During a CAS mission, the pilot must visually identify the target before employing weapons. The FAC should use the most appropriate target marking method for the situation and clearly state the method during Line 3 of the CAS request.
Smoke
Smoke may be deployed by hand or fired from a 40 mm launcher, either directly on or adjacent to the target. The FAC should state the smoke colour and describe the target's position relative to the smoke. Consider that other smoke of the same colour may already be present in the area, potentially causing confusion.
Tracer
If friendly forces are actively engaging the target, tracer fire may be used as a reference. This method is only appropriate where friendly and hostile forces use different tracer colours, reducing the risk of misidentification and fratricide.
Sparkle
During low-light operations, an infrared (IR) laser visible through night vision devices may be used to mark the target. The FAC should move the laser in a circular motion around the target, allowing the pilot to distinguish the stationary origin of the laser from the moving point marking the target. If necessary, the pilot may request a more obvious indication, such as pointing the laser vertically to identify the FAC's position or increasing the size of the circling motion.
Laser Designator
Where aircraft are capable of detecting laser designators, the FAC may use a laser designator to mark the target. The same laser may also be used to guide laser-guided munitions where appropriate.
Landmarks
Large, distinctive landmarks may be used to talk a pilot onto the target. Chosen landmarks should be clearly visible from the air, easily distinguishable from surrounding terrain, and unique enough to avoid confusion.
Map Markers and Grids
Map markers and grid references should not be relied upon for visual target acquisition. While they provide an approximate location, they are generally insufficient for a pilot to accurately identify a specific target without an accompanying visual reference.
Initial Version
