Multiservice Air to Air, Air to Surface, Surface to AIr Brevity Codes

FM 90-38MCRP 3-25BNWP 6-02.1

AFJPAM 10-228

MULTISERVICEAIR-AIR, AIR-SURFACE,

SURFACE-AIRBREVITY CODES

APRIL 1997

DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION:Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

ARMY, MARINE CORPS, NAVY, AIR FORCE

AIR LAND SEA APPLICATION

CENTER

MULTISERVICE TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES

FOREWORD

This publication has been prepared under our direction for use by ourrespective commands and other commands as appropriate.

WILLIAM W. HARTZOG PAUL K. VAN RIPERGeneral, USA Lieutenant General, USMCCommander Commanding GeneralTraining and Doctrine Marine Corps Combat Command Development Command

BY ORDER OF THESECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE

MICHAEL L. BOWMAN JOHN P. JUMPERRear Admiral, USN Lt Gen, USAFCommander DCS/Plans and OperationsNaval Doctrine Command

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PREFACE

1. ScopeThis publication standardizes air-to-air, and

air-to-surface, surface-to-air brevity code words.The scope is limited to those brevity codes used inmultiservice operations and does not includewords unique to single-service operations. Whilenot authoritative in nature, all services agree tothese brevity code meanings. These code wordshave been forwarded for inclusion or modificationof current North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO) brevity code words.

2. PurposeThis publication will ease coordination and

improve understanding during multiserviceoperations.

3. ApplicationThis publication is intended for air and ground

operations personnel at the tactical level.

Marine Corps: PCN 14400001500Air Force Distribution: F

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4. Implementation PlanParticipating service command offices of

primary responsibility (OPRs) will review thispublication, validate the information, andreference and incorporate it in service andcommand manuals, regulations, and curricula asfollows:

Army. The Army will incorporate the brevitycodes in this publication in US Army training anddoctrinal publications as directed by theCommander, US Army Training and DoctrineCommand. Distribution is in accordance with DAForm 12-11E.

Marine Corps. The Marine Corps willincorporate the brevity codes in this publicationin US Marine Corps training and doctrinalpublications as directed by the commandinggeneral, US Marine Corps Combat DevelopmentCommand. Distribution is in accordance withMCPDS.

Navy. The Navy will incorporate these brevitycodes in US Naval doctrinal and trainingpublications as directed by the commander, USNaval Doctrine Command. Distribution is inaccordance with MILSTRIP Desk Guide and NAVSOP Pub 409.

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Air Force. Headquarters Air Force delegatedapproval authority for this publication tocommander, Air Combat Command. Air Forceunits will validate and incorporate appropriateprocedures in accordance with applicablegoverning directives. Distribution is inaccordance with AFI 37-160.

5 User Information

a. The TRADOC-MCCDC-NDC-ACC Air LandSea Application (ALSA) Center developed thispublication with the joint participation of theapproving service commands. Code words thathave different service meanings are annotatedwith the service in parenthesis. These brevitycodes are presented to improve understandingduring multiservice operations. ALSA will reviewand update this publication as required.

b. We encourage recommended changes forimproving this publication. Key comments tospecific brevity words and provide a rationale foreach recommendation. Send comments to—

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CommanderUS Army Training and Doctrine CommandATTN: ATDO-JFort Monroe VA 23651-5000DSN 680-3153 COMM (757) 727-3153Commanding GeneralUS Marine Corps Combat DevelopmentCommandATTN: C42 (Director)3300 Russell RoadQuantico VA 22134-5001DSN 278-6234 COMM (703) 784-6234

CommanderNaval Doctrine CommandATTN: N31540 Gilbert StreetNorfolk VA 23511-2785DSN 565-0563 COMM (804) 445-0563E-mail: ndcjoint@nctamslant.navy.mil

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Headquarters Air Combat CommandATTN: XPJ204 Dodd Boulevard, Suite 202Langley AFB VA 23665-2778DSN 574-7763 COMM (757) 764-7763E-mail: accxpj@hqaccxp.langley.af.mil

ALSA CenterATTN: Director114 Andrews StreetLangley AFB, VA 23665-2785DSN 574-5934 COMM (757) 764-5934E-mail: alsadirect@alsa.langley.af.mil

c. Blank pages are provided for units tocustomize this compendium to include unitspecific code words.

