Multiservice tactical brevity code

Not to be confused with byte code.

1 American/NATO codes

Multiservice tactical brevity codes[1] are codes used by

various military forces. The codes procedure words, a
type of voice procedure, are designed to convey complex
information with a few words.

This is a list of American standardized brevity code

words. The scope is limited to those brevity codes
used in multiservice operations and does not include
words unique to single service operations. While these
codes are not authoritative in nature, all services agree to
their meanings. Using the codes eases coordination and
improves understanding during multiservice operations.
The codes are intended for use by air and ground operations personnel at the tactical level. Code words that are
followed by an asterisk (*) may dier in meaning from
NATO usage.

Contents
A
B
C
D

1.1 A

Aborting/Abort/Aborted Directive/informative call to

cease action/attack/event/mission.

F
G

Action Directive to initiate a briefed attack sequence or

maneuver.

Active An emitter is radiating.

Add (system/category) Directive call to add a specic

(system) or (electronic order of battle (EOB) category) to search responsibility.

J
K

Alarm Directive/informative call indicating the termination of emission control (EMCON) procedures.

L
M

Alligator Link-11/tactical digital information link

(TADIL) A.

N
O

Alpha check Request for/conrmation of bearing and

range to described point.

Anchor/anchored 1. Orbit about a specic point; refueling track own by tanker

R
S

2. Informative call to indicate a turning engagement about a specic location.

Angels Term meaning altitude in thousands of feet (e.g.,

Angels Five is 5,000 ft).

U
V

Arizona No anti-radiation missile (ARM) ordnance remaining.

W
X

As fragged Unit or element will be performing exactly

as stated by the air tasking order (ATO).

Authenticate To request or provide a response for a

coded challenge.

References
1

AMERICAN/NATO CODES

Autocat Any communications relay using automatic re- Bogey A radar or visual air contact whose identity is untransmissions.
known.
Azimuth Two or more groups primarily separated in Bogey dope Request for
briefed/available.
bearing.

1.2

Bandit An aircraft identied as enemy, in accordance

with theater ID criteria. The term does not necessarily imply direction or authority to engage.
Banzai Information/directive to execute launch and defend tactics.

target

information

as

Box Groups/contacts/formations in a square or oset

square. FM 101-5-1 MCRP 5-2A
BRAA Tactical control format providing target bearing,
range, altitude, and aspect, relative to a friendly aircraft.
Bracket Indicates geometry where friendly aircraft will
maneuver to a position on opposing sides, either laterally or vertically from the target.

Base (number) Reference number used to indicate such Break (direction) Directive to perform an immediate
maximum performance turn in the direction indiinformation as headings, altitude, and fuels.
cated; assumes a defensive situation.
BeadWindow Last transmission potentially disclosed
Breakaway Tanker or receiver directive call indicating
unauthorized information.
immediate vertical and nose/tail separation between
tanker and receiver is required.
Beam/beaming Target stabilized within 70 to 110 degree aspect; generally (direction) given with cardinal
Brevity Radio frequency is becoming saturated, dedirections: east, west, north, or south.
graded, or jammed and briefer transmissions must
follow.
Bent System indicated is inoperative.
Bingo

1. Minimum fuel state needed for aircraft to Broadcast Request/directive to switch to broadcast control.
return to base (aka recovery).
2. Proceed/am proceeding to specied base Broke lock Loss of radar/infrared (IR) lock-on (advisory).
(eld) or carrier

Bird Friendly surface-to-air missile (SAM).

Bruiser Friendly air-launched anti-ship missile (ASM)

(for example, Harpoon, Exocet, or Penguin missiles).

Bird(s) arm Surface-to-air (S/A) informative call inBuddy lock Locked to a known friendly aircraft; nordicating unit is able and prepared to engage a specimally a response to a spike or buddy spike call and
ed target with SAMs (presumes target is within or
accompanied with position/heading/altitude.
will enter the SAM engagement envelope).
Buddy spike Friendly aircraft(s) air-to-air indication on
Bird(s) away Friendly SAM has been red at designated
radar warning receiver (RWR); to be followed by
target.
position, heading, and altitude.
Bird(s) negat S/A informative call indicating unit is un- Bugout Separation from that particular engageable to engage a specied target with SAMs. Oppoment/attack/operation; no intent to (direction)
site of bird(s) arm.
re-engage/return.
Bittersweet Notication of possible blue on blue Bulldog Friendly surface/submarine-launched ASM (for
(friendly re) situation relative to a designated track
example, Harpoon, Exocet, Otomat).
or friendly aircraft.
Bullseye An established point from which the position of
an object can be referenced; made by cardinal/range
Blank A suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) airor digital format.
craft does not detect any emitters of interest.
Blind No visual contact with friendly aircraft/ground position; opposite of visual.

