History of the NATO Phonetic Alphabet + Teaching Tips

Adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization in 1956, the NATO phonetic alphabet is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2016.

The alphabet, also known as the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet, consists of 26 words that correspond to the 26 letters of the English alphabet. It was designed to make communication via radio and telephone clear and simple despite language barriers, transmission static, or other auditory challenges.

Traditionally used among branches of the military, the alphabet has been adopted in several non-military settings where accuracy is important, including medical centers, airlines, and IT call centers. Today, it is the most commonly used spelling alphabet.

The NATO Phonetic Alphabet
A - Alpha
B - Bravo
C - Charlie
D - Delta
E - Echo
F - Foxtrot
G - Golf
H - Hotel
I - India
J - Juliet
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

View previous versions of the NATO phonetic alphabet.

Teaching Tips
Increase speed with flash cards. Learning the NATO phonetic alphabet in order is much different than using it to clarify the spelling of a word on the spot. To help your homeschooler master the art of using it on the fly, study with homemade flash cards.

Practice spelling words over the phone. Demonstrate how difficult it can be to differentiate sounds by listing similar sounding letters (A and K, C and Z, etc.) to your child over the phone. Then, practice spelling words and ask your child to articulate her answers using the spelling alphabet.

Decipher sentences via walkie-talkie. The crackling of the static can help your student further understand how difficult deciphering sounds can be. Hide out in different rooms and practice decoding simple sentences using the NATO phonetic alphabet.