9-Line CAS Request

The 9-Line CAS request is the standardized format for passing targeting data from a ground element to an attacking aircraft. Every line must be transmitted accurately — errors in a 9-Line can result in fratricide or a missed target. This format is used by JTACs, FACs, and trained ground controllers.

The 9-Line Format

Line	Field	Description
1	IP/BP	Initial Point or Battle Position — the starting reference for the aircraft's attack run
2	Heading	Magnetic heading from IP to target in degrees
3	Distance	Distance from IP to target in nautical miles or meters
4	Target elevation	Target elevation above mean sea level (MSL) in feet
5	Target description	What the target is (e.g., "enemy BTR-80, stationary, in tree line")
6	Target location	8-digit MGRS grid of the target
7	Mark type	How the target is marked (laser, IR strobe, smoke, TRP name)
8	Friendly location	Location of friendly forces relative to target — direction and distance
9	Egress direction	Preferred aircraft egress direction after attack run

Example 9-Line

"ANVIL 31, this is WOLF 6, CAS request, 9-line follows, over."

"Line 1: IP BRAVO. Line 2: 270 degrees. Line 3: 2 miles. Line 4: 1,400 feet. Line 5: enemy ZPU-4 anti-aircraft gun, dug-in, northeast corner of compound. Line 6: 4QFJ 23456789. Line 7: laser, code 1688. Line 8: friendlies 300 meters south of target. Line 9: egress west. Remarks: single run, abort if friendlies within 200 meters. How copy, over."

Remarks Block

After the 9 lines, always transmit remarks:

• Threats: Any known AAA, IR missiles, or small arms that affect the aircraft's approach
• Friendly marks: What marking devices friendlies are using (IR strobes, VS-17 panel)
• Abort criteria: Conditions under which the attack should be aborted
• Desired effect: Suppress, destroy, or neutralize

Aircrew Readback and Clearance

The aircrew reads back critical lines (4, 5, 6, 7, 8). The JTAC confirms:

"GOOD READBACK. Cleared hot." — for Type 1/2 control

Or, for Type 3:

"CLEARED HOT, all ordnance, [area description], until [time or event]."

Common Errors

Error	Consequence
Wrong target grid	Aircraft engages wrong location
Incorrect friendly location	Fratricide risk
Wrong laser code	Aircraft cannot acquire lase
Missing abort criteria	Aircrew unclear on safety boundaries
No threat information	Aircraft enters threats without preparation

After the Strike

Immediately transmit BDA to the aircrew and fire support net: number of enemy personnel casualties, vehicle damage, structure effect. This closes the targeting cycle and informs re-engagement decisions.