Communication between aircrews and FACs during Attacks

The attack phase consists out of extremely sparse transactions due to the time-sensitive nature of the task. Hence, it relies heavily on the usage of PROWORDs and even omits the usage of OUT to further shorten the messages.

The communication needed to talk the pilot on his target and ensure a correct attack geometry consists of multiple transmissions between the aircraft and FAC which are as follows:

Aircraft leaves the CP/HA

CAS: PUSHING

FAC: CONTINUE/ABORT

Aircraft passes the IP (if one was designated)

CAS: IP INBOUND

FAC: CONTINUE/ABORT

If using a Laser for designation

CAS: TEN SECONDS

CAS: LASER ON

FAC: LASING

CAS: LOOKING

If using the mark is not on the target

FAC: From the Laser/Mark (direction), (distance)

CAS: LOOKING

If the aircraft spots the target based on the mark/corrections

CAS: TALLY, IN from (direction)/IN heading (direction)

FAC: CLEARED HOT (if only one attack is authorized)/CLEARED TO ENGAGE (if the aircraft is to engage until the target is destroyed)/ABORT

CAS: GUNS/RIFLE/MAGNUM/(number) AWAY/PICKLE (number)

Aircraft egresses off the target

CAS: Egressing, (direction)

FAC: ROGER

---

CREDITS
This SOP has been contributed to by 3 editors:
Major James
Second Lieutenant Aiedail
Sergeant Jochem
Specialist 3rd Class Noah_Hero

REFERENCES
UNITAF Standard Operating procedures (SOP) are adapted primarly from US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Our written and audio procedures are a combination of the following primary source materials, as well as our own learnings, modifications and adaptations:
- US Army Techniques Publication, Infantry Platoon and Squad (ATP 3-21.8)
- Soldier’s Manual of Common Tasks Warrior Leader Skills Level 2, 3, and 4 (STP 21-24-SMCT)
- The Warrior Ethos and Soldier Combat Skills (FM 3-21.75 / FM 21-75)
- Leadership Development (FM 6-22)
- Dyslexi's Tactics, Techniques, & Procedures for Arma 3 (TTP3)

---