(3) Type 3 control is used when the JTAC requires the ability to provide clearance for multiple attacks within a single engagement subject to specific attack
restrictions, and any or all of the conditions highlighted in the following text box exist:
The JTAC must acquire the target; visually or utilizing targeting data from a scout, COLT, FIST, JFO, UAS, SOF, CAS aircrew, or other asset with accurate real-time targeting information. While not required, if the tactical situation allows, the
JTAC/FAC(A) should make every effort to visually acquire the aircraft and assess attack geometry under Type 3 control, in order to provide an additional measure of safety, enhance SA, and be able to abort the attack if necessary. Likewise, the attacking aircraft may be able to visually acquire the target/mark prior to weapons release, but it is not required. JTAC/FAC(A) will provide the CAS aircraft with targeting restrictions (e.g., time, geographic boundaries, final attack heading[s], specific target set). Following mandatory readback by the CAS asset, the JTAC/FAC(A) then grants a weapons release clearance (“CLEARED TO ENGAGE”). Observers may also be used to mark targets during Type 3 control. All targeting data must be coordinated through the appropriate supported unit’s battle staff for approval. The JTAC/FAC(A) will monitor radio transmissions and other available digital information to maintain control of the engagement. The JTAC/FAC(A) maintains abort authority. Type 3 is a CAS terminal attack control procedure and should not be confused with TGO, air interdiction, or other “air support” missions which do not employ a JTAC/FAC(A). Type 3 control procedures are as follows:
(a) JTAC/FAC(A) acquires the target or acquires targeting data from a scout,
COLT, FIST, UAS, JFO, SOF, CAS aircrew, or other assets with accurate real-time
targeting information.
( JTAC/FAC(A) will send the CAS briefing (9-line) to attack aircraft.
Briefing should include area for attacks, restrictions/limitations, and attack time window,
in the remarks.
© Attack aircraft will verify target location correlates with expected target
area.
Note: Attack aircraft validates target location by cross-checking that the position is
coincident with the expected target area by using all appropriate means: map plot, target
designation displayed on digital map set, head-up display symbology, FLIR, radar, and
etc.
(d) Aircraft will read back Line 4, Line 6 and any restrictions provided by the
JTAC/FAC(A). For BOC attacks the readback will be from the aircraft system.
(e) Once satisfied the attacking aircraft have SA of the target area, the
JTAC/FAC(A) will provide attack aircraft “CLEARED TO ENGAGE”.
(f) Aircraft will provide an “IP INBOUND” call if requested.
(g) Prior to initial weapons release, the attack aircraft will provide
“COMMENCING ENGAGEMENT” to the JTAC/FAC(A).
(h) JTAC/FAC(A) will continue to monitor the engagement by all means
available (visual, voice, digital, etc.). No other communications are required unless
directed by the JTAC/FAC(A).
(i) Attack aircraft will provide “ENGAGEMENT COMPLETE” to the
JTAC/FAC(A).
The following scenario provides a step-by-step example of how Type 3 control may be used.
— The supported commander is in contact with a company of mechanized infantry 1.1 km to the
north. A very discernible river conveniently separates friendly forces from the enemy. The
commander and staff are confident in their situational awareness of friendly force disposition
provided by sound battle tracking, and the commander has authorized the joint terminal attack
controller (JTAC) to determine which type of close air support (CAS) control best suits the
situation. Two ships of A-10s are currently in the CAS stack and have sensors and eyes in the
target area verifying the recon team’s sighting. Upon consideration of all these factors, the JTAC
decides to utilize Type 3 terminal attack control against the mechanized company. The following 9-
line is provided:
JTAC: “Razor 11, this is A3C, this will be a Type 3 control, advise when ready for 9-line.”
Attack Aircraft: “A3C, Razor 11, Roger, Type 3, ready to copy”
JTAC:
“MAZDA
360
9.0
450
Mechanized company in the open
NB 922556
Laser 1111
South 1100
Egress S to MAZDA, advise when ready for remarks”
Attack Aircraft: “Razor 11 ready to copy”
JTAC: “Razor 11, expect to engage from time 45-55. Execute attacks north of the river. No attack
run-ins from north to south. Cobra recon team, callsign Lonewolf, is currently 1100m south in
position to lase, as required, contact on this tactical air direction (TAD). Report BHA on this TAD.”
— Note: Attack aircraft validates target location and cross-checks that the position is coincident with
the expected target area by using all appropriate means: map plot, target designation displayed on
digital map set, head-up display symbology, forward-looking infrared, radar, and etc.
Attack Aircraft: “A3C, 450, NB 922556, execute attacks north of the river with no north to south
run-ins, time on target (TOT) 45-55.”
JTAC: “Razor 11, readback correct.”
— Attack aircraft establishes communications with Cobra recon team and calls established
overhead and ready for talk-on.
Attack Aircraft: “Razor 11, overhead, ready for talk-on.”
Cobra: “Razor 11, your target is a mechanized company of BRDMs and BMPs with dismounted
infantry located on the north side of the river, 100 meters west of the large brown suspension bridge
with the burning vehicle about mid-span. Call “Contact” that bridge.”
Attack Aircraft: “Contact North-South running bridge.”
JTAC: “Razor 11 the target area is a large staging area west of the bridge, stand by for Laser
Mark, Laser to Target Line is 360, make a run-in 035 to 345 or 055-105.”
Attack Aircraft: “Razor 11 affirmative, Spot, contact several tactical vehicles in a plowed out
field, Northwest of the bridge.”
Cobra: “Razor 11, that is your target.”
A3C JTAC (listening to frequency): “Razor 11, CLEARED TO ENGAGE from time 45-55.”.”
— JTAC monitors progress of the mission via radio.
— Attack Aircraft make multiple attacks within the time window while complying with other
restrictions. The attacks continue until time 1255.
Attack Aircraft: “A3C, Razor 11 is ENGAGEMENT COMPLETE at time 1255. Advise when ready
to copy battle damage assessment (BDA).”
— Aircrew passes BDA to JTAC.