Counterflow: The demise and rebirth of the USAF tactical air command in the Vietnam Era

Fighter pilots, like most other professionals, have their own unique language. In fighter pilot terms, "counterflow" is a basic fighter tactic that means to proceed in the opposite direction of your wingman. The idea is that one aircraft in an engaged flight goes counterflow to reposition for a kiU. For example, suppose that the lead aircraft in a flight of two F-4 Phantoms is attacked fi-om behind by a lone MiG-21. The trailing Phantom should position himself at the MiG-2rs six o'clock position while the lead Phantom should turn into the attacking MiG, hopefully forcing the MiG into an overshoot. Counterflow also can be considered an aerial version of the foot soldier's "about face."