What is Line 1 for the 9-Line CAS Brief?

Line 1 of the 9-Line Close Air Support (CAS) brief is designated as the Ingress Point (IP). This point is critical because it marks the location from which the aircraft will begin its final approach to the target area. Providing accurate information about the IP allows for effective coordination between ground forces and air support, ensuring that the aircraft can navigate safely and efficiently to engage the target while minimizing risks to friendly forces.

Identifying the Ingress Point helps maintain situational awareness and control during the operation. It's essential for the CAS aircraft to understand where they are entering the combat zone to facilitate an effective attack run and ensure they are in the correct position relative to the target, avoiding potential hazards or friendly fire incidents.

In contrast, the other lines in the 9-Line brief serve different purposes. Heading and Offset, for example, assist in specifying the direction and distance the aircraft will fly to reach the target from the Ingress Point, while Distance provides the aircraft with the range to the target, and Target Elevation gives altitude information for targeting. Each component is important for a complete brief, but Line 1 specifically identifies the starting point for the aircraft's approach.