During a CAS 9-line, the location of friendlies will be given by which reference?

• A. Bearing from own position
• B. Grid coordinates
• C. Cardinal heading from tgt
• D. Distance from target

Answer: (C)

In a CAS 9-line, location of friendlies is given relative to the target using a cardinal direction. This means you state where the friendlies are in terms of directions like north, south, east, or west from the target (sometimes with a distance). Using the target as the reference point keeps the information clear and consistent for all participants who know where the target is, making quick deconfliction and orientation possible even as units or aircraft move.

Why this fits best: directions from the target are universally understood and don’t depend on knowing your own exact position, which can vary or be shared differently. Grid coordinates require maps and coordinate reading, slowing things down and risking misidentification. Bearing from your own position also depends on an accurately shared own location, which isn’t as reliable in fast-moving CAS. Distance alone doesn’t give a directional cue to locate the friendlies on a map. So, giving a cardinal heading from the target provides the most efficient and unambiguous reference.