This is a list of American standardized brevity code words. The scope is limited to those brevity codes used in multiservice operations and does not include words unique to single service operations. While these codes are not authoritative in nature, all services agree to their meanings. Using the codes eases coordination and improves understanding during multiservice operations. The codes are intended for use by air and ground operations personnel at the tactical level. Code words that are followed by an asterisk (*) may differ in meaning from NATO usage.
Aborting/Abort/AbortedDirective/informative call to cease action/attack/event/mission.
ActionDirective to initiate a briefed attack sequence or maneuver.
ActiveAn emitter is radiating.
Add (system/category)Directive call to add a specific (system) or (electronic
order of battle (EOB) category) to search responsibility.
AlarmDirective/informative call indicating the termination of emission control (EMCON) procedures.
AlligatorLink-11/tactical digital information link (TADIL) A.
Alpha checkRequest for/confirmation of bearing and range to described point.
Anchor/anchored- Orbit about a specific point; refueling track flown by tanker
- Informative call to indicate a turning engagement about a specific location.
AngelsTerm meaning altitude in thousands of feet (e.g., Angels Five is 5,000 ft).
ArizonaNo
anti-radiation missile (ARM) ordnance remaining.
As fraggedUnit or element will be performing exactly as stated by the air tasking order (ATO).
AuthenticateTo request or provide a response for a coded challenge.
AutocatAny communications relay using automatic retransmissions.
AzimuthTwo or more groups primarily separated in bearing.
BanditAn aircraft identified as enemy, in accordance with theater ID criteria. The term does not necessarily imply direction or authority to
engage.
BanzaiInformation/directive to execute launch and defend tactics.
Base (number)Reference number used to indicate such information as headings, altitude, and fuels.
BeadWindowLast transmission potentially disclosed unauthorized information.
Beam/beamingTarget stabilized within 70 to 110 degree aspect; generally (direction) given with cardinal directions: east, west, north, or south.
BentSystem indicated is inoperative.
Bingo- Minimum fuel state needed for aircraft to return to base (aka "recovery").
- Proceed/am proceeding to specified base (field) or carrier
BirdFriendly
surface-to-air missile (SAM).
Bird(s) affirmSurface-to-air (S/A) informative call indicating unit is able and prepared to engage a specified target with SAMs (presumes target is within or will enter the SAM engagement envelope).
Bird(s) awayFriendly SAM has been fired at designated target.
Bird(s) negatS/A informative call indicating unit is unable to engage a specified target with SAMs. Opposite of bird(s) affirm.
BittersweetNotification of possible
blue on blue (
friendly fire) situation relative to a designated track or friendly aircraft.
BlankA suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) aircraft does not detect any emitters of interest.
BlindNo visual contact with friendly aircraft/ground position; opposite of
visual.
Blow throughDirective/informative call that indicates aircraft will continue straight ahead at the merge and not turn with target/targets.
Blue on blueFriendly fire, inadvertent hostile engagement between allies.
BogeyA radar or visual air contact whose identity is unknown.
Bogey dopeRequest for target information as briefed/available.
BoxGroups/contacts/formations in a square or offset square. FM 101-5-1 MCRP 5-2A
BRAATactical control format providing target bearing, range, altitude, and aspect, relative to a friendly aircraft.
BracketIndicates 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.
BreakawayTanker or receiver directive call indicating immediate vertical and nose/tail separation between tanker and receiver is required.
BrevityRadio frequency is becoming saturated, degraded, or jammed and briefer transmissions must follow.
BroadcastRequest/directive to switch to broadcast control.
Broke lockLoss of radar/infrared (IR) lock-on (advisory).
BruiserFriendly air-launched
anti-ship missile (ASM) (for example,
Harpoon,
Exocet, or
Penguin missiles).
Buddy lockLocked to a known friendly aircraft; normally a response to a
spike or
buddy spike call and accompanied with position/heading/altitude.
Buddy spikeFriendly aircraft(s) air-to-air indication on radar warning receiver (RWR); to be followed by position, heading, and altitude.
BugoutSeparation from that particular engagement/attack/operation; no intent to (direction) re-engage/return.
BulldogFriendly surface/submarine-launched ASM (for example,
Harpoon,
Exocet,
Otomat).
