Stratolifter (C-135 / 717)
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
A K135 cleared into refueling area; accepted RADAR from NVF on a group of F15. Asked the K135 to advise MARSA with the F15s and advise F15s requested altitude for entry. The K135; replied; 'We will; uh we advise MARSA and have the F15s at FL200. Then asked the K135 what heading he would like the F15s on; the K135 replied heading 230 after working out the F15s radio issues; the F15s was given clearance and switched to tanker frequency. When the F15s were 7 miles from the K135; the K135 advised MARSA again. When questioned; the K135 replied that he had not previously advised MARSA. Recommend standard phraseology for the tanker aircraft to advise MARSA 7110.65 and 7610.4 only share knowledge that the aircraft will advise MARSA; but no set phraseology.
[Narrative #2 contained no additional information.]
Enroute Controller providing OJT described a confused communications event with military aircraft participating in refueling activities. The reporter noted that increased standardized of phraseology during these instances is necessary.