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The term Proword is a contraction of the phrase Procedural Words, and are the set piece portions of language intended to enhance speed of communication and aid in clarity of meaning. This is particularly essential for those engaged in combat, where speed and accuracy are key to personal and collective survival. Formula speech practised in advance of the stress of battle, means the Radio Telephony Operators can focus on the business of getting the actual information across the airways, as opposed to worrying about how to say it.
Listed below are the current NATO Prowords, as set out in the unclassified Allied Communications Publications PDF document
ACP125F
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Unlike ACP125F, the following tables come with expanded explanations, to make it easier to understand and memorise. Note that this list does not include those Prowords used with automated network control operations, but it does include a small number of additional and commonly used, but obsolete Prowords like "HELLO", which is still used by older ex-British forces personnel. Plus one or two odd terms like FREQS meaning "frequency".
They are set out below in alphabetical order, and color coded to help you find what you are looking for.
Essential Prowords
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The essential tools to operate a radio.
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Advanced Prowords
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The Prowords used by RTO'S.
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Fire Control
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The Fire Control Orders Prowords.
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Messaging Prowords
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The tools for sending and receiving written messages.
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Network Control
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The Prowords used for running a radio net.
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FYI Obsolete Prowords
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Listed here are obsolete Prowords that are no longer in official service, but may be encountered.
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Any words in brackets with a Proword are ones that are either optional, or their use is implicit.
The term STATION refers to an individual radio station which has an assigned CALL SIGN. In the past many common phrases used the word STATION rather than CALL SIGN. So by way of an example you would get "ANY STATION", "ALL STATIONS", "UNKNOWN STATION", whereas today in these Prowords, STATION would be replaced by CALL SIGN. Older operators may still be using STATION, this is not considered a problem, as long as everyone on the net is aware of its meaning.
The Prowords
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Proword
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Explanation
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ACKNOWLEDGE
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Used to demand and provide a response from one station to another when their operational status is in doubt, or to act as a verbal "receipt". For example:
"ALPHA TWO ZERO, ALPHA TWO ZERO, THIS IS BRAVO ONE ZERO, ACKNOWLEDGE, OVER."
"BRAVO ONE ZERO, THIS IS ALPHA TWO ZERO, ACKNOWLEDGE, STAND BY, OUT."
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ACTUAL
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The suffix to a CALL SIGN identifying the unit's actual commander. For example:
"THIS IS HOTEL SIX ZERO ACTUAL, OVER"
The H21 station's normal operator would just say:
"THIS IS HOTEL SIX ZERO, OVER"
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ADDRESS GROUP
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This identifies the following portion of the message as the address/call sign/etc. of the recipiant to whom the message is to be passed, either on air, or in writing. Such messages are either to be relayed on air to the addressee, or written down and sent on via other means. See RELAY and MESSAGE.
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ADJUST YOUR FIRE
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An instruction to adjust the point of impact by a set number of metres, defined by reference to the points of the compass. The firing of a second ranging round or burst of fire is implicit. Used with artillery or other indirect fire weapons like machine guns, grenade launchers and mortars. See also "FIRE FOR EFFECT"
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AFFIRMATIVE
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Used in place of the word yes, as it can be lost in transmission. In combat, a double click of the Push-To-Talk (PTT) can serve to mean AFFIRMATIVE, used when it is not safe to speak or due to heavy workload. Example:
"AFFIRMATIVE, THAT IS CORRECT, OVER"
See also "CORRECT", "NEGATIVE","ROGER" and "WRONG".
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ALL AFTER X
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This is used to refer to a latter portion of a message. For example to request it's repetition. For example:
"HOTEL TWO ONE, THIS IS HOTEL ACTUAL, SAY AGAIN, ALL AFTER, HILL TOP, OVER"
See also "SAY AGAIN", "ALL BEFORE X", "WORD AFTER X" and "WORD BEFORE X".
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ALL BEFORE X
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This is used to refer to a previous portion of a message.For example to request it's repetition. See also "SAY AGAIN".
"HOTEL TWO ONE, THIS IS HOTEL ACTUAL, SAY AGAIN, ALL BEFORE, TRENCHWORKS, OVER"
See also "SAY AGAIN", "ALL AFTER X", "WORD AFTER X" and "WORD BEFORE X".
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ALL CALL SIGNS
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Used in place of an individual CALL SIGN when the signal is intended for every station on the network. Older operators may use the word "STATIONS" in place of "CALL SIGNS", however this is acceptable. For example:
"ALL CALL SIGNS, ALL CALL SIGNS, THIS IS FOXTROT ACTUAL, SEND SITREP, OVER"
Each CALL SIGN would then in alpha-numeric order, send in their situation reports.
