Adhering to our doctrine of 'milsim' requires an application of real-life military ideas and practices to prevent every mission from devolving into a shitstorm. This means applying realistic radio communications to facilitate ease of understanding and uniformity between units when carrying out operations. Having everybody reading from the same hymn sheet makes everything a lot easier in every regard - people may understand different phrases in different ways, so unifying this is key.
This manual is for all members of the organization. It is designed to support courses aimed at teaching the basic skills required to use radios effectively.
importance of clear and correct communications
To be effective, communications must be clear and correct. In many situations, a member must be flexible and sometimes monitor more than one channel. When comms are not brief or must be repeated due to being unclear or incorrect, it clogs up the net, impairs your situational awareness and simply make it hard to hear anything else.
Some best practices to observe when using radios are:
1. Always have a pen and paper available/or use the notepad mod to record. a) Call-signs b) Frequencies c) Record of important transmissions
2. Always prepare for what you are going to say before you transmit it.
3. Before speaking, key up the radio and count to 1 to ensure your transmission is not cut off at the beginning.
The most important trait all members can possess is calm and focus during the chaos on the battlefield.
BASIC RADIO PROTOCOL
This refers almost explicitly to squad level and above. Fireteam level communication, whilst obviously important in it's own regard, is not always governed by the same level of communication compared to the other levels. (THIS IS NOT AN INDICATION FOR MEMBERS TO MESS AROUND ON THE 343'S). For the more leadership inclined however, we do have expectations.
Those who choose a leadership role (Fireteam Leader and above), they must be familiar with and comfortable using the following phrases and prowords.
Prowords is short for Procedure Words. These words have specific meanings that ensure all will understand the procedure. Words and numbers must be pronounced clearly in a specific manner to enhance clarity.
AFFIRM(ATIVE) / RECEIVED / ROMEO / ACKNOWLEDGED: Yes / I understand / I agree
ALL AFTER: Please repeat the message you just sent me beginning after the word or phrase said after this proword.
ALL BEFORE: Please repeat the message you just sent me ending before the word or phrase said after this proword.
ANSWER AFTER: The station called is to answer after call sign when answering transmissions.
ANSWER IN THE AFFIRMATIVE: Stated to have all users operate in official military terminology.
ASSUME CONTROL: You will assume control of this net/mission until further notice .
AUTHENTICATE: The station called is to reply to the challenge which follows .
AUTHENTICATION IS: The transmission authentication of this message is…
BREAK: I hereby indicate the separation of the text from other portions of the message.
BREAK-BREAK: Clear the air immediately, emergency transmission following.
BROADCAST YOUR NET: Link your net and send traffic.
CANCEL: Annul the previously transmitted clearance.
CHECK THAT: Examine a system, procedure or previously radioed transmission.
Transmission is in error, correction followed.
CLOSE DOWN: Stations are to close down when indicated. Acknowledgments are required.
CORRECTION: An error has been made in this transmission. Transmission will continue with the last word correctly transmitted. An error has been made in this transmission (or message indicated), the correct version is.
The following is a corrected version in answer to your request for.
CLEARED: Authorized to proceed under conditions specified.
CONFIRM: I request verification of: (clearance, instruction, action information).
CONTACT CALLSIGN Establish communications with designated callsign ASAP, over.
CONTACT CALLSIGN (ON THIS PUSH IN THE GREEN): Establish communications whenever available, over.
COME IN: I require your attention / Begin your transmission.
COPY: I understand your last transmission.
DISREGARD (THIS TRANSMISSION): Transmission is false / in error, cancel the message.
DO NOT ANSWER: Stations called are not to answer this call, indicate receipt of this message, or otherwise transmit in connection with this transmission. When this proword is employed, it shall be ended with the prowords OUT.
EXECUTE: Carry out the purpose of the message or signal to which this applies. Designated callsigns are typically utilized in conjunction.
