Drafted — not technically validated
Record revision 1 · Types 1, 2 and 3 control, bomb on target and bomb on coordinate, the 9-line and 5-line briefs, readbacks, and the laser and infrared marking calls.
Definitions are quoted or closely paraphrased from the source named with each word. Meanings change between editions and theatres; the brief and the current publications take precedence.
The words of close air support
These are the words a pilot hears between checking in with a ground controller and egressing after the attack: the three types of terminal attack control and the two methods of attack, the 9-line brief and the helicopter 5-line, the parts that must be read back, and the calls that mark a target with a laser or an infrared pointer. They come from the joint close air support publication, which every service follows, so an Air Force, Army, Marine Corps or Navy JTAC and an aircrew from any service use them the same way. [1]
The publication also gives the clearance calls ABORT, CLEARED HOT and CONTINUE DRY, the sighting calls TALLY, VISUAL and NO JOY, and DEADEYE; those are in the brevity words. Danger close is also in the joint terms, as the dictionary’s call-for-fire term; here it carries the CAS publication’s distance and the commander’s initials. The publication quoted is the 2014 edition, so check the current one for a term’s latest wording. [1]
57 terms
- 5-line
Rotary-wing CAS 5-line brief. A friendly-centric brief used to quickly orient rotary-wing CAS aircraft to a target: observer, warning order and game plan; friendly location and mark; target location; target description and mark; remarks and restrictions. Its format is the same as an Army attack aviation close combat attack brief, but it is still a CAS brief, and passing it is not clearance to fire.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, III-94 to III-95
- 9-line
CAS brief. The standard briefing a JTAC or FAC(A) uses to pass a close air support attack to fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, read in the numbered order of nine lines (IP or BP, heading and offset, distance, target elevation, target description, target location, mark type or terminal guidance, friendlies, egress), followed by remarks and restrictions. It is used in all threat conditions and does not dictate the aircraft's tactics.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, V-24 to V-25
- Abort code
A code passed by the CAS flight lead at check-in, from a challenge and its authenticated reply, that the JTAC transmits to abort that flight's attack. With secure communications no code is required, and an attack is aborted by transmitting ABORT, ABORT, ABORT.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, pp. V-17, V-47
- ACA
Airspace coordination area. A three-dimensional block of airspace in a target area, established by the appropriate commander, in which friendly aircraft are reasonably safe from friendly surface fires.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. GL-8
- ASOC
Air support operations center. The principal air control agency of the theater air control system responsible for the direction and control of air operations directly supporting the ground combat element.
The ASOC is the Air Force's agency; the Marine Corps equivalent is the DASC. [1]
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. GL-8
- Battle position (BP)
In a CAS brief for rotary-wing aircraft, the position from which attacks on the target are commenced; line 1 names it, line 2 gives the heading from its center to the target and line 3 the distance in meters.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. V-26
- BOC
Bomb on coordinate. A method of attack in which the aircraft employs its weapons on the coordinates given in the CAS brief and is never required to be TALLY or CAPTURED the target or CONTACT the mark. Every aircraft delivering ordnance reads back lines 4 and 6 from its weapon or system.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, III-47 to III-48
- BOT
Bomb on target. A method of attack in which the aircrew must acquire the target or the intended aimpoint, TALLY, CONTACT or CAPTURED, using the best method available. Only the lead aircraft is required to read back lines 4 and 6.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, III-47 to III-49
- CAPTURED [target/object]
The specified surface target or object has been acquired and is being tracked with an onboard sensor.
SPOT (laser energy acquired) is not the same call as CAPTURED; the JTAC still confirms what the sensor is looking at. [1]
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, pp. III-78, V-36
- CAS check-in
The briefing an aircraft gives the JTAC or FAC(A) on arrival, in the order remembered as MNPOPCA: mission number, number and type of aircraft, position and altitude, ordnance, playtime, capabilities and abort code. It may be shortened to "as fragged" or "with exception".
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, V-15 to V-17
- CEASE LASER
Discontinue lasing.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-79
- CEASE SPARKLE
Discontinue sparkle activity: the JTAC turns the infrared pointer off, which can help verify that the aircrew is looking at the right pointer.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-80
- CLEARED TO ENGAGE
Type 3 terminal attack control clearance: the attack aircraft or flight may initiate attacks within the parameters imposed by the JTAC or FAC(A).