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ANSWER AFTER X
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The station initialy called is asked to wait and answer the call after the CALL SIGN(S) specified at "X". Usually done when the conversation is event dependant, or is going to be lengthy, and signals with the preceding stations are going to be short. It can be used with multiple CALL SIGNS to form a queue, with each station monitoring the frequency, awaiting their turn.
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ANY CALL SIGN
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Used in place of an individual CALL SIGN when the signal is intended to gain a response from any other random station on the network. For example when requesting a RADIO CHECK, as in:
"ANY CALL SIGN, ANY CALL SIGN, THIS IS GOLF ONE ZERO, RADIO CHECK, OVER"
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ASSUME CONTROL
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The order: you will ASSUME CONTROL of this net until further notice. The appointment on-air of a Network Controller.
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AUTHENTICATE X
I AUTHENTICATE X
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A challenge to provide proof of authority to issue orders. Where "X" is the challenge. This procedure is used when the identity of the station is uncertain or susspect, and the orders or request's validity needs to be confirmed. See
Authentication Code. For example:
"OSCAR TWO ONE, OSCAR TWO ONE", THIS IS OSCAR TWO TWO, AUTHENTICATE BRAVO YANKEE, OVER"
"OSCAR TWO TWO, OSCAR TWO TWO", THIS IS OSCAR TWO ONE, AUTHENTICATION IS LIMA, OVER"
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(I) AUTHENTICATE
(MY) AUTHENTICATION (IS)
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The reply to the challenge "AUTHENTICATE", giving the correct authentication code, see
Authentication Code. This procedure is used when the identity of the station is uncertain or susspect, and the orders or request's validity needs to be confirmed. For example:
"...I AUTHENTICATE, VICTOR, OVER"
"...MY AUTHENTICATION IS, VICTOR, OVER"
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BE ADVISED (THAT)
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Indicates that the following message is extremely important. A verbal "bing-bong" or "listen up pay attention" signal directed at another CALL SIGN(S).
"SIX, BE ADVISED THAT THE ENEMY HAVE BYPASSED MY POSITION, AND ARE MOVING UPON YOUR LOCATION, OUT."
A common, useful, but unofficial Proword.
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BREAK
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1. I hereby indicate the separation of the text from other portions of the message. A verbal "paragraph break" used in giving a message that is being written down.
2. I hereby indicate the separation of two letters, one at the end of a word and the other at the beginning of the next. Used when spelling out a set of words in a message that is normally being written down, or for clarification in normal traffic. A verbal "space". For example, when spelling out "Joe Doe":
"I SPELL JOE DOE, JULIET, OSCAR, ECHO, BREAK, DELTA, OSCAR, ECHO, OVER."
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BREAK, BREAK, BREAK!
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An interjection to take control of a frequency or channel for an urgent message. All CALL SIGNS that hear this signal must maintain radio silence until the nature of the situation is made clear or the urgent message has been sent. This is NOT to be confused with the single usage of the proword "BREAK" which is used as a verbal word or paragraph break when sending a message which is required to be written down. See Table 4 for details.
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CALL SIGN(S)
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This Proword indicates that the following text is the CALL SIGN(S) of one or more stations, which are the subject of the message, and that the stations themselves are not actually being called. For example:
"KILO THREE ONE, KILO THREE ONE, THIS IS KILO ACTUAL, ADVISE CALL SIGN KILO TWO THREE, THAT THEY ARE JAMMING CHANNEL THREE, OVER"
NB: the term CHANNEL here applies to a FREQUENCY/Code combination, pre-set prior to the mission, and does not of itself identify a particular FREQUENCY or set of codes. This is done, so that when a channel change is ordered, any potential enemy stations will not immediately know to what FREQUENCY and code the network has moved to.
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CASEVAC
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A request for casualty evacuation by any means. See also MEDEVAC.
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CEASE FIRE!
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FYI the unapproved, less distinct order to stop shooting. The word "cease" can be lost in transmission. See the UNMC approved expression CHECK YOUR FIRE!
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CHANNEL #
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1. A reference to the factory set standard FREQUENCY and CTCSS/DCS (privacy code) combinations, that are defined as CHANNELS in PMR equipment, and expressed as a two to five digit number.
2. For use in combat, the term CHANNEL applies to a FREQUENCY/Code combination, pre-set prior to the mission, and does not of itself identify a particular FREQUENCY or set of codes. This is done, so that when a channel change is ordered, any potential enemy stations will not immediately know to what FREQUENCY and code the network has moved to.
