A/A Flashcards
ACTION
Initiate a briefed
attack sequence or maneuver.
[system] ACTIVE [location,
direction]
Referenced emitter is radiating at
the stated location or along the stated bearing.
Electronic intelligence derived.
ALARM
Terminate or terminating
emissions control procedures. Opposite of
SNOOZE.
ANCHORED [location]
Turning engagement at the specified
location.
ABORT
Cease action or terminate the attack prior to
weapons release or event or mission.
ANGELS
Height of FRIENDLY aircraft in thousands of feet
from mean sea level (MSL).
[direction] ARM
CONTACT(S) within a single
GROUP that maneuvers outside of the GROUP
criteria.
AS FRAGGED
Unit or element will be performing exactly as
briefed or scheduled.
AVALANCHE
Informatory call indicating friendly forces
require reinforcement in a specific location.
AZIMUTH
A picture label describing two
GROUP(S) separated laterally. GROUP names
will be referenced by cardinal directions (e.g.,
NORTH GROUP, SOUTH GROUP, or EAST
GROUP, WEST GROUP).
BANDIT
Positively identified as an
enemy in accordance with (IAW) theater ID
criteria. The term does not imply direction or
authority to engage.
BANZAI
Execute(ing) launch and decide tactics
with the intent to maneuver into the visual arena.
BEAM [direction]
CONTACT stabilized within 70 to 110
degrees of aspect.
BEAM RIDER [direction]
Potential JAMMER along the
stated azimuth from a ground unit or aircraft
stated from the unit or aircraft’s location. Usually
followed by a request to search using an
alternate radar source.
[system] BENT
System indicated is inoperative. Cancelled by
SWEET.
BINGO
Prebriefed fuel state needed for recovery.
BIRDDOG
Call to configure sensors IAW mission
planning/brief.
BITTERSWEET
Notification of potential for blue-on-blue
(friendly fire) or blue-on-neutral situation.
BLIND
No visual contact with FRIENDLY aircraft, ship,
or ground position. Opposite of VISUAL.
BLOW THROUGH
Continue straight ahead at the MERGE
and do not become ANCHORED with target(s).
BLOWING THROUGH
Intercepting aircraft is dropping targeting responsibility and commencing a BLOW THROUGH.
BLUR
Radar being jammed.
BOGEY
A CONTACT whose identity is unknown.
BOGEY DOPE
Request for information on indicated
or closest GROUP in bearing, range, altitude,
and aspect (BRAA) format (with appropriate fillins).
BOX
Picture label with GROUP(S) in
a square or offset square.
BRAA
- Provides target BRAA relative to
the specified FRIENDLY aircraft (tactical control
format). - Switch to BRAA format to a specific GROUP
or CONTACT.
BRACKET [direction]
Maneuver to a position on opposite
sides, either laterally or vertically from the target.
BREAK [direction]
Perform an immediate maximum
performance turn in the indicated direction
(default is a 180-degree turn).
BREAK AWAY
Tanker or receiver call indicating immediate
vertical and nose-to-tail separation between
tanker and receiver is required.
BUDDY LOCK [position,
heading, altitude]
Radar locked to a known FRIENDLY
aircraft. Normally, a response to a SPIKED or
BUDDY SPIKE calls.
BUDDY SPIKE
[position or heading or
altitude]
FRIENDLY system radar lock-on indication
on radar warning receiver.
BUGOUT [direction]
Separation from a
particular engagement, attack, or operation with
no intent to reengage or return.
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.
BUSTER
Fly at maximum continuous speed.
BUTTON
Radio channel setting.
CAP(ING) [location]
- Establish a combat air patrol at a
specified point, used prior to committing forces
in support of a defensive operation. - Aircraft is established in an orbit.
CATALOG
A directive call to
record a potential target’s description, location,
and elevation information on a potential target.
CEASE [activity]
Discontinue stated activity; e.g., CEASE
BUZZER, LASER, SPARKLE, TORCH, etc.
