“Five by five” is a military term used to indicate that a radio signal is clear and strong. It is commonly used in aviation and naval communications, as well as in the military more broadly. The term is used to describe the quality of the signal, with “five” referring to the strength of the signal and “by five” indicating that the signal is clear and free from interference.
The origins of the term are unclear, but it is believed to have originated during World War II. At the time, radio communications were relatively new and often prone to interference and static. As a result, pilots and other military personnel needed a simple way to indicate the quality of the signal they were receiving.
The term “five by five” was likely adopted because it is easy to remember and can be quickly communicated over the radio. It is also descriptive, with “five” referring to the strength of the signal on a scale of one to five, and “by five” indicating that the signal is clear and free from interference.
The use of “five by five” has since become a standard part of military communication, and it is often used in civilian contexts as well. The term has also been adopted in popular culture, with references appearing in movies, TV shows, and books.
In addition to its use in radio communications, “five by five” has also taken on a broader meaning in military slang. It is sometimes used to indicate that a mission or operation is going well, with “five” indicating that everything is going according to plan and “by five” indicating that there are no unexpected problems or obstacles.
Overall, “five by five” is a simple and effective way to communicate the quality of a radio signal, and it has become an important part of military communication over the years. While the origins of the term are unclear, its use has become widespread and it is now a familiar phrase in military and civilian contexts alike.
It’s worth noting that “five by five” isn’t the only way that military personnel communicate the quality of a radio signal. Other terms that are commonly used include “loud and clear” and “clear as a bell.” However, “five by five” remains one of the most widely recognized and used phrases.
It’s also important to note that while “five by five” is primarily used to describe radio signals, it can also be used more broadly to indicate that something is clear and free from interference. For example, if a pilot is asked if they can see an object clearly, they might respond “five by five” to indicate that their view is unobstructed and clear.