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Close Air Support Controlling

 » Type 1 Controlling

"A laser-guided concussion missile attack on a trenchline of infantry, observed by the FAC"

A Type 1 control is used when the FAC is able to visually acquire both the attacking starfighter and target. This method is strongly encouraged whenever possible, as it is the best means of reducing the risk of attack and fratricide to friendly forces. The ability to operate in adverse weather or reduced flight crew capability are both examples where visual means of controlling should be the method of choice. Because of the use of visual cues to mitigate risks to friendly forces, the FAC should never change the type of control to Type 2 or Type 3 after the CAS attack briefing has been given; instead, abort the mission and provide a new briefing to the attacking craft.

Procedures

Type 1 control procedures are as follows:

  1. FAC visually identifies the target
  2. CAS briefing is given as defined in the previous section
  3. FAC will provide a verbal description or talk-on to the mark (if applicable)
  4. Attack craft will provide an initial point (IP) INBOUND call
  5. FAC will mark or designate the target (as practicable)
  6. Attack craft will provide an "IN" call, indicating the terminal phase of an air-to-ground attack
  7. Attack craft will visually acquire the target or mark
  8. FAC will visually acquire the attacking craft
  9. FAC will monitor the attacking craft's course to reduce the risk of fratricide
  10. FAC will provide a "CLEARED HOT" or "ABORT" based on the above procedures being followed

Battlefield Scenario

A FAC assigned to the 1/2nd Special Operations Company visually acquires a target and verifies its location. At the direction of the supported commander, the FAC submits an immediate Tactical Air Strike Request, reports troops in contact, and receives an Assault Gunboat with four concussion missiles. The FAC also coordinates with the company fire support representative for integration of a target mark and suppression of enemy air defenses.

The Assault Gunboat checks in and receives the situation update followed by the Close Air Support Briefing.

FAC:

"Tau 31, this is Onyx 11, this will be a Type 1 control, advise when ready for 9-line."

Gunboat:

"Onyx 11, Tau 31 ready to copy."

FAC:

"PYRAMID
360 right
9.1
350
Platoon of infantry dug in
CM 3678/9718
White phosphorous
South 900, troops in contact
Egress east to SHASTA
Advise when ready for remarks."

Gunboat:

"Ready to copy remarks."

FAC:

"Final attack heading 285-330. J-1 north 1000 from the target, continuous suppression, gun-target line 045, report IP (Initial Point) inbound."

Gunboat:

"350, CM 3678/9718, final attack heading 285-330."

FAC:

"Read back correct, time on target (TOT) 50."

Gunboat:

"Roger, TOT 50."

Prior to weapon release, each starfighter in the flight will provide the FAC with an IN call with direction.

Gunboat:

"Tau 31 initial point INBOUND."

FAC:

"Tau 31, CONTINUE."

FAC:

"Mark is on the deck."

Gunboat:

"CONTACT the mark."

FAC:

"From the mark, south 100."

Gunboat:

"Tau 31 IN from the east."

FAC:

"Tau 31, CLEARED HOT."

Gunboat:

"Tau 31 off, two away."

Continue to "Type 2 Controlling"

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