General
sparkle
What does sparkle mean?
A brevity code meaning to mark or identify a target using an infrared pointer, visible to those with night-vision or IR sensors, to cue an attacking aircraft.
""Sparkle the target — I've got the pointer, standby.""
Origin
Multiservice tactical brevity code used in close air support.
Frequently asked questions
What does "sparkle" mean in close air support?
It's a brevity code meaning to mark a target with an infrared pointer, visible through night-vision or IR sensors, to cue an attacking aircraft onto it.
Who calls for a sparkle?
Typically a controller or attacking aircrew requesting or providing the IR mark so everyone with the right sensors sees the same target.
Why use an IR pointer instead of a visible one?
An infrared pointer is invisible to the naked eye and only shows up on night-vision or IR sensors, so it marks the target discreetly without tipping off the enemy.
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