How is a CAS Briefing Structured?

1. Initial Point

This is the initial point from where the craft starts its attack run. It should be lined up to the target along the specified heading as closely as possible.

2. Header and Offset The heading used should be measured be in mils using map tools, but when in a rush, a FAC may take a cardinal direction and convert it to mils. If "left" or "right" follows the heading, an offset direction is designated. The offset direction tells the pilot on which side of the IP-to-target line they can maneuver for the attack. Offsets can be used to ease fire-support coordination, align the craft for attack or egress, or keep pilots away from known anti-air threats.

3. Distance

Distance from the Initial Point (IP) to the target in kilometers.

4. Elevation

The target elevation in meters, adjusted to the mean sea level of the planet.

5. Target Description

Describe the target in a simple and concise way, normally not more than ten words. A few good examples are: "infantry in the open", "infantry in buidings", "repulsorlift vehicles in a tree line", "a bunker".

6. Target Location

Only the coded grid location of the target should be used, not longitude and latitude. Grid coordinates are much more precise, allow for increased coordination with ground units, and reduce enemy intelligence gathering opportunities.

7. Mark Type

How are you going to mark the target? Artillery markers, such as white phosphorus, as well as talk-on methods, can be used when needed, but electronic methods are preferred whenever possible. Laser and infrared markers, whether ground-based or orbital, should be used whenever such assets are available.

8. Location of Friendlies

Include the distance in meters plus the cardinal direction of the front line of friendly forces. Markers, such as smoke, may be used. An example of a good location call is: "North 1000 river".

9. Egress

Where does the aircraft go after the attack is complete? Usually, a waypoint is used, but cardinal directions can also be used.

Remarks

An extremely part of CAS briefings, this section gives the attacking craft additional information about their mission, such as prescribed ordnance, threats, or restrictions. Below is a list of common remarks and how they can be used effectively in a briefing:

• Desired type and number of ordnance: "Use times 2 SFS heavy rocket"
• The threat, location, and type: "SFI-7 East 1200"
• Weather concerns or advisories
• Other hazards to flight operations
• Additional target information
• Time considerations for the final attack of the target
• Friendly marks (if any): "Friendlies marked green smoke"

Restrictions

Additionally, many restrictions may also be imposed on strikes to protect friendly forces or reduce the risk of aerial interception. A list of common restrictions is included below:

• Final attack heading: "Final attack heading 351", "Final attack heading 100-140"
• Geographic references: "Restrict all fires on the west side of hill 48"
• "Danger close", or in other words, is the target close enough to endanger friendlies, usually between 600 and 800 meters.
• Time on target (TOT), or when the aircraft has permission to attack, in minutes on the hour: "TOT 45-44"
• Altitude: "Stay above 3000 MSL"

Common Mistakes

Many of the mistakes made during CAS briefings have nothing to do with the actual briefing at all, and instead are errors in radio procedure. Knowing the common errors will help you to avoid making them, and in the field, be more clear and efficient in eliminating the enemy:

• Saying "line #" before each line
• Saying "break" after each line, since only the FAC and the pilot are on the net
• Describing each line's purpose before sending it
• Abbreviating numbers: 1900 is not "nineteen hundred", it is "one niner zero zero"

Continue to "Close Air Support Controlling"