BullseyeAn established point from which the position of an object can be referenced; made by cardinal/range or digital format.
Bump/Bump-upStart temporary increase of flight altitude to set the aircraft to a favorable glide path to the target on the attack run.
Burn glintUsed to provide illumination.
BusterDirective call to fly at maximum continuous speed.
BuzzerElectronic communications jamming.
CandygramInformative call to aircraft that electronic warfare (EW) targeting information is available on a briefed secure net.
Cap/capping- Directive call to establish an orbit at a specified location. (location)
- An orbit at a specified location.
CapturedAircrew has identified and is able to track a specified air-to-ground (A/G) target with an onboard sensor.
CeaseIn air defense, break the engagement on the target specified. Missiles in flight
engagement will continue to intercept.
Cease fireDo not open fire and/or discontinue firing; complete intercept if weapons are in flight; continue to track.
ChampagneAn attack of three distinct groups with two in front and one behind.
ChattermarkBegin using briefed radio procedures to counter communications jamming.
Cheapshot- (USAF) Active missile supported to high pulse repetition frequency (HPRF), but not medium pulse repetition frequency (MPRF).
- (Naval) Active missile not supported to active range.
Check turn ()degrees left or right and maintain new heading. (Left/right)
CherubsHeight of a friendly aircraft in hundreds of feet.
ChicksFriendly aircraft.
Clean- No radar contacts on aircraft of interest.
- No visible battle damage
- Aircraft not carrying external stores.
ClearedRequested action is authorized (no engaged/support roles are assumed).
Cleared hotOrdnance release is authorized.
CloakDirective/informative call to switch from normal external lighting to covert
night vision device (NVD) only compatible lighting.
ClosingDecreasing in range.
Cold- Attack geometry will result in a pass or rollout behind the target.
- On a leg of the combat air patrol (CAP) pointed away from the anticipated threats.
- Group( s) heading away from friendly aircraft.
ColorRequest for information on a (system) at stated location; usually a request for (system/position) ambiguity resolution. May be used with improved data modem (IDM) data message−
color,
data.
ComeoffDirective 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/committedFighter intent to engage/intercept; controller continues to provide information.
ConfettiChaff lane or corridor.
Cons/conningThreat/
bogey aircraft leaving
contrails.
Contact- Sensor contact at the stated position.
- Acknowledges sighting of a specified reference point.
ContinueContinue present maneuver; does not imply clearance to engage or expend ordnance.
Continue dryOrdnance release not authorized.
Cover/coveringDirective/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.
CrankTo maneuver beyond the range of a missile; implies illuminating target at radar gimbal limits.
CutoffRequest 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.
DeadeyeInformative call by an airborne laser designator indicating the laser/IR system is inoperative.
DeadstickLost all propulsive power due to engine shutoff - see
Deadstick landingDeclareInquiry as to the identification of a specified track(s), target(s), or correlated group.
Defensive/defendingAircraft is in a defensive position and maneuvering with reference to an active threat.
De-louseDirective to detect and identify unknown aircraft trailing friendly aircraft.
DeployDirective to maneuver to briefed positioning.
DivertProceed to alternate mission or base.
DogboxArea within which units may interfere with or be endangered by ASW torpedoes
DollyTactical Digital Information Link C [Link-4A] (Link-4A/TADIL C).
Drag/dragging- (USAF) Target stabilized at 0 to 60 degrees aspect. (direction)
- (Naval) Target stabilized at 120 to 180 degrees aspect.
Drop/dropping- Directive/informative call to stop monitoring a specified emitter/target and resume search responsibilities.
- Remove the emitter/target from tactical picture/track stores.
DuckTactical air-launched decoy (TALD).
EchelonGroups/contacts/formation with wingman displaced approximately 45 degrees behind leader's 3/9 (o'clock) line, see
Echelon formation.
EchoPositive SEESAW/electronic warfare weapons system (EWWS)/System M/Mode X reply.
EngagedManeuvering with the intent to kill; this implies visual/radar acquisition of target.
EstimateProvides estimate of the size, range, height, or other parameter of a specified contact; implies degradation.
ExtendShort-term maneuver to gain energy, distance, or separation; normally with the (direction) intent of re-engaging.
