Aircrew Operational Brevity Words A-M
Terms
undefined, object
copy deck
- Directive call to cease action, attack, event, or mission
- ABORT
- Directive call to initiate a briefed attack sequence or maneuver
- ACTION
- Referenced emitter is radiating at the stated location or along the stated bearing.
- (system) ACTIVE (location/direction)
- Directive call to add a specific system or electronic order of battle (EOB) category to search responsibilities
- ADD (system/category)
- Directive or informative call indicating the termination of EMCON procedures
- ALARM
- LINK-11/TADIL-A
- ALLIGATOR
- Request for confirmation of bearing and range from ownship to described point
- ALFA CHECK
-
1. Informative call to indicate a turning engagement at the specified location
2. Directive call to orbit a point
3. Refueling track flown by tanker - ANCHORED (w/location)
- Height of friendly aircraft in thousands of feet MSL
- ANGELS
- No ARM ordnance remaining
- ARIZONA
- CONTACTS(s) resulting from target maneuvers exceeding GROUP criteria
- ARM
- Select armament (safe/hot) or armament is safe/hot
- ARM/ARMED (SAFE/HOT)
- Unit or element will be performing exactly as stated by the ATO
- AS FRAGGED
- Indicates air-to-surface (A/S) attack on a specific ground target
- ATTACKING
- To request or provide a response to a coded challenge
- AUTHENTICATE
- Any communications relay using automatic retransmissions
- AUTOCAT
- Release/launch of specified weapon
- (weapon) AWAY
- A picture label describing two groups seperated laterally
- AZIMUTH
- An aircraft identified as an enemy IAW theater identification criteria. Does not necessarily imply direction or authority to engage
- BANDIT
- Informative or directive call to execute launch-and-decide tactics
- BANZAI
- Reference number used to indicate such information as headings, altituds, and fuels
- BASE
- Last transmission potentially disclosed unauthorized information (multiservice)
- BEAD WINDOW (multiservice)
- Target stabilized within 70 to 110 degrees of aspect; generally given in cardinal directions (east, west, south, north)
- BEAM (w/cardinal direction)
- System indicated is inoperative
- (system) BENT
- Fuel state needed for recovery
- BINGO
- Friendly surface-to-air missile (SAM).
- BIRD
- Surface-to-air informative call indicating unit is able and prepared to engage a specified target with SAMS(presumes target is within or will enter the SAM egagment envelope)
- BIRD(S) AFFIRM
- Surface-to-air informative call indicating unit is unable to engage a specified target with SAMS
- BIRD(S) NEGATE
- Notification of possible blue-on-blue (fratricide) situation relative to a designated track or friendly. (multiservice)
- BITTERSWEET (multiservice)
- No visual contact with friendly aircraft/ground position
- BLIND
- Directive or informative call that indicates aircraft will continue straight ahead at the merge and not become anchored with target/targets
- BLOW THROUGH
- A radar or visual air contact whose identity is unknown
- BOGEY
- Request for target information as requested or closest group in BRAA
- BOGEY DOPE
- A picture label describing four distinct groups with two in front and two behind in a square or offset square orientation
- BOX
- Tactical control format providing target bearing, range, altitude, and aspect, relative to a friendly aircraft. Aspect is only required if other than hot
- BRAA
- Surface-to-air informative call indicating friendly SAM has been fired at designated target
- BIRD(S) AWAY
- Directive call to maneuver to a position on opposing sides, either laterally or vertically from the targets
- BRACKET (w/direction)
- Directive call to perform an immediate maximum performance 180-degree turn (or as directed) in the indicated direction. Assumes a defensive situation requiring infared missile defence (IRMD)
- BREAK (w/direction)
- Tanker or reciever call indicating immediate vertical and nose/tail separation between tanker and reciever is required
- BREAK AWAY
- Radio frequency is becoming saturated/degraded or jammed and briefer transmissions must follow
- BREVITY
- Request or directive call to switch to broadcast control
- BROADCAST
- Advisory call regarding loss of radar/IR lock-on
- BROKE LOCK
- Friendly air launched antiship missile
- BRUISER
