Learning the NATO Phonetic Alphabet

December 2, 2024 Julian OH8STN Education, Emergency Communications 0

Hello Operators
This is a short video on the history, alphabet, and number strategy of the NATO phonetic alphabet. The tutorial includes the phonetic pronunciation of each letter and number, its Morse code equivalent, and signalman flags.

The NATO phonetic alphabet improves clarity in radio communications by using standardized words for each letter (e.g., “Alpha” for A, “Bravo” for B). This reduces confusion caused by noise or poor signal quality, accents, or similar-sounding letters like “B” and “D.” It’s especially useful when time and copy accuracy could save lives.

The NATO phonetic numbers (e.g., “One,” “Two,” “Tree” for 1, 2, 3) ensure numbers are clear and unmistakable over radio, especially in noisy conditions or with accents. For example, “Tree” replaces “Three” to avoid confusion with “Free.”

When sending numbers with decimals, the strategy is to say “decimal (pronounced Dee-See-Mal) for the dot. For example, the frequency 146.520 MHz is transmitted as “One Four Six Dee-See-Mal Five Two Zero.” This strategy greatly increases the receivers’ likelihood of accurately copying the message.


With recent influx of ham radio newcomers to the channel, this is one of the top requests. I suspect the heightened tensions between NATO and Russia may have something to do with all the newcomers. In any event, pass it along if you know someone who might find it useful.
Share url: https://youtu.be/ULxwgAreRyw

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Julian oh8stn
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