Which signal do TACP units use to send immediate CAS requests?

Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) units utilize the Air Force channels through the Joint Air Request Net (JARN) to communicate immediate Close Air Support (CAS) requests to the Air Support Operations Center (ASOC). This method is preferred for its reliability, speed, and military standardization, allowing for efficient transmission of critical information needed for effective air support operations.

The JARN provides a secure and dedicated medium that facilitates real-time communication and coordination among joint forces, thereby enhancing situational awareness and the ability to respond quickly to dynamic battlefield conditions. This channel is specifically designed for air request coordination, ensuring that CAS requests are communicated effectively and without delay, which is crucial during combat operations.

Other methods like radio signals only or encrypted emails may not guarantee the immediacy and clarity required for CAS requests. Text messages via secured apps, while they may provide some level of communication, lack the established protocols and priority that the JARN framework provides, making them less suitable for critical military coordination.