The Military Alphabet
The "military alphabet" is the NATO phonetic alphabet — the same system used by all five branches of the US military and all NATO member nations since 1956.
| Letter | Code Word | Morse |
|---|---|---|
| A | Alfa | • — |
| B | Bravo | — • • • |
| C | Charlie | — • — • |
| D | Delta | — • • |
| E | Echo | • |
| F | Foxtrot | • • — • |
| G | Golf | — — • |
| H | Hotel | • • • • |
| I | India | • • |
| J | Juliett | • — — — |
| K | Kilo | — • — |
| L | Lima | • — • • |
| M | Mike | — — |
| N | November | — • |
| O | Oscar | — — — |
| P | Papa | • — — • |
| Q | Quebec | — — • — |
| R | Romeo | • — • |
| S | Sierra | • • • |
| T | Tango | — |
| U | Uniform | • • — |
| V | Victor | • • • — |
| W | Whiskey | • — — |
| X | X-ray | — • • — |
| Y | Yankee | — • — — |
| Z | Zulu | — — • • |
Military Slang from the Phonetic Alphabet
Beyond spelling, military personnel use phonetic code words as shorthand for common phrases. These terms have become part of everyday military culture and some have crossed into civilian use.
Bravo Zulu
"Well done" — originated from Navy signal flags
"Bravo Zulu on that landing."
Oscar Mike
"On the Move" — moving to a new position
"We are Oscar Mike to checkpoint Delta."
Charlie Mike
"Continue Mission" — keep going
"Charlie Mike, no change to orders."
Lima Charlie
"Loud and Clear" — good radio reception
"Read you Lima Charlie."
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
"WTF" — expressing confusion or disbelief
Self-explanatory.
Tango Down
Target neutralized
"Tango down, sector clear."
Foxtrot Oscar
A colorful suggestion to depart (FO)
Used informally among troops.
Which Branches Use It?
All five branches of the US military — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard — use the identical NATO phonetic alphabet. It is also mandatory for all 31 NATO member nations, ensuring interoperability across international military operations. Non-NATO militaries generally adopt it for joint exercises and coalition operations.