The phonetic alphabet assigns code words to the letters of the English alphabet (Alfa for A, Bravo for B, etc.) so that critical combinations of letters (and numbers) can be pronounced and understood by those who transmit and receive voice messages by radio or telephone regardless of their native language, especially when the safety of navigation or persons is essential.
| Letter | International | Common US Law Enforcement |
|---|---|---|
| A | Alfa | Adam |
| B | Bravo | Boy |
| C | Charlie | Charlie |
| D | Delta | David |
| E | Echo | Edward |
| F | Foxtrot | Frank |
| G | Golf | George |
| H | Hotel | Henry |
| I | India | Ida |
| J | Juliett | John |
| K | Kilo | King |
| L | Lima | Lincoln |
| M | Mike | Mary |
| N | November | Nora |
| O | Oscar | Ocean |
| P | Papa | Paul |
| Q | Quebec | Queen |
| R | Romeo | Robert |
| S | Sierra | Sam |
| T | Tango | Tom |
| U | Uniform | Union |
| V | Victor | Victor |
| W | Whiskey | William |
| X | X-Ray | X-Ray |
| Y | Yankee | Young |
| Z | Zulu | Zebra |