Eyeball ()- Fighter with primary visual identification responsibility.
- Electro-optical (EO)/IR/NVD acquisition of an aircraft. Normally followed by ( ) number of aircraft observed.
FadedRadar contact is lost. (Termination of track plotting is not warranted.)
FastTarget speed is estimated to be at least 600 kn (1,100 km/h) ground speed or Mach 1.
FatherTactical air navigation (TACAN) station.
Feet wet/dryFlying over water/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).
Flank/flanking- (USAF) Target with a stable aspect of 120 to 150 degrees.
- (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.
FloatDirective/informative call to expand the formation laterally within visual limits to maintain a radar contact or prepare for a defensive response.
Fox (number) Simulated/actual launch of air-to-air weapons.
Fox mike Very high frequency (VHF)/frequency modulated (FM) radio.
FriendlyA positively identified friendly contact.
FurballA turning fight involving multiple aircraft with known
bandits and
friendlies mixed.
GadgetRadar or emitter equipment.
GateDirective/informative call to fly as quickly as possible, using afterburner/maximum power.
GimbalRadar target is approaching azimuth or elevation limits. (Direction)
GlowwormFlare-dropping aircraft
Go activeGo to the briefed HAVE QUICK net (UHF radio frequency hopping mode)
Go clearUse unencrypted voice communications.
Goggle/degoggleDirective/informative call to put on/take off night vision devices.
GorillaLarge force of indeterminate numbers and formation.
Go secureUse encrypted voice communications.
GrandslamAll
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.
GreyhoundFriendly ground attack cruise missile (for example, Tomahawk land attack missile (TLAM) and conventional air-launched cruise missile (CALCM)).
GroupRadar targets within approximately 3 nautical miles (~3.5 miles, ~5.6 kilometers) of each other.
GunsAn air-to-air or air-to-surface gunshot.
Hard (direction)High-G, energy-sustaining turn.
Head/head on- (USAF) Target with an aspect of 160 to 180 degrees.
- (Naval) Target with an aspect of 0 to 20 degrees.
Heads upAlert of an activity of interest.
HeavyA group or package known to contain three or more entities.
HighBetween 25,000 and 40,000 ft (7,600 and 12,200 m) above mean sea level (MSL).
Hit(s)- Air-to-air (A/A) Momentary radar returns search. (Indicates approximate altitude information from fighter.)
- Air-to-ground (A/G) Weapons impact within lethal distance.
Hold downDirective to key transmitter for direction-finding (DF) steer.
Holding handsAircraft in visual formation.
Hold fireAn emergency fire control order used to stop firing on a designated target, to include destruction of any missiles in flight.
Home plateHome airfield or carrier.
Hook (left/right)Directive to perform an in-place 180-degree turn.
HostileA contact identified as enemy upon which clearance to fire is authorized in accordance with theater rules of engagement.
Hot- Attack geometry will result in rollout in front of the target.
- On a leg of the CAP pointing toward the anticipated threats.
- Group heading towards friendly aircraft; opposite of COLD.
- Ordnance employment intended or completed.
- Anti-Aircraft weapon is operational and tracking.
HotdogInformative/directive call that an aircraft is approaching or at a specified standoff distance from the sovereign airspace of a nation (as defined by national boundaries or territorial sea and airspace). (
Color may indicate additional standoff distance.) Follow briefed procedures.
Hotel foxHigh frequency (HF) radio.
Husky(Naval) Air intercept missile (AIM)-120 supported to HPRF active range; same meaning as USAF
cheapshot.
Id (pronounced eye dee)- Directive to identify the target.
- Identification accomplished, followed by type.
In (direction)Informative call indicating a turn to a hot aspect relative to a
threat/
target.
IndiaMode IV.
InterrogateInterrogate the designated contact of the IFF mode indicated.
JackalSurveillance network participating group (NPG) of tactical data information link J
Link 16 (link 16/TADIL J).
JokerFuel state above BINGO at which separation/bugout/event termination should begin.
JudyAircrew 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- Clearance to fire.
- In training, a fighter call to indicate kill criteria have been fulfilled.
Knock it offDirective to cease air combat maneuvers/attacks/activities.
LadderThree or more groups/contacts in range.
Laser onDirective to start laser designation.
