Multi-service tactical brevity code

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.

More information Denotation, Meaning ...

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.

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.^**

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.^**

Multi-service tactical brevity code

American/NATO codes

A

B

See also

References

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