From this web site (found by a Google search for "Broken Arrow USAF"

http://www.faa.gov/ATpubs/MIL/Ch12/mil1204.html

12-4-2. NUCLEAR WEAPON ACCIDENTS ("BROKEN ARROW")

a. The affected military installation (usually the Base Command Post)
shall notify the ARTCC/CERAP of the following in the event of a "Broken
Arrow":

1. State the size of the predicted hazardous area and whether the
airport is closed to normal traffic.

2. State if there is any intent to evacuate base aircraft by use of
"Flush," "Buggy Ride," or other procedures.

3. State the expected duration of the emergency.

4. Advise the ARTCC/CERAP when the emergency is terminated.

Army MAY have had a different meaning but I doubt it.

"Ed Rasimus" wrote in message
...
On 29 May 2004 17:36:07 GMT, (MLenoch) wrote:

I just saw the History Channel presentation of the Army's 7th Cav. Part
of the
segment described the battle at Il Drang, where Col. Moore called Broken
Arrow.
The Col. said that the call produced aircraft holding above his position
from
5000' to 35,000'.

The "Broken Arrow" call seems unusual in my experience (I've got to
read the book soon, as the movie version might be the source of this.)
The term Broken Arrow is part of a trilogy of terms that were used to
describe mishaps/accidents with nuclear weapons systems. The other two
were Bent Spear and Dull Sword.

I never heard the term used as it was in the movie.


Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
Smithsonian Institution Press
ISBN #1-58834-103-8