Lead-trailTactical 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 abreastTwo contacts within a group side by side.
Lights on/offDirective to turn on/off exterior lights.
LockedFinal radar lock-on; sort is not assumed. (
BRAA/direction)
Lost contactRadar contact lost. (
drop track is recommended.)
Lost lockLoss of radar/IR lock-on (advisory).
LowTarget altitude below 10,000 ft (3,000 m) above ground level (AGL).
MaddogLaunch of friendly
AIM-120 without radar guidance.
MagnumLaunch of friendly
anti-radiation missile.
MappingMultifunction radar in an Air/Ground mode.
MarkingFriendly aircraft leaving
contrails.
Marshal/marshallingEstablish/established at a specific point.
MediumTarget altitude between 10,000 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) and 25,000 feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL).
Merge/merged- Information that friendlies and targets have arrived in the same visual arena.
- Call indicating radar returns have come together.
MickeyHave quick radio time-of-day (TOD) signal
MidnightInformative call advising that C2 functions (Command & Control) are no longer available; opposite of
sunrise.
MonitorMaintain radar awareness on or assume responsibility for specified group.
MotherParent ship.
MudIndicates radar warning receiver (RWR) ground threat displayed followed by
clock position and type. (type/direction)
MusicElectronic radar jamming. (On air interdiction (AI) radar, electronic deceptive jamming.)
NailsRadar warning receiver (RWR) indication of AI radar in search. Add clock position/azimuth, if known.
NakedNo radar warning receiver (RWR) indications.
New pictureUsed by controller or aircrew when tactical picture has changed. Supersedes all previous calls and re-establishes picture for all players.
No factorNot a threat.
No joyAircrew does not have visual contact with the
target/
bandit/landmark; opposite of
tally.
NotchAll aspect missile defensive maneuver to place threat radar/missile on the beam. Modern pulse-doppler radars remove ground clutter by filtering out returns from stationary objects; putting the threat on the beam permits the defending aircraft to be confused with ground returns and hence disappear from the threat radar. (Direction)
Off (direction)Informative call indicating attack is terminated and maneuvering to the indicated direction.
OffsetInformative call indicating maneuver in a specified direction with reference to (direction) the target.
On stationInformative call unit/aircraft has reached assigned station.
OpeningIncreasing in range.
OrangesWeather.
Out (direction)Informative call indicating a turn to a cold aspect relative to the threat; opposite of
in.
OutlawInformative call that a bogey has met point of origin criteria.
PackageGeographically isolated collection of groups/contacts/formations.
PadlockedInformative call indicating aircrew cannot take eyes off an aircraft or a surface position without risk of losing
tally/
visual.
Paint(s)Interrogated group/radar contact that is responding with any of the specified IFF modes and correct codes established for the
id criteria.
ParrotIFF transponder.
PictureProvide tactical situation status pertinent to mission.
PigeonsMagnetic bearing and range to
homeplate (or specified destination). (Location)
Pince/pincerThreat maneuvering for a bracket attack.
Pitbull- Informative call AIM-120 is at active range and is not bound by fighter medium PRF (MPRF) radar limitations.
- AIM-54 at active range.
PlaymateCooperating aircraft.
PlaytimeAmount of time aircraft can remain on station.
(freq) Pogo (freq)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.
PopStarting climb for air-to-surface attack.
PopeyeFlying in clouds or area of reduced visibility.
Popup1. Informative call of a contact that has suddenly appeared inside of meld/CCR/briefed range. 2. Criteria used as a self-defense method, within the ROE, to protect friendly air defense elements from hostile aircraft.
PositRequest for position; response in terms of a geographic landmark, or off a common reference point.
Post attackDirective transmission to indicate desired direction after completion of (Direction) intercept/engagement.
Post holeRapid descending spiral.
PressDirective to continue the attack; mutual support will be maintained. Supportive role will be assumed.
Print (type)Unambiguous Non-Cooperative Target Recognition (NCTR) reply.
Pull chocksDepart. Get ready to depart. (Refers to pulling concrete blocks from aircraft wheels to allow take-off)
PumpA briefed maneuver to low aspect (where aspect refers to target position—regardless of distance—relative to the friendly aircraft's nose; "high aspect" would be on an azimuth in front of the friendly, while "low aspect" would indicate position along an azimuth behind the friendly) to stop closure on the threat or geographical boundary, with the intent to re-engage.
