Close Air Support (ASE - 8) Flashcards
CAS DEFINITION
Joint Publication 3-09.3, Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Close Air Support (CAS), defines CAS as: “air action by fixed wing (FW) and rotary-wing (RW) aircraft against hostile targets which are in close proximity to friendly forces and which require detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces.”
ALO
An ALO is an AF officer which is aligned to a U.S. Army combat maneuver unit, supporting either conventional or special operations. The ALO mission is to advise ground commanders on the appropriate use of air, space and cyber power; establish and maintain command and control of air support missions; and act as an inter-service liaison.
FEBA
Forward Edge of the Battle Area—The foremost limits of a series of areas in which ground combat units are deployed, excluding the areas in which the covering or screening forces are operating, designated to coordinate fire support, the positioning of forces, or the maneuver of units.
FLOT
Forward Line of Own Troops—A line which indicates the most forward positions of friendly forces in any kind of military operation at a specific time. The FLOT normally identifies the forward location of covering and screening forces.
FSCL
Fire Support Coordination Line—A fire support coordination line (FSCL) is a permissive fire control measure that may be established by a corps within its area of operation to support its concept of the operation. The purpose of an FSCL is to allow the corps and its subordinate and supporting units (for example, Air Force) to expeditiously attack targets of opportunity beyond the FSCL.
JTAC
Joint Terminal Attack Controller—A qualified military service member who, from a forward position, directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations.
CAS Considrations: Appropriate Ordnance
Appropriate Ordnance—To achieve the desired level of destruction, neutralization, or suppression of enemy CAS targets, it is necessary to tailor the weapons load and arming and fusing settings for the required results.
JARN
Joint Air Request Net (JARN)—The JARN is the link between the ASOC and subordinate TACPs for request and coordination of immediate air support. The ASOC is the net control station. The ASOC will activate and operate as many nets as necessary. The preferred mode is secure HF/SSB, however, the ASOC must be capable of operating the net on other radios if the situation requires. ASOC and TACPs talk to the Army via landline and VHF-FM.
WHO: Brigade TACP, division TACP, battalion TACP, corps TACP, C2ISR, and ASOC as net controller.
HOW: Usually HF secure, but can be SATCOM
WHAT: Processes requests, approval or denials, tactical updates.
TAD Net
Tactical Air Direction (TAD) Net—The TACPs/FACs use their ultra-high frequency-amplitude modulation (UHF-AM) net for the direction and control of aircraft engaged in close air support. The TACP is the prime user of this net and is allocated specific frequencies to conduct tactical operations. The ASOC is also authorized to enter this net to pass time sensitive information. The TAD net should be reserved for time-critical terminal control information only. Although not always a standard procedure, JSTARS and AWACS can monitor CAS mission progress on this net.
WHO: TACPs, FACs and all other terminal controllers
HOW: UHF-AM, VHF-AM
WHAT: Final control of aircraft to target, deconfliction.
CAS Requests - Preplanned
The fire support element of the highest echelon approves requests and prioritizes them. Once approved, the requirements are passed to the AOC for planning and execution in the ATO.
Immediate CAS Request Channels
Immediate requests are forwarded to the appropriate command post by the most rapid means available. Requests are broadcast directly from the TACP to the ASOC/DASC using the applicable component communications nets. The TACP at each intermediate headquarters monitors the request and informs the air operations officer, ALO, and fire support coordinator (FSCOORD/FSC). Based on the commander’s intent, and after considering whether organic assets are available, appropriate, or sufficient to fulfill the request, they approve or deny the request. Silence by intermediate headquarters indicates approval, which is also called “Command by Negation”.
CAS Execution - Threat Warnings
Regardless of the control platform, airborne or ground based, the most prevalent type of information controllers will provide is threat warning.
CAS - High Threat
High speed CAS, such as that delivered by fixed wing fighter and bomber airframes, has the highest threat potential. These aircraft will normally approach the target from relatively high altitudes at speeds that give the aircraft a large heat signature. Thus, they become a better target for enemy surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, etc. The high speeds may also hinder aircraft from being able to loiter as long as slower aircraft. They must fly in, hit the target, and fly out. This makes prior coordination with friendly aircraft conducting counter air and SEAD crucial. If these aircraft are still in the area, CAS aircraft may inadvertently become targets of friendly air-to-air missiles, or their targeting systems might be adversely affected by the electronic systems of SEAD aircraft. C2 elements such as JSTARS, AWACS, CRCs, and TACS are often the best avenue to ensure deconfliction. Internal and external coordination are critical for C2 elements to preclude such incidents.
CAS - Medium Threat
CAS missions conducted at night have the next highest potential to be threatened. This arena consists of optical anti-aircraft (AAA), infrared surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), and limited enemy counter air. In these missions, aircraft can ingress at medium altitudes, which negates many of the threats and minimizes terrain-avoidance requirements. The night environment also minimizes the effects of most weapons.
CAS - Low Threat
The lowest threat environment is that in which the enemy’s primary anti-air weapons, it’s SAMs and heavy AAA, have been neutralized or destroyed. The remaining weapons for the enemy are small arms fire. Obviously, this is the type of environment preferred for CAS operations. CAS aircraft have more opportunity to operate without fear of being shot down. There will also be more targets of opportunity.
