Brevity code

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Multiservice Tactical Brevity Codes are codes used by various military air forces and air defense personnel. The codes are designed to convey complex information with a few words.

[edit] American / NATO codes

This is a list of American standardized air-to-air, surface-to-air, and air-to-surface 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 differ in meaning from NATO usage.

[edit] A

ABORT(ING)(ED) 
Directive/informative call to cease action/attack/event/mission.
ACTION 
Directive to initiate a briefed attack sequence or maneuver.
ACTIVE 
An emitter is radiating.
ADD() 
Directive call to add a specific (system) or (electronic order of battle (EOB)category) to search responsibility.
ALARM 
Directive/informative call indicating the termination of emission control(EMCON) procedures.
ALLIGATOR 
Link-11/tactical digital information link (TADIL) A.
ALPHA CHECK 
Request for/confirmation of bearing and range to described point.
ANCHOR(ED)
  1. Orbit about a specific point; refueling track flown by tanker.
  2. Informative call to indicate a turning engagement about a specific location.
ANGELS 
Height of friendly aircraft in thousands of feet.
ARIZONA 
No antiradiation missile (ARM) ordnance remaining.
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.
AUTOCAT 
Any communications relay using automatic retransmissions.
AZIMUTH 
Two or more groups primarily separated in bearing.

[edit] B

BANDIT 
An aircraft identified as enemy, in accordance with theater ID criteria. The term does not necessarily imply direction or authority to engage.
BANZAI 
Informative call[clarify] or directive to execute launch and decide tactics.
BASE (Number) 
Reference number used to indicate such information as headings, altitude, and fuels.
BEAD WINDOW 
Last transmission potentially disclosed unauthorized information.
BEAM(ING) 
Target stabilized within 70 to 110 degree aspect; generally (Direction) given with cardinal directions: east, west, north, or south.
BENT 
System indicated is inoperative.
BINGO
  1. Fuel state needed for recovery.
  2. Proceed/am proceeding to specified base (field) or carrier or positioning.
BIRD 
Friendly surface-to-air missile (SAM).
BIRD(S) AFFIRM 
Surface-to-Air (S/A) informative call indicating unit is able and prepared to engage a specified target with SAMs (presumes target is within or will enter the SAM engagement envelope).
BIRD(S) AWAY 
Friendly SAM has been fired at designated target.
BIRD(S) NEGAT 
S/A informative call indicating unit is unable to engage a specified target with SAMs. Opposite of BIRD(S) AFFIRM.
BITTERSWEET 
Notification of possible BLUE ON BLUE situation[clarify] relative to a designated track or friendly aircraft.
BLANK 
A suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) aircraft does not detect any emitters of interest.
BLIND 
No visual contact with friendly aircraft/ground position; opposite of VISUAL.
BLOW THROUGH 
Directive/informative call that indicates aircraft will continue straight ahead at the merge and not turn with target/targets.
BOGEY 
A radar or visual air contact whose identity is unknown.
BOGEY DOPE 
Request for target information as briefed/available.
BOX 
Groups/contacts/formations in a square or offset 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.
BREAK (Direction) 
Directive to perform an immediate maximum performance turn in the direction indicated; assumes a defensive situation.
BREAKAWAY 
Tanker or receiver directive call indicating immediate vertical and nose/tail separation between tanker and receiver is required.
BREVITY 
Radio frequency is becoming saturated, degraded, or jammed and briefer transmissions must follow.
BROADCAST 
Request/directive to switch to broadcast control.
BROKE LOCK 
Loss of radar/infrared (IR) lock-on (advisory).
BRUISER 
Friendly air-launched antishipmissile (ASM) (for example, HARPOON, EXOCET, or PENGUIN missiles).
BUDDY LOCK 
Locked to a known friendly aircraft; normally a response to a SPIKE or BUDDY SPIKE call and accompanied with position/heading/altitude.
BUDDY SPIKE 
Friendly aircraft(s) air-to-air indication on radar warning receiver (RWR); to be followed by position/heading/altitude.
BUGOUT 
Separation from that particular engagement/attack/operation; no intent to (Direction) re-engage/return.
BULLDOG 
Friendly surface/submarine-launched ASM (for example, HARPOON, EXOCET, OTOMAT).
BULLSEYE 
An established point from which the position of an object can be referenced; made by cardinal/range or digital format.
BUMP/BUMP-UP 
A fly-up[clarify] to acquire line of sight (LOS) to the target or laser designation.
BURN GLINT 
used to provide illumination.
BUSTER 
Directive call to fly at maximum continuous speed.
BUZZER 
Electronic communications jamming.