EXECUTE TO FOLLOW: Action on the message or signal which follows is to be carried out upon receipt of the proword EXECUTE.
EXEMPT: The addresses immediately following are exempt from the collective call.
FIGURES: Numerals or numbers follow.
FLASH: Precedence FLASH is reserved for initial enemy contact reports on special emergency operational traffic originated by specifically designated, high commanders of units directly after.
FROM: The originator of this message is indicated by the address designation immediately following.
GO AHEAD / SEND MESSAGE: Send your transmission.
GRID: The portion following is a grid reference.
GROUPS: This message contains the number of groups indicated. May apply both to friendlies and enemies.
GROUP NO COUNT: The groups in this message have not been counted.
HOW READBACK: How well can you hear me? (The responder will reply with: SOLID READBACK, GOOD READBACK, BAD READBACK)
I SAY AGAIN / I REPEAT: The following message is important / being repeated due to misunderstanding.
I SPELL I shall spell the next word phonetically
I AUTHENTICATE: The group that follows the reply to your challenge to authentication.
I READ BACK: The following is my response to your instructions to read back.
I VERIFY: The following has been verified at your request and is repeated. (To be used as a reply to verify)
I AM ASSUMING CONTROL: I am assuming control of this net until further notice.
IMMEDIATE: Precedence immediate is reserved for messages relating to situations gravely affecting the security of BLUFOR troops.
IMMEDIATE EXECUTE: Action on the message or signal following is to be carried out on receipt of the EXECUTE.
INFO: The addresses immediately following are a dressed for information.
INTERROGATIVE: I have a question.
INCORRECT / IN ERROR Your last transmission was incorrect. The correct version is.
LIMA CHARLIE: You are loud and clear.
MESSAGE: A message that requires recording is about to follow. (Transmission immediately after the call)
MORE TO FOLLOW: Transmission station has additional traffic for the receiving station.
NEGATIVE: No / I do not understand / I disagree.
NET NOW: All stations are to net their radios on the unmodulated carrier wave which I am about to transmit.
NO PLAY: During exercises the words NO PLAY are used to distinguish real activity from messages concerned with exercise play e.g. a real emergency or real casualty. The first words of any message is to contain the words exercise (nickname e.g. Red Flag) NO PLAY.
NOTHING HEARD: To be used when no reply is received from a call station.
NUMBER: Station serial number.
OUT: I have finished and do not expect a reply. (Since OVER and OUT have opposite meanings, they are NEVER used together).
OVER: I have finished and am awaiting your reply.
PRIORITY: Precedence PRIORITY is reserved for important messages requiring priority over routine traffic. This is the highest precedence that normally may be assigned to an administrative message.
RADIO CHECK: Confirm your radio is functioning properly.
ROGER: I have received your entire transmission and understand.
RELAY (TO): Transmit this message to all addressees (or addressees immediately following this proword). The address component is mandatory when this proword is used.
RELAY THROUGH: Relay your message through call sign...
ROUTINE: Precedence ROUTINE is reserved for all types of messages that are not sufficiently urgent to justify a higher precedence but must be delivered to the unit without delay.
SAY AGAIN / REPEAT LAST: Please repeat your last transmission.
SEND TRAFFIC: I am ready to receive your message, report, etc.
SIGNALS: The groups which follow are taken from a signal book. (This proword is not used on nets primarily employed for conveying signals. It is intended for use when tactical signals are passed on non-tactical nets.)
SILENCE / RADIO SILENCE: Cease transmissions immediately. Silence will be maintained until lifted. (Transmissions imposing silence must be authenticated)
SILENCE LIFTED: Silence lifted. (When authentication system is in force, the transmission lifting silence is to be authenticated)
SPEAK SLOWER: Your transmission speed is too fast. Reduce speed of transmission.
STAND BY: This acts as either a wait request or a preparatory command. When used as a preparatory command, it is a warning to anyone listening that an important event is about to happen. When used as a wait request, it is a way to tell the person asking you a question that you need a few moments to get the answer.
