[OUTDATED]

Radio Callout Examples & Visual Examples Included

If you see a number like this (1), read the following notes that are under the instructions for clarification

For the examples, the following callsigns will be used:

Viper-01 = CAS

Bravo-01 = JTAC

Precision Strike Guide

This a step-by-step guide on how CAS and JTACs should cooperate in calling in a precision strike. This is usually used when CAS is not in an escorting mission with infantry and infantry needing to take out a specific target.

For the first step, make sure JTAC is clear about what location they want CAS to be and ensure the pilot understands where they need their aircraft to be.

For the second step, once the aircraft is on station, the JTAC's job now is to communicate and guide CAS to identify where friendlies are and where targets are for close air support, JTAC must use as many indicators and landmarks as best as possible for a good precision strike.

(1) - You can either use smoke to identify where hostiles are or where friendly units are, but you must communicate what is on the smoke when guiding CAS. You may use any color of smoke, but it is recommended to use either red or green smoke for guiding CAS. Even though there are IFF tags, it is still best to mark with smoke to mark where you don't want CAS to hit or actually want to hit, since the pilots may be too focused on other things.

(2) - As CAS, make sure you fully identify and confirm who is friendly and hostile in the environment. In danger-close missions, quick thinking can either save a whole Squad or accidentally wipe out a whole squad.

(3) - JTACs have no access to laser designators, it is important that JTACs give as many indicators and landmarks of where the target is. It is also an option to use the map grid to point out where targets are, for example. "Target, enemy Tank, in grid, November 0 5 - 9 - 2." Confirm with the pilot if he or she has a visual of the target and continue on from there. If the hornet pilot is having trouble identifying where the target is, a Pelican with a FLIR camera can be requested to come in to help CAS identify if needed.

The most important step, JTACs you have the job of visually seeing the CAS aircraft with your own eyes while they're on the attack run. From there you give the clearance if they can engage or not.

(4) - ENSURE you see the aircraft, if CAS looks good and seems to be on target, say over the radio "cleared hot," pilots you CANNOT fire your ordnance until JTAC says cleared hot. However, if CAS looks like its about to strafe friendlies or heading towards an anti-air-filled hot zone, say over the radio "wave off."

Fourth Step: JTAC Report

After the strike is complete, you must give a quick report on how the airstrike went. The following reports may be said over the radio.

"Good effect on target"

Meaning: Your ordnance has hit on target

"No effect on target"

Meaning: Your ordnance was ineffective against the target

"Cleared for immediate re-attack"

Meaning: You are cleared for another attack run in the same direction as last time

From there, you decide if CAS needs to remain on station or not.

Escorting Air-Support

Escorting air support is when CAS is already escorting the Infantry Squad and knows their current whereabouts, making it a lot easier to identify targets. There are a lot fewer steps involved for this type of CAS.

Example:

Bravo-01: Bravo-01 to Viper-01, we got contacts 100 meters north of our position, requesting support over.

Viper-01: Copy 100 meters north of your position, and get down out.

Viper-01 fires away cannons

For this type of CAS, since you already know where friendly positions are due to the aircraft already escorting or on-station, you don't need to go the extra mile and identify who is who, JTAC just needs to communicate where targets are at, JTAC may also request a specific attack run direction like "gun-run north to south" like in the last one. It is most common for Pelicans to do this type of CAS since they are usually used as a recon role for an Infantry squad or in some cases a Hornet.