TACTICS@ TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSE AIR SUPPORT OPERATIONS (To obtain please contact your national Defense Standardization Office or the NATO Standardization Office website: http:/ so.nato.int so@ Phone: +32 (0)2 – 707 5556@ email: nso@nso.nato.i
CAS is air action against hostile targets which are in close proximity to friendly forces and requires detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces. Such action requires the involvement of a qualified FAC (ground or airborne). All individuals authorised to direct action of fixed-wing aircraft and Attack Helicopters (AH)2 from a forward position must be trained and qualified in accordance with STANAG 37973. Standard operating procedures and high standards of training are essential for close coordination and mutual understanding between the aircrew and the FAC. To facilitate joint and combined operations@ standard procedures are described in this document. 2 AH refer to both Attack Helicopters and Armed Helicopters throughout this publication. 3 The US trains its TACs and JTACs to a different standard to that laid down in STANAG 3797.