PureInformative call indicating pure pursuit is being used or directive to go pure pursuit.
Push (channel)Go to designated frequency. No acknowledgment required.
PushingDeparting designated point.
PushingInformative call that said group( s) have turned cold and will continue to be (group description) monitored.
RangeTwo or more groups separated primarily in distance along the same bearing.
RaygunIndicates a radar lock-on to unknown aircraft; a request for a
buddy spike (position/heading/altitude) reply from friendly aircraft meeting these parameters (to prevent friendly fire).
ReferenceDirective to assume stated heading. (Direction)
RepeatUsed in surface-surface operations to fire again using the same method of fire (during adjustment) or to fire the same number of rounds using the same method of fire (during fire for effect). This is not used to request that the last message be retransmitted (for this, use
say again).
ReportedIdentification of an object or a contact by an intelligence system. (Type)
ResetProceed to a pre-briefed position or area of operation.
ResumeResume last formation/station/mission ordered.
RetrogradeDirective to withdraw from present position or area of operation in response to a threat.
RiderA
bogey that is conforming with safe passage routing/airspeed/altitude procedures.
RifleAir-to-ground missile (AGM)-65 Maverick launch.
RippleTwo or more munitions released or fired in close succession.
River CityImplement immediate communications blackout until further notice.
RogerRadio transmission received; does not indicate compliance or reaction.
Rolex (±time)Time-line adjustment in minutes from planned mission execution time. (Positive is later).
RopeIllumination of an aircraft with an IR pointer.
SaddledInformative call from wingman/element indicating the return to briefed formation position.
SAM (direction)Visual acquisition of a SAM (surface-air missile) or SAM launch; should include position.
SandwichedA situation where an aircraft/element is positioned between opposing aircraft/elements.
SaunterFly at best endurance.
ScramEmergency directive to egress for defensive or survival reasons. (Direction)
ScrambleTakeoff as quickly as possible.
ScudAny threat tactical/theater ballistic missile (TBM).
SeparateLeave a specific engagement; may or may not re-enter.
ShackleOne
weave, a single crossing of flight paths; maneuver to adjust/regain formation parameters.
ShadowFollow indicated target.
ShiftDirective to shift laser illumination.
ShooterAircraft/unit designated to employ ordnance.
ShotgunPre-briefed weapons state at which
separation/
bugout should begin.
SkateInformative call/directive to execute launch and leave tactics.
Skip itVeto of fighter
commit, usually followed with further directions.
SkoshAircraft is out of or unable to employ active radar missiles.
SkunkA radar or visual maritime surface contact whose identity is unknown.
SlapshotDirective for an aircraft to employ a range-unknown high-speed anti-radiation (type/bearing) missile (HARM) against a specified threat at the specified bearing.
SlideDirective call to high value airborne asset (HVAA) to continue present mission while extending range from target in response to perceived threat.
SlowTarget with a ground speed of 300 kn (560 km/h) or less.
SmashDirective to turn on/off anti-collision lights.
SmokeSmoke marker used to mark a position.
SnakeDirective to oscillate an IR pointer about a target.
Snap (direction) An immediate vector to the group described.
SniperDirective for an aircraft to employ a range-known HARM against a specified threat at the specified location.
SnoozeDirective/informative call indicating initiation of EMCON procedures.
Sort/sorted- Directive to assign targeting or monitoring responsibility for multiple targets within a group; criteria can be met visually, electronically (radar), or both.
- Sort responsibility has been met.
Sour- Equipment indicated is operating inefficiently.
- Invalid response to an administrative IFF check. (Opposite of sweet.)
SpadesAn integrated group/radar contact which lacks the ATO (or equivalent) IFF modes and codes required for the ID criteria.
SparkleTarget marking by IR pointer; target marking by gunship or forward air controller (airborne) (FAC-A) using incendiary rounds.
SpikeRWR indication of an AI threat in track, launch, or unknown mode; include bearing, clock position, and threat type, if known.
SpinDirective/informative call to execute a pre-briefed timing/spacing maneuver.