STEPPED ON: Used to tell the last transmitting party that they were talked over by another person.
THIS IS: This transmission is from the station whose designator immediately follows.
THIS IS A DIRECTED NET: From now until further notice this net is directed.
THIS IS A FREE NET: From now until further notice this net is free.
TIME: The following is the time or date-time group of the message. Time to execute orders based on discretion of transmitter.
THROUGH ME: Relay your message through me
USE ABBREVIATED CALL SIGNS: Call signs are to be abbreviated until further notice.
USE ABBREVIATED PROCEDURE: As conditions are normal, all stations are to use abbreviated procedure until further notice.
USE FULL CALL SIGNS: Call signs are to be sent in full until further notice.
USE FULL PROCEDURE: As conditions are not normal, all stations are to use full procedure until further notice.
VERIFY: Verify entire message with the originator and send correct version.
WAIT / STANDBY -NUMBER-: Information is currently unavailable, expect a reply in -NUMBER- minutes.
WAIT OUT: Information is currently unavailable, expect a reply as soon as possible.
WILL COMPLY / WILCO: Will comply with new orders.
WHISKEY ROMEO: I register a weak but understandable signal.
WORD AFTER: The word of the message to which I have reference is that which follows...
WORD BEFORE: The word of the message to which I have reference is that which precedes...
WHISKEY UNIFORM: Unable to register communications.
The list above are NATO / United States Armed Forces prowords. There are more, a lot more, but these are the most relevant and necessary to understand. We expect people to learn these, especially if choosing a leadership role then having a brief understanding is key.
Additional & Repeated prowords
Individual Communication Protocols
GRENADE A grenade has landed within the immediate vicinity of the fireteam and all members should seek immediate cover.
FRAG/SMOKE/FLASH OUT Deploying a grenade to counter hostiles.
CONTACT A member has observed a potentially hostile contact or an indicator therefor, such as gunshot or tracer. Should be immediately followed by amplifying information such as bearing, distance, activity, and description.
Members should also keep in mind that this is an advisory statement, not an order to fire.
RELOADING Conducting the change of the magazine on a weapon.
DOWN Used in conjunction with other pro-words to signify that person or system is no longer active or operating.
UP Used in conjunction with other pro-words to signify that person or system is transitioning from an inactive to active status.
MAN Used to reference an unidentified individual. Typically referenced as "Military Aged Male".
HIT Indicates a person or system has been wounded or damaged by incoming fire, but is still operating.
GO Execution to whatever orders they have been issued.
CLEAR BACKBLAST Signal given when preparing to deploy a launching system that friendlies should clear the backblast area.
BACKBLAST CLEAR Responsible for telling the shooter preparing to fire AT that their backblast is clear.
LAST MAN IN Called by the last man to enter a building or a vehicle.
STACK SET Called by the last man in a stack to notify the Team Leader that the entire stack is present and ready for orders.
CLEAR Called during room clearing to signify no hostiles. Also ROOM CLEAR.
MOVE AND CLEAR Preparatory order to breach and clear a space without the use of explosives. Should not be executed until the order “GO or EXECUTE” is given.
GRENADE AND CLEAR Preparatory order to breach and clear a space immediately after the detonation of a designated grenade. Can be modified for other types of explosives in the same manner as FRAG OUT.
COMING OUT Signal given by an individual or team that is about to exit a room in the vicinity of potentially unaware friendlies.
COMING IN Signal given by an individual that is about to enter a building which might contain unaware friendlies.
FIRE IN THE HOLE (3x) Signal given prior to the detonation of explosive charges and explosives.
SET (SET / COVERING) The element is set and covering. Called by every member of a team.
MOVING The changing of positions. Called (usually) only by one member of the team.