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FM 90-38MCRP 3-25B

NWP 6-02.1AFJPAM 10-228

FM 90-38 US Army Training and Doctrine CommandFort Monroe, Virginia

MCRP 3-25B Marine Corps Combat Development CommandQuantico, Virginia

NWP 6-02.1 Naval Dcotrine CommandNorfolk, Virginia

AFJPAM 10-228 Air Combat CommandLangley Air Force Base, Virginia

25 APRIL 1997

BREVITY CODESMultiservice Air-Air, Air-Surface, Surface-Air

Brevity Codes

TABLE OF CONTENTSPage

Chapter I Multiservice Brevity Codes..............1

Glossary ................................................Glossary - 1

1

Chapter IMultiservice Brevity Codes

ABORT(ING)(ED) Directive/informative to ceaseaction/attack/event/mission.

ACTION Directive to initiate a briefedattack sequence or maneuver.

ACTIVE An emitter is radiating.

ADD( ) Directive call to add a specific(system) or (EOB category) tosearch responsibility.

ALARM Directive/informative indicatingthe termination of EMCONprocedures.

ALLIGATOR Link-11/ TADIL A.

ALPHA CHECK Request for/confirmation ofbearing and range to describedpoint.

ANCHOR(ED) 1. Orbit about a specific point;refueling track flown by tanker.

2

2. Informative to indicate aturning engagement about aspecific location.

ANGELS Height of friendly aircraft inthousands of feet

ARIZONA No ARM ordnance remaining.

AS FRAGGED Unit or element will beperforming exactly as stated bythe air tasking order.

AUTHENTICATE To request or provide a responsefor a coded challenge.

AUTOCAT Any communications relay usingautomatic retransmissions.

AZIMUTH Two or more groups primarilyseparated in bearing.

BANDIT An aircraft identified as enemy,in accordance with theater IDcriteria. The term does notnecessarily imply direction orauthority to engage.

3

BANZAI Informative or directive toexecute launch and decidetactics.

BASE (Number) Reference number used toindicate such information asheadings, altitude, fuels, etc.

BEAD WINDOW Last transmission potentiallydisclosed unauthorizedinformation.

BEAM(ING) Target stabilized within 70 to(Direction) 110 degree aspect; generally

given with cardinal directions: east, west, north, south.

BENT System indicated is inoperative.

BINGO 1. Fuel state needed for recovery.

2. Proceed/ am proceeding tospecified base (field) or carrier.

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

BIRD(S) AFFIRM S/A informative indicating unitis able and prepared to engage aspecified target with SAMs(presumes target is within or will

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enter the SAM engagementenvelope).

BIRD(S) AWAY Friendly SAM has been fired atdesignated target.

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BIRD(S) NEGAT S/A informative indicating unitis unable to engage a specifiedtarget with SAMs. Opposite ofBIRD(S) AFFIRM.

BITTERSWEET Notification of possible BLUEON BLUE situation relative to adesignated track or friendlyaircraft.

BLANK A SEAD aircraft does not detectany emitters of interest.

BLIND No visual contact with friendlyaircraft/ground position.Opposite of VISUAL.

BLOW THROUGH Directive/informative call thatindicates aircraft will continuestraight ahead at the merge andnot turn with target/targets.

BOGEY A radar or visual air contactwhose identity is unknown.

BOGEY DOPE Request for target information asbriefed/available.

BOX Groups/contacts/formations in asquare or offset square.

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BRAA Tactical control format providingtarget bearing, range, altitude,and aspect, relative to a friendlyaircraft.

BRACKET Indicates geometry wherefriendly aircraft will maneuver toa position on opposing sides,either laterally or vertically fromthe target.

BREAK (Direction) Directive to perform animmediate maximumperformance turn in the directionindicated. Assumes a defensivesituation.

BREAKAWAY Tanker or receiver directive callindicating immediate verticaland nose/ tail separation betweentanker and receiver is required.

BREVITY Radio frequency is becomingsaturated/degraded or jammedand briefer transmissions mustfollow.

BROADCAST Request/directive to switch tobroadcast control.

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BROKE LOCK Loss of radar/IR lock-on(advisory).

