ARMY, MARINE CORPS, NAVY, AIR FORCE

MULTISERVICE
AIR-AIR, AIR-SURFACE,
SURFACE-AIR
BREVITY CODES

FM 90-38
MCRP 3-25B
NWP 6-02.1
AFJPAM 10-228

APRIL 1997
AIR LAND SEA
APPLICATION
CENTER

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

MULTISERVICE TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES

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

WILLIAM W. HARTZOG PAUL K. VAN RIPER

General, USA Lieutenant General, USMC
Commander Commanding General
Training and Doctrine Command Marine Corps Combat
Development Command

BY ORDER OF THE
SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE

MICHAEL L. BOWMAN JOHN P. JUMPER

Rear Admiral, USN Lt Gen, USAF
Commander DCS/Plans and Operations
Naval Doctrine Command
PREFACE
1. Scope
This publication standardizes air-to-air, and air-to-surface, surface-to-air 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 not
authoritative in nature, all services agree to these brevity code meanings. These
code words have been forwarded for inclusion or modification of current North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) brevity code words.
2. Purpose
This publication will ease coordination and improve understanding during
multiservice operations.
3. Application
This publication is intended for air and ground operations personnel at the
tactical level.
4. Implementation Plan
Participating service command offices of primary responsibility (OPRs) will
review this publication, validate the information, and reference and incorporate it in
service and command manuals, regulations, and curricula as follows:
Army. The Army will incorporate the brevity codes in this publication in US Army
training and doctrinal publications as directed by the Commander, US Army Training and
Doctrine Command. Distribution is in accordance with DA Form 12-11E.
Marine Corps. The Marine Corps will incorporate the brevity codes in this
publication in US Marine Corps training and doctrinal publications as directed by
the commanding general, US Marine Corps Combat Development Command.
Distribution is in accordance with MCPDS.
Navy. The Navy will incorporate these brevity codes in US Naval doctrinal and training
publications as directed by the commander, US Naval Doctrine Command. Distribution is in
accordance with MILSTRIP Desk Guide and NAV SOP Pub 409.
Air Force. Headquarters Air Force delegated approval authority for this publication to
commander, Air Combat Command. Air Force units will validate and incorporate
appropriate procedures in accordance with applicable governing directives. Distribution is
in accordance with AFI 37-160.
5 User Information

a. The TRADOC-MCCDC-NDC-ACC Air Land Sea Application (ALSA) Center developed

this publication with the joint participation of the approving service commands. Code words
that have different service meanings are annotated with the service in parenthesis. These
brevity codes are presented to improve understanding during multiservice operations. ALSA
will review and update this publication as required.
b. We encourage recommended changes for improving this publication. Key comments to
specific brevity words and provide a rationale for each recommendation. Send comments
to—
Marine Corps: PCN 14400001500
Air Force Distribution: F

i
Commander
US Army Training and Doctrine Command
ATTN: ATDO-J
Fort Monroe VA 23651-5000
DSN 680-3153 COMM (757) 727-3153
Commanding General
US Marine Corps Combat Development Command
ATTN: C42 (Director)
3300 Russell Road
Quantico VA 22134-5001
DSN 278-6234 COMM (703) 784-6234
Commander
Naval Doctrine Command
ATTN: N3
1540 Gilbert Street
Norfolk VA 23511-2785
DSN 565-0563 COMM (804) 445-0563
E-mail: [email protected]
Headquarters Air Combat Command
ATTN: XPJ
204 Dodd Boulevard, Suite 202
Langley AFB VA 23665-2778
DSN 574-7763 COMM (757) 764-7763
E-mail: [email protected]
ALSA Center
ATTN: Director
114 Andrews Street
Langley AFB, VA 23665-2785
DSN 574-5934 COMM (757) 764-5934
E-mail: [email protected]

c. Blank pages are provided for units to customize this compendium to include
unit specific code words.

ii
FM 90-38
MCRP 3-25B
NWP 6-02.1
AFJPAM 10-228

FM 90-38 US Army Training and Doctrine Command

Fort Monroe, Virginia

MCRP 3-25B Marine Corps Combat Development Command

Quantico, Virginia

NWP 6-02.1 Naval Dcotrine Command

Norfolk, Virginia

AFJPAM 10-228 Air Combat Command

Langley Air Force Base, Virginia

25 APRIL 1997
BREVITY CODES
Multiservice Air-Air, Air-Surface, Surface-Air Brevity Codes

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Chapter I Multiservice Brevity Codes...............................................................1

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

iii
Chapter I
Multiservice Brevity Codes

ABORT(ING)(ED) Directive/informative 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 (EOB category) to search

responsibility.

