Multi-service tactical brevity code

Multi-Service Tactical Brevity Codes are standardized procedure words used by multiple branches of the military to efficiently communicate complex information through concise, easily understood terms. These codes are a specialized form of voice procedure intended to improve clarity, speed, and coordination in tactical operations.

American/NATO codes

The following list outlines standardized American brevity codes employed during joint service operations. This collection excludes terms unique to individual branches. While these codes are not officially binding across services, they are widely recognized and their meanings agreed upon. Their use enhances interoperability and situational awareness among air, ground, sea, and space forces operating at the tactical level.

The provided key indicates which communities use specific terms, as some codes may carry different meanings depending on the service or mission context. These distinctions are noted in-line with each brevity code entry.

Key
Denotation	Meaning
No Caveat	Denotes a general brevity code.
*	Meaning may differ from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) brevity word.
**	Not a NATO brevity word.
[A/A]	Applies to air-to-air (A/A) operations or communications.
[AIR-MAR]	Applies to maritime air (AIR-MAR) operations or communications.
[A/S]	Applies to air-to-surface (A/S) operations or communications.
[EW]	Applies to electromagnetic warfare (EW) operations or communications.
[MAR]	Applies to maritime-to-maritime (MAR) operations or communications.
[S/A]	Applies to surface-to-air (S/A) operations or communications.
[SO]	Applies to space operations (SO) operations or communications.
[S/S]	Applies to surface-to-surface (S/S) operations or communications.

