What are the nine lines of the 9-Line CAS Brief?

The nine lines of the 9-Line Close Air Support (CAS) Brief are crucial for effective communication between ground forces and air support. The correct sequence of lines follows a structured format designed to provide clear and concise information regarding the target and operational details.

The first line includes the Ingress Point, which is the location where the aircraft will enter the area of operations. The second line, Heading and Offset, indicates the direction the aircraft should fly to reach the target. Distance is provided in the third line to inform the pilot of how far away the target is from the Ingress Point.

The fourth line is Target Elevation, which delivers important altitude data that helps prevent fratricide and ensures proper engagement. The fifth line, Target Description, gives a succinct overview of the target to clearly identify what needs to be attacked.

Target Location is detailed in the sixth line, typically given in coordinates, which is critical for the precision of the strike. Mark Type, the seventh line, specifies how the target will be visually marked for the aircraft—whether by smoke, lasers, or other means. The eighth line covers Friendlies, indicating where friendly forces are located relative to the target to ensure safety during the attack. Finally, the ninth line is Egress