See also CHANNEL UP/DOWN, FREQS
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CHANNEL UP/DOWN
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A request to move either up or down ONE channel, to a pre-arrange FREQUENCY, CTCSS/DCS code.
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CHECK YOUR FIRE!
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The UNMC approved, distinct order to stop shooting. Often repeated two or three times. This is preferred over expressions like "cease fire" as its structiure makes its far more distinct. See the unapproved alternative CEASE FIRE!
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CLOSE DOWN
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An order to shut down and turn off your radio, immediately or at the time specified. An acknowledgement is required. See CLOSING DOWN.
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CLOSING DOWN
AM CLOSING DOWN
I AM CLOSING DOWN
THIS STATION IS CLOSING DOWN
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Sent when the station is shutting down and ceasing radio operations altogether. Used as an acknowledgement to the instruction to "CLOSE DOWN". If there is a Network Control Station, or the station is part of an operational formation in the field, it is normal to seek permission to close down from the authorised station or formation commander. For example:
"HELLO NOVEMBER ACTUAL, THIS IS NOVEMBER EIGHT, REQUEST PERMISSION TO CLOSE DOWN, OVER"
"NOVEMBER EIGHT, THIS IS NOVEMBER ACTUAL, CLOSE DOWN IN FIVE MIKES, OVER"
"NOVEMBER ACTUAL, THIS IS NOVEMBER EIGHT, WILCO, OUT". And five minutes later:
And five minutes later...
"ALL CALL SIGNS, ALL CALL SIGNS, THIS IS NOVEMBER EIGHT, AM CLOSING DOWN, OUT"
NB: never use the civilian Proword "clear", as this has a specific tactical meaning, that is "this location is clear of enemy".
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COMEX
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"Commence Exercise" - The signal that is sent to start a military exercise. All units should acknowledge this message. The word "COMEX" is oftern repeated two or three times before saying "OVER", for example:
"COMEX, COMEX, COMEX, ALL CALL SIGNS ACKNOWLEDGE, OVER"
See also ENDEX
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CONTACT
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Used to declare "contact" with an enemy. At this point all non-related traffic MUST stop to give priority to messages related to this engagement. Often repeated two or three times, replacing the more normal "HELLO", "ALL CALL SIGNS" Prowords. If able you must provide useful intelligence, otherwise your message simply acts as a warning to other stations. Once the initial warning has been issued, either a
FIRE CONTROL ORDER, a CONTACT REPORT or a SITREP should be given, see the
UNMC Abbreviations, Acronyms & Glossary of Terms page. Here is a typical FIRE CONTROL ORDER:
"CONTACT, CONTACT, CONTACT, (THIS IS HOTEL TWO ONE ACTUAL), SIX O'CLOCK, TWO FIVE METRES, RIGHT SIDE OF BUILDING, SEVEN TANGOS APPROACHING FAST, ALL WEAPONS, OPEN FIRE, OUT".
Note the order in which the information is sent. It is done like this just in case the communications are cut off, giving the receiving stations their best chance of responding effectively.
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First the network gets a warning of the presence of the enemy.
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If time permitts, next should come the stations CALL SIGN, so the unit knows who sent the message. Remember the enemy may try to deceive you.
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Then a direction in relation to the MLA (Main Line of Advance), axis of march, or of observation, which is always 12 o'clock. Now the unit knows which way to look, in this case, behind them! This is always done first, as it significantly reduces the possible locations for the enemy, especially at short range, where time is critical.
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This is followed by a range estimation in metres, so the unit knows how far out the enemy is, here its twenty five metres.
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Then a brief description of where, what, how many, and their activity, so now the unit knows what to look for.
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Next is the order identifying which unit or units should shoot, in this case all of them.
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Then we have the actual order to shoot. This can be delayed with EXECUTE TO FOLLOW, STAND BY or WAIT ONE.
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And finally we have OUT, meaning I have finished, no need to respond, I'm busy.
Again if time permits, a commander may ask "....ENEMY SEEN, NOT SEEN?..." Meaning has everybody in the unit spotted the enemy, to which other stations, will respond with either "AFFIRMATIVE, ENEMY SEEN, CALL SIGN OUT" or "NEGATIVE, ENEMY NOT SEEN, CALL SIGN OVER". You should then provide further information to help the others find the enemy. Wherever possible, you should give as much detail as you can, including, TANGO Type#, weapons, antennas, uniforms and insignia, and attitude: relaxed, cautious, performing a particular tactical manoeuvre, like flanking right - it all helps prioritise the targets.
NB: a formal Signal, not a Proword.