Bump/Bump-up Start temporary increase of ight altitude to set the aircraft to a favorable glide path to
the target on the attack run.

Blow through Directive/informative call that indicates

aircraft will continue straight ahead at the merge and Burn glint Used to provide illumination.
not turn with target/targets.
Buster Directive call to y at maximum continuous
speed.
Blue on blue Friendly re, inadvertent hostile engagement between allies.
Buzzer Electronic communications jamming.

1.4

1.3

3. Group( s) heading away from friendly aircraft.

Candygram Informative call to aircraft that electronic Color Request for information on a (system) at stated
location; usually a request for (system/position) amwarfare (EW) targeting information is available on a
biguity resolution. May be used with improved data
briefed secure net.
modem (IDM) data messagecolor, data.
Cap/capping 1. Directive call to establish an orbit at
Comeo Directive to maneuver as indicated to either rea specied location. (location)
gain mutual support or to (left/right/deconict ight
2. An orbit at a specied location.
paths for an exchange of engaged and supporting
roles; low/dry) implies both visual and tally.
Captured Aircrew has identied and is able to track
a specied air-to-ground (A/G) target with an onCommit/committed Fighter intent to engage/intercept;
board sensor.
controller continues to provide information.
Cease In air defense, break the engagement on the target
Confetti Cha lane or corridor.
specied. Missiles in ight engagement will continue
to intercept.
Cons/conning Threat/bogey aircraft leaving contrails.
Cease re Do not open re and/or discontinue ring; Contact 1. Sensor contact at the stated position.
complete intercept if weapons are in ight; continue
2. Acknowledges sighting of a specied reference
to track.
point.
Champagne An attack of three distinct groups with two
Continue Continue present maneuver; does not imply
in front and one behind.
clearance to engage or expend ordnance.
Chattermark Begin using briefed radio procedures to
Continue dry Ordnance release not authorized.
counter communications jamming.
Cover/covering Directive/informative call to take SurCheapshot 1. (USAF) Active missile supported to
face/Air action or establish an air-to-air (A/A) poshigh pulse repetition frequency (HPRF),
ture that will allow engagement of a specied target
but not medium pulse repetition frequency
or threat.
(MPRF).
2. (Naval) Active missile not supported to active Crank To maneuver beyond the range of a missile; implies illuminating target at radar gimbal limits.
range.
Check turn () degrees left or right and maintain new Cuto Request for, or directive to, intercept using cuto
geometry.
heading. (Left/right)
Cherubs Height of a friendly aircraft in hundreds of Cyclops Any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
feet.
Chicks Friendly aircraft.

1.4 D

Clean

Dash (#) Aircraft position within a ight. Use if specic

call sign is unknown.

1. No radar contacts on aircraft of interest.

2. No visible battle damage
3. Aircraft not carrying external stores.

Data Standby for improved data modem (IDM) data

message concerning (object) at stated location.
Cleared Requested action is authorized (no engaged/support roles are assumed).
Deadeye Informative call by an airborne laser designator
Cleared hot Ordnance release is authorized.

indicating the laser/IR system is inoperative.

Cloak Directive/informative call to switch from normal Deadstick Lost all propulsive power due to engine shuto - see Deadstick landing
external lighting to covert night vision device (NVD)
only compatible lighting.
Declare Inquiry as to the identication of a specied
track(s), target(s), or correlated group.
Closing Decreasing in range.
Cold

1. Attack geometry will result in a pass or roll- Defensive/defending Aircraft is in a defensive position
and maneuvering with reference to an active threat.
out behind the target.
2. On a leg of the combat air patrol (CAP)
pointed away from the anticipated threats.

De-louse Directive to detect and identify unknown aircraft trailing friendly aircraft.

Deploy Directive to maneuver to briefed positioning.

AMERICAN/NATO CODES

Feet wet/dry Flying over water/land.

Divert Proceed to alternate mission or base.

