Communications
Basic Principles
In order to convey information in an effective and precise manner, it is crucial to display information in a prearranged consistent format. By making sure that all messages follow an established pattern, it ensures that necessary information is not missed, while also making sure to cut out ‘noise’ – unnecessary extraneous information that provides no additional value from a commander’s point of view.
When speaking on the command net, ensure that you are speaking clearly and not rushing. It’s possible that the commanding element is making a note of the things that you are saying. A good check is to ensure that you are speaking at a speed where you feel you would be able to make a note of the things that the other person is saying, without getting confused or having to ask the person on the other end to repeat part of (or all of) their message.
Key Points
- Abbreviations are not to be used. Example: Always say “can not” instead of “can’t”
- Numbers are given individually. Example: The number 116 would be communicated as one-one-six
- All times are given in twenty-four-hour time. Example: 1900 hours instead of 7PM.
- Use the NATO Phonetic Alphabet when spelling out words.
Voice Procedures
For the following examples, we will assume there are two callsigns on the command network:
- Zero - Platoon Command
- Reaper-1-1 - Infantry Section
Radio Check
Purpose
The purpose of a radio check is to ensure that two-way communication has been established before the system is used ‘in anger’.
Step by Step Exchange
To initiate a Radio Check with another callsign, we transmit who we are, who we want to speak to and what interaction we are attempting to perform with them.
Zero: Reaper-1-1 this is Zero, radio check
Reaper-1-1 will now confirm whether or not they have heard the communication by replying with the readability score of your message. The acceptable prowords are:
| Proword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Clear | The message quality is excellent |
| Unreadable | The message is broken and unusable. |
Reaper-1-1 will now confirm that they have heard us:
Reaper-1-1: Zero this is Reaper-1-1, clear, radio check
The response ends with ‘radio check’, this indicates to Zero that they need to confirm to Reaper-1-1 that they have heard the response, and that the message is intelligible.
Zero: Reaper-1-1 this is Zero, clear, out
Finally, zero confirms that they have heard the response, and indicates to reaper-1-1 that the exchange is over by saying ‘out’.
Complete Exchange
To recap, a complete exchange might look like the following:
Zero: Reaper-1-1 this is Zero, radio check Reaper-1-1: Zero this is Reaper-1-1, clear, radio check Zero: Reaper-1-1 this is Zero, clear, out
Sending a message
Purpose
As many different callsigns could be listening to the same command frequency, it is important to preface the transmission of information with who it’s actually intended for, and to make sure that the opposite party is actually in a position to receive the message.
Step by Step Exchange
Start by indicating who you are, who you would like to speak to, and the fact that you would like to initiate a conversation with them.
Zero: Reaper-1-1 this is Zero, message
Reaper-1-1 will then respond to either indicate they are happy for you to send the message:
Reaper-1-1: Go ahead Zero
Or that they cannot current recieve the message:
Reaper-1-1: Wait one
Once you receive the all clear you no longer need to use callsigns, this is due to the fact that a conversation has been established. When you want to indicate that the exchange is over, you use the proword ‘out’. Make sure to include the callsigns in the final message so that other callsigns listening on the network know whose conversation has now ended.
Zero: Reaper-1-1 this is Zero, all recieved, out
Example Exchange
Zero: Reaper-1-1 this is Zero, message Reaper-1-1: Go ahead Zero Zero: We have 1 x BCRs available for you Reaper-1-1: Copy that Zero, we'll mark a suitable LZ. Zero: Reaper-1-1 this is Zero, all recieved, out
Network Broadcast
Purpose
A network broadcast is a message that contains information for multiple callsigns listening on the network, this could contain operationally critical information.
Step by Step Exchange
Firstly, we will indicate to the network that we are not directing this message at any specific callsign by using the ‘all callsigns’ proword. We will then proceed and transmit our message. There is no delay here as we cannot wait to confirm with every single person that they are listening on the channel. Once the message has been said, you will need to step through each of the callsigns to confirm individually if they have received the message.
Zero: All callsigns, all callsigns, be advised air support now unavailable due to technical fault, Reaper-1-1 acknowledge
Reaper-1-1 would acknowledge reciept:
Reaper-1-1: 1-1 acknowledges
The proword ‘acknowledges’ has been used in this example but some other examples of prowords you could use are; all recieved, copies, understood.
The next callsign is then asked to acknowledge the message:
Zero: Reaper-1-2 acknowledge
Reaper-1-2 would then reply:
Reaper-1-2: 1-2 acknowledges
Example Exchange
Zero: All callsigns, all callsigns, be advised air support now unavailable due to technical fault, Reaper-1-1 acknowledge Reaper-1-1: 1-1 Acknowledges Zero: Reaper-1-2 Acknowledge Reaper-1-2: 1-2 Acknowledges Zero: Reaper-1-3 Acknowledge Reaper-1-3: 1-3 Acknowledges
Terminology
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| LZ | Landing Zone |
| BCR | Battle casualty replacements (reinforcements) |
| Break Break | Cease talking immediately |
| Priority | Important information is about to be transmitted |
Callsigns
| Callsign | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Zero | Platoon Command |
| Reaper-1-X | Infantry Section |
| Hammer | Mortar/Artillery |
| Thunder | Crew Served Weapons |
| Fury | Main Battle Tank |
| Sentinel | Infantry Fighting Vehicle |
| Guardian | Armoured Personel Carrier |
| Foxhound | Ground Logistics |
| Shadow | Reconnaissance Element |
| Viper | Fixed Wing CAS |
| Ugly | Rotary Transport |
| Phantom | Rotary CAS |
Long Range Channels
| Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Command Net | Network for platoon command |
| Logistics Net | Command and Control network for logistical assets |
| Fire Control Net | Command and Control network for fire support assets |
| Operations Room | Spare channel for command to talk 1:1 with the Zeus team |
Short Range Frequencies
| Callsign | Block | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Zero | Block 1 | Channel 12 |
| Reaper-1-1 | Block 1 | Channel 1 |
| Reaper-1-2 | Block 1 | Channel 2 |
| Reaper-1-3 | Block 1 | Channel 3 |
| Reaper-1-4 | Block 1 | Channel 4 |
| Reaper-1-5 | Block 1 | Channel 5 |
| Reaper-1-6 | Block 1 | Channel 6 |
| Hammer | Block 1 | Channel 7 |
| Fury | Block 1 | Channel 8 |
| Foxhound | Block 1 | Channel 9 |
| Shadow | Block 1 | Channel 10 |
| Viper/Phantom | Block 1 | Channel 11 |
| Ugly | Block 1 | Channel 13 |