CEASE ENGAGEMENT
Break the engagement on the target
specified and prepare to engage another target.
Missiles in flight will continue to intercept.
CEASE FIRE
Stop firing, do not open fire. Missiles in flight will
continue to intercept; continue to track.
CHAMPAGNE
A picture label of three distinct
GROUPS with two in front and one behind.
GROUP names should be NORTH LEAD
GROUP and SOUTH LEAD GROUP or WEST
LEAD GROUP and EAST LEAD GROUP and
TRAIL GROUP.
CHEAPSHOT
Active missile data link terminated
between high and medium pulse repetition
frequency (MPRF) active.
CHECK [number, left or
right]
Turn (number) degrees left or right and
maintain new heading.
CHECK CAPTURE
Target appears to be no longer tracked by
sensor.
CHECK DATA [source]
Reference specified medium for message traffic
CHECK FOCUS
Sensor image appears to be out of focus.
CHECK TIDS
Directive or descriptive call to reference data
link display and may be followed by amplifying
information.
CHERRY
Call to inbound aircraft the
landing zone (LZ), helicopter landing zone, or
drop zone (DZ) has enemy activity above the
prebriefed risk tolerance. Opposite of and
cancels ICE.
CHERUBS
Height of a FRIENDLY aircraft in hundreds of
feet above ground level.
CHICK(S)
Term used to denote FRIENDLY aircraft on
the safe flight or mission.
CLEAN
- [A/A] No sensor information on a GROUP of
interest. - No visible battle damage.
- Aircraft not carrying external stores.
CLEARED
Requested action is authorized.
CLEARED TO ENGAGE
Clearance to fire on designated
GROUP or target.
CLOAK(ING)
Switch(ing) from normal or overt external
lighting to covert night-vision device only
compatible lighting.
CLOSING
Decreasing separation.
COLD
- [A/A] Initiate(ing) a turn in the combat air
patrol away from the anticipated threats. - [A/A] Intercept geometry will result in a pass
or roll out behind the target. - [A/A] [AIR-MAR] Contact aspect stabilized
0–20 degrees from the tail or 160–180 degrees
from the nose (or from the stern or bow for a
ship respectively).
- [A/A] [AIR-MAR] Contact aspect stabilized
COMEBACK [direction]
Directive call to reverse course.
COME OFF [direction]
Maneuver as indicated to either regain
mutual support or to deconflict flight paths.
Implies both VISUAL and TALLY.
COMMIT
- [A/A] Intercept the GROUP(S) of interest.
- [A/A] Set briefed intercept geometry.
CONFIDENCE [level]
Confidence indication IAW operational
directives.
CONS/CONNING
Aircraft producing contrails
CONTACT(S)
- Sensor information at the stated position.
- [A/A] Individual radar return within a GROUP
or ARM.
CONTAINER
Inner GROUP formation with
four CONTACTs oriented in a square or offset
square.
CONTINUE
Continue present maneuver, does not imply a
change in clearance to engage or expend
ordnance.
COVER
Assign surface-to-air weapons or
establish an air-to-air posture that will allow
engagement of a specified track or threat if
required.
CRANK [direction]
Maneuver in the direction indicated.
Implies illuminating target at or near radar
GIMBAL limits.
CROSSING
Two GROUPs initially separated in
azimuth decreasing azimuth separation to pass
each other.
CRUISE
Return to cruise speed (after BUSTER or
GATE).
CUTOFF [direction]
Request(s) for, or directive(s) to, intercept
using cutoff geometry.
DASH [number]
Aircraft position within a flight. Use if specific
call sign is unknown.
DATA [object, position]
Data link message concerning object at stated
location.
DECLARE
Inquiry as to the ID of a
specified track(s), target(s), or correlated
GROUP. Responses include: FRIENDLY,
BOGEY, BANDIT, HOSTILE, NEUTRAL,
UNABLE, CLEAN, or FURBALL. Full positional
data (BULLSEYE) or TRACK NUMBER must
accompany responses.