FENCE (in/out) Set cockpit switches as appropriate prior to entering/exiting the comDogbox Area within which units may interfere with or
bat area (mnemonic for re-control sysbe endangered by ASW torpedoes
tem/ECM/navigation/communication/Emitters).
Dolly Tactical Digital Information Link C [Link-4A] Flank/anking
(Link-4A/TADIL C).[2]
Drag/dragging 1. (USAF) Target stabilized at 0 to
60 degrees aspect. (direction)

1. (USAF) Target with a stable aspect of 120 to 150

degrees.

2. (Naval) Target stabilized at 120 to 180 degrees

aspect.

2. (Naval) Target with stable aspect of 30 to 60 degrees.

Drop/dropping 1. Directive/informative call to stop

monitoring a specied emitter/target and re- Flash (system) Temporarily turn on pre-briefed identication, friend or foe (IFF) mode or system.
sume search responsibilities.
2. Remove the emitter/target from tactical pic- Float Directive/informative call to expand the formation
ture/track stores.
laterally within visual limits to maintain a radar contact or prepare for a defensive response.
Duck Tactical air-launched decoy (TALD).

1.5

Echelon Groups/contacts/formation with wingman displaced approximately 45 degrees behind leaders 3/9
(o'clock) line, see Echelon formation.
Echo Positive SEESAW/electronic warfare weapons
system (EWWS)/System M/Mode X reply.

Fox (number) Simulated/actual launch of air-to-air

weapons.
ONE - semiactive radar-guided missile.
TWO - infrared-guided missile.
THREE - active radar-guided missile.
FOUR - simulated re by a bombardier.
(Also sometimes used to indicate cannon
re in place of Guns call.)

Engaged Maneuvering with the intent to kill; this im- Fox mike Very high frequency (VHF)/frequency modplies visual/radar acquisition of target.
ulated (FM) radio.
Estimate Provides estimate of the size, range, height, Friendly A positively identied friendly contact.
or other parameter of a specied contact; implies
Furball A turning ght involving multiple aircraft with
degradation.
known bandits and friendlies mixed.
Extend Short-term maneuver to gain energy, distance,
or separation; normally with the (direction) intent
1.7 G
of re-engaging.
Eyeball ()

Gadget Radar or emitter equipment.

1. Fighter with primary visual identication responsi- Gate Directive/informative call to y as quickly as possible, using afterburner/maximum power.
bility.
2. Electro-optical (EO)/IR/NVD acquisition of an air- Gimbal Radar target is approaching azimuth or elevation limits. (Direction)
craft. Normally followed by ( ) number of aircraft
observed.
Glowworm Flare-dropping aircraft

1.6

Go active Go to the briefed HAVE QUICK net (UHF

radio frequency hopping mode)

Faded Radar contact is lost. (Termination of track plot- Go clear Use unencrypted voice communications.
ting is not warranted.)
Goggle/degoggle Directive/informative call to put
on/take o night vision devices.
Fast Target speed is estimated to be at least 600 kn
(1,100 km/h) ground speed or Mach 1.
Gorilla Large force of indeterminate numbers and forFather Tactical air navigation (TACAN) station.
mation.

1.9

Go secure Use encrypted voice communications.

3. Group heading towards friendly aircraft; opposite of COLD.

Grandslam All hostile aircraft of a designated track (or

against which a mission was tasked) are shot down.

4. Ordnance employment intended or completed.

Green (direction) Direction determined to be clearest Hotdog Informative/directive call that an aircraft is apof enemy air-to-air activity.
proaching or at a specied stando distance from
the sovereign airspace of a nation (as dened by
Greyhound Friendly ground attack cruise missile (for
national boundaries or territorial sea and airspace).
example, Tomahawk land attack missile (TLAM)
(Color may indicate additional stando distance.)
and conventional air-launched cruise missile
Follow briefed procedures.
(CALCM).
Group Radar targets within approximately 3 nautical Hotel fox High frequency (HF) radio.
miles (~3.5 miles, ~5.6 kilometers) of each other.
Husky (Naval) Air intercept missile (AIM)120 supGuns An air-to-air or air-to-surface gunshot.
ported to HPRF active range; same meaning as
USAF cheapshot.

1.8

Hard (direction) High-G, energy-sustaining turn.

1.9 I

Head/head on 1. (USAF) Target with an aspect of Id (pronounced eye dee)

160 to 180 degrees.
target.
2. (Naval) Target with an aspect of 0 to 20 degrees.
Heads up Alert of an activity of interest.