- Locked to a known friendly aircraft. Normally a response to a SPIKE or BUDDY SPIKE call
- BUDDY LOCK
- Friendly aircraft air-to-air (A/A) radar track indication on radar warning reciever (RWR)
- BUDDY SPIKE (position/altitude/heading)
- Separation from that particular engagement/attack/operation; no intent to reengage/return
- BUGOUT (w/direction)
- Friendly surface/submarine launched antiship missile
- BULL DOG
- An established reference point from which the position of an object can be referenced by bearing (Magnetic) an range (NM) from this point
- BULLSEYE
- Informative call that gated laser illuminator (GLINT) is being used to provide illumination. Typicall employed by AC-130 to illuminate surface points of interest
- BURN
- Directive call to fly at max continuous speed (Mil power)
- BUSTER
- Electronic communications jamming
- BUZZER
- Informative call to aircraft that electronic warfare (EW) targeting information is available on a pre-briefed secure net
- CANDYGRAM
- Directive call to establish a combat air patrol (CAP) at a specified point
- CAP (location)
- Descriptive term for aircraft in a CAP
- CAPPING (location)
- Aircrew has acquired and is able to track a specified air-to-ground (A/G) target with an on-board sensor
- CAPTURED
- In air defense, break the engagement on the target specified. Missiles in flight will continue to intercept (multiservice)
- CEASE ENGAGEMENT (multiservice)
- Discontinue firing/do not open fire. Complete intercept if weapons are in flight. Continue to track
- CEASE FIRE
- Aircraft-to-aircraft directive to stop firing laser. Opposite of LASER ON
- CEASE LASER
- A picture label describing three distinct groups with two in front and one behind
- CHAMPAGNE
- Begin using briefed radio procedures to counter communications jamming
- CHATTERMARK
- AIM-120 missile data link terminated between high pulse repetition frequency (HPRF) and medium pulse repetition frequency (MPRF)
- CHEAP SHOT
- Turn (number) degrees left or right and maintain new heading
- CHECK (number, left/right)
- Directive call to reference data link display
- CHECK TIDS/TAD
- Altitude of friendly aircraft in hundreds of feet AGL (multiservice)
- CHERUBS (multiservice)
- Friendly aircraft
- CHICKS
-
1. No sensor information on non-friendly aircraft of interest
2. No visible battle damage
3. Aircraft not carrying external stores - CLEAN
- Flight lead response. Request action is authorized. Mutual support may be detached to fulfill brefed contracts (e.g., split criteria, shot doctrine). Wingmen will ensure deconfliction from flight lead
- CLEARED
- Ordnance release is authorized
- CLEARED HOT
- Directive/informative call to switch from normal/overt external lighting to covert night vision device (NVD) only compatible lighting
- CLOAK
- Decreasing in separation (multiservice)
- CLOSING (multiservice)
-
1. A descriptive/directive call to initiate a turn in the CAP away from the anticipated threats.
2. Groups heading away from aircraft
3. Attack geometry will result in a pass or roll out behind the target
4. Defined area is not expected to - COLD
- Request for information on a (type) system at stated location; implies a request for ambiguity resolution. May be used with improved data modem (IDM) data message -- COLOR DATA
- COLOR (system, w/position)
- Directive call to reverse course
- COMEBACK (w/direction)
-
1. (Air-to-Air) Directive call to maneuver as indicated to either regain mutual support or to deconflict flight paths. Implies both VISUAL and TALLY
2. (Air-to-Ground) Directive call to maneuver or execute a specific instruction - COMEOFF (w/direction)
- Directive call to intercept a group of interest
- COMMIT
- Request for number of contacts within a group
- COMPOSITION
- Chaff lane or corridor (multiservice)
- CONFETTI (multiservice)
- Threat/bogey aircraft leaving contrails
- CONS/CONNING
-
1. Sensor contact at the stated position
2. Acknowledges sighting or a specified reference point
3. Individual radar return within a group or arm - CONTACT
- Inner group formation with four contacts oriented in a square or offset square
- CONTAINER
- Continue present maneuver; does not imply a change in clearance to engage or expend ordnance
- CONTINUE
- Continue present maneuver, ordnance release not authorized. Training use only.
