Communications

1. Communications

2. - Communication is a big part of everyday life- We communicate most effectively by using both aural and visual communication- When it is not possible to use both forms, the other must become much clearer to be understood correctly- When using a radio the aural communication is made very clear through the use of procedures and a common language

3. RadioThis revolutionised communication, enabling contact across the world.The Air Cadets Organisation uses HF (High Frequency) radio. It has its own radio stations (the ‘network’) which operates on a single frequency.

4. Directed NetworkThis is a group of radio stations on the same frequency in communication with each other. It is always controlled – it has a ‘Network Control Station’ (NCS)The level of control depends on;- the level of radio discipline being observed by those using it- the adherence to proper procedures- the type of networkThe station used as the NCS depends on;- the equipment efficiency- the operator experience- the amount of radio communication that will be passedAn NCS is usually a fixed base station. All communications go through the NCS.

5. MRA 10 MRC 23 Network Control Station MRL 53 MRF 19

6. Free NetworkHere there is no NCSAll stations are able to communicate with each other

7. MRA 10 MRC 23 MRL 53 MRF 19

8. Air CadetsMust practice the safe use and successful use of radiosIf you do not stick to the standard operations, misunderstandings will take place and this could be dangerousAlways remember that the enemy may be listening!

9. Radio StationThis is the smallest part of a network. It has at least one transceiver (to transmit and receive information)

10. Radio ProceduresSecurity, Accuracy, Discipline are keyCall SignsThe identity and location of the station should be kept as secret as possible. This is done by assigning a call sign.- 3 letters- 2 numberse.g. MRA 23M = in the UKR = RAFA = indication of geographical location23 = serial number issued by HQACIf the station is mobile it could have M1, M2 etc. added to the end e.g. MRA 23 M1

11. Radio ProceduresAlways assume you have- a sender- a listener- an interceptorService Radio Procedures are there - to safeguard meaning for authorised listeners- to make communications short (saves power from mobile units and allows more stations to communicate on the network)

12. NEVER- use unauthorised codenames- use personal names / nicknames- use slang, jargon or foul language- transmit aircraft types, roles or weapon loads in clear speech- transmit details of arms or ammunition, particularly their movements- transmit unit locations in clear speech

13. ALWAYS- use your callsign at the start of a transmission- use only authorised codenames and codewords- ask a station to ‘Authenticate’ if you think they may not be a genuine station calling

14. AuthenticationThis is a method of challenging any station that is using your network. The system used by Air Cadets asks the station to respond to one of four codesa. Alphab. Bravoc. Charlied. Delta

15. AlphaThe reply to this challenge is the Station’s Squadron Number(all callsigns would be pronounced using the Phonetic alphabet)e.g.MRC 28 This is MRC 56 Authenticate Alpha OverMRC 56 This is MRC 28 I Authenticate Alpha Figures 378 OverMRC 28 This is MRC 56 Correct Out( 378 = Squadron Number)

16. BravoThe reply to this challenge is the Station’s Squadron number in reversee.g.MRC 28 This is MRC 56 Authenticate Bravo OverMRC 56 This is MRC 28 I Authenticate Bravo Figures 873 OverMRC 28 This is MRC 56 Correct Out

17. CharlieThe reply to this challenge is the Station’s Squadron number added to the date (day of the month). For 5 Squadron on the 12th April the answer would be 17e.g.MRC 16 This is MRC 56 Authenticate Charlie OverMRC 56 This is MRC 28 I Authenticate Charlie Figures 17 OverMRC 16 This is MRC 56 Correct Out

18. DeltaThe reply to this challenge is the Callsign number added to the date (day of the month). For Callsign MRV 92 on the 21st July the answer would be 113e.g.MRC 92 This is MRC 47 Authenticate Delta OverMRC 47 This is MRC 92 I Authenticate Delta Figures 113 OverMRC 92 This is MRC 47 Correct Out

19. If the reply is not satisfactory the transmission must be stopped immediately and your radio officer informed.Authenticating Bravo and Charlie should not normally be used when challenging a mobile unit.Appointment TitlesThese are an aid to security by concealing the level of commandVeiled SpeechThis is used to convey information when both the listener and the sender are aware of the subject mattere.g.‘Meet me at the same time and place as last week’

20. Accuracy- before transmitting listen on the frequency to ensure there is no interference- be familiar with the operation of the equipment- do not turn away from the microphone when talking and keep a consistent 50mm distance from the microphone- speak across the microphone not directly into it- do not touch the microphone during transmission (even with your lips)- use a normal voice and speak clearly and distinctly- pause slightly before and after saying numbers (for clarity)- do not ‘er’ or ‘um’

21. RSVPR – Rhythm (natural speaking rhythm and divide the message into sensible size sections)S – Speed (speak slightly slower than normal, use standard ‘Prowords’ to shorten the messageV – Volume (loud enough to overcome background noise but do not shout)P – Pitch (some people may need to speak at a high pitch but those with a naturally high pitch should not)

22. ProwordsTHIS IS – the callsign of the sender is about to followOVER – the end of the transmission, a reply or acknowledgement is requiredOUT – end of transmission, not reply expectedWAIT OUT – transmission has been received, a reply will follow later

23. Prowords • WILCO – message received and understood, I will comply with you instructions • ROGER – I have received your transmission • SAY AGAIN – request for repetition of message • MESSAGE – the following transmission must be written down

24. Prowords • FIGURES – used before groups of numbers are said • GRID – used before encoded reference or grid reference • RADIO CHECK – report how you receive my transmission • SPEAK SLOWER

25. Prowords • BREAK – said to separate text during a long transmission or the next identified station should reply • TIME – the following group is a time group or a date time group • UNKNOWN STATION – when calling a station whose identity is not known • WRONG – your last transmission was incorrect

26. PhoneticsLetters and numbers can be pronounced using the phonetic alphabet to ensure that complex words or specific information is transmitted correctlyTime should always be given using the 24 our clock

27. Remember that phonetics will increase the transmission time and will reduce battery life on portable equipment and block network availability • The following should always be transmitted using the phonetic alphabet; • callsign • map references • - times • - ATC channel numbers

28. All numbers must be pronounced clearly in this way.

29. Sending a messageWhen a radio is first switched on you need to check id communications are satisfactory.The strength of signal is described in 5 levels:Loud, Good, Weak, Very Weak, FadingReadability (capacity of understanding) is described in 6 levels:Clear, Readable, Unreadable, Distorted, Intermittent, InterferenceRadio checks should include strength and readability e.g. ‘Loud and Clear’, ‘Very Weak and Readable’, ‘Fading and Intermittent’MRG91 This is MRG84 Radio check over.MRG84 This is MRG91 Good Readable radio check overMRG91 This is MRG84 Loud and Clear out

30. MessagesThe Call – the start of a messageThe Text – convey meaning or instructionsThe Ending – signify understanding and action will be taken