Close Air Support (CAS)

Standard Operating Procedures

Karmakut Liberation

Last date update: 4/12/2023

SECTION 1: Purpose of CAS/CAP

1. Purpose of Air CAS/CAP :
   • Air CAS/CAP are designated under callsign Demon and Reaper.
   • Demon is authorized to operate the following assets:
     • AH-6L/M/H Little Bird
     • MH-60M Direct Action Penetrator (DAP)
     • AH-1Z Viper*
     • AH-64D Apache (Including FCR variant)*
   • Reaper is authorized to operate the following assets:
     • A-10C Thunderbolt II
     • F-35A/B Lightning II
     • F/A-18 Hornet
     • A-29 Super Tucano*
     • F-15*
     • F-22 Raptor
     • AV-8B Harrier 2
       • * Aircraft requires pilot AND co-pilot for flight operations.

• Demon and Reaper will operate under direction of TACPs at all times.

SECTION 2: Close Air Support SOPs

1. Use of Air CAS Aircraft:
   • All aircraft will remain within the map boundaries and protect airframes by remaining over friendly territory while not on mission.
   • Air Demon and Reaper must monitor Long Range Tactical Air Direction (TAD) net 080.000 and Short Range 070.000.
     • All fire missions will be coordinated through Platoon TAD net 081.000, 082.000.
   • Aircraft with a dedicated Weapons Officer seat, require an active Pilot and Weapons Officer.
   • Aircraft must check in with TACPs and provide at the minimum:
     • Aircraft type
     • Armament on board
     • Time of station (fuel)
     • Position and altitude
       • Due to the 24/7 operability of the server, there is a likelihood that you will be checking in for TACPs recently entering the server, or yourself as an initial server check in. 
   • In the event of a shootdown, Search And Rescue (SAR) net 039.000 is to be used to coordinate rescue efforts.
   • Pilots, TACPs, and Platoon Leaders are responsible for minimizing collateral damage to Civilian infrastructure.
   • All HE fire missions within 200m of Civilian infrastructure or friendly positions require authorization from Platoon Leader and 6-6 (can overrule requests).
     • The following are considered HE armaments (non-exhaustive): M151 Pods, APKWS, DAGR, GAU-8, M230 Autocannon, AGM-114K/N, AGM-65EL
   • For non-HE fire missions, danger-close approval is NOT required from Platoon Leader provided that BLUFOR and Civilian persons are at least 100m away from targeted area.
     • The following are considered valid non-HE armaments: M134, GAU-19
   • The Pilot of the aircraft has the final say in aircraft deployment and safety. Neither the Platoon Leader nor TACPs can order a Pilot to risk their aircraft to danger if the pilot deems it not safe for the airframe or their life.
   • The Pilot of the aircraft is responsible for coordinating with Ogre to repair any damage that occurs to an aircraft while in use. This shall be done in a safe manner. A damaged aircraft shall be towed to the nearest repair option and not operated until the damage is repaired and the aircraft is safe for operation.
   • It is HIGHLY suggested to run supply logistics (either via Ogre or Stalker), especially for any assets lost in the field.
   • CAS/CAP (Reaper/Demon) can only be coordinated when a TACP is present.

SECTION 3: Calls for support

1. Communication
   • When receiving a CAS/CAP mission from Platoon TACPs, expect the following radio etiquette:
     • Location of target (Grid reference, map markers)
     • Target type (be as specific as possible)
     • Munitions type
     • Distances to nearest friendlies or civilian targets
     • Readback for Confirmation
       • Although CAS 9-lines are not enforced, check with either party if they are comfortable with such operations.
2. Execution
   • Once terminal clearance is given, attack aircraft must announce the commencement and completion of each engagement. 
   • Terminal clearance must be given for every engagement and aircraft must ensure they are engaging targets that have been cleared by TACPs.
   • Lasers/Sparkles:
     • Secondary aircraft lasing ("buddy laze") must be coordinated through the x-8.
       • Laser code change request must be conducted by the TACP in order to ensure a successful "spot lase" within the terminal cycle.
       • TACPs must ensure a proper laser environment for terminal aircraft and can deny "buddy lasing" if it compromises aircraft. 

SECTION 4: CAS Disclaimers

1. Disclaimer:
   • CAS/CAP assets are not to be used for transportation. 
   • Air Reaper and Demon roles are permission-based and must be applied for.
     • All Reaper and Demon perm holders must also apply for Rotary Logistics perms and be comfortable using those assets.
   • 2 strikes equals a loss of Air Asset permissions. {you may later reapply again for reinstating of permissions at the review of Community Staff}
   • Any player can refuse an order given if it will cause them to break SOPs. (if this scenario occurs remind the parties involved of the SOP in a peaceful manner. If needed reach out to an admin to help mediate)
   • This server is an infantry-first combined arms experience, all Assets are in support of the infantry experience.
   • Fixed Wing can no longer operate MQ-9 Reaper drone
   • Passing Fixed Wing gives you access to slot Chevy
   • Crew dismounting an asset in the field to avoid AI attacks is considered meta gaming.

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