Joint Publication 3-09.3 Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Close Air Support (CAS) 3 September 2003 PREFACE 1. Scope This publication provides joint tactics, techniques, and procedures (JTTP) for joint fire support and aviation planning, execution and control agencies, and aircrews in fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft to attack targets in close proximity to friendly forces. It presents options the joint force commander (JFC) can employ when planning and executing close air support in joint operations. 2. Purpose This publication has been prepared under the direction of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It sets forth doctrine and selected JTTP to govern the joint activities and performance of the Armed Forces of the United States in joint operations and provides the doctrinal basis for US military involvement in multinational and interagency operations. It provides military guidance for the exercise of authority by combatant commanders and other JFCs and prescribes doctrine and selected tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations and training. It provides military guidance for use by the Armed Forces in preparing their appropriate plans. It is not the intent of this publication to restrict the authority of the JFC from organizing the force and executing the mission in a manner the JFC deems most appropriate to ensure unity of effort in the accomplishment of the overall mission. 3. Application a. Doctrine and selected tactics, techniques, and procedures and guidance established in this publication apply to the commanders of combatant commands, subunified commands, joint task forces, and subordinate components of these commands. These principles and guidance also may apply when significant forces of one Service are attached to forces of another Service or when significant forces of one Service support forces of another Service. b. The guidance in this publication is authoritative; as such, this doctrine (or JTTP) will be followed except when, in the judgment of the commander, exceptional circumstances dictate otherwise. If conflicts arise between the contents of this publication and the contents of Service publications, this publication will take precedence for the activities of joint forces unless the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, normally in coordination with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has provided more current and specific guidance. Commanders of forces operating as part of a multinational (alliance or coalition) military command should follow multinational doctrine and procedures ratified by the United States. i Preface For doctrine and procedures not ratified by the United States, commanders should evaluate and follow the multinational command’s doctrine and procedures, where applicable and consistent with US law, regulations, and doctrine. For the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: JAMES A. HAWKINS Major General, USAF Vice Director, Joint Staff ii JP 3-09.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES REVISION OF JOINT PUBLICATION 3-09.3, DATED 1 DECEMBER 1995 • Defines and discusses the position of joint terminal attack controller (JTAC). • Provides expanded guidance on the uses of close air support (CAS), to include targeting. • Adds guidance on the joint air attack team. • Updates conditions required for effective CAS. • Renames the “air operations center” as the “Air Force air and space operations center.” • Adds a discussion of Navy/Marine Corps command and control in amphibious operations. • Discusses special operations forces terminal guidance operations. • Provides a discussion of CAS intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance requirements. • Consolidates coverage of planning and requesting CAS into one chapter. • Adds the five steps of CAS decision-making process. • Adds a new chapter on CAS preparation to include rehearsals and pre- combat preparations. • Provides detailed discussion of joint terminal attack controller to combat operations center/tactical operations center coordination. iii Summary of Changes • Provides detailed discussion on the 3 types of CAS terminal attack control. • Mandates verbal or digital read-back of Line 4 (elevation), Line 6 (target location), and any restrictions provided by the JTAC from the 9-line CAS briefing. • Discusses urban CAS. • Provides guidance on CAS execution with laser and inertial navigation system/global positioning system guided weapons. • Eliminates Appendices on communications equipment and aircraft and helicopter capabilities. • Adds the term “terminal attack control” and modifies the definitions of the terms “terminal control” and “terminal guidance” in Joint Publication 1-02. iv JP 3-09.3 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................ ix CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION, ORGANIZATION, AND FUNDAMENTALS • Introduction ........................................................................................................................... I-1 • Close Air Support Defined ..................................................................................................... I-1 • Use of Close Air Support ....................................................................................................... I-3 • Close Air Support Integration ................................................................................................ I-4 • Fratricide ............................................................................................................................... I-4 • Fixed- and Rotary-Wing Close Air Support Employment ....................................................... I-5 • Conditions for Effective Close Air Support ............................................................................ I-6 • Responsibilities...................................................................................................................... I-8 CHAPTER II COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE • General ................................................................................................................................ II-1 • Close Air Support for Joint Force Operations ...................................................................... II-1 • Air Force/Army Command and Control ............................................................................... II-3 • Navy Command and Control .............................................................................................. II-11 • Marine Corps Command and Control ................................................................................. II-13 • Navy/Marine Corps Command and Control in Amphibious Operations .............................. II-15 • Special Operations Command and Control .......................................................................... II-15 • Communication Systems .................................................................................................... II-17 • Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance ................................................................... II-23 CHAPTER III PLANNING AND REQUESTING • Introduction ........................................................................................................................ III-1 • Deliberate Planning ............................................................................................................ III-1 • Crisis Action Planning ........................................................................................................ III-1 • Close Air Support in the Decision-making Process.............................................................. III-1 • Command and Staff Responsibilities ................................................................................. III-11 • Close Air Support Planning Considerations ....................................................................... III-12 • Integrating Close Air Support with Surface Fire Support ................................................... III-20 • Requesting Close Air Support ........................................................................................... III-26 • Forward Air Controller (Airborne) Planning ..................................................................... III-30 v Table of Contents CHAPTER IV PREPARATION • Introduction ........................................................................................................................ IV-1 • Rehearsals .......................................................................................................................... IV-2 • Pre-Combat Preparations .................................................................................................... IV-6 • Communications................................................................................................................. IV-7 • Movement/Positioning ...................................................................................................... IV-10 CHAPTER V EXECUTION • Introduction .......................................................................................................................... V-1 • Joint Terminal Attack Controller to Combat Operations Center/Tactical Operations Center Coordination .......................................................................................... V-1 • Close Air Support Target Engagement ................................................................................ V-21 • Close Air Support Aircraft