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, III-40 to III-41
- Close combat attack (CCA)
The US Army's hasty or deliberate attack by Army aircraft providing air-to-ground fires for friendly units engaged in close combat, as part of the combined arms team. Because of the aircraft's capabilities and the aircrews' situational awareness, terminal control from ground units or controllers is not necessary. CCA is not synonymous with close air support.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, pp. I-5, III-89
- CONTACT
Acknowledges sighting of a specified reference point, either visually or with a sensor.
In a BOT attack on a visual mark, the aircrew calls "CONTACT the mark" so the JTAC can correct from it. [1]
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, pp. III-78, V-40
- CONTACT SPARKLE
Acknowledges sighting of an infrared sparkle, made once the aircrew sees the IR energy and can tell the friendly end of the pointer from the target end.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-80
- CONTINUE
Continue the present maneuver; it does not imply a change in clearance to engage or expend ordnance. Used by a JTAC or FAC(A) in all types of control to let the aircraft proceed with the attack profile before weapons release is granted.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-40
- Correlation
The process by which the JTAC or FAC(A) coordinates and confirms that the attacking aircrew, or a third party contributor, has acquired the correct target or mark. It is required on every CAS attack.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, pp. III-47, V-34
- Danger close
Ordnance delivery inside the 0.1 percent probability-of-incapacitation distance. The supported commander accepts the risk to friendly forces by passing their initials through the JTAC or FAC(A) to the attacking aircraft.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-37
- DASC
Direct air support center. The principal air control agency of the US Marine Corps air command and control system responsible for the direction and control of air operations directly supporting the ground combat element.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. GL-9
- FIDO
A talk-on format for driving the aircrew's eyes or sensors from one point to another: From a point, In a direction, Distance to travel, Object seen.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. V-43
- Final attack heading (FAH)
The heading or window of headings a JTAC or FAC(A) assigns for the attack, to protect ground troops, help acquire the aircraft or the target, limit collateral damage, meet laser safety requirements or coordinate fires. It is a restriction and must be read back.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, III-76 to III-77
- Game plan
A concise statement, passed before the CAS brief, that tells every player how the coming attack will flow. At a minimum it gives the type of control and the method of attack.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. V-20
- GTL
Gun-target line. An imaginary straight line from gun to target.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. GL-10
- IN [heading/direction]
The attack aircrew's call that it is entering the terminal phase of an air-to-ground attack, before weapons release. Where the CAS brief restricts the heading or direction, the call includes it, such as "IN heading 360".
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, III-44 to III-45
- Initial point (IP)
In a CAS brief, the starting point for the run-in to the target; line 1 names it, line 2 gives the magnetic heading from it to the target and line 3 the distance in nautical miles.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. V-26
- JFO
Joint fires observer. A trained Service member who can request, adjust and control surface-to-surface fires, provide targeting information in support of Type 2 and 3 close air support terminal attack control, and perform autonomous terminal guidance operations.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. GL-11
- LASER ON
Start or acknowledge laser designation.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-79
- Laser target line (LTL)
The line in degrees magnetic from the laser designator operator to the target, passed in the remarks of the CAS brief whenever a ground-based laser designator is used.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, pp. III-79, V-30
- LASING
The speaker is firing the laser.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-79
- LOOKING
The aircrew does not have the ground object, reference point or target in sight. Opposite of CONTACT.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-78
- Mandatory readback
The parts of a CAS brief the aircrew must read back to the JTAC or FAC(A): line 4 (target elevation), line 6 (target location) and every restriction, which always includes final attack headings, airspace coordination areas, danger close and times on target. The controller answers a correct readback with "readback correct".