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CORRECT
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Used instead of the more common right. "RIGHT" is reserved for giving some kind of spacial directions. For example:
"QUEBEC SEVEN ZERO, THIS IS QUEBEC THREE ZERO, THAT IS CORRECT, OVER"
NB: Never use the word "incorrect" as this can be easily confused with "correct". Use "WRONG" instead.
See also "AFFIRMATIVE" and "ROGER".
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(MY) CORRECTION (IS)
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an error has been made in this transmission. Transmission will continue with the last word or specified portion correctly transmitted, for example:
"ALPHA FOUR ONE, THIS IS UNIFORM THREE TWO, MY CORRECTION IS...."
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DECIMAL
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Used to verbally marked the decimal point in a number to prevent confusion, for example:
""...SEVEN, DECIMAL, SIX, TWO..."
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DISREGARD
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The full message is formally: "DISREGARD THIS TRANSMISSION, OUT"
Meaning that this transmission is in error. Disregard it. This Proword shall not be used to cancel any message that has been completely transmitted and for which an acknowledgement has been received. It is always ended with the "OUT" proword to close the message. The full form is rarely given, for example:
"...BELIEVE ENEMY IS NEAR YOUR POSITION...DISREGARD, OUT"
The operator realises that they are making an error, pauses, then gives the "DISREGARD, OUT" Proword set.
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DO NOT ANSWER
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An instruction to one or more stations NOT to transmit or respond to a message for their own safety.
"WARLOCK FIVE, WARLOCK FIVE, THIS IS WARLOCK ACTUAL, DO NOT ANSWER, EIGHT TANGOS AT POSITION SIERRA, OUT"
Often used by a Commander sending orders "in the blind", which is usually supported by a prearranged
Authentication Code.
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ENDEX
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"End Exercise" - The signal that is sent to end a military exercise. All units should acknowledge this message. The word "ENDEX" is oftern repeated two or three times before saying "OVER", for example:
"ENDEX, ENDEX, ENDEX, ALL CALL SIGNS ACKNOWLEDGE, OVER"
See also COMEX
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EXECUTE
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Carry out the purpose of the message or signal to which this applies. For example:
"....EXECUTE PLAN BRAVO IN TEN MIKES, OUT"
NB: a MIKE here means "minutes".
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EXECUTE TO FOLLOW
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A warning message or part of a message, to be ready to carry out a pre-arranged action, upon receipt of the Proword "EXECUTE". For Example:
...PREPARE TO SWITCH TO PLAN BRAVO, EXECUTE TO FOLLOW, OUT"
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EXEMPT
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The CALL SIGNS immediately following are exempted from the collective call, as follows:
"ALL CALL SIGNS, THIS IS OVERLORD, EXEMPT, YANKEE FOUR ONE, ZULU FOUR FIVE, IMMEDIATELY EXECUTE PLAN WHINCHESTER, OUT.
Thus all CALL SIGNS except the two specified, carry out the plan designated as "WINCHESTER".
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FIGURES
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Indicates that a list of numbers follow, for use in messaging.
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FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!
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The expression alerting all to a conflagration. It should be immediately followed up with all the necessary details, where, what, who and how bad. Remember never to use the word "fire" singly, or outside of this specific usage.
Not a Proword, but an important signal.
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FIRE FOR EFFECT
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An instruction to artillery or other indirect fire weapons such as machine guns, grenade launchers and mortars, to proceed with bombardment following the observation or adjustment of the fall of shot.
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FIRE MISSION
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A request for fire support made to artillery or other indirect fire weapons such as machine guns, grenade launchers and mortars. Normally followed by the "GRID" Proword or a code name for a preregistered point, to define the position for the fall of shot. The instruction to fire the first round is implicit in this request. The full barrage is ONLY launched once the "FIRE FOR EFFECT" proword is given, which can be sent after the first round has been observed and no "ADJUST YOUR FIRE" instruction has to be given, or it may be appended to the end of the "FIRE MISSION GRID X"/code name sequence when speed and not safety is critical.
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FLASH
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A verbal "bing-bong" or "listen up pay attention" signal, used to draw the attention of ALL stations to listen to a net-wide announcement of the
highest
level of precedence.
FLASH
announcements are concerned with
any messages concerned with critical combat support.
See Part 7
Message Precedence.
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FLASH OVERRIDE
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A verbal "bing-bong" or "listen up pay attention" signal, used to draw the attention of ALL stations to listen to a net-wide announcement issued by the government to it's military and/or people.
FLASH OVERRIDE messages are concerned with strategic level announcements.
This level of Precedence is not used by the military.
See Part 7
Message Precedence.
