Sporadic E

Favoured excuse of Signallers for loss of Comms when using Sky Wave Propagation as in, "Sir, my Sporadic E's playing up." Caused by disturbances in the Ionosphere, therefore bouncing your shot too short or too long to reach whoever you're trying to contact.

• DISCLAIMER - Do NOT, under any circumstances, try to use this excuse on your SSM - he will not be impressed. Officers are fair game, however.