Net Control Station (NCS) I Version 1.0, Aug 2013

1. Net Control Station (NCS) IVersion 1.0, Aug 2013 VA NAVMARCORMARS Training Series The classification of this briefing is UNCLASSIFIED

2. MARS Operational Concept To enable MARS to fulfill its mission, it is necessary that both intra- and inter-area networks be established and maintained to meet the requirements for effective and efficient communications… …Networks will be established and disestablished…to meet the requirements of the program… …Network are categorized by primary use; however, all networks are available to meet the requirements of the MARS mission. MARS conducts its operations through networks; networks are the basic framework for MARS communications. NTP-8(D), para. 500

3. Training Session Purpose • Provide members foundational information on the role and purpose of a Net Control Station (NCS) in order to effectively perform that function in support of routine operations and for extended contingency operations • Describe VA unique practices for net operations • Share lessons, ideas, and recommendations to assist members in effectively executing duties as a NCS

4. Training Topics • Review of the types of nets operated by Navy-Marine Corps MARS and their purpose • Basic anatomy of a net • Network operational controls • Net Control and Alternate Net Control Stations, responsibilities and authorities • Expectations from a NCS • Conduct of operations • Administrative requirements • Sample Script • Suggestions for NCS

5. Types and Purposes of MARS Nets • Administrative Net-used for administrative purposes between any echelon and its immediate subordinates (and other designated stations). • Traffic Net-established primarily to facilitate the processing and handling of message traffic • Emergency Net-established primarily to support emergency command & control or to process and handle emergency traffic. • Training Net-established to promote technical and procedural training NTP-8(D), para. 501, Annex A

6. Types and Purposes of MARS Nets • Specialty Net-established for purposes other than traffic or training. Participation in these nets require specialty net coordinator authorization. • Command Net-established for coordination between CHNAVMARCORMARS, HQ, NAV MARS Radio Sta, Directors, and other authorized stations. • Tactical Net-established to meet requirements for emergency point-to-point operations specifically authorized. Established when MARS stations or facilities cannot satisfy the mission requirement. Nets are established to satisfy a specific purpose. While any net may support the range of MARS mission requirements, normal operations are expected to adhere to the primary purpose of the net. NTP-8(D), para. 501, Annex A

7. Anatomy of a Net • Opening • A net is not formed until stations formally join the net What about broadcasts? (more later) • The opening call-up requests stations join the net • Disposition of Business (Purpose of Net) • Focused attention on matters relative to the net’s purpose • (Optional) Administration and Coordination • Opportunity for NCS to conduct short training • Afford opportunity to coordinate general MARS admin/business

8. Anatomy of a Net • (Optional) Free Net • Afford opportunities for stations to exchange information or assist with station configuration • Closing • Formally release stations from the net and close net operations • Administration for Net Follows: • NCS is responsible for submitting both a Participation Report (GCB THIRTEEN) and Frequency Usage Report (GCB THREE) • Reports may be a combined report sent to both cognizant staff

9. Control of Radio Networks • Net Control Stations • Control the operation of the network • Control action limited to that required to maintain order or to immediately restore order • The NCS is responsible to maintain net discipline at all times • NCS Assignment • Designated by appropriate authority • Where practicable, NCS assignment should be rotated among members to take advantage of the significant training value operating in this key role Members should serve as NCS on a periodic basis to obtain and practice skills. NTP-8(D), para. 660, 702, 502

10. Net Control Roles • Net Control Station (NCS) • Station designated to direct and control the operation, and flow of all traffic on a net • Authority extends only to net operations—NCS decisions are final • Expedite traffic processing • Maintain circuit discipline • Assess procedural discrepancies and initiate corrective action • Report net activities upon completion of the net • Alternate Net Control Station (ANCS) • Designated in the event of loss of NCS; assists NCS in ops NTP-8(D), para. 502

11. Network Operational Controls • Charges and Limits on Net Control Station (NCS) Authority • Maintains integrity of the net: • Awareness of stations participating • Acknowledges stations entering a net; authorizes stations to depart a net • Maintains current roster of participants at all times • Maintains awareness of traffic status • Controls activities during a net • NCS ensures adherence to assigned net timeslots and frequency assignments • Directed Net: NCS controls stations-to-station communications • Free Net: NCS is still in control of the net , permission for communicating with other stations not necessary from NCS • NCS monitors and assesses the proprietary of exchanges on the net

12. Network Operational Controls • Charges and Limits on Net Control Station (NCS) Authority • Has no administrative authority with respect to member stations except for reporting net participation • NCS operational authority ends when net is closed NCS is the authority during the conduct of a net.