SpitterAn aircraft that has departed from the engagement or is departing the engaged (direction) fighters' targeting responsibility.
Splash- (A/A) Target hit with expended munition.
- (A/G) Weapons impact in lethal area of target.
SplitAn informative call that a flight member is leaving formation to engage a threat; visual may not be maintained.
SpoofingInformative call that voice deception is being employed.
SpotAcquisition of laser designation.
Squawk (number/code)Operate IFF as indicated or IFF is operating as indicated.
Squawk flashUse the flash feature on the IFF which cause the transponder signal to highlight on radar display. Hence the term means to announce your location.
SquawkingAn informative call denoting a bogey is responding with an IFF mode (#).
StackTwo or more groups/contacts/formations with a high/low altitude separation in relation to each other.
StatusRequest for tactical situation.
SteadyDirective to stop oscillation (wavering) of IR pointer.
SteerSet magnetic compass heading indicated.
SternRequest for, or directive to, intercept using stern geometry.
StingerWithin a group, a formation of three or more aircraft with a single aircraft in trail.
StopStop IR illumination of a target.
StrangerUnidentified traffic that is not associated with the action in progress.
Strangle ()Turn off equipment indicated.
StripIndividual fighter/section is leaving the formation to pursue separate attacks.
StrippedInformative call from wingman/element indicating out of briefed formation/position.
StrobeRadar indications of noise jamming.
SunshineDirective or informative call indicating illumination of target is being conducted with artificial illumination.
SunriseInformative call that C2 functions (Command & Control) are available. (opposite of
midnight).
Sweet- Equipment indicated is operating efficiently.
- Valid response to an administrative IFF check. (Opposite of sour.)
Switch/switchedIndicates an attacker is changing from one aircraft to another.
TacticalRequest/directive to switch to tactical control.
Tag(system Known identification of a specific (system) at the stated location; may be used w/position) with IDM data message, (for example,
tag data).
TallySighting 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 secondsDirective to terminal controller to stand by for
laser on call in approximately 10 seconds.
Terminate- Stop laser illumination of a target.
- Cease local engagement without affecting the overall exercise.
ThreatUntargeted
hostile/
bandit/
bogey within pre-briefed range/aspect of a (direction) friendly.
ThrottlesReduction in power to decrease IR signature.
TiedPositive radar contact with element/aircraft.
TigerEnough fuel and ordnance to accept a
commit.
TimberAir control network participating group (NPG) of tactical digital information links (
Link 16/TADIL J).
Tracking- Fire control system has solid lock on target (aka a "stabilized gun solution").
- Continuous illumination of a target.
- Contact heading.
TrailerThe last aircraft within a group(s).
TrashedInformative call that missile has been defeated.
TrespassThe addressed flight is entering a surface/air threat ring of a specific system at the stated (position) location.
TumbleweedIndicates limited situational awareness;
no joy,
blind; a request for information.
UnableCannot comply as requested/directed.
UniformUltra-high frequency (UHF) radio.
VampireHostile antiship missile (ASM).
Very highAbove 40,000 ft (12,000 m) MSL.
VicThree groups, contacts, or formations with the single closest in range and two contacts, azimuth split, in trail.
VictorVHF/amplitude modulation (AM) radio.
VisualSighting of a friendly aircraft/ground position; opposite of
blind.
WallThree or more groups or contacts primarily split in azimuth.
Warning (color)Hostile attack is
Weapons (followed by appropriate modifier below)Fire only;
WeedsIndicates that fixed-wing aircraft are operating below 2,000 ft (610 m) above ground level.
What luckRequest for results of missions or tasks.
What stateReport amount of fuel and missiles remaining. Ammunition and oxygen are reported only when specifically requested or critical.
WilcoWill comply
WinchesterNo ordnance remaining.
WordsDirective or interrogative regarding further information or directives pertinent to mission.
Working- A suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) aircraft is gathering electronic order of battle (EOB) (which emitter controls the operations of other emitters) on a designated emitter; generally followed by signal type, (SAM/AAA/group) bearing, and range, if able.
- Aircraft executing electronic identification (EID) on a specific aircraft/group to obtain identification necessary for beyond visual range (BVR) employment.
YardstickDirective to use air-to-air tactical air navigation (A/A TACAN) for ranging.