DECLUTTER
Minimize on-screen graphics to prevent
an object of interest from being obscured.
DEEP
Indicates separation between
the nearest and farthest GROUPs in range in a
relative formation of three or more GROUPs,
used to describe a LADDER, VIC,
CHAMPAGNE, or BOX.
DEFENDING [direction]
Aircraft is in a defensive position and
maneuvering with reference to a SAM threat.
DEFENSIVE
Aircraft is under attack, maneuvering
defensively, and unable to ensure deconfliction
or mutual support.
DELOUSE
Detect, identify, and engage (if
required) unknown platform trailing FRIENDLY
platform.
DEPLOY
Maneuver to brief positioning.
DIRTY
- [A/A] Aircraft in landing configuration.
- [A/A] Aircraft equipped with external stores
(i.e., “DIRTY wings”).
- [A/A] Aircraft equipped with external stores
DIVERT
Proceed to alternate base.
DOG [status]
[A/A] [S/A] Air towed decoy.
** (COLLARED): Decoy is retracted.
** (LEASHED): Decoy is extended.
** (SNIPPED): Decoy is severed from aircraft.
DRAG [cardinal direction]
Contact aspect stabilized at 0–60
degrees angle from tail or 120–180 degrees
angle from nose.
DRIVE-BY
Threat aircraft sensors or systems
observed or in use.
DROP(PING)
Stop or stopping monitoring of
specified emitter or target or GROUP and
resume(ing) search responsibilities.
DUSTOFF
Military medical aircraft
ECHELON [subcardinal
direction]
Fill-in to a picture label
describing GROUPS aligned behind and to the
side of the closest GROUP.
ELEVATOR [altitude]
Call to change altitude to the requested
altitude in thousands of feet MSL.
ENGAGE
A fire control order used to direct or authorize
units to fire on a designated target.
ENGAGED
Call from an aircraft maneuvering in the
visual arena to relinquish deconfliction
responsibilities.
EXTEND(ING) [direction]
Short-term maneuver to gain energy,
distance, or separation with the intent of
reengaging.
EYEBALL
- [A/A] Fighter with primary visual ID
responsibility. - [A/A] Electro-optical (EO), IR, or night vision
device acquisition of an aircraft. Normally
followed by number of aircraft observed (if more
than one).
EYEBALL NARROW
EO or IR contacts are viewed in narrow
field of view (FOV) and are too close for
resolution via radar.
FADED
Sensor data is lost on
GROUP or CONTACT. Requires information of
last known position to include number of
CONTACTS and TRACK direction.
FAKER
A FRIENDLY track acting as a
HOSTILE for exercise purposes.
FAST
Target speed of 600–900 knots
ground speed or Mach 1.0 to 1.5.
FEET WET/DRY
Flying over water or land.
FENCE [IN/OUT]
Set cockpit switches as appropriate before
entering or exiting the combat area.
FLANK [direction]
CONTACT aspect stabilized at 120–150
degrees angle from tail or 30–60 degrees angle
from nose.
FLASH
- [A/A] [state system] Temporarily activate
specified system for ID purposes (identification,
friend or foe (IFF)), or afterburner, flare or chaff,
etc.). - Clear the net immediately, critical
information to follow (e.g., “FLASH, FLASH,
FLASH this is Frontier 6, immediate MEDEVAC,
grid to follow.”).
- Clear the net immediately, critical
FLAVOR
Visually identified nationality of a CONTACT.
FLOAT(ING)
Expand(ing) the formation laterally within
visual limits to maintain radar contact or prepare
for a defensive response.
FLOW [direction or
heading]
Maneuver in stated direction or heading.
Can be used to begin cold operations.
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.
[2nd] FOX
THREE/TWO/ONE [number]
SHIP
Simulated or actual missile launch against
separate targets (assumes one missile per
target) (e.g., “SWORD 12, FOX THREE 2
SHIP”).
When 2nd prefix is used indicates simulated or
actual launch of multiple missiles on the same
target.