ALARM Directive/informative indicating the termination of EMCON

procedures.

ALLIGATOR Link-11/ 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 to indicate a turning engagement about a specific
location.

ANGELS Height of friendly aircraft in thousands of feet

ARIZONA No ARM ordnance remaining.

AS FRAGGED Unit or element will be performing exactly as stated by the air tasking
order.

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.

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 or directive to execute launch and decide tactics.

BASE (Number) Reference number used to indicate such information as headings,

altitude, fuels, etc.

BEAD WINDOW Last transmission potentially disclosed unauthorized information.

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

(Direction) 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 to specified base (field) or carrier.

1
BIRD Friendly surface-to-air missile (SAM).

BIRD(S) AFFIRM S/A informative 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 indicating unit is unable to engage a specified target
with SAMs. Opposite of BIRD(S) AFFIRM.

BITTERSWEET Notification of possible BLUE ON BLUE situation relative to a

designated track or friendly aircraft.

BLANK A 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.

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/IR lock-on (advisory).

BRUISER Friendly air launched anti-ship missile (ASM) (e.g., HARPOON,

EXOCET, PENGUIN).
BUDDY LOCK Locked to a known friendly aircraft. Normally a response to a
“SPIKED” OR “BUDDY SPIKE” call and accompanied with
position/heading/altitude.

2
BUDDY SPIKE Friendly aircraft air-to-air indication on RWR. To be followed by
position/heading/altitude.

BUGOUT Separation from that particular engagement/attack/operation;

(Direction) no intent to reengage/return.

BULLDOG Friendly surface/submarine launched anti-ship missile (ASM) (e.g.,

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 to acquire LOS to the target or laser designation.

BURN GLINT used to provide illumination.

BUSTER Directive call to fly at max continuous speed (military power).

BUZZER Electronic communications jamming.

CANDYGRAM Informative call to aircraft that EW targeting information is available

on a briefed secure net.

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

2. An orbit at an specified location.

CAPTURED Aircrew has identified and is able to track a specified A/G target with
an on-board sensor.

CEASE In air defense, break the ENGAGEMENT engagement on the target

specified. Missiles in flight 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 PRF but not medium PRF.
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.

3
CLEARED Requested action is authorized (no engaged/support roles are assumed).

CLEARED HOT Ordnance release is authorized.

CLOAK Directive/informative switch from normal external lighting to covert

NVD only compatible lighting.

CLOSING Decreasing in range.

COLD 1. Attack geometry will result in a pass or roll out behind the target.
2. On a leg of the CAP pointed away from the anticipated threats.
3. Group(s) heading away from friendly aircraft.

COLOR Request for information on a

(System/Position) (system) at stated location; usually a request for ambiquity resolution.
May be used with IDM data message - COLOR, DATA

COMEOFF Directive to maneuver as indicated to either regain

(Left/Right/ mutual support or to deconflict flight paths for an exchange of
Low/Dry) engaged and supporting roles. 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 Ordnance release not authorized.

COVER(ING)* Directive/Informative to take S/A action or establish an A/A posture

that will allow engagement of a specified target or threat.

CRANK F-Pole maneuver; implies illuminating target at radar gimbal

(Direction) limits.

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

CYCLOPS Any UAV.

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

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

stated location.

DEADEYE Informative call by an airborne laser designator indicating the laser/IR

system is inoperative.

4
DECLARE Inquiry as to the indentification of a specified track(s), target(s), or
correlated group.

DEFENSIVE Aircraft is in a defensive position and maneuvering with

(Spike/Missile/ reference to the stated condition.
SAM/Mud/AAA)

DE-LOUSE Directive to detect and identify unknown aircraft trailing friendly

aircraft.

DEPLOY Directive to maneuver to briefed positioning.

DIVERT Proceed to alternate mission/base.

DOLLY Link-4A/TADIL C

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

(Direction)
2. (Naval) Target stabilized at 120-180 degrees aspect.

DROP(ING) 1. Directive/informative 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).

ECHELON Groups/contacts/formation with wingman displaced approximately 45

degrees behind leader’s 3/9 line.

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

ENGAGED Maneuvering with the intent to kill. 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;

(Direction) normally with the intent of re-engaging.

EYEBALL( ) 1. Fighter with primary visual identification responsibility.

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

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 TACAN station.

FEET WET/DRY Flying over water/land.

5
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 IFF mode or system.

