MadMorbius

Radio Communications Primer

The following communications primer is intended to provide the reader with a basic level of familiarity with radio communications procedures and “best practices”; the purpose of this primer is to familiarize the novice or experienced user with a standard for radio use, ensuring the most efficient use of the communications network by all users.

The type of radio used is not relevant to this communications primer; it should be mentioned however that attention to proper protocol becomes more important as the size of the network (number of users) and / or the power of the radio increases.

Adherence to protocols greatly increases the usability of a large network with many endpoint users by limiting useless chatter and maximizing availability for critical messages. As the power of the radio increases, so does the effective range of the radio, and the associated size of the potential communications net. Again, adherence to protocol ensures that the communications network remains a working tactical advantage as opposed to a distraction and hindrance.

Callsigns
All users on a radio network are issued, or shall assume, a unique callsign which identifies the individual to other users of the network. Callsigns should be limited to no more than two syllables; anything greater introduces more opportunity for misinterpretation.

The most common callsigns are numeric, frequently two-digit numbers. For example, 66 (SIX SIX) or 59 (FIVE NINER). In some cases, a letter may be applied phonetically as a prefix to the numerical callsign. The letter is used to differentiate operational units, functions, geographical locations, etc. For example, two teams may be operating in the same environment. Team A will use callsigns that begin with A (ALPHA). Team B may use callsigns that begin with B (BRAVO). Therefore, a user with the callsign of SIX SIX assigned to operational unit A wil be addressed, and identify themselves, as ALPHA SIX SIX.

When addressing individual squad mates within the same operational unit, where the frequency in use is assigned to that operational unit specifically, the letter designator need not be used. For example, if Team A is on a specific frequency, there is no need to address other members of team A as “ALPHA”. The numeric callsign will suffice.

Please note that numeric callsigns are typically more effective, and efficient, than “handles”. It is easier to remember a two-digit number and associate it with a function than a “handle”.

Basic Radio Use

When using a radio, it is important to observe the following:

·Hold the microphone 3-5 inches from your mouth.
·Key the radio and wait a full 3 seconds before speaking
·Continue to depress the talk button for a further 3 seconds once you have completed speaking
·Turn off “roger beep” or “confirmation tones”. Nobody wants to hear these things beeping everytime someone accidentally keys a microphone.
·Turn off (or avoid radios with) call functions. Once again, these are irritating, particularly when there are several dozen users on the network.
·Refrain from long, drawn-out conversations. Messages should be short, and sweet. Longer messages may be delivered but should be broken into smaller segments to allow other users to access the network. More on this topic will be explained later.
·Think about what you intend to say before you key up the microphone. Think out your entire statement, key up, make the statement, then get off the air.
·Ensure that PTT (push to talk) switches are firmly attached, and located in an area where they are not likely to be depressed accidentally or inadvertently for long periods, rendering the entire network unusable.
·Assume all conversations are being monitored. Key targets, locations, or plan elements should be pre-defined with code words to preserve strategic and tactical operations security on the network.

Initiating a communication:

Communications are initiated by identifying the station calling, and the intended recipient. There are many ways this is done in practice, but the most effective (in the writers opinion) is the “STATION X CALL STATION Y” method. For example, consider that SIX SIX is calling FIVE NINER:

66 sends: FIVE-NINER CALL SIX-SIX
59 responds: FIVE- NINER

The responding station replies with their own callsign. From this point forward, each station identifies themselves with their own callsign until the communication is closed.

Please note that numbers and letters are always transmitted phonetically. For example, 66 becomes SIX-SIX, as opposed to SIXTY-SIX. “A66” becomes “ALPHA SIX-SIX” as opposed to “ayeh sixty six”. There are many reason for this, but the most important for you, right now, is because it clarifies communications by minimizing complex multi-syllable sentences which increase opportunity for misunderstanding.

Delivering a SITREP, MESSAGE, or FLASH TRAFFIC.
SITREP: Situation Report. For example :
59 sends: SIX-SIX CALL FIVE-NINER, SITREP, OVER.
66 responds: SIX SIX UNDER CONTACT FROM NORTH, HOLDING, OVER

MESSAGE: A long message. Often requires breaks to allow interrupt traffic. For example:

66 sends: FIVE- NINER CALL SIX-SIX, MESSAGE, OVER.
59 responds: FIVE-NINER, SEND YOUR MESSAGE

If FIVE-NINER is occupied, or otherwise unprepared to accept the incoming message, they will reply:

59 responds: FIVE NINER, WAIT ONE

OR

59 responds: FIVE-NINER, STAND BY.

This indicates to SIX-SIX that they are not prepared to receive the message at this time. When FIVE-NINER is prepared to accept the message, they will re-initiate the communication later:

59 sends: SIX-SIX, CALL FIVE-NINER, SEND YOUR MESSAGE, OVER.

At this time, the message can be sent:

66 responds: SIX-SIX, MESSAGE FOLLOWS. PROCEED TO ALPHA SEVEN FIVE AND HOLD UNTIL THIRTEEN-THIRTY HOURS. RENDEZVOUS WITH CHARLIE, ALPHA SEVEN FIVE, THIRTEEN THIRTY HOURS. REPORT RV, ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS AT THAT TIME, OVER.

59 responds: FIVE-NINER, WILCO ALPHA SEVEN FIVE HOLD THIRTEEN THIRTY FOR RV WITH CHARLIE.

WILCO is a proword which means "I have received your message and will comply"

It is a good practice to read back a message. This confirms the message was properly relayed. If there is an error in the message interpretation, it can be clarified at this time.

Note that if a transmission becomes unreadable during a message, for example when another unit attempts to transmit and the signal is interrupted, a request can be made to repeat only the portion of the message which was missed. For example:

59 responds: FIVE-NINER, SAY AGAIN ALL AFTER HOLD.

SIX-SIX will repeat all instructions after the word HOLD was transmitted. FIVE-NINER will then readback the message as illustrated above.

If the message must be broken, do so using the proword BREAK. Wait a full 10 seconds, or until break-through traffic has completed, and then resume the message:

66 sends: SIX-SIX, FIVE-NINER, MESSAGE RESUMES….

Avoid the use of the word “REPEAT”. REPEAT is a proword used to signal a request to REPEAT an artillery barrage or fire mission on previous coordinates. Although the likelihood of the signal being interpreted as such is minor outside of a military net, it is good practice to avoid operands outside their intended usage.

Recall that the purpose of a radio network is to inform or keep informed. The radio network should be used for the relaying of information or intelligence. Any information which is not actionable, or which cannot be analyzed to produce intelligence, should not be transmitted over the radio network.

Messages should be clear, concise, and to the point. Anything that can be discussed in person should be, leaving the network free for emergency traffic.

FLASH TRAFFIC: A message of critical importance. A Flash message may or may not be addressed to any particular unit, for example, the following SALUTE flash message (Size, Activity, Location, Unit type, Time, Equipment):

59 sends: FIVE-NINER FLASH TRAFFIC ENEMY SIGHTED, PLATOON STENGTH, MOVING WEST ALPHA SEVEN-FIVE, INFANTRY. NO CONTACT.

Note: CONTACT is a proword. It assumes an ACTIVE CONTACT, where the enemy has been engaged or the caller is under engagement. A SIGHTING assumes that the enemy has been observed, but has not observed the observer. Avoid calling a CONTACT unless there is active indication of engagement or imminent engagement; a SIGHTING is IMPORTANT. A CONTACT is CRITICAL.