1. Directive to identify the

2. Identication accomplished, followed by type.

In (direction) Informative call indicating a turn to a hot
aspect relative to a threat/target.

Heavy A group or package known to contain three or

more entities.
India Mode IV.
High Between 25,000 and 40,000 ft (7,600 and 12,200
m) above mean sea level (MSL).

Interrogate Interrogate the designated contact of the

IFF mode indicated.

Hit(s)

1. Air-to-air (A/A) Momentary radar returns

search. (Indicates approximate altitude information from ghter.)
1.10 J
2. Air-to-ground (A/G) Weapons impact within
Jackal Surveillance network participating group (NPG)
lethal distance.
of tactical data information link J Link 16 (link
Hold down Directive to key transmitter for direction16/TADIL J).[2]
nding (DF) steer.
Holding hands Aircraft in visual formation.

Joker Fuel state above BINGO at which separation/bugout/event termination should begin.

Hold re An emergency re control order used to stop

ring on a designated target, to include destruction Judy Aircrew has radar/visual contact on the correct tarof any missiles in ight.
get, has taken control of the intercept, and only requires situation awareness information. Controller
Home plate Home aireld or carrier.
will minimize radio transmissions.
Hook (left/right) Directive to perform an in-place 180degree turn.

1.11 K

Hostile A contact identied as enemy upon which clearance to re is authorized in accordance with theater
Kill
rules of engagement.
Hot

1. Attack geometry will result in rollout in front

of the target.
2. On a leg of the CAP pointing toward the anticipated threats.

1. Clearance to re.
2. In training, a ghter call to indicate kill criteria
have been fullled.

Knock it o Directive to cease air combat maneuvers/attacks/activities.

AMERICAN/NATO CODES

1.12 L

1.14 N

Ladder Three or more groups/contacts in range.

Nails Radar warning receiver (RWR) indication of AI

radar in search. Add clock position/azimuth, if
known.

Laser on Directive to start laser designation.

Lead-trail Tactical formation of two contacts within a

group separated in range or following one another. Naked No radar warning receiver (RWR) indications.
Leaker(s) Airborne threat has passed through a defen- New picture Used by controller or aircrew when tactical
picture has changed. Supersedes all previous calls
sive layer. Call should include amplifying informaand re-establishes picture for all players.
tion.
Line abreast Two contacts within a group side by side.

No factor Not a threat.

Lights on/o Directive to turn on/o exterior lights.

No joy Aircrew does not have visual contact with the target/bandit/landmark; opposite of tally.
Locked Final radar lock-on; sort is not assumed.
(BRAA/direction)
Notch All aspect missile defensive maneuver to place
Lost contact Radar contact lost. (drop track is recomthreat radar/missile on the beam. Modern pulsemended.)
doppler radars remove ground clutter by ltering out
returns from stationary objects; putting the threat on
Lost lock Loss of radar/IR lock-on (advisory).
the beam permits the defending aircraft to be confused with ground returns and hence disappear from
Low Target altitude below 10,000 ft (3,000 m) above
the threat radar. (Direction)
ground level (AGL).

1.13 M

1.15 O

Maddog Launch of friendly AIM-120 without radar O (direction) Informative call indicating attack is terguidance.
minated and maneuvering to the indicated direction.
Magnum Launch of friendly anti-radiation missile.
Mapping Multifunction radar in an Air/Ground mode.
Marking Friendly aircraft leaving contrails.
Marshal/marshalling Establish/established at a specic point.

Oset Informative call indicating maneuver in a specied direction with reference to (direction) the target.
On station Informative call unit/aircraft has reached assigned station.

Medium Target altitude between 10,000 feet Above Opening Increasing in range.
Ground Level (AGL) and 25,000 feet above Mean
Oranges Weather.
Sea Level (MSL).
Merge/merged 1. Information that friendlies and tar- Out (direction) Informative call indicating a turn to a
cold aspect relative to the threat; opposite of in.
gets have arrived in the same visual arena.
2. Call indicating radar returns have come together.

Outlaw Informative call that a bogey has met point of

origin criteria.

