Brevity Code

Brevity Code

  • ABORT: Directive commentary to terminate. Applicable to a specific attack maneuver or entire mission.
  • ANGELS: Altitude expressed in thousands of feet. Angels 20 means 20,000 ft.
  • BANDIT: Known enemy aircraft. Only used when the contact is confirmed hostile.
  • BINGO / BINGO FUEL: A predetermined fuel quantity that is required to safely return to base.
  • BLIND: Lost visual contact with appropriate friendly aircraft. Generally means that the wingman lost sight of a flight lead. The opposite of this is VISUAL.
  • BOGEY: An unknown radar/visual contact.Bogey could be:
    a
    FRIENDLY: selfexplanatory
    b
    BANDIT:known enemy aircraft (pending on identification, only used when contact is confirmed hostile).
  • BOX: Groups/contacts/formations in a square, as viewed on a radar display or from above.
  • BRACKET: Indicates geometry where aircraft will maneuver to a position on opposing sides of a given point / target, either laterally / vertically/ or a combination of both. Basically, it is a relatively short-range pincer maneuver.
  • BREAK: (Up/Down/Right/Left) Directive to perform an immediate maximum performance turn. Assumes a defensive situation that requires immediate action.
  • BUG OUT: Separate from the engagement and head for a safe area or home.
  • CLEAN: 1.) No radar contacts, i.e. your radar scope is clean. 2.) An aircraft configuration without any external stores or tanks.
  • CLOSING: Bandit/bogey/target is decreasing its range.
  • COVER: Directive R/T to assume supporting role and responsibilities.
  • DRAG/DRAGGING: (Direction) Bogey/Bandit maneuvering to 60 degrees or less aspect. Can also describe your own actions.
  • ENGAGED: Maneuvering with respect to a threat or target in order to kill or negate an attack.
  • FLEET WET/DRY: Transitioning from flying over water/land.
  • HARD LEFT/RIGHT: Directive call to initiate a High-G, energy sustaining turn. Generally used when entering a fight offensively. A break turn is used for a defensive situation.
  • HIGH: Target altitude at or above 20,000 feet MSL.
  • HOME PLATE: Home airfield.
  • KILL: Commit and kill specified target.
  • LOW: Target altitude below 10,000 feet MSL
  • MEDIUM: Target altitude between 10,000 and 20,000 feet MSL.
  • MERGE/ MERGED: 1.) Bandits and friendlies are in the visual arena. 2.) Radar returns have come together.
  • NO JOY: Lost or no visual contact with the target/bandit; opposite of TALLY.
  • PRESS: Continue the attack; mutual support will be maintained.
  • SLOW: speed of less than 180 mpH.
  • STATUS: Request for an individuals tactical situation; generally described as “offensive,” “defensive,” or “neutral.”
  • TALLY: Bandit in sight; opposite of “NO JOY.”
  • TARGET: Specific sort responsibility
  • TRAIL: Formation of two or more aircraft following one another.
  • VISUAL: Friendly aircraft in sight; opposite of “BLIND.”
  • WEEDS: Very low altitude.
  • WINCHESTER: No ordnance remaining.

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