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, pp. V-25, V-33
- MATCH SPARKLE
A directive for a second party to overlay its infrared mark on an existing mark.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-80
- NEGATIVE LASER
Laser energy has not been acquired.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-79
- Offset direction
The side of the IP-to-target line on which the aircrew may maneuver for the attack, left or right. It applies from the time the aircrew leaves the IP until it releases its ordnance or begins egress.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, III-75 to III-76
- PLA
Post-launch abort. Deliberate action taken post-separation to cause a precision munition to miss its target.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. GL-12
- Risk-estimate distance (RED)
A distance that lets the supported commander estimate the danger to friendly troops from a CAS attack, given as the distance for a 0.1 percent (1 in 1,000) probability of incapacitation.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-36
- ROPE
Circling an infrared pointer around an aircraft to help it identify the friendly ground position. It may damage night vision devices, and is not recommended for rotary-wing aircraft.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-80
- SHIFT [direction/TN]
Shift laser, infrared, radar or other device energy or aimpoint; it can move from an offset position onto the target, or shift laser energy or target assignments in a multi-aircraft attack.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-79
- SNAKE
Oscillate an infrared pointer in a figure eight about a target, to help tell the friendly position from the target and confirm the aircrew is looking at the right pointer.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-80
- SPARKLE
Mark or marking a target by infrared pointer. The proper aircrew response is CONTACT SPARKLE or NO JOY.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-80
- SPOT
Acquisition of laser designation.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-79
- STARE [laser code, reference point]
Cue the laser spot search or tracker function on the specified laser code in relation to the specified reference point, such as a steerpoint, a geographic reference, a bearing and range, or a data link point.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-79
- STEADY
Stop oscillating the infrared pointer, after a SNAKE or PULSE call.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-80
- TAC(A)
Tactical air coordinator (airborne). An officer who coordinates, from an aircraft, the actions of other aircraft engaged in air support of ground or sea forces.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. GL-13
- TACP
Tactical air control party. A subordinate operational component of a tactical air control system designed to provide air liaison to land forces and for the control of aircraft.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. GL-13
- Talk-on
A narrative description by the JTAC or FAC(A) that leads the aircrew's eyes or sensors onto a target, to the point where the controller knows the aircrew has acquired it.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, pp. III-78, V-40
- Target location error (TLE)
The difference between the coordinates generated for a target and the actual location of the target.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. GL-13
- Target reference point (TRP)
A predetermined point of reference, normally a permanent structure or terrain feature, that can be used when describing a target location.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. GL-14
- TEN SECONDS
Stand by for the LASER ON call in about ten seconds.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-79
- Terminal attack control (TAC)
The authority to control the maneuver of, and grant weapons release clearance to, attacking aircraft. A certified and qualified JTAC or FAC(A) is recognized across the Department of Defense as authorized to perform it.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, pp. I-2, GL-14
- Terminal guidance operations (TGO)
Actions that give approaching aircraft or weapons additional information about a specific target location, by electronic, mechanical, voice or visual means. Unless certified and qualified as a JTAC or FAC(A), people conducting TGO have no authority to control the maneuver of, or clear, attacking aircraft.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. I-2
- Third party contributor
Anyone integral to the success of a CAS attack because they can provide target location, target marking, terminal guidance or battle damage assessment, such as a remote observer or a laser-equipped aircraft. Correlation is also required with them.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. V-5
- Troops in contact
Friendly ground forces receiving effective fire. It is an advisory call that highlights the urgency of the ground situation; it does not dictate a type of control or remove the responsibility to avoid civilian and friendly casualties.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, p. III-36
- Type 1 control
Terminal attack control used when the JTAC or FAC(A) requires control of individual attacks and must visually acquire both the attacking aircraft and the target for each attack, assessing the aircraft's geometry before clearing it.
GPS- or INS-guided weapons should not be controlled under Type 1, because the aircraft's geometry does not predict where such a weapon will fly. [1]
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, pp. I-2, III-43
- Type 2 control
Terminal attack control used when the JTAC or FAC(A) requires control of individual attacks but is unable to visually acquire the attacking aircraft at weapons release or unable to visually acquire the target.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, I-2, III-44 to III-45
- Type 3 control
Terminal attack control used when the JTAC or FAC(A) requires the ability to clear multiple attacks within a single engagement, subject to specific attack restrictions such as time, boundaries, headings or a target set.
Source: [1] JP 3-09.3, pp. I-2, III-46
Sources
- JP 3-09.3, Close Air Support. US Joint Chiefs of Staff (copy hosted by the Federation of American Scientists), 25 November 2014. https://irp.fas.org/doddir/dod/jp3_09_3.pdf (accessed 2026-11-01). By printed page: chapter I, pp. I-1 to I-11; types of control, methods of attack and clearance calls, pp. III-40 to III-50; marking, laser and infrared brevity, pp. III-78 to III-80; offset and attack headings, pp. III-75 to III-77; rotary-wing CAS and the 5-line, pp. III-89 to III-97; execution, pp. V-1 to V-58; glossary, pp. GL-8 to GL-14. Later editions may differ.