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FREQS
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Abbreviation of the term "Frequency" or "Frequencies".
See also CHANNEL X
NB: an abbreviation, not a Proword.
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FROM X
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Used to identify the signallar or the originator of a recorded (written) message. This is indicated by the address/"CALL SIGN" designator "X"immediately following. It should NOT be used as an alternative to "THIS IS X".
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GRID X
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Used as a prefix to an alpha/numeric or simply a numeric string giving a map co-ordenate, where "X" is the co-ordinate. Used rather than FIGURES, so it is clear that the numbers being sent are positional data.
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HELLO X
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Formerly used by the British Army as the opening word in a call to another station or stations. It acts as a verbal bing-bong or pay attention people, to alert all listeners that a message is about to be sent. The "X" is either the CALL SIGN of the target station, or either the"ALL STATIONS", "ANY STATION", or "UNKNOWN STATION" Prowords. It is always followed by the "THIS IS X" Proword set to identify the calling station, as follows:
"HELLO UNKNOWN STATION, THIS IS LIMA ACTUAL, WHAT IS YOUR CALL SIGN, OVER"
It has been replaced by the practise of giving the target stations CALL SIGN twice, which serves the same "bing-bong" function as "HELLO X", but doubles the chance that the correct station will hear and respond to the call.
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I AM ASSUMING CONTROL
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The message informing a network that you have taken the position of Network Controller until further notice.
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I HAVE CONTROL
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A fire control order, informing a sniper network that you are now in control of the firing sequence. See SEND (IT).
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IMMEDIATE
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A verbal "bing-bong" or "listen up pay attention" signal, used to draw the attention of ALL stations to listen to a net-wide announcement of the
next to highest
level of precedence.
IMMEDIATE
announcements are concerned with
any follow up messages related to combat support.
See Part 7
Message Precedence.
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IMMEDIATELY EXECUTE
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The action on the message or signal following is to be carried out immediately on completion of this transmission, without delay!
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I READ BACK
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The following is my response to your instructions to read back your message.
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I READ YOU X
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A response to another stations request for a RADIO CHECK, where X is the Strength and Readability of the originating station. For example:
"ANY CALL SIGNS, ANY CALL SIGNS, THIS IS VICTOR TWO ONE, RADIO CHECK, OVER"
"VICTOR TWO ONE, VICTOR TWO ONE, THIS IS VICTOR TWO THREE, I READ YOU FIVE BY FIVE, OVER"
"VICTOR TWO THREE, VICTOR TWO THREE, THIS IS VICTOR TWO ONE, ROGER, OUT"
See Part 5
FIVE BY FIVE for an explanation. See also NOTHING HEARD.
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I SAY AGAIN
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1. Said in response to the Proword request "SAY AGAIN"; I am saying my entire transmission again, or the portion indicated.
"ALL CALL SIGNS, ALL CALL SIGNS, THIS IS DELTA ACTUAL, I SAY AGAIN..."
2. Used for emphasis, for example:
"THIS IS JULIET ALPHA, REQUIRE IMMEDIATELY, ONE, FIVE ZERO ZERO, ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION, I SAY AGAIN, ONE, FIVE ZERO ZERO, ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION, OVER"
Do NOT> use the word "repeat", see "REPEAT", as this is a Fire Control Proword. See also "ALL AFTER X", "ALL BEFORE X" , "WORD AFTER X", "WORD BEFORE X", and "SAY AGAIN".
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I SPELL
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I shall spell the next word phonetically using the standard NATO Phonetic Code for extra clarity, for example:
"...THIS IS WARLOCK ONE, I SPELL WHICH, WHISKY INDIA TANGO CHARLIE HOTEL, OVER"
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I VERIFY
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That which follows has been verified at your request and is repeated. To be used only as a reply to "VERIFY". This is used to confirm the truth of a statement or a piece of intelligence.
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MARK
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Used to "mark" a precise moment in time, to ensure accuracy. Preceded by either "AT MY MARK" or "ON MY MARK", then "MARK". Used for example for synchronising watches or actions such as an attack.
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MEDEVAC
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A more specialised request for casualty evacuation, requiring a purpose built ambulance and medical crew. see also CASEVAC.
Requires the use of the 9-Line Format request.
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MESSAGE
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The Proword that tells another station that the sender has a message requiring to be recorded or written down, is waiting to be sent. For example:
"WHISKEY TWO FIVE, THIS IS WHISKEY TWO ONE, (I HAVE A) MESSAGE, OVER"
NB: the message itself is only transmitted once the recieving station gives the "SEND" signal, demonstrating that they are ready to record the data.