[edit] C

CANDYGRAM 
Informative call to aircraft that EW[clarify] targeting information is available on a briefed secure net.
CAP/CAPPING
  1. Directive call to establish an orbit at a specified location. (Location)
  2. An orbit at a specified location.
CAPTURED 
Aircrew has identified and is able to track a specified air-to-ground (A/G) target with an onboard sensor.
CEASE 
In air defense, break the engagement on the target specified. Missiles in flight ENGAGEMENT will continue to intercept.
CEASE FIRE 
Do not open fire or discontinue firing; complete intercept if weapons are in flight; continue to track.
CHAMPAGNE 
An attack of three distinct groups with two in front and one behind.
CHATTERMARK 
Begin using briefed radio procedures to counter communications jamming.
CHEAPSHOT
  1. (USAF) Active missile supported to high pulse repetition frequency (HPRF), but not medium pulse repetition frequency (MPRF).
  2. (Naval) Active missile not supported to active range.
CHECK Turn() 
degrees left or right and maintain new heading. (Left/Right)
CHERUBS 
Height of a friendly aircraft in hundreds of feet.
CHICKS 
Friendly aircraft.
CLEAN
  1. No radar contacts on aircraft of interest.
  2. No visible battle damage
  3. Aircraft not carrying external stores.
CLEARED 
Requested action is authorized (no engaged/support roles are assumed).
CLEARED HOT 
Ordnance release is authorized.
CLOAK 
Directive/informative call to switch from normal external lighting to covert night vision device (NVD) only compatible lighting.
CLOSING 
Decreasing in range.
COLD
  1. Attack geometry will result in a pass or rollout behind the target.
  2. On a leg of the combat air patrol (CAP) pointed away from the anticipated threats.
  3. Group( s) heading away from friendly aircraft.
COLOR 
Request for information on a (system) at stated location; usually a request for (System/Position) ambiguity resolution. May be used with improved data modem (IDM) data message--COLOR, DATA.
COMEOFF 
Directive to maneuver as indicated to either regain mutual support or to (Left/Right/deconflict flight paths for an exchange of engaged and supporting roles; Low/Dry) implies both VISUAL and TALLY.
COMMIT(TED) 
Fighter intent to engage/intercept; controller continues to provide information.
CONFETTI 
Chaff lane or corridor.
CONS/CONNING 
THREAT/BOGEY aircraft leaving contrails.
CONTACT
  1. Sensor contact at the stated position.
  2. Acknowledges sighting of a specified reference point.
CONTINUE 
Continue present maneuver; does not imply clearance to engage or expend ordnance.
CONTINUE DRY 
Ordanance release not authorized.
COVER(ING) 
Directive/informative call to take Surface/Air action or establish an air-to-air (A/A) posture that will allow engagement of a specified target or threat.
CRANK 
F-pole maneuver[clarify]; implies illuminating target at radar gimbal limits.
CUTOFF 
Request for, or directive to, intercept using cutoff geometry.
CYCLOPS 
Any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