A

Abort: Directive to cease action or terminate an attack prior to weapons release, an event, or mission.
Action: Directive to initiate a briefed attack sequence or maneuver.^{[A/A] [A/S] [S/A] [AIR-MAR]}
Active: Referenced emitter is radiating at the stated location or along the stated bearing. Derived from electronic intelligence.^{* [A/A] [EW]}
Add (system/category): Directive call to add a specific system or electromagnetic order of battle (EOB) category to search responsibility.^[EW]
Alarm: Terminate or terminating emissions control (EMCON) procedures. Opposite of SNOOZE.^{[A/A] [EW] [MAR] [SO]}
Alligator: Reference to Link-11A (TADIL A) data link communications.
Alpha Check: Request for or confirmation of bearing and range to described point.^*
Anchor: 1. Directive to fly an orbit about a specific point.; 2. Refueling track flown by tanker.
Anchored: Turning engagement at the specified location.
Angels: Height (altitude) of a friendly aircraft in thousands of feet (e.g., "Angels Five" is 5,000 feet MSL).
Anyface: Friendly command and control (C2) agency when the call sign is not known.
Arizona: No anti-radiation missile (ARM) ordnance remaining.
Arm: CONTACT(s) within a single GROUP that maneuvers outside of the GROUP criteria. Typically preceded by a cardinal direction (e.g., "WEST ARM").
As Fragged: Unit or element will be performing exactly as stated by the air tasking order (ATO).
Ashcan: ASW (Anti-submarine warfare) depth charge.
Asleep: No longer detecting land or surface emitter activity via communications intelligence. Opposite of AWAKE.
Attack: Informative call indicating aircraft are committed to air-to-surface delivery on a specific ground target. Not used in a close air support (CAS) engagement.
Authenticate: Request or provide a response for a coded challenge.
Autocat: Any communications relay using automatic retransmissions.
Avalanche: Friendly forces require reinforcement in a specific location.
Away: Friendly weapon release (e.g., "One away" or "PIGs away"). Number or weapon type is required at minimum.
Awake: Land or surface emitter activity detected via communications intelligence. Opposite of ASLEEP.
Azimuth: 1. Two or more GROUPs primarily separated in bearing; GROUP names referenced by cardinal directions (e.g., NORTH GROUP, SOUTH GROUP).; 2. Direction to a threat.
Bad Map: The displayed map is unusable due to:\n# Terrain: Shadows obstruct the target area.\n# Image: Displayed image quality prevents target ID.
Ball: Aircraft carrier optical landing system.
Bandit: An aircraft positively identified as enemy per theater identification criteria. Does not necessarily imply engagement authority.
Banzai: Information/directive to execute launch and decide tactics with the intent to maneuver into the visual arena.
Base (number): Reference number used to indicate headings, altitude, or fuels.
Basset: Rocket-thrown ASW torpedo.
Bats: FRIENDLY net-enabled glide weapon(s) with multi-mode seeker (e.g., standoff weapon, guided bomb unit, small diameter bomb).
Bay: Carry out deception plan as indicated or in accordance with previous orders.
Bead Window: Last transmission potentially disclosed unauthorized information.
Beam/Beaming: CONTACT stabilized within 60-109 degrees Angle-Off Tail (AOT) or 71-120 degrees from CONTACT's nose (Antenna Train Angle). Given with a cardinal direction.
Beam Rider [direction]: Potential jammer along the specified azimuth from a ground unit or aircraft, relative to their position. Typically followed by a request to search via alternate radar source.
Bent: Indicated system is inoperative. Cancelled by SWEET.
Beretta: Aircraft out of or unable to employ remaining air-to-ground ordnance, excluding the gun (if equipped).
Bingo: Minimum fuel state needed for aircraft to return to base.
Bird(s): Friendly surface-to-air missile (SAM).
Bird(s) Affirm: Unit prepared to engage a specified target with SAMs; target is within or will enter weapon engagement zone (WEZ).
Bird(s) Away: Friendly surface-to-air missile has been fired at designated target.
Bird(s) Negat: Unit unable to engage specified target with SAMs. Opposite of BIRD(S) AFFIRM.
Birddog: Directive to configure sensors according to mission planning or briefing.^**
Bittersweet: Notification of possible blue-on-blue (friendly fire) or blue-on-neutral situation.^**
Blackout: 1. Directive to turn off all external lighting.; 2. Surface ship radar is saturated and unable to transition tracking to a new object.^**
Blank: Suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) aircraft does not detect any emitters of interest.^**
Blind: No visual contact with friendly aircraft, ship, or ground position. Opposite of VISUAL.
Bloodhound: ASW torpedo.
Bloomer: Disregard last transmission.
Blotter: Electronic warfare term for an electromagnetic countermeasure receiver.
Blow Through: Continue straight ahead at a MERGE and avoid becoming ANCHORED with targets.
Blur: Radar is being jammed.^**
Bogey: Radar or visual CONTACT whose identity is unknown.
Bogey Dope: Request for information on indicated or closest CONTACT(s) in bearing, range, altitude, and aspect (BRAA) format.^*
Booster: Track identified as separated booster phase component of a ballistic missile.
Box: Controller's PICTURE label with GROUPS or CONTACTS in square or offset square formation.
