Dismounted Reconnaissance Troop - Army Electronic Publications ...
Dismounted Reconnaissance Troop - Army Electronic Publications ...
Dismounted Reconnaissance Troop - Army Electronic Publications ...
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Chapter 7<br />
CLOSE AIR SUPPORT PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS<br />
7-52. Close air support mission success is directly related to thorough mission planning based on these<br />
considerations:<br />
Weather. Weather is one of the most important considerations when visually employing<br />
weapons. It can hinder target identification and degrade weapon accuracy. Does the weather<br />
favor the use of aircraft? What is the cloud ceiling? What is the forecast for the immediate<br />
future?<br />
Target acquisition. Targets that are well camouflaged, small and stationary, or masked by<br />
natural and man-made terrain are difficult to identify from fast-moving aircraft. Marking rounds<br />
can enhance target identification and help ensure first-pass success.<br />
Target identification. This is critical if CAS aircraft are to avoid fratricide. It is accomplished<br />
by providing a precise description of the target in relation to terrain features easily visible from<br />
the air. Smoke and laser devices can also be used for marking purposes. The remotely operated<br />
video enhanced receiver by JTACs greatly enhances the ground commander’s SA and simplifies<br />
the targeting process.<br />
Identification of friendly forces. This is a key consideration in using CAS or rotary-wing<br />
aircraft. The primary cause of fratricide is misidentification of friendly troops as threat forces.<br />
Safe means of friendly position identification include mirror flash, marker panels, and direction<br />
and distance from prominent land features or target marks.<br />
General ordnance characteristics. These identify types of targets to be engaged and the desired<br />
weapon effects.<br />
Final attack heading. The final attack heading depends on considerations of troop safety,<br />
aircraft survivability, and optimum weapon effects. Missiles or bombs are effective from any<br />
angle. Cannons, however, are more effective against the flanks and rear of armored vehicles.<br />
SEAD. Suppression of enemy air defense is required based on the capabilities of the aircraft and<br />
presence of threat air defense systems in the target area.<br />
CAS/artillery integration. <strong>Army</strong> artillery and combat air power are complementary. Because<br />
artillery support is more continuous and faster to respond than CAS, close air support missions<br />
must be integrated with artillery so that limited firing restrictions are imposed. The airspace<br />
coordination ACA is the FSCM used to accomplish this integration.<br />
AIRSPACE COORDINATION AREA<br />
7-53. An ACA is a means of providing airspace for the relatively safe travel of aircraft and for facilitating<br />
the simultaneous attack of targets near each other by multiple FS assets. Airspace coordination areas are<br />
classified as either formal or informal. This classification is based on the amount of time available and the<br />
level of control desired.<br />
Formal Airspace Coordination Area<br />
7-54. This is a three-dimensional block of airspace that provides lateral and altitude separation between<br />
aircraft and other fires. It is designed to be in effect for longer periods of time. The formal ACA is<br />
established at IBCT or higher headquarters.<br />
Informal Airspace Coordination Area<br />
7-55. The informal ACA is used more frequently than the formal type and is the preferred method. An<br />
informal ACA can be established at the squadron or higher level by using one of four standard separation<br />
plans: lateral, altitude, timed, or lateral and altitude. It is in effect for very short periods of time—only long<br />
enough to get aircraft into and out of the target area.<br />
7-12 ATTP 3-20.97 16 November 2010