The following is a list of vocabulary for contemporary combat aircraft, their definitions and in some cases a choice of appropriate responses. In addition to this list, formations and basic fighter maneuvers (BFM's) should be learned. It is futile, however, to learn any BFM without practicing it with your wingman first.

General List

• ABORT Directive to cease action/attack/event/mission.
• ANCHOR Orbit about a specific point.
• ANGELS Height of aircraft in thousands of feet.
• APEX Denotes launch of enemy, all-aspect radar missile.
• AS FRAGGED Fighter, FAC, or mission package will be performing exactly as stated by the air tasking order.
• ATOLL Rear hemisphere heat-seeking missile. (Heater)
• AUTONOMOUS Aircrew is operating without benefit of GCI/AWACS control.
• BANDIT Known enemy aircraft.
• ( ) BENT Identified system inoperative.
• BINGO Prebriefed fuel state which is needed for recovery. (Enough to get back to base.)
• BLIND No visual contact with friendly aircraft; opposite of term "VISUAL."
• BOGEY A radar/visual contact whose identity is unknown.
• BOGEY DOPE A request for bearing and range to bogey and as available, heading, speed, and altitude.
• BUDDY SPIKE (position) Friendly radar contact.
• BUGOUT Combat separation (egress) for low fuel, loss of tactical advantages or accomplishments of mission objectives; intent is to permanently separate from that particular engagement/attack.
• BULLSEYE An established reference point from which the position of an aircraft/target can be determined.
• CHECK ( ) A directive statement made to momentarily monitor (specified items/systems). No response is required if status is normal.
• CHECK LEFT/RIGHT ( ) By GCI: Alter course ( ) degrees left or right momentarily for airborne search positioning, then resume original heading.
• CLEAN No radar contacts.
• CLEARED DRY Ordnance release not authorized.
• CLEARED HOT Ordnance release is authorized.
• CLOSING Bandit/bogey/target is getting closer in range.
• CONTACT Radar/IR contact at the stated position; should be in bearing, range, altitude (BRA), Bullseye, or geographic position format.

• COVER Directive to assume briefed support position and responsibilities.
• DEFENSIVE ( ) Aircraft is in a defensive position and maneuvering with reference to the stated condition (Spike, Missile, SAM, Mud, AAA). If no condition stated maneuvering is with respect to A/A threat.
• DISENGAGE Discontinue the current attack.
• DIVERT Proceed to alternate mission/base.
• ENGAGED Maneuvering with the intent of achieving a kill.
• FEBA Forward edge of the battle area as set during briefing.
• FEET WET/DRY Flying over water/land.
• FENCE Boundary separating hostile and friendly area.
• FLANK/FLANKING Target with a stable aspect of 120 deg. to 150 deg.
• FOX ONE Launch of radar-guided missile.
• FOX TWO Launch of infrared-guided missile.
• FOX THREE Launch of AMRAAM/Phoenix missile.
• HOUND DOG Call made by supporting fighter or a wingman indicating he has visual, tally, and a clear path to the bandit and is in an advantageous position to engage.
• MUD Indicates unknown RWR ground threat displayed; followed normally by clock position.
• MUSIC Electronic radar jamming.
• NO JOY Aircrew does not have visual contact with the target/bandit; opposite of term "TALLY."
• RIFLE AGM-65 launch.
• ROGER Indicates aircrew understands the radio transmission.
• SAM (direction) Visual acquisition of a SAM or SAM launch.
• SHOOTER Aircraft designated to employ ordnance.
• SPIKE (clock position) RWR indication of threat.
• SPLASH Missile destroyed target.
• SQUAWK ( ) Operate IFF as indicated.
• STATUS Request for an individual's tactical situation; response is normally "offensive," "defensive," or "neutral" with name of target or threat.
• TALLY Sighting of a target/bandit; opposite of "NO JOY".
• TARGET ( ) Specification of sort responsibility.
• VISUAL Visual contact with friendly aircraft. Opposite of "BLIND".
• ( ) STATE Report amount of fuel and/or armament remaining as requested. Repeat ordnance as follows:
• # Radar = number of radar missiles shots remaining.
• # Heat = number of IR missiles shots remaining.
• # Gun = Gun on-board and bullets remaining.
• # Fuel = pounds of fuel in thousands.
• WILCO Will comply with received instructions.
• WINCHESTER ( ) Term used to report expenditure of all ordnance of type specified. *Down to cannon or machine guns.
• WORDS Mission-pertinent information.

Note: Some BGs might have individual codes to denote certain conditions or aircraft status.

Tactics

Here are two suggested tactics to compliment the above communications and improve situational awareness.

SHOOTER

Prior to a mission, certainly prior to any engagement, a shooter (see vocabulary above) should be specified. Usually, the shooter is the flight or element leader. The shooter will be the ONLY one to fire ordnance unless multiple targets are identified.

As soon as the shooter declares a lock on the target, the supporting aircraft (the shooter's wingman) should break lock (if established) and change radar modes to search for possible hidden bandits. If there is only one target, the supporting aircraft will backup the shooter in case of a possible break in lock or ordnance failure. If multiple targets are discovered, the supporting aircraft should relay the appropriate information. Lead will then call out the sorting orders and those directed will engage their assigned bandits.