BRAA: Tactical control format providing target bearing, range, altitude, and aspect relative to a friendly aircraft.
Bracket [direction]: Directive for friendly aircraft to maneuver on opposite sides (laterally or vertically) from the target.
Break [direction]: Directive to perform immediate maximum performance turn in the direction indicated; assumes defensive situation.
Break Away: Directive indicating immediate vertical and nose-to-tail separation between tanker and receiver is required.
Broadcast: Request/directive to switch to broadcast control.
Broke Lock: Loss of radar/infrared (IR) lock-on (advisory).
Broken Spur: Helicopter buddy or self-extraction is not possible.^**
Browning: SAM platform has reached low missile state.^**
Bruiser: Employment of friendly air-launched, short-range, subsonic anti-ship missile (e.g., Harpoon, Exocet).^*
Bucket: C2 unit experiencing radar electromagnetic deceptive jamming in specified area.^**
Buddy Lase/Guide: Request or informative communication to have weapon guidance from a source other than delivering aircraft.
Buddy Lock: An advisory call indicating that a radar lock has been achieved on a known friendly aircraft. Normally a response to a SPIKED or BUDDY SPIKE call. Accompanied with position, heading, and altitude.
Buddy Spike: Friendly aircraft has received a radar warning receiver (RWR) indication of radar lock-on, presumed to be from another friendly aircraft. Accompanied with position, heading, and altitude.
Bugout: Separation from a particular engagement, attack, or operation with no intent to reengage or return.
Bulldog: Friendly surface or submarine-launched anti-ship missile (AShM). For example, Harpoon, Exocet, or Penguin missiles.^*
Bullring: Maritime aircraft patrol zone.
Bullseye: An established reference point from which the position of an object can be referenced by bearing (magnetic) and range (nautical miles).
Bump: Directive to change power, plus or minus, from current power setting.
Burn Glint: Used to provide illumination.
Buster: Directive call to fly at maximum continuous speed (full military power without afterburner).
Buzzer: Electronic communications jamming. See also CHATTER.^**
Buzzsaw: A chemical light-stick tied to a string and swung overhead; used to mark a FRIENDLY position.^**
Candygram: Informative call to aircraft that electronic warfare (EW) targeting information is available on a briefed secure net.
Canyon: 1. Directive to use electromagnetic jamming on radar frequency indicated or in accordance with previous orders.; 2. Informative call for execution of electromagnetic attack (EA) list or EA against designated group.
Cap/Capping: 1. Establish a combat air patrol at a specified point, used prior to committing forces in support of a defensive operation.; 2. Aircraft is established in an orbit.
Captured: Aircrew has identified and is able to track a specified air-to-ground (A/G) target with an onboard sensor.
Catalog: Record a potential target's description, location, and elevation information on a potential target.
Cease: Discontinue stated activity.
Cease Engagement: 1. A fire control order used to direct air defense units to stop tactical action against a specified target.; 2. Break the engagement on the target specified and prepare to engage another target. Missiles in flight will continue to intercept.
Cease Fire: Stop firing and/or do not open fire; complete intercept if weapons are in flight; continue to track.
CERTSUB: Visual sighting of a submarine.
Chameleon: An electronic warfare target identified as operating on a known frequency with changes to external parameters. The term does not imply direction or authority to engage.
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, better against oncoming targets), but not medium pulse repetition frequency (MPRF, better against targets flying away).; 2. (Naval) Active missile not supported to active range.
Check Turn (deg): Directive to turn a specified number of degrees left or right and maintain new heading. (Left/right)
Cherubs: Height of a friendly aircraft in hundreds of feet.
Chicks: Friendly aircraft.
Christmas Tree: Directive to turn on all exterior lighting.
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.
Cobra: ASW torpedo in gyro angle snake search (GASS) mode (e.g., Mk46).
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 anticipated threats.; 3. Group(s) heading away from friendly aircraft.; 4. In ASW, designated unit has lost sonar contact.
Color (system): Request for information on a given 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/Committed: 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/Covering: 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.
Cowboys: Ships of an ASW Search and Attack Unit (SAU).
Crank: To maneuver beyond the range of a missile; implies illuminating target at radar gimbal limits in a beyond visual range engagement.
Cutoff: Request for, or directive to, intercept using cutoff geometry.
Cyclops: Any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Dash (#): Aircraft position within a flight. Use if specific call sign is unknown.
Data: Standby for improved data modem (IDM) data message concerning (object) at stated location.
