Voice procedure
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Voice procedure is the name given to techniques used in spoken communication over two-way radios, particularly by the military.
Voice procedure is intended to maximise clarity of spoken communication and reduce misunderstanding. It consists of standard ways pronouncing words, or spelling words (see phonetic alphabet) and of 'code words' or phrases with specialised meanings, such as 'over' and 'roger'.
Many organisations have their own voice procedures. The military of the NATO countries have similar procedures in order to make cooperation easier, and pseudo-military organisations often base their procedures on them.
An example of a voice procedure unconnected with NATO voice procedures would be the 'ten code' adopted by citizens band radio users.
Words in voice procedure
Some words with specialised meanings are used in radio communication throughout the English speaking worlds, in an international radio communications, where English is the lingua franca.
- Over - I have finished talking and I am listening for your reply.
- Out - I have finished talking to you and do not expect a reply
- Roger - I understand what you just said.
- Wilco - I understand and will do as you said.
Some sources state that "Roger, Wilco" is an expression that means "Received, Will Comply". In fact, "Roger, Wilco" is redundant, because the meaning of "Roger" is implied by "Wilco."
Similarly, "Over and Out" is nonsense, because the two are mutually exclusive.