Fighter-GCI Tactics Codewords Flashcards
ABORT
Directive call to cease action, attack, event or mission and is directive for all flight members to immediately execute a departure from tactic in process. Used in launch-and-decide tactics
ACTION
Directive call to initiate a briefed attack sequence or plan
ALPHA CHECK
Request for/confirmation of bearing and range from described point to requesting aircraft
ANCHOR(ED) (with location)
(1) Informative call to indicate a turning engagement at the specified location
(2) Directive call to orbit about a specific
(3) Refueling track flown by tanker
BANZAI
[A/A] Informative or directive call to execute launch-and-decide tactics
BEAM (w/cardinal direction)
[A/A] Target stabilized within 70 to 110 degrees of aspect; generally given in cardinal directions: east, west, north, and south.
BLIND
No visual contact with FRIENDLY aircraft/ground position; opposite of VISUAL
BLOW THROUGH
A/A] Directive or informative call that indicates aircraft will continue straight ahead at the merge and not become ANCHORED with target/targets
BOGEY DOPE
[A/A] Request for target information as requested or closest GROUP in BRAA with appropriate fill-ins.
BRACKET (w/direction)
Directive call to maneuver to a position on opposing sides, either laterally or vertically from the targets
BREAK (with direction)
Directive call to perform an immediate maximum performance 180-degree turn (or as directed) in the indicated direction. Default is a 180-degree turn. Assumes a defensive situation requiring infrared missile defense (IRMD)
BROKE LOCK
Advisory call regarding loss of radar/IR lock-on
BUDDY LOCK
[A/A] Locked to a known friendly aircraft. Normally a response to a SPIKE or BUDDY SPIKE call.
BUDDY SPIKE (position/altitude/heading)
riendly aircraft air-to-air (A/A) radar track indication on radar warning receiver (RWR)
BUGOUT (w/direction)
Separation from that particular engagement/attack/operation; no intent to reengage/return
BUSTER
Directive call to fly at max continuous speed (Mil power)
CAP (location)
[A/A] Establish a CAP at a specified location
(target/object) CAPTURED
[A/S] Aircrew has acquired and is able to track a specified air-to-ground (A/G) target with an onboard sensor
CEASE (activity)
Directive to discontinue stated activity (e.g., CEASE BUZZER and CEASE LASER)
CHECK (number, left/right)
Turn (number) degrees left or right and maintain new heading
CLEARED
(1) Requested action is authorized. NOTE: Engaged/support roles not established
(2) Flight lead response. Requested action is authorized. Mutual support may be detached to fulfill briefed contracts (e.g., split criteria, or shot doctrine). Wingmen will ensure deconfliction from flight lead.
(3) In non-ATC airspace, an informative term used by a tactical C2 indicating approval to flow as indicated
CLOSING
Decreasing in separation
COMMIT
[A/A] Directive call to intercept a group of interest.
CONTACT
(1) Sensor contact at the stated position.
(2) Acknowledges sighting of a specified reference point either visually or via sensor
(3) Individual radar return within a group or arm.
CONTINUE
Continue present maneuver. Does not imply a change in clearance to engage, expend ordnance or support roles.
CONTINUE DRY
Continue present maneuver; ordnance release not authorized. NOTE: simulated weapons deliveries may be performed
COVER
Directive/informative call to assume a supporting position that will allow engagement of a specified track or threat to the flight if required
CRANK (w/direction)
F-Pole maneuver; implies illuminating target at or near radar gimbal limits
CROSSING
[A/A] Two GROUPS initially separated in azimuth decreasing azimuth separation to pass each other
CUTOFF
Request for, or directive to, intercept using cut-off geometry.
DEFENSIVE
Speaker is under attack, is manoeuvring defensively, and is unable to ensure deconfliction or mutual support.
DEFENDING (w/ direction)
Aircraft is in a defensive position and maneuvering with reference to a surface-to-air threat.
DIRT
RWR indication of surface threat in search mode.
DIVERT
Proceed to alternate mission/base.
DRAG (w/cardinal direction/sub-cardinal direction)
[A/A] Target stabilized at 0- to 60-degree angle from tail or 120- to 180-degree angle from nose
DROPPING
Informative call that a fighter has discontinued targeting responsibility.
ESTABLISH(ED)
(1) Informative. Call made when reaching assigned geographic location.
(2) Directive. Call to hold at the location and altitude provided and await further instructions. Used when assigning an aircraft to a hold point or control point.
EXIT (sub-cardinal direction)
Individual aircraft is executing a max performance defensive maneuver to turn cold to the threat.
EXTEND (w/direction)
[A/A] Short-term manoeuvre to gain energy, distance, or separation normally with the intent of reengaging.