Datum: Last known position of a submarine contact after contact was lost.
Deadeye: Informative call by an airborne laser designator indicating the laser/IR system is inoperative.
Deadstick: No propulsive power due to loss of the engine/s. See Deadstick landing.
Declare: Inquiry as to the identification of a specified track(s), target(s), or correlated group.
Defensive/Defending: Aircraft is in a defensive position and maneuvering with reference to an active threat.
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.
Dogbox: Area where friendly submarines or ships may be endangered by air-delivered torpedoes or are actively operating.
Dolly: Tactical Digital Information Link C [Link-4A] (Link-4A/TADIL C). This term was removed from U.S. usage in 2023.
Drag/Dragging: 1. (USAF) Target stabilized at 0 to 60 degrees aspect. (direction); 2. (Naval) Target stabilized at 120 to 180 degrees aspect.
Drop/Dropping: 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).
Dustbin: Nuclear ASW depth charge.
Echelon: Groups/contacts/formation with wingman displaced approximately 45 degrees behind leader's 3/9 (o'clock) line, see Echelon formation.
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.
Faded: Radar contact is lost. (Termination of track plotting is not warranted.)
Fast: Target speed is estimated to be at least 600 kn (1,100 km/h) ground speed or Mach 1.
Father: Tactical air navigation (TACAN) station.
Feather: Visual sighting of a periscope wake.
Feeler: Fire control radar.
Feet wet/dry: 1. Flying over water.; 2. Flying over land.
FENCE (in/out): Set cockpit switches as appropriate prior to entering/exiting the combat area (mnemonic for fire-control system/ECM/navigation/communication/Emitters).
Fish: Inbound torpedo.
Flank/Flanking: 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 pre-briefed 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): 1. Simulated/actual launch of semi-active radar-guided missile (Fox One).; 2. Simulated/actual launch of infrared-guided missile (Fox Two).; 3. Simulated/actual launch of active radar-guided missile (Fox Three).
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.
Flat: Even yourself out or calibrate yourself.
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)
Gingerbread: Directive to establish/maintain tighter brevity over voice communications.
Glowworm: Flare-dropping aircraft.
Go active: Go to the briefed HAVE QUICK net (UHF radio frequency hopping mode).
Goblin: Enemy diesel electric powered submarine.
Go clear: Use unencrypted voice communications.
Goggle/degoggle: 1. Directive/informative call to put on night vision devices.; 2. Directive/informative call to 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 (e.g., Tomahawk land attack missile (TLAM) and conventional air-launched cruise missile (CALCM)).
Group: Radar targets within approximately 3 nautical miles (3.5 mi; 5.6 km) of each other.
Guns: An air-to-air or air-to-surface gunshot.
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: Altitude between 25,000 and 40,000 ft (7,600 and 12,200 m) above mean sea level (MSL).
Hit(s): 1. (A/A) Momentary radar returns search. (Indicates approximate altitude information from fighter.); 2. (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.; 5. Anti-Aircraft weapon is operational and tracking.; 6. In ASW, designated unit has a sonar contact.
Hotdog: Informative/directive call that an aircraft is approaching or at a specified standoff distance from the sovereign airspace of a nation.
Hotshot: Informative call that an aircraft is deploying flares for either system testing or visual acquisition purposes.
Hotel fox: High frequency (HF) radio.
House party: Informative/directive call that a civilian building is booby trapped or rigged with an IED.
Husky: (Naval) AIM-120 supported to HPRF active range; same meaning as USAF "cheapshot."
ID (eye-dee): 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 IFF.
Indians: Ships of an ASUW Surface Attack Group (SAG).
Interrogate: Interrogate the designated contact of the IFF mode indicated.
Jackal: Surveillance network participating group 7 (NPG 7) of Link 16 TADIL.
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.
KIA: Killed in action.
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.
Kraken: Release of long-range anti-ship missile (LRASM).
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.
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 (3,000 m) above ground level (AGL).
Maddog: Launch of friendly active radar homing air-to-air missile without radar guidance from the launch aircraft.
Magnum: Launch of friendly anti-radiation missile (e.g., AGM-88 HARM, ALARM).
Mapping: Multifunction radar operating in an air-to-ground mapping mode.
Marking: Friendly aircraft leaving contrails.
Marmon: 5-inch (127 mm) naval gun.
Marshal/Marshalling: Establish/established at a specific point.
Medium: Target altitude between 10,000 ft AGL and 25,000 ft MSL.
Merge/Merged: 1. Information that friendlies and targets have arrived in the same visual arena.; 2. Radar returns have come together.
Mickey: HAVE QUICK time-of-day (TOD) signal.
Midnight: Informative call 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: Radar warning receiver (RWR) indication of ground threat. Add clock position/azimuth and radar type if known.