Mickey Have quick radio time-of-day (TOD) signal

Midnight Informative call advising that C2 functions 1.16 P
(Command & Control) are no longer available; opPackage Geographically
isolated
collection
of
posite of sunrise.
groups/contacts/formations.
Monitor Maintain radar awareness on or assume responsibility for specied group.
Padlocked Informative call indicating aircrew cannot
take eyes o an aircraft or a surface position without
Mother Parent ship.
risk of losing tally/visual.
Mud Indicates radar warning receiver (RWR) ground
threat displayed followed by clock position and type. Paint(s) Interrogated group/radar contact that is responding with any of the specied IFF modes and
(type/direction)
correct codes established for the id criteria.
Music Electronic radar jamming. (On air interdiction
(AI) radar, electronic deceptive jamming.)
Parrot IFF transponder.

1.17

Picture Provide tactical situation status pertinent to mis- Pushing Informative call that said group( s) have turned
sion.
cold and will continue to be (group description)
monitored.
Pigeons Magnetic bearing and range to homeplate (or
specied destination). (Location)
Pince/pincer Threat maneuvering for a bracket attack.

1.17 R

1. Informative call AIM-120 is at active range Range Two or more groups separated primarily in distance along the same bearing.
and is not bound by ghter medium PRF
(MPRF) radar limitations.
Raygun Indicates a radar lock-on to unknown aircraft; a
2. AIM-54 at active range.
request for a buddy spike (position/heading/altitude)
reply from friendly aircraft meeting these paramePlaymate Cooperating aircraft.
ters (to prevent friendly re).
Pitbull

Playtime Amount of time aircraft can remain on station. Reference Directive to assume stated heading. (Direction)
(freq) Pogo (freq) Switch to communication channel
number preceding POGO. If unable to establish Repeat Used in surface-surface operations to re again
communications, switch to channel number followusing the same method of re (during adjustment)
ing POGO. If no channel number follows POGO,
or to re the same number of rounds using the same
return to this channel.
method of re (during re for eect). This is not
used to request that the last message be retransmitPop Starting climb for air-to-surface attack.
ted (for this, use say again).
Popeye Flying in clouds or area of reduced visibility.
Reported Identication of an object or a contact by an
intelligence system. (Type)
Popup 1. Informative call of a contact that has suddenly
appeared inside of meld/CCR/briefed range. 2. Criteria used as a self-defense method, within the ROE, Reset Proceed to a pre-briefed position or area of operation.
to protect friendly air defense elements from hostile
aircraft.
Resume Resume last formation/station/mission ordered.
Posit Request for position; response in terms of a geo- Retrograde Directive to withdraw from present position
graphic landmark, or o a common reference point.
or area of operation in response to a threat.
Post attack Directive transmission to indicate desired Rider A bogey that is conforming with safe passage routdirection after completion of (Direction) intering/airspeed/altitude procedures.
cept/engagement.
Rie Air-to-ground missile (AGM)65 Maverick
Post hole Rapid descending spiral.
launch.
Press Directive to continue the attack; mutual support Ripple Two or more munitions released or red in close
will be maintained. Supportive role will be assumed.
succession.
Print (type) Unambiguous Non-Cooperative Target River City Implement immediate
Recognition (NCTR) reply.
blackout until further notice.

communications

Pump A briefed maneuver to low aspect (where aspect Roger Radio transmission received; does not indicate
refers to target positionregardless of distance
compliance or reaction.
relative to the friendly aircrafts nose; high aspect
would be on an azimuth in front of the friendly, Rolex (time) Time-line adjustment in minutes from
planned mission execution time. (Positive is later).
while low aspect would indicate position along an
azimuth behind the friendly) to stop closure on the
threat or geographical boundary, with the intent to Rope Illumination of an aircraft with an IR pointer.
re-engage.
Pure Informative call indicating pure pursuit is being 1.18 S
used or directive to go pure pursuit.
Saddled Informative call from wingman/element indiPush (channel) Go to designated frequency. No accating the return to briefed formation position.
knowledgment required.
SAM (direction) Visual acquisition of a SAM (surfacePushing Departing designated point.
air missile) or SAM launch; should include position.

8
Sandwiched A situation where an aircraft/element is positioned between opposing aircraft/elements.
Saunter Fly at best endurance.
Scram Emergency directive to egress for defensive or
survival reasons. (Direction)

AMERICAN/NATO CODES

Sort/sorted 1. Directive to assign targeting or monitoring responsibility for multiple targets within
a group; criteria can be met visually, electronically (radar), or both.
2. Sort responsibility has been met.
Sour

Scramble Takeo as quickly as possible.

