VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
7052 TARGET ENGAGEMENT MESSAGES
TEMs are used between AAW units to report on the progress of the air battle, but are not required for
self-defense weapons.
NOT RELEASABLE
a. Weapons Assignment Report. This report should be made to the AAWC as soon as possible
after the target has been detected, preferably as part of the initial report. A change in assignment must
also be reported. The proword TAKING indicates that an assignment has been made. For example:
“This is (call sign) TAKING HOSTILE 1234 with STATION 2.”
b. HOSTILE (Track Number) BIRD TARGET. Used by the AAWC to designate a target to be
engaged by missiles.
c. HOSTILE (Track Number) CAP TARGET. Used by the AAWC to indicate that a target is a
primary target for CAP (CAP voice call may be specified).
d. BIRDS AFFIRM HOSTILE (Track Number). Used by missile ships to indicate that missile
radars are locked on to a particular target and that the target will pass within missile intercept range.
e. BIRDS AWAY HOSTILE (Track Number). Used by missile ships to indicate that missiles
have been fired.
f. BIRDS NEGAT HOSTILE (Track Number). Used by missile ships to indicate that it is not
possible to fire at a designated target (i.e., missile directors not locked on, or engaged on other targets, or
targets did not come within missile range).
g. ROMAN CANDLE (Coordinates). A warning transmitted over all voice reporting nets and
aircraft guard circuits that a nuclear missile is about to be exploded in the area indicated.
h. CANYON AFFIRM (Track Number). Used by a ship fitted with a jammer to indicate that
designated target is being jammed.
i. HOSTILE (Track Number) SPLASHED. Used to indicate that the raid designated is believed
to be destroyed.
j. HEADS UP HOSTILE (Track Number). Used to indicate that action by reporting unit against
target in question has ceased for one of the following reasons:
(1) When a previously reported engagement has been broken off prematurely (e.g., after shifting to
a more threatening target).
(2) If the interception is found to be impossible.
(3) At the end of an inconclusive engagement.
(4) When a SPLASHED message is shown to be untrue.
k. SALVO HOSTILE (Track Number). Means “about to engage with Birds,” and is used by a
SAM ship when it is threatened by a target that is already being taken by a fighter and the ship intends to engage
the target with missiles. When this occurs, it is the responsibility of the ship about to open fire to warn
the unit controlling the fighter:
7-13 CHANGE 2