JTAC Handbook
A JTAC in the 75th Ranger Regiment is a critical combat enabler, responsible for lethal precision strike coordination under extreme conditions. The role demands technical mastery, calm under pressure,
JTAC Manual for US Army Rangers (Field Guide)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
9-Line CAS Brief Format:
IP/BP
Heading
Distance
Target Elevation
Target Description
Target Location
Mark Type
Friendly Location
Egress
Example brevity: “Cleared hot” — release weapons authorized. “Abort, abort, abort” — terminate attack immediately.
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
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