BRUISER Friendly air launched anti-shipmissile (ASM) (e.g.,HARPOON, EXOCET,PENGUIN).

BUDDY LOCK Locked to a known friendlyaircraft. Normally a response to a“SPIKED” OR “BUDDYSPIKE’ call and accompaniedwith position/heading/altitude.

BUDDY SPIKE Friendly aircraft air-to-airindication on RWR. To befollowed byposition/heading/altitude.

BUGOUT Separation from that particular(Direction) engagement/attack/operation; no

intent to reengage/return.

BULLDOG Friendly surface/submarinelaunched anti-ship missile(ASM) (e.g., HARPOON,EXOCET, OTOMAT).

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BULLSEYE An established point from whichthe position of an object can bereferenced. Made bycardinal/range or digital format.

BUMP/BUMP-UP A fly-up to acquire LOS to thetarget or laser designation.

BURN GLINT used to provideillumination.

BUSTER Directive call to fly at maxcontinuous speed (militarypower).

BUZZER Electronic communicationsjamming.

CANDYGRAM Informative call to aircraft thatEW targeting information isavailable on a briefed secure net.

CAP/CAPPING 1. Directive call to establish an(Location) orbit at a specified location.

2. An orbit at an specifiedlocation.

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CAPTURED Aircrew has identified and isable to track a specified A/Gtarget with an on-board sensor.

CEASE In air defense, break theENGAGEMENT engagement on the target

specified. Missiles in flight will continue to intercept.

CEASE FIRE Do not open fire or discontinuefiring; complete intercept ifweapons are in flight; continueto track.

CHAMPAGNE An attack of three distinct groupswith two in front and one behind.

CHATTERMARK Begin using briefed radioprocedures to countercommunications jamming.

CHEAPSHOT 1. (USAF) Active missilesupported to high PRF but notmedium PRF.

2. (Naval) Active missile notsupported to active range.

CHECK Turn ( ) degrees left or right(LEFT/RIGHT) and maintain new heading.

10

CHERUBS Height of a friendly aircraft inhundreds of feet.

CHICKS Friendly aircraft.

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CLEAN 1. No radar contacts on aircraftof interest.

2. No visible battle damage.

3. Aircraft not carrying externalstores.

CLEARED Requested action is authorized(no engaged/support roles areassumed).

CLEARED HOT Ordnance release is authorized.

CLOAK Directive/informative switchfrom normal external lighting tocovert NVD only compatiblelighting.

CLOSING Decreasing in range.

COLD 1. Attack geometry will result ina pass or roll out behind thetarget.

2. On a leg of the CAP pointedaway from the anticipatedthreats.

3. Group(s) heading away fromfriendly aircraft.

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COLOR Request for information on a(System/Position) (system) at stated location;

usually a request for ambiquityresolution. May be used withIDM data message - COLOR,DATA

COMEOFF Directive to maneuver as(Left/Right/ indicated to either regainLow/Dry) mutual support or to deconflict

flight paths for an exchange ofengaged and supporting roles.Implies both VISUAL andTALLY.

COMMIT(TED) Fighter intent toengage/intercept; controllercontinues to provide information.

CONFETTI Chaff lane or corridor.

CONS/CONNING Threat/bogey aircraft leavingcontrails.

CONTACT 1. Sensor contact at the statedposition.

2. Acknowledges sighting of aspecified reference point.

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CONTINUE Continue present maneuver, doesnot imply clearance to engage orexpend ordnance.

CONTINUE DRY Ordnance release not authorized.

COVER(ING)* Directive/Informative to take S/Aaction or establish an A/Aposture that will allowengagement of a specified targetor threat.

CRANK F-Pole maneuver; implies(Direction) illuminating target at radar

gimbal limits.

CUTOFF Request for, or directive to,intercept using cutoff geometry.

CYCLOPS Any UAV.

DASH (#) Aircraft position within a flight.Use if specific callsign isunknown.

DATA Standby for IDM data message(Object/Position) concerning (object) at stated

location.

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DEADEYE Informative call by an airbornelaser designator indicating thelaser/IR system is inoperative.

DECLARE Inquiry as to the indentificationof a specified track(s), target(s),or correlated group.

