to update the enemy order of battle. Accurate BDA is critical for
determining whether a target should be reattacked. In a high-threat environment, BDA may be difficult
to judge.

(12) Routing/Safety of Flight. JTACs are responsible for providing routing and safety
of flight instructions to aircraft as they egress. This provides safe passage for exiting aircraft, and
allows JTACs to maintain a picture of their CAS stack and positions of assets. Routing should
include a point and an altitude block that provides deconfliction from other aircraft and
fires

SUMMARY OF STEPS TO CAS

(1) Game Plan

(2) CAS Brief.
(3) Remarks/Restrictions
(4) Readbacks.
(5) Attack
(6) Assess effects and repeat 4-9 as necessary.
(7) BDA
(8) Routing/Safety of Flight

CAS TERMS

CAS NOTES

(a) Ingress. The higher altitude of the aircraft often makes receiving situation updates from extended
ranges feasible. This enables the aircrew to build SA prior to entering the immediate target area.
JTACs/FAC(A)s may route CAS aircraft to the target area via IPs, control points, geographic
references(GEOREFs), dead reckoning (time, distance, and heading), or a combination of these
techniques. JTACs/FAC(A)s should use caution to not send friendly aircraft into uncoordinated
adjacent unit airspace or known areas of concentrated enemy air defense. Multiple attack flights can be
deconflicted using vertical and horizontal separation

(d) CAS Aircraft Observation and Holding Patterns. FAC(A)s should not restrict attack aircraft
to specific observation or holding patterns, but should specify the observation or holding area (HA) that
will best accomplish the mission.
1. Racetrack: An oval holding pattern with straight legs of at least 10 miles in length and with
standard-rate 180-degree turns on each end. This pattern can be flown either perpendicular or parallel
to the target area. Attacking aircraft may use a perpendicular hold to increase visual SA and allow some
sensor scans, while parallel holding (pointed at/going away from the target) is often used to lengthen
the time for sensor scans on the inbound leg.

2. Figure 8: The same as the racetrack pattern except the turns at each end
of the pattern are made toward the target area and are 230-degrees of turn instead of 180-
degrees, and normally executed holding perpendicular to the target area.

3. Wheel Orbit: Circle around the designated target. Appropriate for

nonlinear battlefields with pockets of enemy activity.

AGL above ground level

AOS aircraft on station

battle damage assessment

BDA
battalion
BN
bomb on coordinate
BOC
bomb on target
BOT

ELINT electronic intelligence

emission control
EMCON
EO electro-optical
EW electronic warfare

FAC(A) forward air controller (airborne)

FAH final attack heading
FARP forward arming and refueling point

FLIR forward-looking infrared

forward line of own troops
FLOT
FOB forward operating base
FW fixed-wing

GEOREF geographic reference

HA holding area

IAM inertially aided munition

ID identification
IDF indirect fire
IP initial point

IR infrared

Joint Direct Attack Munition

JDAM
Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System
JSTARS
joint terminal attack controller
JTAC

laser-guided bomb
LGB
laser-guided missile
LGM
laser-guided weapon
LGW
line of sight
LOS
LSS laser spot search
laser spot tracker
LST
laser target designator
LTD

PGM precision-guided munition

PID positive identification

SA situational awareness
SEAD suppression of enemy air defenses
SITREP situation report
SPI sensor point of interest
special instructions
SPINS

terminal attack control

TAC

theater air control system

TACS
tactical air direction
TAD
time on target
TOT
time to target
TTT