Music: Electronic radar jamming.
Nails: RWR indication of an AI radar in search mode. Add clock position/azimuth and radar type if known.
Naked: No RWR indications.
New picture: Call when tactical picture has changed. Supersedes previous information.
No factor: Not a threat.
No joy: Aircrew does not have visual contact with the target, bandit, or landmark; opposite of "Tally."
Notch: All-aspect missile defensive maneuver to place threat radar/missile 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 relative to target.
On station: Unit/aircraft has reached assigned station.
Opening: Increasing in range.
Oranges: Weather call.
Out (direction): Informative call indicating a turn to a cold aspect relative to the threat; opposite of "In."
Outlaw: Bogey has met point of origin criteria.
Package: Geographically isolated collection of groups/contacts/formations.
Padlocked: Informative call that aircrew cannot take eyes off an aircraft or surface position without losing tally/visual.
Paint(s): Interrogated group/radar contact responding with any of the specified IFF modes/codes established for the ID criteria.
Panther: Enemy nuclear powered attack submarine.
Parrot: Identification friend or foe (IFF) transponder.
Picture: Summary of tactical situation as provided by an AWACS or other C2 agency.
Pig: Friendly glide weapon (e.g., AGM-154 JSOW).
Pigeons: Magnetic bearing and range to homeplate or specified destination.
Pince/Pincer: Threat maneuvering for a bracket attack.
Pitbull: Active radar missile is at active range and no longer requires radar input from launch aircraft.
Playmate: Cooperating aircraft.
Playtime: Amount of time aircraft can remain on station.
POGO: Switch to specified communication channel; fallback to alternate if no contact.
Pop: Starting climb for air-to-surface attack.
Popeye: Flying in clouds or area of reduced visibility.
Popup: 1. Contact suddenly appearing inside meld/briefed range.; 2. Criteria for self-defense ROE to protect friendly air defense elements.
Posit: Request for position; usually a geographic landmark or off a common reference point.
Post attack: Direction indicated after completing attack.
Post hole: Rapid descending spiral.
Press: Directive to continue the attack; mutual support will be maintained.
Print (type): Unambiguous Non-Cooperative Target Recognition (NCTR) reply.
Privateer: Enemy patrol boat.
PROBSUB: Probable submarine contact.
Pull chocks: Depart or get ready to depart. (Originates from removing wheel chocks.)
Pump: Briefed maneuver to low aspect to stop closure or reset engagement geometry.
Pure: Directive or informative call indicating pure pursuit geometry.
Push (channel): Switch radio to designated frequency; no acknowledgment required.
Pushing: Departing a designated point.
Quail: Small aerial decoy/missile.
Range: Two or more groups separated primarily in distance along the same bearing.
Raygun: Indicates a radar lock-on to unknown aircraft; request for a "buddy spike" reply.
Reference: Directive to assume stated heading.
Repeat: In surface-surface operations, fire again using the same method of fire or the same number of rounds. Not used to request retransmission of a message.
Reported: Identification of an object or contact by an intelligence system.
Request tasking: Requesting an objective or heading from ground control or AWACS.
Reset: Proceed to a pre-briefed position or area of operations.
Resume: Resume last formation, station, or mission ordered.
Retrograde: Directive to withdraw from present position or area of operations in response to a threat.
Rider: Bogey conforming with safe passage routing/airspeed/altitude procedures.
Rifle: Friendly air-to-ground missile launch.
Ringer: ASW mortar.
Ripple: Two or more munitions released or fired in close succession.
Riser: Suddenly appearing radar contact.
River City: Implement immediate communications blackout.
Roger: Radio transmission received; does not indicate compliance or action.
Rolex (±time): Timeline adjustment in minutes from planned mission execution time.
Roman Candle: Nuclear tipped surface-to-air missile (SAM).
Rope: Illumination of an aircraft with an IR pointer.
Saddled: Informative call from wingman/element indicating return to briefed formation position.
SAM (direction): Visual acquisition of a surface-to-air missile (SAM) or SAM launch; should include position.
Sandwiched: Aircraft positioned between opposing forces.
Saunter: Fly at best endurance speed.
Scram: Emergency egress directive for defensive/survival reasons.
Scramble: Takeoff as quickly as possible.
Scud: Any tactical ballistic missile (TBM).
Separate: Directive to leave a specific engagement.
Shackle: One weave; single crossing of flight paths to adjust formation parameters.
Shadow: Follow indicated target.
Shift: Directive to shift laser/IR/radar illumination.
Shooter: Aircraft/unit designated to employ ordnance.
Shotgun: Pre-briefed weapons state at which separation/bugout should begin.
Skate: Directive to execute launch and leave tactics.
Skip it: Veto of fighter commit.
Skosh: Aircraft is out of or unable to employ active radar missiles.
Skunk: Maritime surface contact of unknown identity.
Slapshot: Directive to employ a HARM at a specified threat bearing.
