Drafted — not technically validated
Record revision 1 · The multi-service radio code words shared by the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force, with where NATO's meaning may differ.
Definitions are quoted or closely paraphrased from the source named with each word. Meanings change between editions and theatres; the brief and the current publications take precedence.
What a brevity word is
A brevity word is a code word that provides no security: it serves only to shorten a message, not to hide what it means. [3] The words on this page come from the multi-service brevity publication, which the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force publish together under four numbers (ATP 1-02.1, MCRP 3-30B.1, NTTP 6-02.1 and AFTTP 3-2.5), so a pilot from any service means the same thing by them. [1]
The publication lists several hundred words. This page gives the ones a pilot meets most often on the radio: fuel and endurance, sighting calls, threat and radar-warning calls, weapons calls, and the directives that start or stop an engagement. Words printed in capitals inside a definition are themselves brevity words. [1]
Domains. Unless a word is tagged otherwise, its meaning applies to general air operations. Tags such as air-to-air, air-to-surface, surface-to-air, maritime air, space operations and electromagnetic warfare limit a meaning to that kind of operation. [1]
NATO. The publication marks words whose meaning may differ from the NATO brevity word, and words that are not NATO brevity words at all, against NATO’s Joint Brevity Words Publication (APP-7). Those marks are repeated here in each word’s note, so a pilot flying with NATO allies knows which calls to confirm in the brief. [1]
Edition. The definitions are quoted from the May 2020 edition with its 2021 change. [1] A 2025 edition has superseded it and may have changed some words; check the current edition before relying on a meaning. [2]
60 terms
- ABORT
Cease action or terminate the attack prior to weapons release or event or mission.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 2
- ANGELS
Height of FRIENDLY aircraft in thousands of feet from mean sea level (MSL).
See also Angels in the carrier terms.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 3
- BANDIT
Positively identified as an enemy IAW theater ID criteria. The term does not imply direction or authority to engage.
The publication gives a second, space-operations meaning (a suspect spacecraft), marked as possibly differing from NATO's meaning. [1]
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 5
- BINGO
Pre-briefed fuel state needed for recovery.
Marked as possibly differing from the NATO brevity word. [1] The Navy's shipboard meaning is in the carrier terms.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 5
- BLIND
No visual contact with FRIENDLY aircraft, ship or ground position. Opposite of VISUAL.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 6
- BOGEY
A CONTACT whose identity is unknown.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 6
- BOGEY DOPE
Request for information on indicated or closest GROUP in BRAA format (with appropriate fill-ins).
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 6
- BRAA
1. The following information is in a tactical control format providing target bearing, range, altitude, and aspect (BRAA) relative to the specified FRIENDLY aircraft. 2. Switch to BRAA format to a specific GROUP or CONTACT.
Meaning 2 is marked as possibly differing from the NATO brevity word. [1]
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 7
- BREAK [direction]
Perform an immediate maximum performance turn in the indicated direction (default is a 180-degree turn).
Not the break of the overhead landing pattern; see Break point in the airfield terms.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 7
- BUGOUT [direction]
Separation from a particular engagement or attack or operation with no intent to reengage or return.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 7
- BULLSEYE
An established reference point from which the position of an object can be referenced by bearing (magnetic) and range (nautical miles) from this point.
The Navy's shipboard meaning is in the carrier terms.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 8
- BUSTER
Fly at maximum continuous speed (military power).
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 8
- BUZZER
Electronic communications jamming.
Not a NATO brevity word; the publication notes that it is the same as the NATO term CHATTER. [1]
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 8
- CHECK [number, left or right]
Turn (number) degrees left or right and maintain new heading.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 10
- CHICK(S)
Term used to denote FRIENDLY aircraft.
Marked as possibly differing from the NATO brevity word. [1] Navy carrier training's meaning is in the carrier terms.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 11
- CLEARED HOT
Type 1 and 2 CAS terminal attack control when granting weapons release clearance to an aircraft attacking a specific target.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 11
- COLD
1. Initiate(ing) a turn in the combat air patrol away from the anticipated threats. 2. Defined area is not expected to receive fire (enemy or FRIENDLY). 3. Intercept geometry will result in a pass or roll out behind the target. 4. Contact aspect stabilized 0–20 degrees from the tail or 160–180 degrees from the nose.
The publication lists further aspect meanings for surface and maritime reference points; meanings 2 and 4 are marked as possibly differing from the NATO brevity word. [1]
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 12
- CONTINUE DRY
Continue present maneuver, ordnance release not authorized. Used to provide approval to aircraft to continue the pass without expending ordnance during Type 1, 2, or 3 control.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 14
- DEADEYE
Laser designator system inoperative.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 15
- DEFENSIVE
Aircraft is under attack, maneuvering defensively, and unable to ensure deconfliction or mutual support.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 16
- ENGAGED
Call from an aircraft maneuvering in the visual arena to relinquish deconfliction responsibilities.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 18
- EXTEND(ING) [direction]
Short-term maneuver to gain energy, distance, or separation with the intent of reengaging.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 18
- FEET WET/DRY
Flying over water or land.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 19
- FENCE [IN/OUT]
Set cockpit switches as appropriate before entering or exiting the combat area.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 19
- FOX [number]
Simulated or actual launch of air-to-air weapons. (ONE): Semi active radar-guided missile. (TWO): IR-guided missile. (THREE): Active radar-guided missile.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 20
- GATE
Fly as quickly as possible, using afterburner or maximum power.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 21
- HOLDING HANDS
Aircraft in visual formation.
Marked as possibly differing from the NATO brevity word. [1]
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 24
- HOME PLATE
Home airfield or ship.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 24
- HOSTILE
A contact identified as enemy upon which clearance to fire is authorized IAW theater rules of engagement.
