How is friendly location communicated during the 9 line CAS briefing?

In the 9 line CAS (Close Air Support) briefing, the communication of friendly location is crucial for ensuring safe operations and minimizing the risk of fratricide. The correct approach is to describe the friendly position using cardinal direction and distance in meters from the target to the nearest friendly unit. This method provides a clear and straightforward way for the aircrew to understand the proximity of friendly forces to the target area.

Using cardinal directions (like north, east, south, or west) along with precise distances allows for quick visual references and situational awareness for both ground and air personnel. It helps to establish a clear separation between friendly and enemy forces, enhancing the overall safety of the operation.

Other methods of communicating friendly locations, such as using kilometers from the target, GPS coordinates, or an address, may lack the immediacy or clarity needed in a fast-paced combat environment. Distances in kilometers can create ambiguity, GPS coordinates may not be as quickly interpretable in operational settings, and providing an address might not effectively convey the dynamic nature of the combat situation.