DEFENSIVE Aircraft is in a defensive(Spike/Missile/ position and maneuvering withSAM/Mud/AAA) reference to the stated condition.

DE-LOUSE Directive to detect and identifyunknown aircraft trailingfriendly aircraft.

DEPLOY Directive to maneuver to briefedpositioning.

DIVERT Proceed to alternatemission/base.

DOLLY Link-4A/TADIL C

DRAG(ING) 1. (AF) Target stabilized at(Direction) 0-60 degrees aspect.

2. (Naval) Target stabilized at120-180 degrees aspect.

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DROP(ING) 1. Directive/informative to stopmonitoring a specifiedemitter/target and resume searchresponsibilities.

2. Remove the emitter/targetfrom tactical picture/track stores.

DUCK* Tactical Air Launched Decoy(TALD).

ECHELON Groups/contacts/formation withwingman displacedapproximately 45 degrees behindleader’s 3/9 line.

ECHO Positive SEESAW/EWWS/System M/Mode X reply.

ENGAGED Maneuvering with the intent tokill. Implies visual/radaracquisition of target.

ESTIMATE Provides estimate of the size,range, height, or other parameterof a specified contact; impliesdegradation.

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EXTEND Short term maneuver to gain(Direction) energy, distance, or separation;

normally with the intent of re-engaging.

EYEBALL( ) 1. Fighter with primary visualidentification responsibility.

2. EO/IR/NVD acquisition of anaircraft. Normally followed by ( )number of aircraft observed.

FADED Radar contact is lost.(Termination of track plotting isnot warranted.)

FAST* Target speed is estimated to be600 knots ground speed/mach 1or greater.

FATHER TACAN station.

FEET WET/DRY Flying over water/land.

FENCE (In/Out) Set cockpit switches asappropriate prior toentering/exiting the combat area.

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FLANK(ING) 1. (USAF) Target with a stableaspect of 120 to 150 degrees.

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

FLASH (System) Temporarily turn on prebriefedIFF mode or system.

FLOAT Directive/informative to expandthe formation laterally withinvisual limits to maintain a radarcontact or prepare for a defensiveresponse.

FOX (Number) Simulated/actual launch of air-to-air weapons.ONE - semi-active radar-guidedmissile.TWO - infrared-guided missile.THREE - active radar-guidedmissile.

FOX MIKE VHF/FM radio.

FRIENDLY A positively identified friendlycontact.

FURBALL A turning fight involvingmultiple aircraft with known

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BANDITs and FRIENDLIESmixed.

GADGET Radar or emitter equipment.

GATE Directive/informative to fly asquickly as possible, using after-burner/max power.

GIMBAL Radar target is approaching(Direction) azimuth or elevation limits.

GO ACTIVE Go to briefed Have Quick net.

GO CLEAR Use unencrypted voicecommunications.

GOGGLE/ Directive/informative to putDEGOGGLE on/take off NVD’s.

GORILLA Large force of indeterminatenumbers and formation.

GO SECURE Use encrypted voicecommunications.

GRANDSLAM All HOSTILE aircraft of adesignated track (or againstwhich a mission was tasked) areshot down.

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GREEN (Direction) Direction determined to beclearest of enemy air-to-airactivity.

GREYHOUND Friendly ground attack cruisemissile (e.g. TLAM, CALCM).

GROUP Radar targets withinapproximately 3 NM of eachother.

GUNS An air-to-air or air-to-surfacegunshot.

HARD (Direction) High-G, energy sustaining turn.

HEAD/ 1. (USAF) Target with an HEADON aspect aspect of 160 to 180

degrees.

2. (Naval) Target with an aspectof 0 to 20 degrees.

HEADS UP Alert of an activity of interest.

HEAVY* A group or package known tocontain three or more entities.

HIGH* Between 25,000 and 40,000 ftMSL.

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HIT(S) 1. (A/A) Momentary radarreturn(s) in search. (Indicatesapproximate altitude informationfrom fighter.)

2. (A/G) Weapons impact withinlethal distance.

HOLD DOWN Directive to key transmitter forDF steer.

HOLDING HANDS Aircraft in visual formation.

HOLD FIRE An emergency fire control orderused to stop firing on adesignated target, to includedestruction of any missiles inflight.

