Brevity question regarding RWR indications

[Crescendo]

Hi all,

 

This is a simple question, but it's been bugging me for a while now.

 

What is the technically correct word order for the brevity terms NAILS, MUD, and SPIKE when making a radio call? Is the brevity term supposed to come before or after the informative term?

 

For example, is it this:

 

LOBO 1, 29 NAILS, right 2

LOBO 1, 2 MUD, left 11

 

Or is it this:

 

LOBO 1, NAILS 29, right 2

LOBO 1, MUD 2, left 11

 

I've generally always used the former method, but lately I've noticed that I've been saying the informative term first when making an air-to-air call (e.g. 29 NAILS), and saying it second when making an air-to-ground (e.g. MUD 2). I guess it just 'feels better' for me to say it that way.

 

However, after considering the matter, I think the latter method is most appropriate because there is less chance for ambiguity. Still, I'm hoping that someone can clear this up definitively so that I can break some bad habits if necessary.

[Eddie]

Your second example is correct. It is indeed MUD/SINGER/NAILS/SPIKE (as appropriate) followed by type and direction. Although it's worth mentioning that the pubs don't state type and direction for A/A RWR indications, only direction.

 

Direct quote from the publications.

• NAILS (w/direction)—RWR indication of AI radar in search..
  
• SPIKE (w/direction)—RWR indication of an AI threat in track or launch.
  
• MUD (type w/direction)—Indicates radar warning receiver (RWR) ground threat displayed with no launch identification.
  
• SINGER (type w/direction)—Informative call of RWR indication of surface-to-air missile launch.
  

[Crescendo]

Thanks, Eddie. That clears it up.

 

Interesting how type is omitted from the A/A calls — I think I'll ignore that part.