Field Communications

1. Field Communications

2. Upon completion of this course the student will have a good working knowledge of the following: Types of communications methods of field communications. Types of communications nets Operating characteristics of the five common field radios. Proper radio procedure Net security procedures Objectives

3. Without an effective communication system, any combat, logistics, support or training mission will suffer due to the lack of coordination and flow of timely information. It is the radio operators/supervisors responsibility to ensure that your site has operational radios and that they are familiar with their operation. If any problems exists it is imperative that the radio operator/supervisor contact the supporting SLIC unit for repairs. Introduction

4. Transmission – A communication sent by one station and intended for reception by another station or stations. Answer – A transmission made by a station called in response to a call received. Receipt – A communication sent by the received operator indicating that the message or transmission has been satisfactorily received. Acknowledgment – A separate message originated by the addressee that will inform the originator that the message has been received and is understood. Net – An abbreviation for network. In reference to communications, it normally means a group of stations or radio operators on the same frequency. Definitions

5. The following are fundamentals of effective communications systems without which the system will degrade command and control: Reliability – The use of proven communications techniques and equipment by Trained operators. Security – Protection of information passed over a communications network. Speed – The time it takes the message to get from the writer to the intended receiver. Flexibility – The ability to support a wide dispersion of units under adverse and varying conditions. Fundamental Requirements Of AnEffective Communications System

6. Communication methods vary from sending a runner to the most sophisticated satellite communications Messenger – The most secure method of relaying communications. Telephone – Normally non-secure, available for unclassified communications. During training exercises is available for actual emergencies. Hand-held Radios – Used for shipboard communications and normally limited to short-range communications. Classified transmissions are not authorized. Types of Communications

7. Hand-held Radios (Cont.) There are two basic configurations Hazardous Electromagnetic Radiological Ordnance (HERO) Safe – A green dot will appear on the radio and the battery indicating they are HERO safe. If either the radio or the attached battery does not display a green dot, the radio is not HERO safe. It is the only radio authorized for use while operating around or near ammunition. Standard (Non-HERO Safe) – A red dot will appear on the radio and on the battery indicating they are not HERO safe. These radios are not authorized for use around or near ammunition. Radios with no marking or a mixture of red and green markings are considered Non-HERO safe. Field Radios – Portable, heavy duty two way radios used for communication in the field. Field radios vary with branch of service and selected use. Types of Communications(cont.)

8. There are only two hand-held radios used for cargo handling: Motorola XTS5000R UHF or VHF Frequency Ranges – Dependent on factory configuration. Secure or Non-Secure The Non-Secure model is the primary version used by Cargo Handling units. Secure models are identified by the CCI marking located on the bottom of the radio. AN/PRC-148 (MBITR/JEMS) Primarily used for tactical communications for short range communications. Not commonly used for shipboard operations due to the need of an auxiliary headset device to allow user to hear communications. Compatible with Marine Band Radios. UHF Satellite voice communications capable. Hand-Held Radio Uses

9. AN/PRC-119 (RT-1523) Line-of-Sight (LOS) VHF voice communications. SINCGARS (Single Channel Ground Airborne Radio System) capable. AN/PRC-150 (RT-1694) Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) voice and data communications. HF and VHF (Low) Frequency Range. AN/PRC-117 (RT-1796) Line-of-Sight (LOS) VHF and UHF voice and data communications. SINCGARS (Single Channel Ground Airborne Radio System) capable. UHF Satellite voice and data communications. General Field Radio Uses

10. Single Channel (SC) or Frequency Hopping modes of operation. System Presets: 8 in Single Channel (SC) mode 6 in Frequency Hopping (FH or FHM) mode ECCM – Electronic Counter Countermeasures 6 COMSEC storage positions. VHF Line Of Sight (LOS) radio operates in frequency range of 30.000 - 87.975 MHz (note: Frequencies must in in 25 KHz increments). Embedded Type-1 COMSEC Can be carried in a Manpack or installed in a Vehicle or Basestation mounts. Average battery life 16-18 hours using re-chargeable battery. Can be used for stationary operation using an external power supply. AN/PRC-119 General Characteristics

