Do Army Attack Aviation or AC-130 engagements require terminal attack control?

In the context of Army Attack Aviation and AC-130 engagements, the requirement for terminal attack control is often tied to the procedures used to ensure the safety of friendly forces and the precision of strikes on targets. A close air support (CAS) 9-Line briefing is a standardized communication tool used to convey essential information about a target area, which includes details such as location, target description, friend or foe identification, and other critical information.

When a CAS 9-Line is passed, it indicates that there is a formal request for air support that necessitates a high level of coordination and control over the strike to mitigate risks of collateral damage. This process ensures that the assets engaging the target have a clearly defined way to understand the tactical scenario, which is crucial for effective and safe engagement.

In the absence of such a detailed request and the corresponding terminal attack control, the level of situational awareness might not be sufficient to ensure the safety and success of the engagement. Therefore, the requirement for terminal attack control is indeed tied to whether a CAS 9-Line has been passed, as this establishes the necessary communication and control structure for the engagement to proceed safely and effectively.