Who develops/pass the 9-line?

• A. Ground Controller
• B. JTAC
• C. Air Liaison Officer
• D. Squadron Commander

Answer: (B)

The thing being tested is who is responsible for turning ground-target information into the standardized 9-line format and delivering it to the aircraft. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller performs this task, crafting the nine-line briefing with target location, description, control instructions, weapons and restrictions, and abort criteria, then passing it to the aircrew to execute the strike. This role is specifically focused on terminal air-ground coordination and ensuring the airstrike is requested and executed safely and effectively. A Ground Controller, while involved in directing aircraft on the ground, typically doesn’t originate and transmit the full 9-line format. An Air Liaison Officer coordinates air-ground integration at higher levels but doesn’t usually generate the live 9-line brief for an individual strike. A Squadron Commander oversees operations at a higher level and isn’t involved in the hands-on development of the 9-line.