13. NCS Pseudo-Script • Call the Net • Issue call-up request (make call-ups throughout the net)[net desig, net desig, net desig] this is [NCS], over[sta1, sta2, etc.] this is [NCS], roger, out • Designate an alternate net controlThis is [NCS], [sta] is alternate net control, out • Optional: request distant station to make a call-up request[sta] this is [NCS], make a net call, out • Obtain a list of message traffic to be exchanged[TREP] this is [NCS], list your traffic, over NTP-8(D), Chapter 7

14. NCS Pseudo-Script • Conduct Net Purpose[TREP] this is [NCS], call stations, pass your traffic, out • Administration and Coordination*[net desig] this is [NCS],{training topic},out*[net desig] this is [NCS], are there any announcements or other business for the net, over • (Optional) Free Net[net desig] this is [NCS], this is a Free Net, out • Optional Close At Will[net desig] this is [NCS], stations may close at will, out What happens to net integrity if NCS issues ‘Close At Will’? NTP-8(D), Chapter 7

15. NCS Pseudo-Script • Closing the Net*[net desig] this is [NCS],do stations require additional use of the frequency,over*[net desig] this is [NCS], close down, out • Post Net Activities • NCS needs to prepare a report of net activities and includes the following minimum elements of information: • Date/time/net designation • Frequency used and duration of use • Totals for traffic passed • Stations participating in the net What about reporting responsibilities outside of net times? NTP-8(D), Chapter 7

16. Virginia Nets • Daily traffic net (3B1B) • Formal net times 1900 – 1959 Why 1959 hours and not 2000 hours? • Traffic broadcast at 1830 hours Is the broadcast a net? • The broadcast shows the trappings of a net (call-up in digital form), but it is NOT a net • No NCS assigned What is the state of frequency use during this period? • Monthly and periodic training net(s) (3B1C) • Other VA nets in the frequency assignment matrix, see Region 3 and Area 1 for more information

17. Suggestions and Thoughts for NCS • Adhere to frequency and net times • Maintain good roster of participants and awareness of the status of traffic • Make frequent, periodic call-ups throughout the net • Use radio checks to confirm participants on frequency if there is a question of net roster What to do if NCS issues ‘Close at Will’ prematurely? • Designate an ANCS • Seek geographic separation for both coverage and placement out of same local outage range, where possible • Use ANCS to assist with net call-ups and for relays (any station can also relay—use relays when NCS cannot copy a station)

18. Suggestions and Thoughts for NCS • Monitor activity of a net • Ensure primary purpose of the net is addressed first • Conduct training, admin/coordination after primary business and before anything else • Periodically tell stations status of a net (Directed or Free) • NCS determines whether or not a net goes Free (NCS still in control), it is not required to place a net in Free status • Monitor communication exchanges • Ensure appropriate content (MARS-related) is exchanged • Ensure stations allow for others to communicate (do not allow a station to monopolize the frequency-short exchanges)

19. Suggestions and Thoughts for NCS • Monitor activity of a net (cont’d) • Offer constructive instruction/assistance, when appropriate, on-air when there is an immediate and shared or collective benefit • Discuss operating deviations with stations off-air and offer constructive suggestions. Use the Communications Improvement Memorandum (CIM); this intended to be an improvement opportunity. • Develop awareness of other stations and what is happening with them • Requests to close early (may be due to storm activity) • Other requests • NCS is not expected to have all the answers to all queries • NCS charge is for operations of the net

20. Suggestions and Thoughts for NCS • NCS Conduct • Be professional and courteous • Be helpful and supportive • Do not feel the need to fill air-time • Be deliberate • Be assertive, when required • NCS controls the net; NCS may place a Free Net back into directed status if communications exchanges cannot be managed • Be aware that the frequency can and is likely monitored by others

21. Other Suggestions • From experienced NCS stations • From membership

22. Conclusion • Summary • Reviewed types and purposes of nets • Discussed the basic anatomy of a net • Discussed network operational control • Discussed NCS/ANCS roles and duties • Discussed NCS administrative responsibilities • Shared an NCS pseudo-script • Discussed Virginia nets • Discussed the Virginia daily traffic broadcast • Shared thoughts and suggestions to assist the NCS Contact NNN0GCB THREE to get into the NCS rotation on a regular or periodic basis. Practice! Get comfortable.

23. Postscript • Provide feedback on this training to NNN0GCB FOUR • This module was NCS I • Future modules—TBD—will add additional material (NCS II, NCS III, etc.) • Volunteer to develop and lead a training topic • This template can be used to build a VA training library