HOME PLATE Home airfield or carrier.

HOOK (Left/Right) Directive to perform an in-place180 degree turn.

HOSTILE* A contact identified as enemyupon which clearance to fire isauthorized in accordance withtheater rules of engagement.

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HOT 1. Attack geometry will result inroll out in front of the target.

2. On a leg of the CAP pointingtoward the anticipated threats.

3. Group heading towardsfriendly aircraft. Opposite ofCOLD.

4. Ordnance employmentintended or completed.

HOTDOG Informative/directive call that anaircraft is approaching or at aspecified stand-off distance fromthe sovereign airspace of a nation(as defined by nationalboundaries or territorial sea andairspace). (COLOR may indicateadditional standoff distance.)Follow briefed procedures.

HOTEL FOX HF radio

HUSKY (Naval) AIM-120 supported toHPRF active. Same as USAFCHEAPSHOT.

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ID 1. Directive to identify the target.

2. ID accomplished, followed bytype.

IN (Direction) Informative indicating a turn to ahot aspect relative to athreat/target.

INDIA Mode IV.

INTERROGATE Interrogate the designatedcontact of the IFF modeindicated.

JACKAL Surveillance networkparticipating group (NPG) ofLink 16/TADIL J.

JOKER* Fuel state above BINGO atwhich separation/bugout/eventtermination should begin.

JUDY Aircrew has radar/visual contacton the correct target, has takencontrol of the intercept and onlyrequires situation awarenessinformation. Controller willminimize radio transmissions.

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KILL 1. Clearance to fire.

2. In training, a fighter call toindicate kill criteria have beenfulfilled.

KNOCK IT OFF Directive to cease air combatmaneuvers/attacks/activities.

LADDER Three or more groups/contacts inrange.

LASER ON Directive to start laserdesignation.

LEAD-TRAIL Tactical formation of twocontacts within a group separatedin range or following oneanother.

LEAKER(S) Airborne threat has passedthrough a defensive layer. Callshould include amplifyinginformation.

LINE ABREAST Two contacts within a groupside-by-side.

LIGHTS ON/OFF Directive to turn on/off exteriorlights.

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LOCKED Final radar lock-on; sort is not(BRAA/Direction) assumed.

LOST CONTACT Radar contact lost. (DROP track is recommended).

LOST LOCK Loss of radar/IR lock-on (advisory).

LOW* Target altitude below 10,000 ftAGL.

MAGNUM Launch of friendly antiradiationmissile.

MAPPING Multi-function radar in an A/Gmode.

MARKING Friendly aircraft leavingcontrails.

MARSHAL(ING) Establish(ed) at a specific point.

MEDIUM* Target altitude between 10,000 ftAGL and 25,000 ft MSL.

MERGE(D) 1. Information that friendlies andtargets have arrived in the samevisual arena.

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2. Call indicating radar returnshave come together.

MICKEY Have Quick Time-of-Day (TOD)signal.

MIDNIGHT Informative advising that C2functions are no longer available.Opposite of SUNRISE.

MONITOR Maintain radar awareness on orassume responsibility forspecified group.

MOTHER Parent ship.

MUD Indicates RWR ground threat(Type/Direction) displayed followed by clock

position and type.

MUSIC Electronic radar jamming. (OnAI radar, electronic deceptivejamming.)

NAILS RWR indication of AI radar insearch. Add clockposition/azimuth, if known.

NAKED No RWR indications.

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NEW PICTURE Used by controller or aircrewwhen tactical picture haschanged. Supersedes all previouscalls and re-establishes picturefor all players.

NO FACTOR Not a threat.

NO JOY Aircrew does not have visualcontact with the target/bandit/landmark. Opposite of TALLY.

NOTCH All-aspect missile defensive(Direction) maneuver to place threat

radar/missile on the beam.

OFF (Direction) Informative call indicating attackis terminated and maneuveringto the indicated direction.

OFFSET Informative call indicating(Direction) maneuver in a specified direction

with reference to the target.

ON STATION Informative unit/aircraft hasreached assigned station.

OPENING Increasing in range.

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OUT (Direction) Informative indicating a turn to acold aspect relative to the threat.Opposite of IN.

OUTLAW Informative call that a bogey hasmet point of origin criteria.

