Radio Phrasiology & Codes

IDF Soldier with phone

Common Radio Phraseology:

(m = military, CB = citizens’ band, p/f = police/fire)

affirm = Yes. (mil, p/f)
alpha mike foxtrot = Adios muther fucker. (mil)
bent = System indicated is inoperative.
bogey = A radar or visual air contact whose identity is unknown. (mil)
bogey dope = Request for target information as briefed/available. (mil)
bingo = Minimum fuel state needed for aircraft to return to base (aka “recovery”). (mil)
break = Phrase used to separate transmissions or messages to two different recipients. Signals a pause during a long transmission to open the channel for other transmissions, especially for allowing any potential emergency traffic to get through. (mil, p/f)
break-break = Signals to all listeners on the frequency that the message to follow is priority. Almost always reserved for emergency traffic. (mil, p/f)
bugout = Separation from that particular engagement / attack / operation; no intent to (direction) re-engage / return. (mil)
call-sign actual = Sometimes an individual (generally a superior) may have a person monitor the network for them. Saying “actual” after their call-sign asserts you wish to speak to the specific person the call-sign is attached to. (mil)
clear = I have finished talking to you and will be shutting my radio off. (mil, CB, p/f)
cleared hot = Ordnance release is authorized. (mil)
click = Kilometer. (mil)
copy = I heard what you just said. Message received. (mil, CB, p/f)
cyclops = Any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). (mil)
ETA = Estimated time of arrival (mil, CB, p/f)
freak = Radio frequency. (mil)
friendly = An ally or buddy (non enemy). (mil)
go = Send your transmission. (mil, CB, p/f)
go ahead = Send your transmission. (mil, CB, p/f)
gorilla = Large force of indeterminate numbers and formation. (mil)
heads up = Alert of an activity of interest. (mil)
interrogative = Confusion regarding the last transmission or about the current situation. (mil)
knock it off = Directive to cease air combat maneuvers / attacks / activities. (mil)
loud and clear =I understand what you say. (mil, CB, p/f)
mayday = Maritime/aviation distress call. Repeated three times and at beginning of every following transmission relating to the current distress situation. Has priority over urgency and safety calls.
mike(s) = Minute(s). (mil)
negative = No. (mil, CB, p/f)
negatory = No. (CB)
no factor = Not a threat. (mil)
on station = Informative call unit / aircraft has reached assigned station. (mil)
out = I have finished talking to you and do not expect a reply. (mil, CB, p/f)
over = I have finished talking and I am listening for your reply. Short for “Over to you.” (mil, CB, p/f)
pan-pan = Maritime/aviation urgency call. Repeated three times. Has priority over safety calls.
radio check = How does my radio sound? (mil, cb, p/f)
repeat = Say last transmission again.(Repeat is not used in US military radio terminology; it is used exclusively to request additional artillery fire). (mil, CB, p/f)
roger = I understand what you just said. (mil)
roll call = Each person or element check in to show that they are on frequency and receiving radio traffic. (mil)
say again = Repeat your last transmission. (mil, CB, p/f)
scram = Emergency directive to egress for defensive or survival reasons. (mil)
scramble = Takeoff as quickly as possible. (mil)
send traffic = You are clear to send your transmission. (mil, p/f)
sierra hotel = Shit hot (from really good). (mil)
sit-rep = Situation report (report on what is going on). (mil, p/f)
sour = Equipment indicated is operating inefficiently. (mil)
standby = Pause for the next transmission. This usually entails staying off the air until the operator returns after a short wait. (mil, p/f)
tally = Sighting of a target, bandit, bogey, or enemy position; opposite of no joy. (mil)
tango uniform = Broken (tits up). (mil)
tango = Bad guy (from terrorist). (mil)
unable = cannot comply as requested/directed. (mil)
wait one = Wait a moment to talk or to receive a reply. Pause for the next transmission. This usually entails staying off the air until the operator returns after a short wait. (mil, p/f)
warning red = Hostile attack is imminent or in progress. (mil)
warning yellow = Hostile attack is probable. (mil)
warning yellow = Hostile attack is improbable (all clear). (mil)
weapons free = Fire only at targets not identified as friendly in accordance with current rules of engagement (ROE). (mil)
weapons tight = Fire only at targets positively identified as hostile in accordance with current ROE. (mil)
weapons hold = Fire only in self-defense or in response to a formal order. Use weapons safe to avoid confusion with the phrase hold fire. (mil)
wilco = Will comply (after receiving new directions). (mil)
Winchester = No ordnance remaining. (mil)