FENCE (IN/OUT)
Set cockpit switches as appropriate prior to entering/exiting combat area
FLOAT
Directive or informative call to expand the formation laterally within visual limits to maintain radar contact or prepare for a defensive response
FLOW
Directive call to fly stated heading
GATE
Directive/informative call to fly as quickly as possible, using afterburner/max power
GIMBAL (w/ BRAA)
Sensor target is approaching azimuth or elevation tracking limits
GREASE(heading, altitude)
A defensive maneuver designed to maximize merge survivability. Use cardinal direction for heading.
GREEN (w/ direction)
Direction of no known enemy threats
HARD (w/ direction)
High-G, energy sustaining 180° turn (or as directed) in the indicated direction
HEADBUTT
Directive term to fighters/interceptors to immediately divert a track of interest clear of a restricted or prohibited area. Also referred to as INTERVENE in Link 16 format. NOTE: Rotary-wing aircraft will use guide procedures with a sense of urgency
HOLD
Remain at stated location. Once at location, response is ESTABLISHED
HOLDING HANDS
Aircraft in visual formation
HOOK
(1) (with direction) - Directive call to perform an in-place 180° turn
(2) (with directive/descriptor) - Data link directive call to cue sensors to described point (point of interest, SAM, mark point, and TN)
IN
(1) [A/A] Informative call indicating a turn toward a known threat. Opposite of OUT/EXIT
(2) [A/S] Entering terminal phase of an air-to-ground attack. Opposite of OFF
IN PLACE (w/ direction)
Perform indicated maneuver simultaneously
INTERVENE
[A/A] Immediately divert a track of interest clear of a restricted or prohibited area
JINK
Directive call to perform an unpredictable maneuver to negate a gun tracking solution
JUDY
Aircrew has taken control of the intercept, and requires only situation awareness (SA) information; controller will minimize radio transmissions
KNOCK-IT-OFF
Directive call to cease air combat manoeuvres/attacks/activities
LEVEL
(1) [A/A] Inter flight informative call that contact is co-altitude
(2) Informative call that the briefed altitude has been reached
LOOKING
Aircrew does not have ground object, reference point, or target in sight. Opposite of CONTACT.
MARKING
Friendly aircraft leaving contrails
MELD
[A/A] Bias radar coverage IAW briefed parameters
MUD (type w/ direction)
(1) Indicates radar warning receiver (RWR) ground threat displayed with no launch identification
(2) RWR indication of surface threat in track mode. See DIRT and SINGER.
NAILS (direction)
(1) RWR indication of AI radar search
NAKED
No RWR indications
NEGATIVE CONTACT
No sensor information is available on friendlies
NO JOY
Aircrew does not have visual contact with the target/bandit. Opposite of TALLY.
NOTCH(ING) (w/ direction)
Directive (informative) for an all-aspect missile defensive maneuver to place threat radar/missile near the beam
OFF (w/ direction)
Informative call indicating attack is terminated and maneuvering to the indicated direction
OFFSET (w/ direction)
Informative call indicating maneuver in a specified direction with reference to the target
OFF STATION
Informative call that unit/aircraft is not in position or no longer performing assigned tasks. Opposite of ON STATION.
ORBIT(ING)
Directive/descriptive call to hold on current or indicated position
ON STATION
Informative call that unit/aircraft has reached assigned station
OUT (w/ direction)
Directive call indicating a turn to a cold aspect relative to the known threat. Used in Launch and Leave tactics and for all flight member to execute.
PASSING
Descriptive term for when two GROUPS initially separated in range decrease range and pass each other
PINCE
Threat maneuvering for a bracket attack
PITCH/PITCHBACK (LEFT/RIGHT)
Directive call for fighter/helo or flight to execute a nose-high heading reversal
POST ATTACK
Desired direction/directives after completion of intercept/engagement
POSTHOLE
Rapid descending spiral
PRESS
Requested action is approved and mutual support will be maintained. Supportive role will be assumed by the speaker
PUMP
[A/A] A briefed manoeuvre to minimize closure to threat or geographical boundary with the intent to reengage. Will be used to initiate a grinder tactic
PURE
[A/A] Informative call indicating pure pursuit is being used or directive to go pure pursuit
PUSHING
Departing designated point
RAYGUN (position/heading/altitude)
[A/A] Indicating a radar lock-on to unknown aircraft. A request for a BUDDY SPIKE reply from friendly aircraft meeting these parameters
REFERENCE (direction)
Directive to assume stated heading
RESET
Proceed to a pre-briefed position or area of operation (AO).
RESUME
Resume last formation/route/mission ordered
RETROGRADE/RETROGRADING
Withdraw/withdrawing, while executing defensive procedures in response to a threat.
