In CAS, which formats can be used to describe a target's location?

• A. Grid coordinates (MGRS/UTM), GPS coordinates, or polar coordinates (bearing and range)
• B. Elevation only
• C. Email addresses
• D. Color of smoke and weather

Answer: (A)

Describing a target’s location in CAS relies on precise formats that can be quickly and unambiguously translated into a firing solution. The formats that cover the standard ways to reference a position are grid coordinates (MGRS or UTM), GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude), and polar coordinates (bearing and range) from a known reference point. Grid coordinates map a target to a specific square on military maps, making coordination across units straightforward. GPS coordinates give exact geographic position that can be plotted anywhere on the globe, which is especially useful when maps aren’t shared or when coordinates need to be read directly from devices. Polar coordinates provide direction and distance from a chosen observer, which is handy when a fixed map reference isn’t available or when brief, relative targeting data is being transmitted.

Meanwhile, elevation alone does not provide a full location, as it lacks lateral positioning. Email addresses do not convey physical location. Color of smoke and weather are signals or status indicators, not coordinate formats, so they can’t uniquely identify where the target is.