Brevity code for NATO communications From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Multiservice tactical brevity codes are codes used by various military forces. The codes' procedure words, a type of voice procedure, are designed to convey complex information with a few words.
March 2023 edition cover page of the Multi-Service Brevity Codes
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, ground, sea, and space operations personnel at the tactical level. Code words that are followed by an asterisk (*) may differ in meaning from NATO usage. There is a key provided below to describe what personnel use which codes, as codes may have multiple meanings depending on the service. These are denoted in-line for each brevity code.
More information Denotation, Meaning ...
Key
Denotation
Meaning
No Caveat
Denotes a general brevity code.
[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.
Surface-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) away
Friendly SAM has been fired at designated target.
Bird(s) negat
S/A informative call indicating unit is unable to engage a specified target with SAMs. Opposite of bird(s) affirm.
Bittersweet
Notification of possible blue on blue (friendly fire) situation relative to a designated track or friendly aircraft.
Directive/informative call that indicates aircraft will continue straight ahead at the merge and not turn with target/targets.
Blue on blue
Friendly fire, inadvertent hostile engagement between allies.
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. FM 101-5-1 MCRP 5-2A
BRAA
Tactical control format providing target bearing, range, altitude, and aspect, relative to a friendly aircraft or bullseye.
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/infrared (IR) lock-on (advisory).
Bruiser
Friendly air-launched anti-ship missile (AShM) (for example, Harpoon, Exocet, or Penguin missiles).
Buddy lock
Locked to a known friendly aircraft; normally a response to a spike or buddy spike call and accompanied with position/heading/altitude.
Buddy spike
Friendly aircraft air-to-air indication on radar warning receiver (RWR); to be followed by position, heading, and altitude.
Bugout
Separation from that particular engagement/attack/operation; no intent to (direction) re-engage/return.
Bulldog
Friendly surface/submarine-launched AShM (for example, 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
Start temporary increase of flight altitude to set the aircraft to a favorable glide path to the target on the attack run.
Burn glint
Used to provide illumination.
Buster
Directive call to fly at maximum continuous speed.
Buzzer
Electronic communications jamming.
C
Candygram
Informative 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.
Captured
Aircrew has identified and is able to track a specified air-to-ground (A/G) target with an onboard sensor.
Cease
In air defense, break the engagement on the target specified. Missiles in flight engagement will continue to intercept.
Cease fire
Discontinue firing and/or Do not open fire; complete intercept if weapons are in flight; continue to track.
CERTSUB
Visual sighting of a submarine.
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
(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).
(Naval) Active missile not supported to active range.
Check turn (deg)
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
to turn on all exterior lighting.
Clean
No radar contacts on aircraft of interest.
No visible battle damage
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.
Attack geometry will result in a pass or rollout behind the target.
On a leg of the combat air patrol (CAP) pointed away from anticipated threats.
Group(s) heading away from friendly aircraft.
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.
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.
A turning fight involving multiple aircraft with known bandits and friendlies mixed.
Flat
Even yourself out or calibrate yourself
G
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
Directive/informative call to put on/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 (for example, Tomahawk land attack missile (TLAM) and conventional air-launched cruise missile (CALCM)).
Group
Radar targets within approximately 3 nautical miles (3.5mi; 5.6km) of each other.
Guns
An air-to-air or air-to-surface gunshot.
H
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 up
Alert of an activity of interest.
Heavy
A group or package known to contain three or more entities.
High
Between 25,000 and 40,000ft (7,600 and 12,200m) 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 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
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.
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 (as defined by national boundaries or territorial sea and airspace). (Color may indicate additional standoff distance.) Follow briefed procedures.
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, and needs to be evacuated.
Husky
(Naval) Air intercept missile (AIM)-120 supported to HPRF active range; same meaning as USAF cheapshot.
I
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.
India
Mode IV.
Indians
Ships of an ASUW Surface Attack Group (SAG).
Interrogate
Interrogate the designated contact of the IFF mode indicated.
J
Jackal
Surveillance network participating group 7 (NPG 7) of Link 16 TADIL (tactical information link).[3]
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.
K
KIA
Killed in action.
Kill
Clearance to fire.
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)[4]
L
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)
Launch of friendly active radar homingair-to-air missile, such as the AIM-120, without radar guidance from the launch aircraft. The missile will rely on its own radar to find a target and will generally track the first target it sees.
Radar warning receiver (RWR) indication of an AI radar in search mode. Add clock position/azimuth and radar type, if known.
Naked
No radar warning receiver (RWR) indications.
New picture
Used by controller or aircrew when tactical picture has changed. Supersedes all previous calls.
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 (directly perpendicular). 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. As missiles guide by creating a direct intercept course, this is also used to reduce the missile's speed and thus its ability to maneuver if radar lock is maintained. Can also be used in the context of submarine warfare as a maneuverer to leave the sonar detection cone of an incoming torpedo before it closes the distance required to detect and lock onto the notching vessel.
O
Off (direction)
Informative call indicating attack is terminated and maneuvering to the indicated direction.
Offset
Informative call indicating maneuver in a specified direction with reference to (direction) the target.
On station
Informative call unit/aircraft has reached assigned station.
Opening
Increasing in range.
Oranges
Weather.
Out (direction)
Informative call 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.
P
Package
Geographically isolated collection of groups/contacts/formations.
Padlocked
Informative 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.