11. AN/PRC-150 General Characteristics • Two radios in one box • HF-SSB (USB) Radio for Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) • VHF-FM for Line-of-Sight (LOS) • Frequency Range: 1.6 - 59.9999 MHz • Four Basic Modes of Operation: • FIX • HOP (Not Used) • ALE (Automatic Link Establishment) • 3G (3rd Generation ALE) • Embedded Type-1 COMSEC • Automatic Tuning Coupler • Analog or Digital Voice and Data • Remote programmable through Remote Programming Application (RPA) software. COMSEC must be loaded separately. • Uses connection via laptop computer to provide Outlook based message capability using Wireless Messaging Terminal (WMT) software. • Text messaging capability using AMD (Automatic Message Display) feature in ALE and 3G modes. • Can be carried in Manpack or used in either vehicle mount or basestation. • Can be connected to external GPS devices for time of day information.

12. VHF/UHF Line-of-Sight voice and data communications. UHF SATCOM Dedicated or DAMA Wideband and Narrowband voice and data. Frequency Range: 30-512 MHz SINCGARS (Single Channel Ground Airborne Radio System) capable. HAVEQUICK capable. Remote programmable through Remote Programming Application software or radio cloning cable. COMSEC must be loaded separately. Can be connected to external GPS devices for time of day information and situational awareness information. Embedded Type-1 COMSEC Analog or Digital Voice Voice and Data capable Remote programmable through Remote Programming Application (RPA) software. COMSEC must be loaded separately. Uses connection via laptop computer to provide Outlook based message capability using High Performance Waveform (HPW) software. Can be carried in Manpack or used in either vehicle mount or basestation. AN/PRC-117 General Characteristics

13. Field Radios AN/PRC-119 AN/PRC-150 AN/PRC-117

14. AN/CYZ-10 Data Transfer Device (DTD) KYX-15 KYK-13 KOI-18 Compatible Fill Devices

15. ALL AFTER – Used to request a repeat of a portion of a message that was missed after a certain word or phrase. ALL BEFORE – Used to request a repeat of a portion of a message that was missed before a certain word or phrase. BREAK – Indicates the separation of the text from other portions of the message and when communicating to more than one site if there is a different message to transmit. CORRECTION – An error has been made in the transmission. Continue with the last word transmitted correctly. I SAY AGAIN – I am repeating this transmission or portion indicated. Normally used when very important information is being passed or communications are difficult. I SPELL – Spell the next word phonetically. Used when communications are difficult. OUT – This is the end of the transmission and no answer or reply is required or expected. OVER – This is the end of the transmission and a response is necessary. WAIT – Indicates a pause for a few seconds. WAIT OUT – Indicates a pause for longer than a few seconds. ROGER – I have received the last transmission satisfactorily. Prowords

16. A Alpha J Juliet S Sierra B Bravo K Kilo T Tango C Charlie L Lima U Uniform D Delta M Mike V Victor E Echo N November W Whiskey F Foxtrot O Oscar X X-Ray G Golf P Papa Y Yankee H Hotel Q Quebec Z Zulu I India R Romeo Phonetic Alphabet

17. Call Signs – Words, combinations of words, or a combination of phonetic alphabet letters intended to identify the command, unit, or authority of the radio caller. CALL SIGN USAGE: Calling a single station – First, say the call sign (name) of the station you are calling, then say the call sign (name) of your station (Station called, station calling). Example – “Hotel Foxtrot, this is Mike Papa” Collective Call Signs – A call sign designated to represent all stations on the net. When a collective call sign is used, all stations on the net report back in alphabetical order. Example – (Your call sign is GT - other stations AB, CG, and JU – collective call sign is HN) Transmission: “Hotel November, this is Golf Tango, radio check, over” Replies: “Alpha Bravo, Lima Charlie” “Charlie Golf, Lima Charlie” “Juliet Uniform, Lima Charlie” Call Signs

18. There are two different types of radio nets: Free Net – The NECOS authorizes member stations to transmit traffic to other stations without obtaining clearance from NECOS. Directed Net – Member stations must obtain permission from NECOS before communicating with other stations. Net Control Station (NECOS) – The Net Control Station (NECOS) is the radio station that has command responsibility for all transmission taking place on a designated net. Types of Radio Nets

19. Frequencies – A minimum of three frequencies will be designated by NECOS prior to bringing a net on-line. Due to the nature of HF communications frequencies will be designated by the local area commander, for your specific operating area. The Communications Officer (N6) will determine any VHF or UHF frequencies to be used. Guard Shifts: A minimum of three frequencies, authentication tables, and call signs are assigned per guard shift. A guard shift occurs when NECOS notifies all stations on a net to change frequencies, authentication tables, and call signs at a designated time, normally once every 24 hours. Only NECOS may initiate a guard shift; however, any station may execute a change in the call signs or frequencies with just cause (suspicion of enemy activity on the net).