[edit] D

DASH(#) 
Aircraft position within a flight. Use if specific call sign is unknown.
DATA 
Standby for IDM[clarify] data message concerning (object) at stated location.
DEADEYE 
Informative call by an airborne laser designator indicating the laser/IR system is inoperative.
DECLARE 
Inquiry as to the identification of a specified track( s), target( s), or correlated group.
DEFENSIVE 
Aircraft is in a defensive position and maneuvering with reference to the (SPIKE/Missile/stated condition. SAM/MUD/AAA[clarify])
DE-LOUSE 
Directive to detect and identify unknown aircraft trailing friendly aircraft.
DEPLOY 
Directive to maneuver to briefed positioning.
DIVERT 
Proceed to alternate mission or base.
DOLLY 
Link-4A/TADIL C[clarify].
DRAG(ING)
  1. (USAF) Target stabilized at 0 to 60 degrees aspect. (Direction)
  2. (Naval) Target stabilized at 120 to 180 degrees aspect.
DROP(ING)
  1. Directive/informative call to stop monitoring a specified emitter/target and resume search responsibilities.
  2. Remove the emitter/target from tactical picture/track stores.
DUCK 
Tactical air-launched decoy (TALD).

[edit] E

ECHELON 
Groups/contacts/formation with wingman displaced approximately 45 degrees behind leader's 3/9 (o'clock) line.
ECHO 
Positive SEESAW/electronic warfare weapons system (EWWS)/System M/Mode X reply.
ENGAGED 
Maneuvering with the intent to kill; this implies visual/radar acquisition of target.
ESTIMATE 
Provides estimate of the size, range, height, or other parameter of a specified contact; implies degradation.
EXTEND 
Short-term maneuver to gain energy, distance, or separation; normally with the (Direction) intent of re-engaging.
EYEBALL()
  1. Fighter with primary visual identification responsibility.
  2. Electro-optical (EO)/IR/NVD acquisition of an aircraft. Normally followed by ( ) number of aircraft observed.

[edit] F

FADED 
Radar contact is lost. (Termination of track plotting is not warranted.)
FAST 
Target speed is estimated to be 600 knots ground speed/Mach 1 or greater.
FATHER 
Tactical air navigation (TACAN) station.
FEET WET/DRY 
Flying over water/land.
FENCE (IN/OUT) 
Set cockpit switches as appropriate prior to entering/exiting the combat area.
FLANK(ING)
  1. (USAF) Target with a stable aspect of 120 to 150 degrees.
  2. (Naval) Target with stable aspect of 30 to 60 degrees.
FLASH (System) 
Temporarily turn on prebriefed identification, friend or foe (IFF) mode or system.
FLOAT 
Directive/informative call to expand the formation laterally within visual limits to maintain a radar contact or prepare for a defensive response.
FOX (Number) 
Simulated/actual launch of air-to-air weapons.
ONE -semiactive[clarify] radar-guided missile.
TWO -infrared-guided missile.
THREE -active radar-guided missile.
FOUR - simulated fire by a bombardier.
FOX MIKE 
Very high frequency (VHF)/frequency modulated (FM) radio.
FRIENDLY 
A positively identified friendly contact.
FURBALL 
A turning fight involving multiple aircraft with known BANDITS and FRIENDLIES mixed.

[edit] G

GADGET 
Radar or emitter equipment.
GATE 
Directive/informative call to fly as quickly as possible, using afterburner/maximum power.
GIMBAL 
Radar target is approaching azimuth or elevation limits. (Direction)
GLOWWORM 
Flare dropping aircraft
GO ACTIVE 
Go to briefed Have Quick net[clarify].
GO CLEAR 
Use unencrypted voice communications.
GOGGLE/DEGOGGLE 
Directive/informative call to put on/take off Night Vision devices.
GORILLA 
Large force of indeterminate numbers and formation.
GO SECURE 
Use encrypted voice communications.
GRANDSLAM 
All HOSTILE aircraft of a designated track (or against which a mission was tasked) are shot down.
GREEN (Direction) 
Direction determined to be clearest of enemy air-to-air activity.
GREYHOUND 
Friendly ground attack cruise missile (for example, Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) and Conventional Air-launched Cruise Missile (CALCM).
GROUP 
Radar targets within approximately 3 nautical miles (NMs) of each other.
GUNS 
An air-to-air or air-to-surface gunshot.

