User:Gotojoe2/sandbox
Appearance
A
[edit]- 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
- Directive to fly an orbit about a specific point.\n2=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
- Two or more GROUPs primarily separated in bearing; GROUP names referenced by cardinal directions (e.g., NORTH GROUP, SOUTH GROUP).\n2=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
- Directive to turn off all external lighting.\n2=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.