JTAR or ASR?

[graveyard4DCS]

Hello!

Do you know what JTAR and ASR are? And do you know the difference between the two?

JTAR stands for Joint Tactical Air strike Request, while ASR stands for Air Support Request. And both are basically the same. JTAR will be the preferred term in US forces, while ASR is more a NATO term... And that's all!

Left: US JTAR, right: NATO ASR.

But what are they exactly?

A JTAR or ASR is a form in joint military operations, used by ground units to request close air support (CAS) from air assets. Submitted via a standardized form, it enables coordination of tactical air strikes to support ground operations, such as neutralizing hostile forces or protecting friendly units under fire.

JTAR/ASR are organized into preplanned and immediate requests, each suited to specific combat needs. Preplanned JTARs are scheduled in advance and typically included in the daily Air Tasking Order (ATO) cycle, which assigns air missions for optimal synchronization with ground movements. This type of JTAR ensures that air assets are prepared with the necessary intelligence, ordnance, and targeting data to support ground operations at the designated time and location.

Pre-planned ASR: the request goes up all the chain of command, before being selected for tasking in the ATO (48h cycle).

In contrast, immediate JTARs respond to unanticipated threats, often emerging from dynamic combat conditions where ground forces urgently need air support. Immediate requests are processed through a quick coordination cycle, redirecting available CAS aircraft or diverting other missions to provide support in real time. These requests prioritize emergency response but can increase operational risks, such as collateral damage, due to the limited time for detailed preplanning.

Immediate ASR: the request can skip some echelons of the chain of command, and can be introduced in real time in the execution cycle.

The immediate CAS cycle as described by the US doctrine.

By filling out the JTAR accurately, requesting units provide essential data on target location, munitions, and mission timing, enabling air support units to respond effectively. The JTAR ensures all involved echelons are aligned, enhancing the safety and precision of air strikes and supporting ground maneuverability in complex combat scenarios.

Therefore, if you are preparing a pre-planned CAS mission for DCS World, be sure to fill in a JTAR/ASR form that will be used by the crew for mission planning!

References: US Joint Publication 3-09.3 - Close Air Support and NATO ATP-3.3.2.1 - Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for Close Air Support and Air Interdiction.

Note: the scope of NATO's ATP-3.3.2.1 is broader than US JP 3-09.3 since the first one includes Air Interdiction (and in particular SCAR missions), that is out of the scope of the US Joint Publication...

Edited November 7, 2024 by graveyard4DCS