[edit] H

HARD (Direction) 
High-G, energy-sustaining turn.
HEAD/HEAD ON
  1. (USAF) Target with an aspect of 160 to 180 degrees.
  2. (Naval) Target with an aspect of 0 to 20 degrees.
HEADS UP 
Alert of an activity of interest.
HEAVY 
A group or package known to contain three or more entities.
HIGH 
Between 25,000 and 40,000 feet mean sea level (MSL).
HIT(S)
  1. Air-to-air (A/A) Momentary radar returns search. (Indicates approximate altitude information from fighter.)
  2. Air-to-ground (A/G) Weapons impact within lethal distance.
HOLD DOWN 
Directive to key transmitter for direction-finding (DF) steer.
HOLDING HANDS 
Aircraft in visual formation.
HOLD FIRE 
An emergency fire control order used to stop firing on a designated target, to include destruction of any missiles in flight.
HOME PLATE 
Home airfield or carrier.
HOOK (Left/Right) 
Directive to perform an in-place 180-degree turn.
HOSTILE 
A contact identified as enemy upon which clearance to fire is authorized in accordance with theater 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.
  3. Group heading towards friendly aircraft; opposite of COLD.
  4. Ordnance employment intended or completed.
HOTDOG 
Informative/directive call that an aircraft is approaching or at a specified standoff distance from the sovereign airspace of a nation (as defined by national boundaries or territorial sea and airspace). (COLOR may indicate additional standoff distance.) Follow briefed procedures.
HOTEL FOX 
High frequency (HF) radio.
HUSKY 
(Naval) Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-120 supported to HPRF active range; same meaning as USAF CHEAPSHOT.

[edit] I

ID
  1. Directive to identify the target.
  2. Identification accomplished, followed by type.
IN (Direction) 
Informative call indicating a turn to a hot aspect relative to a THREAT/TARGET.
INDIA 
Mode IV.
INTERROGATE 
Interrogate the designated contact of the IFF mode indicated.

[edit] J

JACKAL 
Surveillance network participating group (NPG) of Link 16/TADIL J[clarify].
JOKER 
Fuel state above BINGO at which separation/bugout/event termination should begin.
JUDY 
Aircrew has radar/visual contact on the correct target, has taken control of the intercept, and only requires situation awareness information. Controller will minimize radio transmissions.

[edit] K

KILL
  1. Clearance to fire.
  2. In training, a fighter call to indicate kill criteria have been fulfilled.
KNOCK IT OFF 
Directive to cease air combat maneuvers/attacks/activities.

[edit] L

LADDER 
Three or more groups/contacts in range.
LASER ON 
Directive to start laser designation.
LEAD-TRAIL 
Tactical formation of two contacts within a group separated in range or following one another.
LEAKER(S) 
Airborne threat has passed through a defensive layer. Call should include amplifying information.
LINE ABREAST 
Two contacts within a group side by side.
LIGHTS ON/OFF 
Directive to turn on/off exterior lights.
LOCKED 
Final radar lock-on; sort is not assumed. (BRAA/Direction)
LOST CONTACT 
Radar contact lost. (DROP track is recommended.)
LOST LOCK 
Loss of radar/IR lock-on (advisory).
LOW 
Target altitude below 10,000 feet above ground level (AGL).

[edit] M

MAGNUM 
Launch of friendly antiradiation missile.
MAPPING 
Multifunction radar in an A/G mode[clarify].
MARKING 
Friendly aircraft leaving contrails.
MARSHAL(ING) 
Establish(ed) at a specific point.
MEDIUM 
Target altitude between 10,000 feet AGL and 25,000 feet MSL[clarify].
MERGE(D)
  1. Information that friendlies and targets have arrived in the same visual arena.
  2. Call indicating radar returns have come together.
MICKEY 
Have quick Time-of-Day (TOD) signal[clarify].
MIDNIGHT 
Informative call advising that C functions[clarify] are no longer available; opposite of SUNRISE.
MONITOR 
Maintain radar awareness on or assume responsibility for specified group.
MOTHER 
Parent ship.
MUD 
Indicates RWR[clarify] ground threat displayed followed by clock position and type. (Type/Direction)
MUSIC 
Electronic radar jamming. (On air interdiction (AI) radar, electronic deceptive jamming.)