Slide: Directive for a high-value asset to extend while maintaining mission support.
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 IR pointer about a target.
Snap (direction): Immediate vector to the described group.
Sniper: Directive to employ a known-range HARM on a specified threat.
Snooze: Initiate emission control (EMCON) procedures.
Sort/Sorted: 1. Directive to assign targeting or monitoring responsibility.; 2. Sort responsibility has been met.
Sour: 1. Equipment is operating inefficiently.; 2. Invalid response to IFF check; opposite of "Sweet."
Spades: Integrated group/radar contact lacking required IFF modes/codes.
Sparkle: Marking a target with an IR pointer.
Spike: RWR indication of AI radar in track or launch mode.
Spin: Pre-briefed timing/spacing maneuver.
Spitter: Aircraft departing engagement; direction given.
Splash: 1. Target destroyed (air-to-air).; 2. Weapon impact observed (air-to-ground).
Split: Flight member leaving formation to engage a threat.
Spoofing: Voice deception is being employed.
Spot: Laser designation acquisition.
Squawk (number/code): Operate IFF transponder as indicated.
Squawk flash: Use the IFF flash feature.
Squawking: Bogey responding with specific IFF mode.
Stack: Two or more groups separated vertically.
Status: Request for tactical situation update.
Steady: Directive to stop IR pointer oscillation.
Steer: Set magnetic compass heading as indicated.
Stern: Request for/directive to intercept from stern geometry.
Stinger: Three or more aircraft with one in trail formation.
Stop: Cease IR illumination of target.
Stranger: Unidentified traffic not associated with ongoing action.
Strangle: Directive to turn off specified equipment.
Strip: Fighter/section leaving formation for attack.
Stripped: Out of briefed formation position.
Strobe: Radar indications of noise jamming.
Sunshine: Illuminating target with artificial light.
Sunrise: C2 functions are available. Opposite of "Midnight."
Sweet: 1. Equipment is operating efficiently.; 2. Valid IFF response; opposite of "Sour."
Switch/Switched: Changing from one target/aircraft to another.
Tactical: Request/directive to switch to tactical control.
Tag: Identification of a specific system at the stated location.
Tally: Visual sighting of a target/bandit/bogey.
Target (): Assign group targeting responsibility to aircraft.
Targeted (): Group targeting responsibility has been met.
Ten seconds: Standby for "laser on" call in approximately 10 seconds.
Terminate: 1. Cease laser illumination.; 2. Cease local engagement activities.
Threat: Untargeted hostile/bandit/bogey within threat parameters.
Throttles: Reduction in power to reduce IR signature.
Tied: Positive radar contact with friendly element.
Tiger: Enough fuel and weapons to commit.
Timber: Link-16/TADIL-J net.
Track: Detected point of contact visible on radar/sonar console.
Tracking: 1. Fire control radar has solid lock on target.; 2. Continuous illumination of target.; 3. Contact heading.
Trailer: Last aircraft within a group.
Trashed: Missile defeated.
Trespass: Entering surface-to-air threat ring of specific system.
Tucker: 76mm gun.
Tumbleweed: Limited situational awareness; blind, no joy.
Turret: Launch of an air-to-surface missile.
Unable: Cannot comply with request or directive.
Uniform: UHF radio.
Vampire: Hostile anti-ship missile.
Vanished: Faded contact believed destroyed by friendly fire.
Very high: Above 40,000 feet MSL.
Vic: Three groups with the closest in range leading.
Victor: VHF AM radio.
Visual: Visual sighting of friendly aircraft or position; opposite of "Blind."
Wall: Three or more groups split in azimuth.
Warning (color): 1. Red: Hostile attack imminent or in progress.; 2. Yellow: Hostile attack probable.; 3. White: Hostile attack improbable.
Weapons (free/tight/hold): 1. Free: Fire at any target not identified as friendly.; 2. Tight: Fire only at targets identified as hostile.; 3. Hold: Fire only in self-defense or formal order.
Weeds: Operating below 2000 feet AGL.
What luck: Request for mission results.
What state: Report of fuel and missiles remaining.
Wilco: Will comply.
Winchester: No ordnance remaining.
Woodpecker: Close-in weapon system (CIWS).
Words: Further information or directives.
Working: 1. SEAD aircraft gathering electronic order of battle.; 2. Aircraft executing electronic ID of group.
Yardstick: Directive to use A/A TACAN for ranging.

References

Footnotes

Sources

Joint Brevity Words Publication (PDF). APP-7(D). NATO Standardization Agency. 24 January 2007. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 April 2022 – via 3rd-Wing.net.
Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Multi-Service Brevity Codes (PDF). ATP 1-02.1, MCRP 3-30B.1, NTTP 6-02.1, AFTTP 3-2.5. Air Land Sea Space Application Center. March 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on 22 March 2023 – via United States Army Publishing Directorate.
FM 101-5-1: Operational Terms and Graphics, 30 September 1997, Department of the Army/HQ US Marine Corps (Appendix E) Archived 25 August 2016 at the Wayback Machine
Intelligence Resource Program: TADIL, 23 April 2000, Federation of American Scientists Archived 29 August 2016 at the Wayback Machine

American/NATO codes

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

Y

See also

References