20. All stations on the net will keep an accurate Comm Log unless otherwise directed. Comm Logs contain two main parts, the heading, which contains all information pertaining to the net, and the body, which contains information passed on the net. Heading – The information contained in the heading will include: Circuit – The designated net or circuit for which the log is being maintained. Frequency – The designated Frequency on which the net is operating. Operator – The name of the operator who maintains the comm log. Supervisor – The name of the individual who is directly responsible during the watch. Station Call – The station call sign for which the log is being maintained. NECOS – The actual name of the station, not the call sign. Net Call Sign – The collective call sign for the net. Page – The page number of the log. Body – Contains a chronological log of all events that take place on the net. Every transmission heard by an operator on watch, regardless of source or completeness, shall be recorded. The operator and supervisor at the end of each shift will sign the log. Log pages will be ended and a new page started after each frequency shift, call sign shift, or authentication table shift. Communications Log (Comm Log)

21. Jamming: Jamming is an action taken to intentionally block or interfere with radio transmissions. The enemy may jam radio signals by transmitting a stronger signal on the frequency, making it difficult or impossible to hear the desired signal Unusual noises or strong interference on the receiver may be enemy jamming. This, however, should not be confused with poorly transmitted signals from a friendly station, noise from a local source, or a defective receiver. To determine if the interference is originating in the receiver, disconnect the antenna. If the interference continues, the receiver is defective. Anti-Jamming: When jamming of a channel is first noticed, notify the supervisor immediately and continue to operate the equipment. To provide maximum clarity of jammed signals, perform the following: Place the communications equipment so that nearby obstructions act as a screen in the direction of probable sites of enemy jamming transmitters. This screening action may also reduce transmitted signal strength toward the enemy and make it more difficult to intercept signals. Vary the volume control. The level of the desired signal may be raised enough to be distinguished from the jamming signal. Change to an alternate frequency. Change to an alternate call sign. Some stations may be closer than others therefore an enemy may pick up one station prior to others. Interference: Natural Interference: Atmospheric conditions that can interfere with radio transmissions (i.e. sunspots, lightening, inclement weather). Man-made Interference: Mechanical or non-mechanical devices that due to operation can cause interference with radio transmissions. Interference could range from light static or low hum to a complete degradation of signal. Unlike jamming man-made interference is not intentional and under most situations can be reduced or eliminated. Types of Interference

22. Always assume that the enemy is listening and use correctly security procedures when communicating classified information. Essential Elements Of Friendly Information (EEFI), includes seemingly unimportant information that can be a valuable source of intelligence to the enemy. Radio Silence or Emergency Silence (Silence On The Net) - Any station having just cause can set emergency radio silence. The unit or detachment Commanding Officer defines just cause. Normal reasons for radio silence include the compromise of classified information to the enemy, or the endangerment of personnel or equipment. Beadwindow – Is a code that allows one station to notify another of a security breech that has occurred over a circuit, and indicates to the transmitting station that he/she has violated security. Transmission - The proper procedure for calling a beadwindow is – “Beadwindow one (the appropriate number), beadwindow one, beadwindow one”. If the appropriate beadwindow code is not known, beadwindow may be used by itself. If no response or the continued violation of a beadwindow exists continue to call a beadwindow in an attempt to jam the circuit until the violation stops. The person transmitting can not hear the beadwindow being called unless a second handset or an external speaker is installed; the handset only performs one function at a time. Response – The only response to beadwindow is “Roger Out”. Beadwindow procedures are incorporated into a Communications Plan (COMM PLAN). Challenge and Reply: Used when enemy intrusion is suspected on the net. May also be used to confirm friendly status of a calling station. Challenge and reply should conducted using authentication tables. Authentication Tables- Authentication tables are used to conduct challenge and reply validation of friendly forces. Authentication tables should be changed daily and can be locally generated. Security

23. Beadwindow Table

24. Questions ?