# JTAC Handbook

### **JTAC Manual for US Army Rangers (Field Guide)**

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#### **1. Purpose**

To provide US Army Ranger JTACs with core responsibilities, procedures, and considerations for integrating Close Air Support (CAS) and other air-to-ground assets during Ranger operations.

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#### **2. JTAC Role in the Ranger Regiment**

As a JTAC, you are the **ground commander’s expert on the employment of air assets**. You will:

* Integrate, deconflict, and control air strikes and supporting aircraft in dynamic combat environments.
* Provide terminal attack control for ordnance release.
* Advise Ranger leadership on airspace and asset utilization.
* Maintain situational awareness and manage real-time CAS coordination under high-risk conditions.

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#### **3. Core Responsibilities**

* **Pre-Mission Planning**
  * Review the Air Tasking Order and Special Instructions.
  * Conduct map recon, target analysis, and risk assessments.
  * Coordinate with mission planners and Air Liaison Officers (ALOs).
  * Prepare and verify communications plans and frequencies.
* **On Mission**
  * Maintain secure, clear, and rapid communication with aircraft.
  * Positively identify (PID) targets, friendly positions, and no-strike areas.
  * Apply proper terminal attack control procedures (Type 1, 2, or 3 control).
  * Issue 9-Line Briefs or CAS Check-Ins quickly and accurately.
  * Deconflict airspace with indirect fire, UAVs, and other assets.
  * Execute battle tracking, BDA (Battle Damage Assessment), and re-attack coordination.
* **Post-Mission**
  * Debrief aircrews and Ranger command elements.
  * Submit After Action Reports (AARs).
  * Evaluate CAS effectiveness and identify lessons learned.

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#### **4. Communications**

Primary tools:

* AN/PRC-117F and AN/PRC-152
* Data links (CTAB and MAP).
* Visual signals and marking tools (IR strobes, smoke, lasers).

Key points:

* Maintain redundancy in comms.
* Monitor multiple nets (command, fires, air, etc.).
* Use brevity codes and standard phraseology.

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#### **5. Terminal Attack Control**

**Types of Control:**

* **Type 1:** JTAC visually acquires target and aircraft.
* **Type 2:** JTAC acquires either aircraft or target, but not both.
* **Type 3:** Clearance for multiple attacks within a specific area without further clearance.

![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeZL0tkStKxaT-TdZl-EVeHheUn0T5WZ5fnJu-glGP4DkspO53F9wwv7w-Ipy0_Lq4AtlHnE6YKmQZJMq_bG2p2qGfhKpESprPM18pBNMz2R1Xkyy-0-UWneapIkoYM9KeTXvNb6Q?key=WZZkDkHQRUW-hxE4WSD5ASiW)

**9-Line CAS Brief Format:**

1. IP/BP
2. Heading
3. Distance
4. Target Elevation
5. Target Description
6. Target Location
7. Mark Type
8. Friendly Location
9. Egress

![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXej72LP0J8NWcoMySa1gfPjVwp7kIc3hDsKTg35_iT74f1N851yjWmfl8XlljlWw1FwSjn1i8jIy40qJnU1L_w7MwU1c_nlj2OUcN5ViOAmNE94KqBJ2dLZmQsNDC5XRf4efjUk?key=WZZkDkHQRUW-hxE4WSD5ASiW)

Example brevity:\
“Cleared hot” — release weapons authorized.\
“Abort, abort, abort” — terminate attack immediately.

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#### **6. Equipment & Loadout**

Standard JTAC loadout may include:

* Radios (AN/PRC-117F, AN/PRC-152)
* GPS / DAGR / CTAB
* Rangefinders / Laser designator
* Night vision
* Batteries, signal panels, smoke, strobes