"...Type 3 in Effect!"

The following scenario provides a step-by-step example of how Type 3 control

would be used in a situation where the tactical risk assessment revealed a low

risk of fratricide.

— The supported commander has just been informed that a reconnaissance team

has spotted a company of mechanized infantry approaching 15 km to the north. A

very discernible river conveniently separates friendly forces from the enemy. The

commander and staff are confident in friendly force disposition and the common

operating picture provided through sound battle tracking and recommend CAS

aircraft be employed. A division of AV-8s is currently in the stack and has sensors

in the target area verifying the recon team’s sighting. The decision is made to

authorize Type 3 control and attack the mechanized company. The following 9-

line is provided:

JTAC: “Razor 11, this is A3C, Type 3 in effect, advise when ready for 9-line.”

Attack Aircraft: “Roger, Type 3, ready to copy”

JTAC:

MAZDA

360 Right

9.0

450

Mechanized Company in the open

NB 922556

Laser 1111

Southeast 3000

Egress S to MAZDA,

Attack Aircraft: “450, NB 922556”

JTAC: “Remarks to follow. Razor 11 you’re “cleared to engage” from time 45-55.

Execute attacks North of the river. Cobra recon team is currently 3000 S in position

to lase. Contact him this TAD. Report attack complete.”

TOT 45-55

Attack Aircraft: “TOT 45-55”

Attack aircraft establishes communications with Cobra recon team.

Cobra recon team: “Razor 11 your target’s estimated to be a mechanized company

of BRDMs and BMPs with dismounted infantry. Your target is located on the north

side of the river, 100 meters west of the bridge. Report “contact” the bridge.”

Attack Aircraft: “A3C Razor 11 is “contact” the brown suspension bridge, and a

large staging area just to the west that appears to have multiple vehicles parked

in rows.”

Cobra recon team: “Razor 11 that’s your target, wind in the target area is light

and variable, designator target line 270, final attack heading 300 to 320, laser will

be on the southern most vehicle, confirm laser code 1111 and report IP inbound.”

Attack Aircraft: “laser code 1111, Wilco.”

Cobra recon team provides terminal guidance using standard terminology.

JTAC: Monitors progress of the mission via radio.

Attack aircraft make multiple attacks within the time window.

Attack Aircraft: “A3C and Cobra, attacks complete at time 55”

Note: The JTAC maintains abort authority in all cases.

While recent technological advances in weaponry and digital/data link

systems have provided significant enhancements to the CAS mission, it is

imperative that commanders and operators fully understand the capabilities

and limitations of the systems being brought to the fight. Descriptive dialog

between the JTAC and aircraft will often provide the best means of mitigating

risk and producing the desired effect on target. It is essential that standard

procedures and terminology be used by all CAS participants.

ref: Joint Publication 3-09.3 "Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Close Air Support (CAS)" 3 September 2003