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MESSAGE ENDS
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Used to mark the end of the recordable message.
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MESSAGE FOLLOWS
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Used to mark the start of the recordable message.
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MIKE(S)
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The phonetic expression for the letter "M", used to mean "minutes" of time.
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MINIMIZE
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Please limit your transmissions to essential traffic. Emergency operational traffic is in progress. MINIMIZE is imposed by the Net Controller or by the Incident Commander.
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MINIMIZE LIFTED
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The "MINIMIZE" order is lifted by either the Net Controller or by the Incident Commander.
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MORE TO FOLLOW
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Transmitting station has additional traffic for the receiving station, please wait.
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NEGATIVE
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Used instead of the word no, as this can be lost in transmission. See also "AFFIRMATIVE", "CORRECT", "ROGER" and "WRONG".
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NOTHING HEARD (OVER)
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Used when no reply is received from a called station, thus alerting others to the fact that you have not heard a return signal. This is important, as another station may be in range and able to hear the called station, and relay the messages, while others may simply presume that they heard nothing because they are out of range of the station being hailled.
See also: "I READ YOU X" and "RADIO CHECK".
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OPEN FIRE!
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An order to commence shooting. Never use the word "fire" by itself, as this is usually regarded as a warning about a conflagration. If a conflagration does break out, the better warning is "FIRE, FIRE, FIRE"
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OUT
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This is the end of my transmission to you and no answer is required or expected. NB: never used with "OVER" as in the incorrect signal "over and out" which is a contridiction in terms, essentially "talk to me and shut up".
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OUT OF CHARACTER
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This proceeds any message that is NOT an "In-Character" communication. For example:
"ANY CALL SIGN, ANY CALL SIGN, THIS IS PAPA NINER, OUT OF CHARACTER...."
NB: equivalent to the Proword NO PLAY.
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OVER
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This is the end of my transmission to you and a response is necessary. Go ahead and transmit. NB: never used with "OUT" as in the incorrect signal "over and out", which is a contridiction in terms, essentially "talk to me and shut up".
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PRIORITY
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A verbal "bing-bong" or "listen up pay attention" signal, used to draw the attention of ALL stations to listen to a net-wide announcement of the
middle
level of precedence.
PRIORITY
announcements are concerned with
any messages for which the ROUTINE Precedence would be too slow.
See Part 7
Message Precedence.
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RADIO CHECK
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"Can anyone hear me?" "How loud/clear is my transmission?" See part 5
"FIVE BY FIVE" and "I READ YOU X" and "NOTHING HEARD".
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READ BACK
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The instruction to read back to me, the entire message exactly as you received it, including any address, Date Time Group (DTG) etc.
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RELAY (TO) X
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Retransmit this message to X, where "X" can equal either "ALL CALL SIGNS", or the Proword "ADDRESS GROUP", followed by the CALL SIGN(S) to whom the message is addressed.
NB: When the coverage of a set of stations overlap, messages can be passed along the line, far further than one radio can do by itself.
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RELAY THROUGH X
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1. The order to a station to relay their message via the specified CALL SIGN.
2. The instruction to relay your message through the CALL SIGN specified at "X". After which you contact the specified station and use the RELAY (TO) Proword to pass on the message.
3. Where "X" is replaced by the word "ME", this becomes the instruction to pass your message to ME" for relay to the addressee.
NB: When the coverage of a set of stations overlap, messages can be passed along the line, far further than one radio can do by itself.
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REPEAT
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Specifically a "Fire Support" request: ordering a "repeat" of the barrage. For example a request to a machine gun group, a mortar team or artillery position. Do NOT use it to ask for information to be sent again, see "SAY AGAIN". Mistakes could be unfortunate!
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ROGER
ROGER THAT
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1. "Received", I have received and understood your last transmission satisfactorily.
2. Informally used in place of the word "right!" or "that's right", to mean "that is correct" or "I agree with that". The word "right" is exclusively used for giving some kind of spacial directions. For example:
"ROMEO ONE, THIS IS JULIET TWO, ROGER THAT, TURNING RIGHT, OUT" *
ROGER is never used to mean just "yes", for that use "AFFIRMATIVE".
NB: ROGER is never used with "WILCO", as in "roger, wilco", as the function of "ROGER" is implicit in the "WILCO" Proword.
NB: The addition of "THAT" is common practise, often being used in non-radio speech as an acknowledgement or agreement.
NB: ROGER was the former phonetic expression for the letter "R", and was adopted as a substitute for "right".
See also "AFFIRMATIVE", "CORRECT" and "WRONG".