SADDLED
Informative call from wingman or element indicating the return to briefed formation position
SANDWICHED
A situation where an aircraft or element finds themselves between opposing aircraft or elements
SAUNTER
Fly at best endurance
SCRAM (direction)
(1) Friendly asset is in immediate danger. Withdraw in the direction indicated for survival. No further HVAA mission support is expected.
(2) Cease the intercept and take immediate evasive action. Implies that the target aircraft is being engaged by SAMs or other air defence fighters.
(3) [AD] (Capitol, Superbowl, etc.) Directive term used over FAA/ATC communications channels to instruct ATC to clear all civilian/non-engagement aircraft outside of a specified area. “TERMINATE SCRAM” will allow ATC to return to normal operations.
SCRAMBLE
Takeoff as quickly as possible
SEPARATE
[A/A] Leaving a specific engagement; may or may not re-enter
SEPARATION
Request for separation between two GROUPs. Response will include the follow-on GROUP’s separation, altitude, and fill-ins.
SET
(1) A directive to set (or have set) a particular speed. May be in knots/indicated or in Mach
(2) No longer slewing sensor and awaiting further updates
(3) Overwatch aircraft is in position
SHACKLE
One weave, a single crossing of friendly aircraft flight paths; maneuver to adjust or regain formation parameters
SHADOW (with amplifying remarks)
Follow indicated target. NOTE: May include OVERT, COVERT, and MAINTAIN VISUAL
SHORT SKATE
Directive to execute launch and leave mechanics no later than minimum abort range, minimum out range, or notch range
SKATE
[A/A] Informative or directive call to execute launch-and-leave tactics and be out no later than desired out range (DOR)
SKIP IT
Veto of fighter commit call, usually followed with further directions
NOTCH (w/direction)
Directive (informative) for an all-aspect missile defensive manoeuvre to place threat radar/missile near the beam when the targeted aircraft is outside decision range.
SLICE/SLICEBACK (LEFT/RIGHT)
Directive call to perform a high-G descending turn in the stated direction, usually 180° turn
SLIDE
(1) Continue present mission while flowing from station in response to perceived threat; implies intent to RESET
(2) Directive or descriptive term to laterally reposition helicopter
SNAP
(1) [A/A] Fighter request for immediate BRAA call (with appropriate fill-ins) to the
group described. Indicates fighter intent to intercept/join.
(2) (heading) Urgent directive call to turn to a heading.
SNAPLOCK
[A/A] indicates fighter has obtained a radar contact inside pre-briefed range, aspect, or radar mode and is unable to complete sanitization responsibilities implying ownership.
SNIFF (type)
Passive sensor indication of a stated radar emitter
SORT (_)
Directive call to assign responsibility within a GROUP; criteria can be met visually, electronically (radar), or both.
SORTED
SORT responsibility within a group has been met
SPIKE (w/ direction)
RWR indication of an AI threat in track or launch
SPIN
Directive or informative call to execute a timing/spacing maneuver
SPLIT
An informative/directive call that a flight member is leaving formation to pursue a separate attack; visual may not be maintained
STERN
[A/A] Request for or directive to intercept using stern geometry
STRIPPED
Informative call that aircraft is out of prebriefed formation
SUPPORTING
Speaking unit or element is assuming a supporting role, is in a position to influence the outcome, and assumes deconfliction responsibility. Implies VISUAL but does not imply TALLY.
SWITCHED
Indicates an attacker is changing form one aircraft to another
TALLY
Sighting of a target, nonfriendly aircraft, landmark, or enemy position. Opposite of NO JOY.
TARGET (_)
(1) Assignment of targeting responsibilities.
(2) [A/S], [S/S] ROE, PID coordination of forces, and commander’s guidance requirements on the referenced track/target have been satisfied. Target/track correlation and CDE must be accomplished prior to employing ordnance/fires.
TARGETED (_)
Fighter has acquired assigned group and has assumed responsibility for it.
TERMINATE
(1) Stop laser illumination of a target.
(2) In training, cease local engagement without affecting the overall exercise.
THREAT (w/direction)
Untargeted HOSTILE/BANDIT/BOGEY is within briefed range and/or aspect to a friendly aircraft
THROTTLES
Reminder to set throttles appropriately considering the IR threat and desired energy state
TIED
Positive radar contact with element or aircraft
TRESPASS (system, w/ position)
The addressed flight is entering the surface-to-air threat ring of a specific (system) at the stated location
VECTOR
Alter heading to magnetic heading indicated. (Use of true headings to be established before operation commences.)
VISUAL
Sighting of a friendly aircraft or ground position. Opposite of BLIND