The publication warns that this brevity use, for air-to-air and maritime air engagements, should not be confused with the same term in tactical data link identification and rules of engagement. [1]
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 25
- HOT
1. Initiate or initiating a turn in the combat air patrol toward the anticipated threats. 2. Defined area is expected to receive fire (enemy or FRIENDLY). 3. Ordnance employment intended or completed. 4. CONTACT aspect stabilized at 160–180 degrees angle from tail or 0–20 degrees angle from nose. 5. Intercept geometry will result in passing in front of the target.
Meaning 3 is marked as possibly differing from the NATO brevity word. [1]
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 25
- JOKER
Fuel state above BINGO at which separation or BUGOUT or event termination should begin.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 28
- KNOCK-IT-OFF
Cease all air combat maneuvers, attacks, activities, or exercises (training use only).
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 28
- MAGNUM [system, location]
Launch of FRIENDLY anti-radiation missile.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 30
- MERGE(D)
FRIENDLIES and targets have arrived in the visual arena.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 31
- MUD [type with direction, range if able]
1. Radar warning receiver ground threat displayed with no launch indication. 2. Radar warning receiver indication of surface threat in track mode.
Meaning 2 is marked as possibly differing from the NATO brevity word. [1]
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 32
- NAKED
No radar warning receiver indications.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 33
- NO JOY
1. Aircrew does not have visual contact with the TARGET or BANDIT. Opposite of TALLY. 2. Indicates that radio communications could not be established with the distant end on a specified radio net.
Both meanings are marked as possibly differing from the NATO brevity word. [1]
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 33
- PADLOCKED
Aircrew cannot take eyes off an aircraft, ground target, or surface position without risk of losing TALLY or VISUAL.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 34
- PARROT
IFF selective ID feature transponder.
Marked as possibly differing from the NATO brevity word. [1]
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 34
- PICTURE
A request to provide information pertinent to the mission in a digital bullseye format unless briefed otherwise.
Marked as possibly differing from the NATO brevity word. [1]
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 35
- PIGEONS [bearing, range]
Bearing in magnetic and range in nautical miles to HOME PLATE.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 35
- PLAYTIME
Amount of time aircraft can remain on station, given in hours plus minutes (e.g., ONE PLUS THIRTY equals 1 hour and 30 minutes).
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 36
- POPEYE
1. Flying in clouds or an area of reduced visibility. 2. Reduced EO/IR visibility due to atmospherics.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 37
- PRESS
1. Requested action is approved and mutual support will be maintained, assumes VISUAL (air-to-air). 2. Requested action is approved and mutual support will be maintained (air-to-surface).
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 37
- PUSH [channel]
Switch to designated frequency; no acknowledgment required.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 38
- ROGER
Radio transmission received; does not indicate compliance or reaction.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 41
- SAM [direction]
Visual acquisition of a SAM in flight or a SAM launch; should include position.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 41
- SAUNTER
Fly at best endurance.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 42
- SCRAMBLE
Takeoff as quickly as possible.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 42
- SORTED
Sort responsibility within a GROUP has been met.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 47
- SPIKE(D) [direction]
Radar warning receiver indication of an AI threat in track or launch.
Marked as possibly differing from the NATO brevity word. [1]
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 48
- SPLASH(ED)
1. Target destroyed. 2. Weapons impact (air-to-surface). 3. Informative call to observer or spotter 5 seconds prior to estimated time of impact.
Meanings 1 and 3 are marked as possibly differing from the NATO brevity word. [1]
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 48
- SQUAWK [mode, code]
Operate IFF/selective ID feature as indicated or IFF or selective ID feature is operating as indicated.
For the air traffic control instruction, see Squawk in the airfield terms.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 49
- STRANGER
Unidentified traffic that is not a participant in the action in progress.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 51
- STRANGLE [system]
Turn off system indicated (e.g., STRANGLE PARROT).
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 51
- TALLY
Sighting of a target, non-friendly aircraft, or enemy position. Opposite of NO JOY.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 53
- TUMBLEWEED
I have limited situational awareness, (i.e., NO JOY, BLIND) and request information.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 56
- VISUAL
Sighting of a FRIENDLY aircraft or ground position or ship. Opposite of BLIND.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 57
- WEAPONS [status]
Weapons control status. Fire only: 1. (FREE): at targets not identified as FRIENDLY IAW current ROE. 2. (TIGHT): at targets positively identified as HOSTILE IAW current ROE. 3. (HOLD/SAFE): in self-defense or in response to a formal order.
Not a NATO brevity word. [1]
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 57
- WINCHESTER
No ordnance remaining.
Source: [1] ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, p. 58
Sources
- ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, Brevity: Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Multi-Service Brevity Codes. Air Land Sea Application Center for the US Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force, 28 May 2020, Change 1 of 2 April 2021. https://irp.fas.org/doddir/army/atp1-02-1.pdf (accessed 2026-10-26). Distribution A: approved for public release. Chapter I, Table 1 (key to the symbols, p. 1) and Table 2 (brevity codes, pp. 2–59); page numbers are the printed pages.
- ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, Brevity: Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Multi-Service Brevity Codes. Air Land Sea Space Application Center, 25 April 2025. https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/MCRP%203-30B.1%20(SECURED).pdf (accessed 2026-10-26). The current edition, which supersedes the 2020 edition. It could not be opened when this page was written, so the definitions here are from the 2020 edition; the Radio Communications module quotes fourteen words from this edition.
- JP 1-02, Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. US Joint Chiefs of Staff, 8 November 2010, as amended through 15 January 2016. https://schoolresources.militaryfamilies.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/department_of_defense_dictionary_of_military_and_associated_terms.pdf (accessed 2026-10-26). Copy hosted by Penn State's Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness. Entry “brevity code”, p. 25.