- CONTINUE DRY
- Directive/informative call to assume a supporting position that will allow engagement of a specified track or threat to the flight if required
- COVER
- F-Pole maneuver; implies illuminating target at radar gimbal limits
- CRANK (w/direction)
- Request for, or directive to, intercept using cutoff geometry
- CUTOFF
- Any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
- CYCLOPS
- Aircraft position within a flight. Use if specific call sign is unknown. (multiservice)
- DASH (#)
- Standby for data link message concerning object at stated location
- DATA (object, w/position)
- Informative call by an airborne laser designator indicating the laser/IR system is inoperative
- DEADEYE
- Inquiry as to the identification of specified tracks, targets, or correlated group
- DECLARE
- Descriptive term used to indicate seperation between the nearest and farthest groups in range in a relative formation; used to describe a LADDER, VIC, CHAMPAGNE, or BOX
- DEEP
- Speaker is under attack, is maneuvering defensively, and is unable to ensure deconfliction or mutual support
- DEFENSIVE
- Aircraft is in a defensive position and maneuvering with reference to a surface-to-air threat
- DEFENDING (w/direction)
- Directive call to detect, identify, and engage (if required) unknown aircraft trailing friendly aircraft
- DELOUSE
- Directive call for the flight to maneuver to briefed positioning
- DEPLOY
- Request for modified J-FIRE 9-Line Brief from JSTARS
- DETAILS
- Proceed to alternate mission/base
- DIVERT
- LINK-4A/TADIL-C
- DOLLY
- Target stabilized at 0 to 60 degrees angle from tail or 120- to 180-degree angle from nose
- DRAG (w/cardinal direction)
-
1. Directive/informative call to stop monitoring a spefic emitter/target and resume search responsibility
2. Remove the emitter/target from the tactical picture/track stores
3. Directive call to remove a specific system or EOB category from sea - DROP
- Informative call that a fighter has discontinued targeting responsibility
- DROPPING
- (NATO) Informative/directive call to descend and increase speed
- DUCK
- A fill-in describing a RANGE or AZIMUTH presentation, with one group displaced behind and to the side of the other group.
- ECHELON (w/cardinal direction)
- Positive SEESAW/System M/Mode X reply
- ECHO
- No emitters of interest detected
- EMPTY
- Informative call used to establish engaged and support roles in the visual arena
- ENGAGED
- Provide estimate of the size, range, height, or other parameters of a specified contact; implies degradation
- ESTIMATE
- Short-term maneuver to gain energy, distance, or seperation normally with the intent of reengaging
- EXTEND (w/direction)
-
1. Electro-optical (EO)/IR/NVD acquisition of an aircraft normally followed by number of aircraft observed
2. Fighter with primary visual identification responsibility - EYEBALL
- Radar contact (temporarily) is lost on a non-friendly aircraft/surface contact and any positional information given is estimated
- FADED
- Target speed is estimated to be 600-900 knots ground speed/Mach 1 to 1.5
- FAST
- Shipboard tactical air navigation (TACAN) station. (multiservice)
- FATHER (multiservice)
- Flying over water/land
- FEET WET/DRY
- Set cockpit switches as appropriate prior to entering/exiting the combat area
- FENCE (IN/OUT)
- Contact aspect stabilized at 120- to 150- degree angle from the tail or 30- to 60-degree angle from nose
- FLANK (w/cardinal direction)
- Temporarily activate specified system for identification purposes (e.g., IFF, afterburner, flare, or chaff)
- FLASH (system)
- Directive term for helicopter to turn on IR floodlight (pointed at ground to aid in visual acquisition by escort aircraft)
- FLASHLIGHT
- Directive or informative call to expand the formation laterally within visual limits to maintain radar contact or prepare for a defensive response
- FLOAT
- Directive call to fly stated heading
- FLOW
- A/A weapons employment
- FOX
- Simulated or actual launch of semiactive radar-guided missile
- FOX ONE
- VHF/FM radio
- FOX MIKE
- Simulated or actual launch of IR-guided missile
- FOX TWO
- Simulated or actual launch of active radar-guided missiles on the same target
- FOX 3/SECOND FOX 3
- Shot/Kill Communications Brevity
- FOX 3 CLOSE/MEDIUM/LONG
- Valid missile shot against (x) separate targets (assumes 1 missile per target)
- FOX 3 (X) SHIP (formation description)
- A positively identified friendly aircraft or ground position
- FRIENDLY
- Response to a DECLARE request indicating known bandits and friendlies in close proximity
- FURBALL
- Radar or emitter equipment
- GADGET
- Directive/informative call to fly as quickly as possible, using afterburner/max power
- GATE
- Emitter is employing electronic protection measures
- GENIE
- Radar target is approaching azimuth or elevation limits.