Scud Any threat tactical/theater ballistic missile (TBM).

1. Equipment indicated is operating ineciently.

2. Invalid response to an administrative IFF
check. (Opposite of sweet.)

Separate Leave a specic engagement; may or may not

Spades An integrated group/radar contact which lacks
re-enter.
the ATO (or equivalent) IFF modes and codes reShackle One weave, a single crossing of ight paths; maquired for the ID criteria.
neuver to adjust/regain formation parameters.
Sparkle Target marking by IR pointer; target markShadow Follow indicated target.
ing by gunship or forward air controller (airborne)
(FAC-A) using incendiary rounds.
Shift Directive to shift laser illumination.
Spike RWR indication of an AI threat in track, launch,
or unknown mode; include bearing, clock position,
and threat type, if known.
Shotgun Pre-briefed weapons state at which separation/bugout should begin.
Spin Directive/informative call to execute a pre-briefed
timing/spacing maneuver.
Skate Informative call/directive to execute launch and
leave tactics.
Spitter An aircraft that has departed from the engageSkip it Veto of ghter commit, usually followed with furment or is departing the engaged (direction) ghters
ther directions.
targeting responsibility.
Shooter Aircraft/unit designated to employ ordnance.

Skosh Aircraft is out of or unable to employ active radar Splash

missiles.

1. (A/A) Target hit with expended munition.

2. (A/G) Weapons impact in lethal area of target.

Skunk A radar or visual maritime surface contact whose

Split An informative call that a ight member is leavidentity is unknown.
ing formation to engage a threat; visual may not be
maintained.
Slapshot Directive for an aircraft to employ a rangeunknown high-speed anti-radiation (type/bearing)
Spoong Informative call that voice deception is being
missile (HARM) against a specied threat at the
employed.
specied bearing.
Slide Directive call to high value airborne asset (HVAA) Spot Acquisition of laser designation.
to continue present mission while extending range Squawk (number/code) Operate IFF as indicated or
from target in response to perceived threat.
IFF is operating as indicated.
Slow Target with a ground speed of 300 kn (560 km/h) Squawk ash Use the ash feature on the IFF which
or less.
cause the transponder signal to highlight on radar
display. Hence the term means to announce your
Smash Directive to turn on/o anti-collision lights.
location.
Smoke Smoke marker used to mark a position.
Squawking An informative call denoting a bogey is reSnake Directive to oscillate an IR pointer about a target.
sponding with an IFF mode (#).
Snap (direction) An immediate vector to the group de- Stack Two or more groups/contacts/formations with a
scribed.
high/low altitude separation in relation to each other.
Sniper Directive for an aircraft to employ a range- Status Request for tactical situation.
known HARM against a specied threat at the specSteady Directive to stop oscillation (wavering) of IR
ied location.
pointer.
Snooze Directive/informative call indicating initiation
of EMCON procedures.
Steer Set magnetic compass heading indicated.

1.20

Stern Request for, or directive to, intercept using stern Tiger Enough fuel and ordnance to accept a commit.
geometry.
Timber Air control network participating group (NPG)
Stinger Within a group, a formation of three or more
of tactical digital information links (Link 16/TADIL
aircraft with a single aircraft in trail.
J).
Stop Stop IR illumination of a target.

Tracking

1. Fire control system has solid lock on target (aka a stabilized gun solution).

Stranger Unidentied trac that is not associated with

the action in progress.

2. Continuous illumination of a target.

Strangle () Turn o equipment indicated.

3. Contact heading.

Strip Individual ghter/section is leaving the formation Trailer The last aircraft within a group(s).
to pursue separate attacks.
Trashed Informative call that missile has been defeated.
Stripped Informative call from wingman/element indicating out of briefed formation/position.
Trespass The addressed ight is entering a surface/air
threat ring of a specic system at the stated (posiStrobe Radar indications of noise jamming.
tion) location.
Sunshine Directive or informative call indicating illumination of target is being conducted with articial il- Tumbleweed Indicates limited situational awareness; no
joy, blind; a request for information.
lumination.
Sunrise Informative call that C2 functions (Command
& Control) are available. (opposite of midnight).
1.20
Sweet

1. Equipment indicated is operating eciently.

Unable Cannot comply as requested/directed.
2. Valid response to an administrative IFF check.
(Opposite of sour.)
Uniform Ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio.