PACKAGE Geographically isolatedcollection ofgroups/contacts/formations.

PADLOCKED Informative call indicatingaircrew cannot take eyes off anaircraft or surface positionwithout risk of losingTALLY/VISUAL.

PAINT(S) Interrogated group/radar contactthat is responding with any ofthe specified IFF modes andcorrect codes established for theID criteria.

PARROT IFF transponder.

PICTURE Provide tactical situation statuspertinent to mission.

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PIGEONS Magnetic bearing and range to(Location) HOMEPLATE (or specified

destination).

PINCE/PINCER Threat maneuvering for abracket attack

PITBULL 1. Informative AIM-120 is atMPRF active range.

2. AIM-54 at active range.

PLAYMATE Cooperating aircraft.

PLAYTIME Amount of time aircraft canremain on station.

POGO Switch to communicationchannel number precedingPOGO. If unable to establishcommunications, switch tochannel number followingPOGO. If no channel numberfollows POGO, return to thischannel.

POP 1. Starting climb for air-to-surface attack.

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2. Max performance climb out oflow altitude structure.

POPEYE Flying in clouds or area ofreduced visibility.

POPUP Informative call of a contact thathas suddenly appeared inside ofmeld/CCR/briefed range.

POSIT Request for position; response interms of a geographic landmark,or off a common reference point.

POST ATTACK Directive transmission to(Direction) indicate desired direction after

completion of intercept/ engagement.

POST HOLE Rapid descending spiral.

PRESS Directive to continue the attack;mutual support will bemaintained. Supportive role willbe assumed.

PRINT (Type) Unambiguous NCTR reply.

PUMP A briefed maneuver to low aspectto stop closure on the threat or

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geographical boundary with theintent to re-engage.

PURE Informative indicating purepursuit is being used or directiveto go pure pursuit.

PUSH (Channel) Go to designated frequency. Noacknowledgment required

PUSHING Departing designated point.

PUSHING Informative that said group(s)(Group description) have turned cold and will

continue to be monitored.

RANGE* Two or more groups separatedprimarily separated in distancealong the same bearing..

RAYGUN Indicates a radar lock-on to(Position/Heading/ unknown aircraft. A requestAltitude) for a “BUDDY SPIKE” reply

from friendly aircraft meeting these parameters (to prevent fratricide).

REFERENCE Directive to assume stated(Direction) heading.

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REPORTED Identification of an object or a(Type) contact by an intelligencesystem.

RESET Proceed to a prebriefed positionor area of operation.

RESUME Resume last formation/station/mission ordered.

RETROGRADE Directive to withdraw frompresent position or area ofoperation in response to a threat.

RIDER A bogey that is conforming withsafe passage routing/airspeed/altitude procedures.

RIFLE AGM-65 MAVERICK launch.

RIPPLE Two or more munitions releasedor fired in close succession.

ROLEX (+/- Time) Timeline adjustment in minutesfrom planned mission executiontime. (Plus means later; minusmeans earlier).

ROPE Illumination of an aircraft withan IR pointer.

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SADDLED Informative fromwingman/element indicating thereturn to briefed formationposition.

SAM (Direction) Visual acquisition of a SAM orSAM launch, should includeposition.

SANDWICHED A situation where an aircraft/element positioned betweenopposing aircraft/elements.

SAUNTER Fly at best endurance.

SCRAM Emergency directive to egress(Direction) for defensive or survival reasons.

SCRAMBLE Takeoff as quickly as possible.

SCUD Any threat TBM.

SEPARATE Leave a specific engagement;may or may not reenter.

SHACKLE One WEAVE, a single crossingof flight paths; maneuver toadjust/regain formationparameters.

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SHADOW Follow indicated target.

SHIFT Directive to shift laserillumination.

SHOOTER Aircraft/unit designated toemploy ordnance.

SHOTGUN Prebriefed weapons state atwhich separation/bugout shouldbegin.

SKATE Informative/directive to executelaunch and leave tactics.

SKIP IT Veto of fighter commit, usuallyfollowed with further directions.

SKOSH Aircraft is out of/or unable toemploy active radar missiles.