- GIMBAL (w/BRAA)
- Go to briefed HAVE QUICK net
- GO ACTIVE
- Use unencrypted voice communications
- GO CLEAR
- A bogey that has not conformed to safe passage routing, airspeed, or altitude procedures. Will only be used when safe passage or minimum risk routing procedures are part of an ID matrix
- GOPHER
- Use encrytped voice communications
- GO SECURE
- Directive call to put on/take off NVDs
- GOGGLE/DEGOGGLE
- Informative call that NVDs are on/off
- GOGGLES ON/GOGGLES OFF
- Large force of indeterminable numbers and formation
- GORILLA
- All hostile aircraft of a designated track (or against which a mission was tasked) are shot down (multiservice)
- GRAND SLAM (multiservice)
- Direction determined to be clearest of enemy A/A activity
- GREEN (w/cardinal direction)
- Friendly ground attack cruise missile
- GREYHOUND
- Aircraft whithin 3 NM in azimuth or range
- GROUP
- An air-to-air or air-to-surface gunshot
- GUNS
- Link-16 air control NPG initiation between air control unit and controlled aircraft
- HANDSHAKE
- High-G, energy sustaining 180-degree turn (or as directed) in the indicated direction
- HARD (w/direction)
- Alert of an activity of interest
- HEADS UP
- A group or package known to contain three or more entities
- HEAVY
- CONTACT is greater than 40,000 MSL (NATO is 25,000 to 50,000 MSL)
- HIGH
-
1. (A2A)- Momentary radar returns in search.
2. Indicates approximate target altitude
3. (A2G)- Weapons impact within lethal distance - HITS
- Directive call to key transmitter for direction finder (DF) steer
- HOLD DOWN
- An emergency fire control order to stop firing on a designated target to include destruction of any missiles in flight
- HOLD FIRE
- Aircraft in visual formation
- HOLDING HANDS
- Data link message not recieved
- HOLLOW
- Home airfield or carrier
- HOMEPLATE
-
1. Directive call to perform an in-place 180 degree turn.
2. (w/descriptor) Link 16 directive call to cue sensors to A/G point (point of interest, SAM, markpoint, TN, etc) - HOOK (w/direction)
- A contact identified as an enemy upon which clearance to fire is authorized IAW the theater ROE's
- HOSTILE
-
1. A descriptive/directive call to initiate a turn in the CAP toward the anticipated threats
2. Groups heading towards friendly aircraft.
3. Ordnance employment intended or completed
4. Defined area is expected to recieve fire
5. Cont - HOT
- Informative/directive call that an aircraft is approaching or at a specified standoff distance from the sovereign airspace of a nation. Follow briefed procedures. (multiservice)
- HOTDOG (multiservice)
- HF radio
- HOTEL FOX
- Informative call that the AIM-120 is at HPRF active range
- HUSKY
- Directive call to identify the target; also aircrew identification accomplished, followed by type aircraft or "FRIENDLY/HOSTILE."
