CLOSE AIR SUPPORT (9-Line) Guide

CLOSE AIR SUPPORT (CAS)
THE “9 LINE” BRIEF INSTRUCTIONS
1. IP/BP: _______________________________________________________________
IP (INITIAL POINT) or BP (BATTLE POSITION). For fixed-wing aircraft, the starting
point for the run to the target. For rotary-wing aircraft, the area from which targets will be
engaged.
2. HEADING: _______________________OFFSET: L__________ R__________

Given in degrees magnetic. For fixed-wing aircraft this is the HDG from the IP to TGT given
in degrees magnetic. For rotary-wing aircraft, this is the heading from the centre of the battle
position to the target. An offset is given when needed to restrict attack aircraft manoeuvring
due to enemy, WX, terrain, friendly fires, etc., or to control attack geometry. Offset direction
indicates the side of the IP/BP target line the attacking aircraft can manoeuvre to position
itself for the attack. However, an aircraft can proceed directly from the IP to target on the
magnetic heading given in line 2 provided it does not violate the offset direction, if one is
given.
3. DISTANCE: _________________________________________________________
From the IP/ BP to the target. For fixed-wing aircraft the distance is given in nautical miles
(NM) and should be accurate to a tenth of a NM. For example, 12.3 NM would be transmitted
as ―twelve point three.‖ For rotary-wing aircraft, this distance is from the centre of the battle
position to the target expressed in meters and should be accurate to 5 meters.
4. TARGET ELEVATION: _______________________________________________

Expressed in feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL).
5. TARGET DESCRIPTION: _____________________________________________

The target description should be specific enough for the aircrew to recognize the target.
The target should be described accurately and concisely. The description should aid the
aircrew in anticipating visual cues for target acquisition.
6. TARGET LOCATION: ________________________________________________

The location of the target can be given in several ways; 6-digit UTM grid coordinates,
latitude and longitude, navigation aid fix, or visual description from a conspicuous reference
point are all acceptable. Because multiple grid coordinate system datum is in use, the specific
datum being referenced should be specified in the JTAR and, if required, clarified by the
brief. Terminal controllers should include the 100,000 meter grid identification. For area
targets, use the centre of the area or the location of the greatest concentration of enemy. For
linear targets, use the ends of the target array.
CLOSE AIR SUPPORT (CAS) BRIEF
THE “9 LINE” BRIEF (Continued)
7. MARK TYPE: __________________ CODE: _______________ LTL: _________

Type of mark to be employed--white phosphorous, illumination, IR pointer, laser, etc. If a
laser designator is being employed, the four-digit laser code and the laser-to-target line are
stated.
8. FRIENDLIES: _______________________________________________________
The location of friendly forces nearest the target is given. This position is referenced from the
target—from the target to the position—and is expressed in a cardinal or semi cardinal
direction and a distance in meters. If the friendly position is marked, identify the type of
mark.
9. EGRESS: ____________________________________________________________
The cardinal or semi-cardinal direction to be used when departing the target and control
points to use when exiting the terminal control arena. Unlike all other lines of the brief, the
word ―egress‖ is transmitted before giving egress instructions.
REMARKS: ____________________________________________________________
The following information may be included if applicable:
Troops in contact or danger close
Airspace coordination: final attack heading (FAH) or altitude restrictions
Threat
SEAD support in effect
Active gun target lines
Ordnance requested
Hazards
Weather
CLOSE AIR SUPPORT (CAS) BRIEF
THE “9 LINE” BRIEF (Continued)
TOT: ______________________________________________________________
OR
TTT: ______________________________________________________________
The terminal controller will assign a TOT (time-on-target) or TTT (time-to-target).
TOT. (GPS Default Method) Time-on-target is the specific time aircraft delivered
ordnance will hit the target. The timing is based on a synchronized clock, GPS is the
standard, that is used by all supporting arms agencies.
TTT. Time–to-target uses a countdown timer rather than a universal clock.

The terminal controller states the number of minutes and seconds to elapse from the time the
countdown is started to the time aircraft delivered ordnance hits the target; the countdown is
started with the word ―HACK.‖
For example, if the terminal controller were to say ―six plus zero zero
(6+00)…HACK,‖ ordnance should impact the target six minutes after the
―HACK‖ was transmitted. Any other supporting arms/ ground elements involved in the
mission must coordinate their timing from this countdown and
―HACK.‖

CLOSE AIR SUPPORT (9-Line) Guide

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What are the components of a 9 line brief?

What information is included in each line of the 9 line brief?

CLOSE AIR SUPPORT (CAS)

THE “9 LINE” BRIEF INSTRUCTIONS

2. HEADING: ___________OFFSET: L R

4. TARGET ELEVATION: _______________________________________________

5. TARGET DESCRIPTION: _____________________________________________

6. TARGET LOCATION: ________________________________________________

7. MARK TYPE: __________ CODE: _ LTL: ___

The terminal controller will assign a TOT (time-on-target) or TTT (time-to-target).

TTT. Time–to-target uses a countdown timer rather than a universal clock.

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