The problem is that the "standard" ICAO phonetics are problematic under certain circumstances. In the military world the operators are specially trained to use ICAO phonetics including the "preferred" way to pronounce the words. Unfortunately, this just doesn't exist in the amateur radio world and especially in those persons, without any formal training, who do not have English as their primary language, they have problems with the ICAO phonetics. That is why geographical names work better when working DX. For stateside use, at least in my opinion, the ICAO phonetics are definitely recommended.
Again, geographical names have become the defacto "standard" where working DX is concerned.
Glen, K9STH
Website: http://k9sth.com
--- On Sun, 4/10/11, John Becker w0jab@big-river.net wrote:
There is a "STANDARD" why not use it??? (that was a question)
My navy training just rubs me the wrong way when I hear some of the "words" being used by some.
Could be the "reason" your call went unanswered.