Joint Publication 3-09.3, Close Air Support   dated 10 June 2019

364 pages.

1. Scope

This publication provides joint doctrine for planning and executing close air support.

2. Purpose

This publication has been prepared under the direction of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  It sets forth joint doctrine to govern the activities and performance of the Armed Forces of the United States in joint operations and provides the doctrinal basis for interagency coordination and for US military involvement in multinational operations. It provides military guidance for the exercise of authority by combatant commanders and other joint force commanders (JFCs) and prescribes joint doctrine for operations, education, and training.  It provides military guidance for use by the Armed Forces in preparing their appropriate plans

3. Application

a. Joint doctrine established in this publication applies to the Joint Staff, commanders of combatant commands, subunified commands, joint task forces, and subordinate components of these commands, and the Services.

b. The guidance in this publication is authoritative; as such, this doctrine will be followed except when, in the judgment of the commander, exceptional circumstances dictate otherwise. If conflicts arise between the contents of this publication and the contents of Service publications, this publication will take precedence.

COMMANDER’S OVERVIEW 

• provides tactics, techniques, and procedures to synchronize close air support (CAS) in time, space, and purpose with supported ground forces. Outlines a CAS-related decision-making process that supports joint operation planning, identifies specific CAS-related staff responsibilities, outlines basic CAS planning considerations, and identifies procedures for requesting CAS and CAS-related air support.

Close air support (CAS) is air action by fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft against hostile targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces, and requires detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces.

 Overview

 Close air support (CAS) can be conducted at any place and time friendly forces are in close proximity to enemy forces. The word “close” does not imply a specific distance; rather, it is situational. The requirement for detailed integration because of proximity, fires, or movement is the determining factor.

At times, CAS may be the best means to exploit tactical opportunities in the offense or defense. CAS provides fires to destroy, disrupt, suppress, fix, harass, neutralize, or delay enemy forces.

This book is a "mini" (half the size of a regular piece of paper) size - A popular size to carry anywhere (briefcase, large pocket, purse) but the print is large enough for easy reading. Coil binding is used to allow for easy page flipping with no binding.

This website also has this book in "BIG" size (the size of a regular sheet of paper).

In Color

The color covers are laminated for weather protection.