SKUNK A radar or visual maritimesurface contact whose identity isunknown

SLAPSHOT Directive for an aircraft to(Type/Bearing) employ a range unknown HARM

against a specified threat at the specified bearing.

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SLIDE Directive call to HVAA tocontinue present mission whileextending range from target inresponse to perceived threat.

SLOW* Target with a ground speed of300 knots or less.

SMASH Directive to turn on/off anti-collision lights.

SMOKE Smoke marker used to mark aposition.

SNAKE Directive to oscillate an IRpointer about a target.

SNAP (Direction) An immediate vector to thegroup described.

SNIPER Directive for an aircraft toemploy a range-known HARMagainst a specified threat at thespecified location.

SNOOZE Directive/informative indicatinginitiation of EMCON procedures.

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SORT Directive to assign responsibilitywithin a group; criteria can bemet visually, electronically(radar) or both.

SORTED Sort responsibility has been met.

SOUR 1. Equipment indicated isoperating inefficiently.

2. Invalid response to anadministrative IFF check.

(Opposite of SWEET)

SPADES An interrogated group/radarcontact which lacks the ATO (orequivalent) IFF modes and codesrequired for the ID criteria.

SPARKLE Target marking by IR pointer.Target marking by gunship orFAC-A using incendiary rounds.

SPIKE RWR indication of an AI threatin track, launch, or unknownmode. Include bearing/clockposition and threat type, ifknown.

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SPIN Directive/informative to executea prebriefed timing/spacingmaneuver.

SPITTER An aircraft that has departed(Direction) from the engagement or is

departing the engaged fighters targeting responsibility.

SPLASH 1. (A/A) Target destroyed.

2. (A/G) Weapons impact.

SPLIT An informative call that a flightmember is leaving formation toengage a threat; visual may notbe maintained.

SPOOFING Informative that voice deceptionis being employed.

SPOT* Acquisition of laser designation.

SQUAWK ( ) Operate IFF as indicated or IFFis operating as indicated.

SQUAWKING An informative call denoting(Mode #) a bogey is responding with an

IFF mode

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STACK Two or more groups/contacts/formations with a high/lowaltitude separation in relation toeach other.

STATUS Request for tactical situation.

STEADY Directive to stop oscillation of IRpointer.

STEER Set magnetic heading indicated.

STERN Request for, or directive to,intercept using stern geometry.

STINGER Within a group, a formation ofthree or more aircraft with asingle aircraft in trail.

STOP Stop IR illumination of a target.

STRANGER Unidentified traffic that is notassociated with the action inprogress.

STRANGLE ( ) Turn off equipment indicated.

STRIP Individual fighter/section isleaving the formation to pursueseparate attacks.

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STRIPPED Informative call fromwingman/element indicating outof briefed formation/position.

STROBE Radar indications of noisejamming.

SUNSHINE Directive or informativeindicating illumination of targetis being conducted with artificialillumination.

SUNRISE Informative C2 functions areavailable (opposite ofMIDNIGHT).

SWEET 1. Equipment indicated isoperating efficiently.

2. Valid response to anadministrative IFF check.

(Opposite of SOUR)

SWITCH(ED) Indicates an attacker is changingfrom one aircraft to another.

TACTICAL Request/directive to switch totactical control.

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TAG (System, Known identification of aW/Position) specific (system) at the stated

location. May be used with IDM data message, (e.g. “TAG DATA”).

TALLY Sighting of a target, bandit,bogey, or enemy position;opposite of NO JOY.

TARGET ( ) Directive to assign groupresponsibility to aircraft in aflight.

TARGETED ( ) Group responsibility has beenmet.

TEN SECONDS Directive to terminal controllerto standby for LASER ON call inapproximately 10 seconds.

TERMINATE 1. Stop laser illumination of atarget.

2. Cease local engagementwithout affecting the overallexercise.

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THREAT Untargeted HOSTILE/(Direction) BANDIT/ BOGEY withinprebriefed range/aspect of a friendly.

THROTTLES Reduction in power to decreaseIR signature.

TIED Positive radar contact withelement/aircraft.

TIGER Enough fuel and ordnance toaccept a commit.

TIMBER Air control NPG of Link 16/TADIL J.

TRACKING 1. Stabilized gun solution.

2. Continuous illumination of atarget.

3. Contact heading.

TRAILER* The last aircraft within agroup(s).