[edit] N

NAILS 
Radar warning receiver indication of AI radar in search. Add clock position/azimuth, if known.
NAKED 
No RWR[clarify] indications.
NEW PICTURE 
Used by controller or aircrew when tactical picture has changed. Supersedes all previous calls and re-establishes picture for all players.
NO FACTOR 
Not a threat.
NO JOY 
Aircrew does not have visual contact with the TARGET/BANDIT/landmark; opposite of TALLY.
NOTCH 
All aspect missile defensive maneuver to place threat radar/missile on the beam[clarify]. (Direction)

[edit] O

OFF (Direction) 
Informative call indicating attack is terminated and maneuvering to the indicated direction.
OFFSET 
Informative call indicating maneuver in a specified direction with reference to (Direction) the target.
ON STATION 
Informative call unit/aircraft has reached assigned station.
OPENING 
Increasing in range.
OUT (Direction) 
Informative call indicating a turn to a cold aspect relative to the threat; opposite of IN.
OUTLAW 
Informative call that a bogey has meet point of origin criteria.

[edit] P

PACKAGE 
Geographically isolated collection of groups/contacts/formations.
PADLOCKED 
Informative call indicating aircrew cannot take eyes off an aircraft or a surface position without risk of losing TALLY/VISUAL.
PAINT(S) 
Interrogated group/radar contact that is responding with any of the specified IFF modes and correct codes established for the ID criteria.
PARROT 
IFF transponder.
PICTURE 
Provide tactical situation status pertinent to mission.
PIGEONS 
Magnetic bearing and range to HOMEPLATE (or specified destination). (Location)
PINCE/PINCER 
Threat maneuvering for a bracket attack.
PITBULL
  1. Informative call AIM-120 is at MPRF[clarify] active range.
  2. AIM-54 at active range.
PLAYMATE 
Cooperating aircraft.
PLAYTIME 
Amount of time aircraft can remain on station.
POGO 
Switch to communication channel number preceding POGO. If unable to establish communications, switch to channel number following POGO. If no channel number follows POGO, return to this channel.
POP 
Starting climb for air-to-surface attack.
POPEYE 
Flying in clouds or area of reduced visibility.
POPUP 
Informative call of a contact that has suddenly appeared inside of meld/CCR/briefed range.
POSIT 
Request for position; response in terms of a geographic landmark, or off a common reference point.
POST ATTACK 
Directive transmission to indicate desired direction after completion of (Direction) intercept/engagement.
POST HOLE 
Rapid descending spiral.
PRESS 
Directive to continue the attack; mutual support will be maintained. Supportive role will be assumed.
PRINT (Type) 
Unambiguous noncooperative target recognition (NCTR) reply.
PUMP 
A briefed maneuver to low aspect[clarify] to stop closure on the threat or geographical boundary with the intent to re-engage.
PURE 
Informative call indicating pure pursuit is being used or directive to go pure pursuit[clarify].
PUSH (Channel) 
Go to designated frequency. No acknowledgment required.
PUSHING 
Departing designated point.
PUSHING 
Informative call that said group( s) have turned cold and will continue to be (Group Description) monitored.

[edit] R

RANGE 
Two or more groups separated primarily in distance along the same bearing.
RAYGUN 
Indicates a radar lock-on to unknown aircraft; a request for a BUDDY SPIKE (Position/Heading/Altitude) reply from friendly aircraft meeting these parameters (to prevent fratricide/friendly fire).
REFERENCE 
Directive to assume stated heading. (Direction)
REPORTED 
Identification of an object or a contact by an intelligence system. (Type)
RESET 
Proceed to a prebriefed position or area of operation.
RESUME 
Resume last formation/station/mission ordered.
RETROGRADE 
Directive to withdraw from present position or area of operation in response to a threat.
RIDER 
A BOGEY that is conforming with safe passage routing/airspeed/altitude procedures.
RIFLE 
Air-to-ground missile (AGM)-65 Maverick launch.
RIPPLE 
Two or more munitions released or fired in close succession.
ROLEX (+/-Time) 
Time-line adjustment in minutes from planned mission execution time. (Plus means later; minus means earlier).
ROPE 
Illumination of an aircraft with an IR pointer.