* (with apologies to William Shakespeare)
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ROUTINE
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A verbal "bing-bong" or "listen up pay attention" signal, used to draw the attention of ALL stations to listen to a net-wide announcement of the
next to lowest
level of precedence.
ROUTINE
announcements are concerned with
the day to day operations of the units within the net.
See Part 7
Message Precedence.
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SAY AGAIN
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A request to another station to send either all of their last transmission, or that portion indicated by the "ALL AFTER X", "ALL BEFORE X", "WORD AFTER X" or "WORD BEFORE X" Prowords.
"OSCAR TWO FIVE, THIS IS OSCAR ACTUAL, SAY AGAIN, OVER"
NB: do NOT say "repeat", see "REPEAT", as this is a Fire Control Proword.
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SEND
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I have received your initial call, send your message now.
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SEND (YOUR) MESSAGE
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A response to a station that has just transmitted the Proword "MESSAGE", requiring the receiving station to record or take down a written message, demonstrating that the station is ready.
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SEND IT
|
A fire control order, transmitted to a sniper, instructing them to shoot immediately.
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SERVICE
|
A verbal "bing-bong" or "listen up pay attention" signal, used to draw the attention of ALL stations to listen to a net-wide announcement of the
lowest
level of precedence.
SERVICE
announcements are concerned with
the technical asspects of the operation of the network.
See Part 7
Message Precedence.
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SHOOT!
|
FYI An obsolete order to commence shooting. Often repeated two or three times. More commonly used by ex-maritime force members, as they are trained not to use "fire" for shipboard service. Never use the word "fire" by itself as this is usually regarded as a warning about a conflagration. If a conflagration does break out, the better warning is "FIRE, FIRE, FIRE" See OPEN FIRE.
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SILENCE
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This Proword is repeated three or more times, and used to order the ceasation of transmission on this channel/frequency immediately. Radio silence will be maintained until lifted. Used when absolute stealth is required for that network. When an authentication system is in force, the message imposing silence is to be provided with an Authentication Code. See
Authentication Code. For example:
"ALL CALL SIGNS, ALL CALL SIGNS, THIS IS NETWORK CONTROL, SILENCE, SILENCE, SILENCE, AUTHENTICATION NOVEMBER ECHO, OUT"
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SILENCE LIFTED
|
Radio silence is lifted, proceed with normal operations. When an authentication system is in force, the transmission lifting silence is to be provided with an Authentication Code. See
Authentication Code.
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SIT REP
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A reference to, or a request for a "Situation Report", for example:
"ZULU ONE ONE, ZULU ONE ONE, SIT REP, OVER"
NB: a Signal not a Proword.
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SPEAK SLOWER
|
Your transmission is at too fast a speed. Reduce speed of transmission.
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SPELL X
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Please spell the X word phonetically using the standard NATO Phonetic Code for extra clarity.If the word requiring spelling was unheard or unclear, use the Prowords "WORD BEFORE X" or "WORD AFTER X" to guide the operator to the required target word. For example:
"VICTOR THREE, THIS IS VICTOR ACTUAL, SPELL WORD AFTER INSIDE, OVER"
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STAND BY
|
A request for a pause in the exchange. If followed by "OVER" the other station must acknowledge the request with "STANDING BY", and usually "OUT". If the message is "STAND BY, OUT", no acknowledgement is required, but it does require the other station to remain alert for the follow up transmission. This latter is used when an incoming signal could compromise the station's security, or the operator is too busy. For example
"ALPHA TWO SIX, THIS IS SIERRA THREE TWO, STAND BY, OVER"
See also "WAIT" and "WAIT ONE".
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STANDING BY
|
The acknowledgement to the request "STAND BY, OVER", always finished with "OUT", as in:
"ALPHA TWO SIX, STANDING BY, OUT"
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TR>
TANGO
|
Meaning "target", it is used as a label for unknowns, or known enemy personnel. See also CONTACT.
NB: a term, not a Proword.
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THIS IS X
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This transmission is from the station whose CALL SIGN immediately follows. See also "FROM X" and "TO X".
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THIS IS A DIRECTED NET
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From now and until further notice, this network is directed, and ALL traffic must go through the Network Controller, no pier to pier communications is permitted for reasons of security.
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THIS IS A FREE NET
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From now and until further notice, this network is free, and pier to pier communications is permitted. The Network Controller will provide supervision only.
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TIME X
|
That which immediately follows the Proword "TIME" is that specified by the originating source, as the time when the message was initially sent. This is expressed in the standard NATO
DATE TIME GROUP
(DTG) format.