TRASHED Informative call that missile hasbeen defeated.

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TRESPASS The addressed flight is entering(Position) a S/A threat ring of a specific

system at the stated location.

TUMBLEWEED Indicates limited situationalawareness; NO JOY; BLIND; arequest for information.

UNABLE Cannot comply asrequested/directed.

UNIFORM UHF radio.

VAMPIRE Hostile antiship missile (ASM).

VERY HIGH* Above 40,000 ft MSL.

VIC Three groups, contacts, orformations with the single closestin range and two contacts,azimuth split, in trail.

VICTOR VHF/AM radio.

VISUAL Sighting of a friendlyaircraft/ground position; oppositeof BLIND.

WALL Three or more groups or contactsprimarily split in azimuth.

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WARNING (Color) Hostile attack is—

RED imminent or in progress.

YELLOW probable.

WHITE improbable (all clear).

WEAPONS ( ) Fire only—

FREE at targets not identified asfriendly in accordance withcurrent ROE.

TIGHT at targets positively identified ashostile in accordance withcurrent ROE.

HOLD* (USA, USMC) in self-defense or inSAFE (USN) response to a formal order.

NOTE: USN/NATO use “WEAPONS SAFE” toavoid confusion with the phrase “HOLDFIRE.”

WEEDS Indicates that aircraft areoperating are operating close tothe surface.

WHAT LUCK Request for results of missions ortasks.

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WHAT STATE Report amount of fuel andmissiles remaining. Ammunitionand oxygen are reported onlywhen specifically requested orcritical.

( ) Active = number of activeradar missiles remaining

( ) Radar = number of semi-active radar missiles remaining.

( ) Heat = number of IRmissiles remaining.

( ) Fuel = pounds of fuel or timeremaining.

WINCHESTER No ordnance remaining.

WORDS Directive or interrogativeregarding further information ordirectives pertinent to mission.

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WORKING 1. A SEAD aircraft is gatheringEOB on a designated emitter.Generally followed by signal type(SAM/AAA/ group), bearing,and range, if able.

2. Aircraft executing EID on aspecific aircraft/group to obtainidentification necessary for BVRemployment.

YARDSTICK Directive to use A/A TACAN forranging.

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GLOSSARY

A/A air-to-airAAA antiaircraft artilleryA/G air-to-groundAGL above ground levelAGM air-to-ground missileAI air interdiction/air interceptAIC air intercept controlAIM air intercept missileAM amplitude modulationAO area of operationsARM antiradiation missilesASCM antiship cruise missilesASM anti-ship missileATM air tasking messageATO air tasking orderAWACS airborne warning and control systemBRAA bearing, range, altitude, aspectBVR beyond visual rangeC2 command and controlCAP combat air patrolDF direction findingEID electronic identificationEMCON emission controlEO electroopticalEOB electronic order of battleEW electronic warfare

Glossary-1

F-POLE distance between shooter and target atimpact

FAC-A forward air controller-airborneFM frequency modulationGCI ground control interceptGLINT gated laser intensifierHARM high-speed antiradiation missileHF high frequencyHIGH-G high gravityHPRF high pulse repetition frequencyHVAA high value airborne assetsID identificationIDM improved data modemIFF identification, friend or foeIR infraredLOS line of sightMPRF medium pulse repetition frequencyMSL mean sea levelNCTR noncooperative target recognitionNM nautical mileNPG network participating groupNVD night vision devicePRF pulse repetition frequencyROE rules of engagementRWR radar warning receiverS/A surface to airSAM surface-to-air missileSEAD suppression of enemy air defenses

Glossary-2TACAN tactical air navigationTADIL tactical digital information linkTALD tactical air launched decoyTBM tactical/theater ballistic missileTOD time of dayUAV unmanned aerial vehicleVHF very high frequency

* Meaning may vary from NATO codeword.

Glossary-3

FM 90-38MCRP 3-25BNWP 6-02.1

AFJPAM 10-22825 APRIL 1997

DISTRIBUTION:Active Army, Army National Guard, and U.S. ArmyReserve: To be distributed in accordance with theinitial distribution number 115456, requirements forFM 90-38.

MARINE CORPS PCN: 14400001500