Switch/switched Indicates an attacker is changing from

one aircraft to another.
1.21

1.19 T

Vampire Hostile antiship missile (ASM).

Tactical Request/directive to switch to tactical control.

Very high Above 40,000 ft (12,000 m) MSL.

Tag (system Known identication of a specic (system) Vic Three groups, contacts, or formations with the single
closest in range and two contacts, azimuth split, in
at the stated location; may be used w/position) with
trail.
IDM data message, (for example, tag data).
Tally Sighting of a target, bandit, bogey, or enemy posi- Victor VHF/amplitude modulation (AM) radio.
tion; opposite of no joy.
Visual Sighting of a friendly aircraft/ground position;
Target () Directive to assign group responsibility to airopposite of blind.
craft in a ight.
Targeted () Group responsibility has been met.

1.22 W

Ten seconds Directive to terminal controller to stand by

Wall Three or more groups or contacts primarily split in
for laser on call in approximately 10 seconds.
azimuth.
Terminate 1. Stop laser illumination of a target.
2. Cease local engagement without aecting the Warning (color) Hostile attack is
overall exercise.
RED imminent or in progress.
Threat Untargeted hostile/bandit/bogey within preYELLOW probable.
briefed range/aspect of a (direction) friendly.
WHITE improbable (all clear).
Throttles Reduction in power to decrease IR signature.
Weapons (followed by appropriate modier below)
Tied Positive radar contact with element/aircraft.
Fire only;

10

3
FREE at targets not identied as
friendly in accordance with current rules
of engagement (ROE).
TIGHT at targets positively identied as
hostile in accordance with current ROE.
HOLD* (USA, USMC) in self-defense
or in response to a formal order.
SAFE (USN) NOTE: USN and NATO
use weapons safe to avoid confusion with
the phrase hold re.

Weeds Indicates that xed-wing aircraft are operating

below 2,000 ft (610 m) above ground level.
What luck Request for results of missions or tasks.
What state Report amount of fuel and missiles remaining. Ammunition and oxygen are reported only
when specically requested or critical.
Active = number of active radar missiles
remaining.
Radar = number of semi-active radar
missiles remaining.
Heat = number of IR missiles remaining.
Fuel = pounds of fuel or time remaining.
Wilco Will comply
Winchester No ordnance remaining.
Words Directive or interrogative regarding further information or directives pertinent to mission.
Working

1. A suppression of enemy air defenses

(SEAD) aircraft is gathering electronic order of battle (EOB) (which emitter controls
the operations of other emitters) on a designated emitter; generally followed by signal
type, (SAM/AAA/group) bearing, and range,
if able.

2. Aircraft executing electronic identication

(EID) on a specic aircraft/group to obtain identication necessary for beyond visual
range (BVR) employment.

1.23 Y
Yardstick Directive to use air-to-air tactical air navigation (A/A TACAN) for ranging.

See also
Glossary of RAF code names

REFERENCES

3 References
Notes
[1] Brevity - MULTI-SERVICE BREVITY CODES - FM
1-02.1 (FM 3-54.10) - MCRP 3-25B - NTTP 6-02.1 AFTTP(I) 3-2.5 - JUNE 2005 (PDF). Retrieved 30 August 2013.
[2] https://fas.org/irp/program/disseminate/tadil.htm

Sources
Army Training and Doctrine Command; Marine
Corps Combat Development Command; LeMay
Center for Doctrine (April 2010). Multi-Service
Brevity Codes (PDF). FM 1-02.1, MCRP 3-25B,
NTTP 6-02.1, AFTTP 3-2.5. Air Land Sea Application Center. Retrieved 2010-08-18. Missing
|last3= in Authors list (help)
Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC)
FM 101-5-1: Operational Terms and Graphics, 30
September 1997, Department of the Army/HQ US
Marine Corps (Appendix E)
Intelligence Resource Program: TADIL, 23 April
2000, Federation of American Scientists
Military Aviation Glossary

11

Text and image sources, contributors, and licenses

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Multiservice tactical brevity code Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiservice_tactical_brevity_code?oldid=699971670 Contributors: Skysmith, Darkwind, Glenn, MaggieL, GreatWhiteNortherner, DocWatson42, Brequinda, ShakataGaNai, Bender235, Gnoitall,
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