[edit] S

SADDLED 
Informative call from wingman/element indicating the return to briefed formation position.
SAM (Direction) 
Visual acquisition of a SAM (surface-air missile) or SAM launch; should include position.
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)
SCRAMBLE 
Takeoff as quickly as possible.
SCUD 
Any threat tactical/theater ballistic missile (TBM).
SEPARATE 
Leave a specific engagement; may or may not reenter.
SHACKLE 
One WEAVE, a single crossing of flight paths; maneuver to adjust/regain formation parameters.
SHADOW 
Follow indicated target.
SHIFT 
Directive to shift laser illumination.
SHOOTER 
Aircraft/unit designated to employ ordnance.
SHOTGUN 
Prebriefed weapons state at which SEPARATION/BUGOUT should begin.
SKATE 
Informative call/directive to execute launch and leave tactics.
SKIP IT 
Veto of fighter COMMIT, usually followed with further directions.
SKOSH 
Aircraft is out of or unable to employ active radar missiles.
SKUNK 
A radar or visual maritime surface contact whose identity is unknown.
SLAPSHOT 
Directive for an aircraft to employ a range-unknown high-speed antiradiation (Type/Bearing) missile (HARM) against a specified threat at the specified bearing.
SLIDE 
Directive call to high value airborne asset (HVAA) to continue present mission while extending range from target in response to perceived threat.
SLOW 
Target with a ground speed of 300 knots or less.
SMASH 
Directive to turn on/off anticollision lights.
SMOKE 
Smoke marker used to mark a position.
SNAKE 
Directive to oscillate an IR pointer about a target.
SNAP (Direction) 
An immediate vector to the group described.
SNIPER 
Directive for an aircraft to employ a range-known HARM against a specified threat at the specified location.
SNOOZE 
Directive/informative call indicating initiation of EMCON procedures.
SORT 
Directive to assign responsibility within a group; criteria can be met visually, electronically (radar), or both.
SORTED 
Sort responsibility has been met.
SOUR
  1. Equipment indicated is operating inefficiently.
  2. Invalid response to an administrative IFF check. (Opposite of SWEET.)
SPADES 
An integrated group/radar contact which lacks the ATO (or equivalent) IFF modes and codes required for the ID criteria.
SPARKLE 
Target marking by IR pointer; target marking by gunship or forward air controller (airborne) (FAC-A) using incendiary rounds.
SPIKE 
RWR indication of an AI threat in track, launch, or unknown mode; include bearing, clock position, and threat type, if known.
SPIN 
Directive/informative call to execute a prebriefed timing/spacing maneuver.
SPITTER 
An aircraft that has departed from the engagement or is departing the engaged (Direction) fighters' targeting responsibility.
SPLASH
  1. (A/A) Target destroyed.
  2. (A/G) Weapons impact.
SPLIT 
An informative call that a flight member is leaving information to engage a threat; visual may not be maintained.
SPOOFING 
Informative call that voice deception is being employed.
SPOT 
Acquisition of laser designation.
SQUAWK() 
Operate IFF as indicated or IFF is operating as indicated.
SQUAWKING 
An informative call denoting a bogey is responding with an IFF mode (#).
STACK 
Two or more groups/contacts/formations with a high/low altitude separation in relation to each other.
STATUS 
Request for tactical situation.
STEADY 
Directive to stop oscillation (wavering) of IR pointer.
STEER 
Set magnetic compass heading indicated.
STERN 
Request for, or directive to, intercept using stern geometry.
STINGER 
Within a group, a formation of three or more aircraft with a single aircraft in trail.
STOP 
Stop IR illumination of a target.
STRANGER 
Unidentified traffic that is not associated with the action in progress.
STRANGLE () 
Turn off equipment indicated.
STRIP 
Individual fighter/section is leaving the formation to pursue separate attacks.
STRIPPED 
Informative call from wingman/element indicating out of briefed formation/position.
STROBE 
Radar indications of noise jamming.
SUNSHINE 
Directive or informative call indicating illumination of target is being conducted with artificial illumination.
SUNRISE 
Informative call that C functions[clarify] are available. (opposite of MIDNIGHT).
SWEET
  1. Equipment indicated is operating efficiently.
  2. Valid response to an administrative IFF check. (Opposite of sour.)
SWITCH(ED) 
Indicates an attacker is changing from one aircraft to another.

