DarkDot TIC
Troops in Contact
A situation in which friendly forces are engaged in direct fire contact with enemy forces. A TIC declaration triggers immediate reporting to higher headquarters and activates supporting assets.
TIC is both a tactical condition and a reporting trigger. The moment a unit makes enemy contact, the commander's first obligation is to establish and maintain communication with higher headquarters — even before maneuver decisions are made.
Immediate Actions on TIC
- Return fire and establish fire superiority (suppress or destroy the threat)
- Report to higher HQ via the command net: "CONTACT, CONTACT, CONTACT — [unit ID], [location], [direction of fire], [enemy description]"
- React to contact using battle drills (break contact, assault, support by fire)
- Request support as needed: CAS, indirect fires, QRF, CASEVAC
TIC Report Format
A hasty TIC report follows the SALUTE format: Size, Activity, Location, Unit (enemy), Time, Equipment. This is transmitted immediately, even if incomplete. A more detailed report follows once the unit has established fire superiority.
Escalation
The TIC condition remains in effect until the unit breaks contact, the enemy is destroyed, or the unit consolidates on an objective. Higher HQ tracks TIC status and manages supporting assets accordingly.
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