The provided aerial tactical situation status pertinent to mission. Generally by an AWACS.
Pig
Friendly glide weapon (e.g. AGM-154 JSOW). Wordplay on JSOW (pronounced "J-SOW"; a sow is a female pig).
Pigeons
Magnetic bearing and range to homeplate (or specified destination). (Location)
Pince/pincer
Threat maneuvering for a bracket attack.
Pitbull
Informative call that an active radar-guided missile (such as AIM-120, AIM-54, Meteor) 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.
(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.
Pop
Starting climb for air-to-surface attack.
Popeye
Flying in clouds or area of reduced visibility.
Popup
1. 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.
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 of (Direction) intercept/engagement.
Post hole
Rapid descending spiral.
Press
Directive to continue the attack; mutual support will be maintained. Supportive role will be assumed.
Depart. Get ready to depart. (Refers to pulling concrete blocks from aircraft wheels to allow take-off)
Pump
A 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.
Pure
Informative call 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 call that said group(s) have turned cold and will continue to be (group description) monitored.
R
Range
Two or more groups separated primarily in distance along the same bearing.
Raygun
Indicates 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).
Reference
Directive to assume stated heading. (Direction)
Repeat
Used 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).
Reported
Identification of an object or a contact by an intelligence system. (Type)
Request tasking
requesting an objective (or heading) from ground control or from AWACS towards an area of operation.
Reset
Proceed to a pre-briefed 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
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 until further notice.
Roger
Radio transmission received; does not indicate compliance or reaction.
Rolex (±time)
Time-line adjustment in minutes from planned mission execution time. (Positive is later).
Roman Candle
Nuclear tipped surface to air missile.
Rope
Illumination of an aircraft with an IR pointer.
S
Saddled
Informative 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.
Sandwiched
A situation where an aircraft/element is 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 tactical ballistic missile (TBM). Previously used to refer to the soviet tactical ballistic missile. (seeScud)
Separate
Leave a specific engagement; may or may not re-enter.
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.
Shooter
Aircraft/unit designated to employ ordnance.
Shotgun
Pre-briefed weapons state at which separation/bugout should begin.
Skate
Informative call/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 high-speed anti-radiation (type/bearing) missile (HARM) against a specified threat at the specified bearing.
Slide
Directive call to high-value airborne asset (HVAA) to continue present mission while extending range from target in response to perceived threat.
Slow
Target with a ground speed of 300kn (560km/h) 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 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.)
Spades
An integrated 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 forward air controller (airborne) (FAC-A) using incendiary rounds.
Spike
Radar warning receiver (RWR) indication of an AI radar in track, launch, or unknown mode. Add clock position/azimuth and radar type, if known.
Spin
Directive/informative call to execute a pre-briefed timing/spacing maneuver.
Spitter
An aircraft that has departed from the engagement or is departing the engaged (direction) fighters' targeting responsibility.
Splash
A/A Target destroyed, or A/S weapons impact.
Split
An informative call that a flight member is leaving formation to engage a threat; visual may not be maintained.
Spoofing
Informative call that voice deception is being employed.
Spot
Acquisition of laser designation.
Squawk (number/code)
Operate IFF as indicated or IFF is operating as indicated.
Squawk flash
Use the flash feature on the IFF which cause the transponder signal to highlight on radar display. Hence the term means to announce your location.
Squawking
An informative call denoting a bogey is responding with an IFF 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 (wavering) of IR pointer.
Steer
Set magnetic compass 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 call indicating illumination of target is being conducted with artificial illumination.
Sunrise
Informative 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/switched
Indicates an attacker is changing from one aircraft to another.
T
Tactical
Request/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[clarification needed] data message, (for example, 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 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.
Threat
Untargeted hostile/bandit/bogey within pre-briefed range/aspect of a (direction) 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 network participating group (NPG) of tactical digital information links (Link 16/TADIL J).
Track
Any detected point of contact visible on a radar or sonar display console, each identified by a unique number.
Tracking
Fire control system has solid lock on target (aka a "stabilized gun solution").
Continuous illumination of a target.
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 surface/air threat ring of a specific system at the stated (position) location.
Tucker
76mm gun.
Tumbleweed
Indicates limited situational awareness; no joy, blind; a request for information.
Turret
indicates launch of an air-to-surface missile.
U
Unable
Cannot comply as requested/directed.
Uniform
Ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio.
V
Vampire
Hostile anti-ship missile (ASM).
Vanished
Special case of faded wherein contact is not in a known sensor blind zone and is correlated to a shot by friendly forces.
Very high
Above 40,000ft (12,000m) MSL.
Vic
Three groups, contacts, or formations with the single closest in range and two contacts, azimuth split, in trail.
Victor
VHF/amplitude modulation (AM) radio.
Visual
Sighting of a friendly aircraft/ground position; opposite of blind.
W
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 (followed by appropriate modifier below)
Fire only;
FREE at targets not identified as friendly in accordance with current rules of engagement (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 and NATO use weapons safe to avoid confusion with the phrase hold fire.
Weeds
Indicates that fixed-wing aircraft are operating below 2,000ft (610m) above ground level.
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.
Wilco
Will comply
Winchester
No ordnance remaining, can be used to refer to specific types ordnance or all ordnance.
Woodpecker
Close in weapons system (CIWS).
Words
Directive 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.
Y
Yardstick
Directive to use air-to-air tactical air navigation (A/A TACAN) for ranging.