FLOAT Directive/informative 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 - semi-active radar-guided missile.
TWO - infrared-guided missile.
THREE - active radar-guided missile.

FOX MIKE VHF/FM radio.

FRIENDLY A positively identified friendly contact.

FURBALL A turning fight involving multiple aircraft with known BANDITs and
FRIENDLIES mixed.

GADGET Radar or emitter equipment.

GATE Directive/informative to fly as quickly as possible, using after-

burner/max power.

GIMBAL Radar target is approaching azimuth or elevation limits.

(Direction)

GO ACTIVE Go to briefed Have Quick net.

GO CLEAR Use unencrypted voice communications.

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

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 (e.g. TLAM, CALCM).

GROUP Radar targets within approximately 3 NM of each other.

GUNS An air-to-air or air-to-surface gunshot.

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

6
HEAD/ 1. (USAF) Target with an HEAD ON aspect 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 ft MSL.

HIT(S) 1. (A/A) Momentary radar return(s) in search. (Indicates approximate

altitude information from fighter.)
2. (A/G) Weapons impact within lethal distance.

HOLD DOWN Directive to key transmitter for 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 roll out 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 stand-off 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 HF radio

HUSKY (Naval) AIM-120 supported to HPRF active. Same as USAF

CHEAPSHOT.

ID 1. Directive to identify the target.

2. ID accomplished, followed by type.

IN (Direction) Informative indicating a turn to a hot aspect relative to a threat/target.

INDIA Mode IV.

7
INTERROGATE Interrogate the designated contact of the IFF mode indicated.

JACKAL Surveillance network participating group (NPG) of Link 16/TADIL J.

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.

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.

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 ft AGL.

MAGNUM Launch of friendly antiradiation missile.

MAPPING Multi-function radar in an A/G mode.

MARKING Friendly aircraft leaving contrails.

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

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

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.

8
MIDNIGHT Informative advising that C2 functions are no longer available.
Opposite of SUNRISE.

MONITOR Maintain radar awareness on or assume responsibility for specified

group.

MOTHER Parent ship.

MUD Indicates RWR ground threat displayed followed by clock

(Type/Direction) position and type.

MUSIC Electronic radar jamming. (On AI radar, electronic deceptive jamming.)

NAILS RWR indication of AI radar in search. Add clock position/azimuth, if

known.

NAKED No RWR 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

(Direction) on the beam.

OFF (Direction) Informative call indicating attack is terminated and maneuvering to the
indicated direction.

OFFSET Informative call indicating maneuver in a specified direction with

(Direction) reference to the target.

ON STATION Informative unit/aircraft has reached assigned station.

OPENING Increasing in range.

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

OUTLAW Informative call that a bogey has met point of origin criteria.

PACKAGE Geographically isolated collection of groups/contacts/formations.

PADLOCKED Informative call indicating aircrew cannot take eyes off an aircraft or
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.

9
PIGEONS Magnetic bearing and range to HOMEPLATE (or specified
(Location) destination).

PINCE/PINCER Threat maneuvering for a bracket attack

PITBULL 1. Informative AIM-120 is at MPRF 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 1. Starting climb for air-to-surface attack.

2. Max performance climb out of low altitude structure.

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

(Direction) of 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 NCTR reply.

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

geographical boundary with the intent to re-engage.

PURE Informative indicating pure pursuit is being used or directive to go pure

pursuit.

PUSH (Channel) Go to designated frequency. No acknowledgment required

PUSHING Departing designated point.

PUSHING Informative that said group(s) have turned cold and will continue
(Group description) to be monitored.

RANGE* Two or more groups separated primarily separated in distance along

the same bearing..

10
RAYGUN Indicates a radar lock-on to unknown aircraft. A request for a
(Position/Heading/ “BUDDY SPIKE” reply from friendly aircraft meeting these
Altitude) parameters(to prevent fratricide).

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 AGM-65 MAVERICK launch.

RIPPLE Two or more munitions released or fired in close succession.

ROLEX (+/- Time) Timeline adjustment in minutes from planned mission execution time.
(Plus means later; minus means earlier).

ROPE Illumination of an aircraft with an IR pointer.

SADDLED Informative from wingman/element indicating the return to briefed

formation position.

SAM (Direction) Visual acquisition of a SAM or SAM launch, should include position.

SANDWICHED A situation where an aircraft/element 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 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.

11
SHOOTER Aircraft/unit designated to employ ordnance.

SHOTGUN Prebriefed weapons state at which separation/bugout should begin.