- ID
- JSTARS call indicating surface vehicles are stationary
- IDLE
-
1. Informative call indicating a turn toward a known threat. Implies a request for information.
2. Entering terminal phase of an A2G attack - IN
- Perform indicated maneuver simultaneously
- IN PLACE (w/direction)
- Mode 4
- INDIA
- Interrogate the designated contact of the identification, friend or foe (IFF)/selective identification feature (SIF) mode indicated. (multiservice)
- INTERROGATE (multiservice)
- Surveillance network participating group (NPG) of LINK-16/TADIL-J
- JACKAL
- Directive call to perform an unpredictable maneuver to negate a gun tracking solution
- JINK
- Fuel state above BINGO at which seperation/bugout/event termination should begin
- JOKER
- Aircrew has radar or visual contact on the correct target, has taken control of the intercept, and requires only situation awareness (SA) information; WD will minimize radio transmissions
- JUDY
-
1. Directive call to fire on designated target
2. In training, a fighter call to indicate kill criteria have been fufilled - KILL
- Directive call to cease air combat maneuvers/attacks/activities
- KNOCK-IT-OFF
- A picture label describing three or more groups separated in range from a god's eye view
- LADDER
- Directive call to start laser designation
- LASER ON
- Informative call indicating that the speaker is firing the laser
- LASING
- C2 term that provides the last contact altitude from a hight fidelity source (fighter radar)
- LAST
- A request to provide tactical ground information pertinent to the mission in a digital bullseye format
- LOWDOWN
- Inner-group formation of two or more contacts separated in range
- LEAD-TRAIL
- Airborne threat has passed through a defensive layer. Call should include amplifying information
- LEAKERS
- Directive/informative call to maneuver in a direction to avoid the threat
- LEAN (direction)
- Directive to turn on/off exterior lights
- LIGHTS ON/OFF
- Directive call for flight to turn all position lights to bright
- LIGHTBULB
- Inner group formation of two or more contacts separated in azimuth
- LINE ABREAST
-
1. (w/position) Radar lock-on; correct targeting is not assumed
2. (w/group name) Radar lock-on; sort is not assumed - LOCKED
- Target altitude is below 10,000 feet MSL
- LOW
- Visual AIM-120 launch
- MADDOG
- Launch of friendly antiradiation missile (ARM)
- MAGNUM (system/location)
- Informative call that said group is maneuvering in azimuth, range, and/or altitude
- MANEUVER (AZIMUTH/RANGE/ALTITUDE)
- Multi-function radar in an A/G mode
- MAPPING
- Friendly aircraft leaving contrails
- MARKING
- Established at a specific point
- MARSHAL(ING)
- Used when aircraft passes over pick up zone (PZ)/landing zone (LZ)/team
- MARK
- Target altitude between 10,000 and 40,000 feet MSL
- MEDIUM
- Informative call that friendlies and targets have arrived in the same visual arena. Call indicating radar returns have come together
- MERGE(D)
- HAVE QUICK time-of-day (TOD) signal
- MICKEY
- Informative call advising that C2 radar functions are unavailable due to degradation. Advisory information is still availabele. Opposite of SUNRISE
- MIDNIGHT
- Informative call indicating completion of a2g ordnance delivery. Generally used by the last aircraft in conjunction with a pre-coordinated egress plan.
- MILLER TIME
-
1. Monitoring sensor awareness on specified GROUP
2. Directive call to an aircraft to maintain contact/targeting information on a maritime surface - MONITOR(ING)
- Parent Ship (multiservice)
- MOTHER (multiservice)
- Unidentified surface vehicles in motion
- MOVER(S)
- Indicates radar warning receiver (RWR) ground threat displayed with no launch identification
- MUD (type w/direction)
- Electronic radar jamming (on air intercept radar, electronic deception jamming)
- MUSIC