Fixed wing aircrew CAS communications - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)

FM/G383 - Fixed wing aircrew CAS communications

Policy

FM/BP-1758 - Positive target identification

Policy

All aircrew shall ensure that all targets are positively identified prior to any weapons employment.

Engagement without positive target identification is prohibited. Positive identification is required to prevent fratricide (blue-on-blue) and unnecessary collateral damage.

Skill

FM/BS-1752 - Execute positive target identification

Skill

Confirm target identity using visual, sensor, or controller-provided references
Correlate target location with briefing data
Distinguish target from friendly forces and non-combatants within the engagement area
Maintain continuous target tracking through the final attack phase
Abort engagement if positive identification cannot be maintained

Guide

FM/BG-1753 - Abort call authority in CAS engagements

Guide

Any participant in a Close Air Support (CAS) engagement has the authority and responsibility to issue an abort call if unsafe conditions are observed.

Abort authority exists to ensure safety, prevent fratricide, and maintain control of the engagement environment. It may be exercised by any involved party when required conditions for a safe engagement are no longer met.

Skill

FM/BS-1754 - Execute abort procedures in CAS operations

Skill

Immediately discontinue attack run upon receiving an abort call or identifying unsafe conditions
Acknowledge abort instruction clearly and concisely
Maintain aircraft control and safe separation from the target area
Transition to holding or egress profile as directed
Do not re-engage without explicit re-clearance

Skill

FM/BS-1755 - Execute lost communications procedures during CAS operations

Skill

Cease attack operations immediately upon loss of communications
Transition to pre-briefed lost communications plan or safe egress route
Avoid weapons release without positive re-establishment of control and clearance
Attempt to re-establish communications using alternate methods or frequencies
Report aircraft status upon regaining communications

Skill

FM/BS-1756 - Conduct battle damage assessment reporting

Skill

Observe the target area after weapons impact when safe to do so
Report effects using standardized BDA terminology (e.g., hit, mobility kill, destroyed)
Provide accurate location and timing of observed effects
Distinguish confirmed effects from estimated or unconfirmed observations
Maintain concise and structured reporting format

Guide

FM/BG-1757 - Communication prioritisation in CAS operations

Guide

Close Air Support (CAS) communications should follow prioritisation principles to ensure safety-critical information is transmitted without delay.

Prioritise abort calls and safety-critical messages above all other transmissions
Interrupt or delay non-essential communication when required for safety
Maintain clarity during high-tempo communication environments
Recognise and appropriately escalate urgent CAS updates
Avoid unnecessary radio congestion during critical attack phases