SKATE Informative/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 HARM

(Type/Bearing) against a specified threat at the specified bearing.

SLIDE Directive call to 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 anti-collision 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 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 interrogated 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 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 to execute a prebriefed timing/spacing maneuver.

12
SPITTER An aircraft that has departed from the engagement or is departing
(Direction) the engaged fighters targeting responsibility.

SPLASH 1. (A/A) Target destroyed.

2. (A/G) Weapons impact.

SPLIT An informative call that a flight member is leaving formation to engage

a threat; visual may not be maintained.

SPOOFING Informative 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

(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 of IR pointer.

STEER Set magnetic 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 indicating illumination of target is being

conducted with artificial illumination.

SUNRISE Informative C2 functions are available (opposite of MIDNIGHT).

SWEET 1. Equipment indicated is operating efficiently.

2. Valid response to an administrative IFF check.
(Opposite of SOUR)

13
SWITCH(ED) Indicates an attacker is changing from one aircraft to another.

TACTICAL Request/directive to switch to tactical control.

TAG (System, Known identification of a specific (system) at the stated location.

W/Position) 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 group responsibility to aircraft in a flight.

TARGETED ( ) Group responsibility has been met.

TEN SECONDS Directive to terminal controller to standby 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/

(Direction) aspect of a 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 of Link 16/TADIL J.

TRACKING 1. Stabilized gun solution.

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 S/A threat ring of a specific

(Position) system at the stated location.

TUMBLEWEED Indicates limited situational awareness; NO JOY; BLIND; a request for

information.

UNABLE Cannot comply as requested/directed.

UNIFORM UHF radio.

VAMPIRE Hostile antiship missile (ASM).

VERY HIGH* Above 40,000 ft MSL.

14
VIC Three groups, contacts, or formations with the single closest in range
and two contacts, azimuth split, in trail.
VICTOR VHF/AM radio.
VISUAL Sighting of a friendly aircraft/ground position; opposite of BLIND.
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 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/NATO use “WEAPONS SAFE” to avoid confusion with the phrase
“HOLD FIRE.”
WEEDS Indicates that aircraft are operating are operating close to the surface.
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 semi-active 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 aircraft is gathering EOB on a designated emitter.
Generally followed by signal type (SAM/AAA/group), bearing, and
range, if able.
2. Aircraft executing EID on a specific aircraft/group to obtain
identification necessary for BVR employment.
YARDSTICK Directive to use A/A TACAN for ranging.

15
1
2
3
4
5
6
GLOSSARY
A/A air-to-air
AAA antiaircraft artillery
A/G air-to-ground
AGL above ground level
AGM air-to-ground missile
AI air interdiction/air intercept
AIC air intercept control
AIM air intercept missile
AM amplitude modulation
AO area of operations
ARM antiradiation missiles
ASCM antiship cruise missiles
ASM anti-ship missile
ATM air tasking message
ATO air tasking order
AWACS airborne warning and control system
BRAA bearing, range, altitude, aspect
BVR beyond visual range
C2 command and control
CAP combat air patrol
DF direction finding
EID electronic identification
EMCON emission control
EO electrooptical
EOB electronic order of battle
EW electronic warfare
F-POLE distance between shooter and target at impact
FAC-A forward air controller-airborne
FM frequency modulation
GCI ground control intercept
GLINT gated laser intensifier
HARM high-speed antiradiation missile
HF high frequency
HIGH-G high gravity
HPRF high pulse repetition frequency
HVAA high value airborne assets
ID identification
IDM improved data modem
IFF identification, friend or foe
IR infrared
LOS line of sight
MPRF medium pulse repetition frequency
MSL mean sea level
NCTR noncooperative target recognition
NM nautical mile
Glossary-1
NPG network participating group
NVD night vision device
PRF pulse repetition frequency
ROE rules of engagement
RWR radar warning receiver
S/A surface to air
SAM surface-to-air missile
SEAD suppression of enemy air defenses
TACAN tactical air navigation
TADIL tactical digital information link
TALD tactical air launched decoy
TBM tactical/theater ballistic missile
TOD time of day
UAV unmanned aerial vehicle
VHF very high frequency
* Meaning may vary from NATO code word.

Glossary-2
FM 90-38
MCRP 3-25B
NWP 6-02.1
AFJPAM 10-228
25 APRIL 1997

DISTRIBUTION:
Active Army, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve: To be distributed in
accordance with the initial distribution number 115456, requirements for FM 90-38.
MARINE CORPS PCN: 14400001500