What is a Joint Terminal attack controller (JTAC)?
In essence, a JTAC is a qualified terminal attack controller that designates targets for close air support (CAS) aircraft to engage and neutralize.
Definition:
A Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) is a:
• Qualified (certified) service member who passes a Department of Defense-approved school
• From a forward position, directs/assists the action of aircraft
• Authorized to perform terminal attack control
Close Air Support allows:
• Offensive/Defensive use
• The ability to destroy, disrupt, suppress, fix, harass, neutralize, or delay enemy forces
The Formalities of Close Air Support
Close Air Support is:
• Air action by fixed/rotary wing Aircraft against enemy targets
• Combat aircraft close proximity to friendly forces (1km or less)
• Combat Aircraft that needs special care/expertise and guidance during each mission to allow ground forces to conduct fire and maneuver while enemy targets are being engaged.
A) Basic Close Air Support
By the book...
Close Air Support (CAS) is the summation of joint fire support capabilities and that:
• Necessitates detailed planning, coordination, and training of ground and supporting air forces for safe and effective execution
Close Air Support application allows fires to affect enemy forces in the area by:
• Destroying them
• Suppress them
• Neutralize them
This also allows for:
• Movement and maneuver to take place on the ground
• Control of territory, population, infrastructure and key terrain (air/water/land)
Close Air Support is executed by:
• Fixed-wing (FW)
• Rotary-wing (RW)
Targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces requires detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces. This is the key to being JTAC-qualified...
Close Air Support 9-Line Request Process
Close Air Support requests ARE referenced as "CAS 9-Liner Briefs" but are NOT read or transmitted in fashion to a 'MEDEVAC 9-line Brief' over the communications dialogue.
After EVERY strike/pass/mission, the JTAC must advise on:
• Battle Damage Assessment
• Re-attack request
• Munitions effect
• What is the physical/structural damage to the target ?
• Were the correct munitions used or are different fires necessary ?
6)RepeatProcess
Control Types
Type 1
Type 1 Control requires the JTAC to:
• Visually acquire the attacking aircraft
• Maintain visual contact with the target under attack
• Clear *EACH* pass
Type 2
Type 2 Control is utilized when either:
• Visual acquisition of the attacking aircraft *AND/OR* target at weapons release is not possible
• Attacking aircraft are not in a position to acquire the mark/target prior to weapons release / launch • The JTAC must clear *EACH* pass
Type 3
Type 3 Control is utilized when:
• Multiple passes are needed
*AND/OR* • Unable to maintain visual contact with the attacking aircraft
• Unable to maintain visual contact with the target
• Only the *FIRST* pass needs to be cleared
"MInimum" Close AiR Support Requirements
At a MINIMUM, the JTAC will require:
1) Aircraft 'Check-In' brief with onboard ordnance
2) 'Situation Brief' given to the aircraft
3) Tracking position(s) of:
• Friendly
• Enemy
• Civilian/infrastructure
4) Aircraft Deconfliction
5) JTAC 9-Liner Request
6) Give Battle Damage Assessment (BDA)
7) Consider reattack
8) Consider ordnance change
B) Advanced Close Air Support
Radio Usage
When in a Combined Arms setting, typically there will be several Radio Nets being used at once.
Some major Communication Networks may include:
1. Air to Ground Operations (CAS)
2. Field Unit Tactical Operations Command (Company Net)
3. Artillery Fire Support (Artillery/MLRS)
4. MEDEVAC
5. Ground Force Commander (Platoon Net)
6. Guard (for A/C emergencies)
7. UAV (for surveillance)
Aircraft Deconfliction
There are several forms of airspace deconfliction:
Separation Types & Examples:
• Lateral E.g. "Stay NORTH of Grid 2340"
• Altitude E.g. "Stay ABOVE 2k AGL and below 4k AGL"
• Time E.g. "Attack window CLOSED from 1408hrs to 1409hrs, OPENS at 1410hrs for TOT and CLOSES again at 1410hrs to 1412hrs"
DANGER CLOSE
Think about the ordnance used and the effect it will have on both Enemy and friendly forces (cluster bombs may affect friendly movement due to 'duds').
Use correct ordnance based on the threat (area or point target, Anti personnel or armour piercing etc).
A PI (Payload Integrator) value of less than 10 percent PI can be interpreted as being less than or equal to one chance in one hundred.
A PI value of less than 0.1 percent PI can be interpreted as being less than or equal to one chance in one thousand.
Battle Damage Assessment
After EVERY strike/pass/mission, the JTAC must advise on:
• Battle Damage Assesment
• Re-attack request
• Munitions effect
1) What is the physical/structural damage to the target ?
2) Is a re-attack necessary?
3) Were the correct munitions used or are different fires necessary?
C) Advance Tactics/Planning
Close Air Support 3 Phases and 5 Step Planning
Phase I Planning Phase
Step 1: Receipt of Mission
• Who, What, Where and Why
Step 2: Mission Analysis
• Enemy Situation - Surface-to-air threats, decoys, camouflage etc Step 3: Course of Action (COA) Development
• Make 3 COAs if time permits
Step 4: COA Analysis/Wargame
• Given the situation and results, pick the best COA
Step 5: Orders Production • Disseminate the Orders to any and all affected players
Phase II Preparation Phase
Step 1: Rehearsals
• Terrain model, map, over the radio, in person
Step 2: Movement
Step 3: Observation
• Locate NAI, preplanned targets, priority targets and targets of opportunity