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TIME CHECK
|
A request for the current correct time, given in 24 hour format for the time zone of the theatre of operations. "ZULU" equates to GMT (UTC), and is the default global time zone. ALPHA TIME is the BST (UTC+1) time zone.
See how to use the NATO standard
DATE TIME GROUP
(DTG) format for time.
The time giver uses the "MARK" Proword to ensure accuracy, as follows:
"...THE TIME AT MY MARK, WILL BE FOURTEEN THIRTY SIX ZULU PRECISELY....MARK, OVER"
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TO X
|
X being the station, address or person immediately following "TO" is the destonation for the message.
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UNKNOWN CALL SIGN
|
The identity of the station with whom I am attempting to establish communication is unknown. Used at the start of a transmission in place of the CALL SIGN of a known station.
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USE ABBREVIATED CALL SIGNS
|
CALL SIGNS may be abbreviated until further notice.
Meaning that only that portion of the CALL SIGN that distinguishes one station from another in an exchange is necessary. For example, if the full CALL SIGN is "DE20", within the DELTA ECHO unit's own network, it is only required to use "TWO ZERO".
WARNING: this cannot be done in the presence of the enemy.
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USE ABBREVIATED PROCEDURES
|
All stations may use abbreviated procedure until further notice.
This means that where stations are very familiar with one another, they can operate with short CALL SIGNS, or omit CALL SIGNS altogether. Prowords, like "THIS IS", can be dropped, and the need to state the CALLSIGN of the station being address can be omitted.
WARNING: this cannot be done in the presence of the enemy.
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USE FULL CALL SIGNS
|
Until further notice ALL stations must use full CALL SIGNS.
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USE FULL PROCEDURES
|
Until further notice ALL stations must use full procedures.
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VERIFY
|
A request to verify the content of an entire message (or portion indicated) with the originator and send the correct version. Used when the recieving station has a doubt about the content of the original message and requires t.hat it be checked with the author.
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WAIT
|
A request to suspend the conversation for a few seconds. Used as an alternative to "STAND-BY", but more urgent. The other station must NOT attempt to recontact the original signaler, and MUST wait on standby until they return, or until concern for the unit's situation becomes critical, warranting the risk of breaking the implied radio silence. It can also be used at less critical moments when the operator needs literally just a few seconds to sort something out. They will begin transmitting again almost immediately. For example:
"CONTACT, WAIT, OUT"
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WAIT ONE
|
As per "WAIT", but a request to suspend the conversation for one minute rather than a few seconds. The other station may attempt to recontact the original signaler after one minute has passed. Alternative numbers can also be used, as in "WAIT FIVE".
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WILCO
|
An agreement to perform an action, literally "I have received your message, and will comply with the request/instructions/orders".
The oft heard combination of "ROGER, WILCO" although not as bad as "over and out", is redundent as WILCO contains the same acknowledgement "received" , and thus breaks the rule of keeping messages short and concise. See ROGER.
"HOTEL SIX, THIS IS ECHO TWO, IMMEDIATE EXECUTE, PLAN ALPHA, OVER."
"ECHO TWO, HOTEL SIX, WILCO, OUT"
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WORD AFTER X
|
Used to refer to a word that follows the stated text in a message. For example:
"PLEASE SAY AGAIN, WORD AFTER, THEIR UNIT WAS, OVER "
See "ALL AFTER X", "ALL BEFORE X", "SAY AGAIN" and "WORD BEFORE X"
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WORD BEFORE X
|
Used to refer to a word that proceeds the stated word in a message. For example:
"SAY AGAIN, WORD BEFORE, SERGEANT, OVER"
See "ALL AFTER X", "ALL BEFORE X", "SAY AGAIN" and "WORD AFTER X"
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WORDS TWICE
|
The communications conditions are making it difficult for me to hear your message. Please transmit each phrase or each group twice. This Proword may be used as an order, a request, or as a piece of information, as in the conditions are bad I will transmit everything twice to help you.
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WRONG
|
The content in your last transmission was wrong. The CORRECT details ar..." For example:
"ALPHA THREE, ZERO THIS IS DELTA SIX ZERO, THAT IS WRONG, THE CORRECT RENDEZVOUS TIME IS..."
Do not say "that's not right", as the word "right" is exclusively reserved for giving some kind of spacial directions, and "that's" is a contraction. Also, do not use "incorrect", as this can easily be mistaken for "CORRECT".
See also "AFFIRMATIVE", "CORRECT" and "ROGER"
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ZERO
|
The CALL SIGN assigned to the station acting as the Network Controller. In effect an on-air radio manager and sometime referee.
NB: a designation, not a Proword.
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End of Document
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Updated:
13 JUL 16