[edit] T

TACTICAL 
Request/directive to switch to tactical control.
TAG 
(system Known identification of a specific (system) at the stated location; may be used w/position) with IDM[clarify] data message, (for example, TAG DATA).
TALLY 
Sighting of a TARGET, BANDIT, BOGEY, or enemy position; opposite of NO JOY.
TARGET () 
Directive to assign group responsibility to aircraft in a flight.
TARGETED () 
Group responsibility has been met.
TEN SECONDS 
Directive to terminal controller to stand by for LASER ON call in approximately 10 seconds.
TERMINATE
  1. Stop laser illumination of a target.
  2. Cease local engagement without affecting the overall exercise.
THREAT 
Untargeted HOSTILE/BANDIT/BOGEY within prebriefed range/aspect of a (Direction) friendly.
THROTTLES 
Reduction in power to decrease IR signature.
TIED 
Positive radar contact with element/aircraft.
TIGER 
Enough fuel and ordnance to accept a COMMIT.
TIMBER 
Air control NPG[clarify] of Link 16/TADIL J[clarify].
TRACKING
  1. Stabilized gun solution[clarify].
  2. Continuous illumination of a target.
  3. Contact heading.
TRAILER 
The last aircraft within a group(s).
TRASHED 
Informative call that missile has been defeated.
TRESPASS 
The addressed flight is entering a Surface/Air threat ring of a specific system at the stated (Position) location.
TUMBLEWEED 
Indicates limited situational awareness; NO JOY, BLIND; a request for information.

[edit] U

UNABLE 
Cannot comply as requested/directed.
UNIFORM 
Ultrahigh frequency (UHF) radio.

[edit] V

VAMPIRE 
Hostile antiship missile (ASM).
VERY HIGH 
Above 40,000 feet MSL.
VIC 
Three groups, contacts, or formations with the single closest in range and two contacts, azimuth split, in trail.
VICTOR 
VHF/amplitude modulation (AM) radio.
VISUAL 
Sighting of a friendly aircraft/ground position; opposite of BLIND.

[edit] W

WALL 
Three or more groups or contacts primarily split in azimuth.
WARNING (color) 
Hostile attack is
RED imminent or in progress.
YELLOW probable.
WHITE improbable (all clear).
WEAPONS () 
Fire only
FREE at targets not identified as friendly in accordance with current rules of engagement (ROE).
TIGHT at targets positively identified 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 FIRE.
WEEDS 
Indicates that fixed-wing aircraft are operating below 2,000 feet 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 specifically requested or critical. ( ) Active = number of active radar missiles remaining. ( ) Radar = number of semiactive radar missiles remaining. ( ) Heat = number of IR missiles remaining. ( ) Fuel = pounds of fuel or time remaining.
WINCHESTER 
No ordnance remaining.
WORDS 
Directive or interrogative regarding further information or directives pertinent to mission.
WORKING
  1. A SEAD[clarify] aircraft is gathering EOB[clarify] on a designated emitter; generally followed by signal type, (SAM/AAA/group) bearing, and range, if able.
  2. Aircraft executing electronic identification (EID) on a specific aircraft/group to obtain identification necessary for beyond visual range (BVR) employment.

[edit] Y

YARDSTICK 
Directive to use A/A TACAN[clarify] for ranging.

[edit] References