CONTACT REPORTS
A contact report is issued immediately after contact with hostile or unknown forces. In any area of operations. A contact report includes a verbal confirmation of “CONTACT” followed by a description of the threat or unknown force and the direction and distance to the target.
Example: “CONTACT, 3 times armed hostiles, 200 meters, direct south
More information on this via the "Communication" Tactical Guide, linked below.
1) Before you press the transmission button, gather your thoughts about what you are going to say. Many people with radios have a tendency to talk and/or repeat too much. Say what you need to say without unnecessary repeats. Keep in mind that your message should go through the first time – you may not have any opportunity to repeat it.
2) Give the call sign of the unit you are calling first. It will alert the addressee to focus on the incoming message. There might be more listeners and radio network users so you must let them know that this time there will be a message for them, not a usual background noise.
3) Introduce yourself by your call sign. Do not use real names or nicknames.
4) Don’t speak too fast especially if the message needs to be written down. Pause after logical phrases. High voice does not guarantee that you will be more readable.
5) Use “OVER”, “OUT” when you finish your message. It notifies the addressee that you finished your portion of information and wait for the response or just ended the transmission (“OUT” word).
6) When you have understood the message, acknowledge the receipt with the words “COPY“, “RECEIVED“, “ROGER” or “ACKNOWLEDGED.” The word “COPY” is preferred.
7) If the caller requires some actions you may use “WILCO” instead of “ROGER” to notify that you WILL COMPLY (=”WILCO”).
8) Use “BREAK, BREAK” whenever there is a radio traffic and you want to get through with your emergency message.
9) Answer each call to confirm reception. Use “RECEIVED”, “COPY”, “ROMEO” or “ACKNOWLEDGED.”
10) If you do not comprehend the message, do not confirm it. Use “SAY AGAIN”, or “STAND BY” instead.
11) Whenever a word must be spelled use NATO code words for each letter. Do not invent your own words – they might be misleading and not comprehensive.
12) Use single, cardinal numbers, do not combine them into bigger numbers.
FORMING A MESSAGE
To begin a standard message, the member must first flag the operator they wish to get a hold of. There are several ways of doing this, but for now we'll stick with either the unit callsign (ex. RAVEN-2 / FYDOR-6 / BRASSEYE-7) or the member currently in charge of that unit. (ex. Capt. Perez / Col. Radzikowski / Cpl. Robertson). The transmitting operator will then identify themself using the same system, transmit their message slowly and clearly, making sure to avoid using large numbers (One-One-Niner instead of One-Hundred-and-Nineteen) before ending. If they expect a reply, the transmitter will follow with 'over', if they do not expect a reply, they will follow with 'out'.
A basic platoon level communication is below:
ALPHA ONE-TWO: ALPHA ONE-THREE, this is ALPHA ONE-TWO, come in, over. ALPHA ONE-THREE: ALPHA ONE-TWO, this is ALPHA ONE-THREE, we read you Lima Charlie, go ahead, over. ALPHA ONE-TWO: ALPHA ONE-THREE, you are to commence movement to waypoint CHARLIE and begin overwatch of the OPFOR compound as per mission briefing, over. ALPHA ONE-THREE: ALPHA ONE-TWO, ALPHA ONE-THREE copies, WILCO, out
And another example:
ROMEO: PAPA, this is ROMEO, come in, over. PAPA: ROMEO, this is PAPA, I read you Lima Charlie, send message, over. ROMEO: PAPA, be advised. As of currently WHISKEY's squad is experien- WHISKEY: Break-Break! ROMEO, we currently have three men KIA and medical supplies have run low, require support immediately, over. ROMEO: WHISKEY, I copy, out. ROMEO: PAPA, move and assist WHISKEY, over. PAPA: ROMEO, I copy, Wilco, out
Of course, communication gets all sorts of messed up during engagements... But following these simple steps will help maintain some sort of flow during operations.
Quality of transmission
In case of some interference or just to confirm how your message was received you may need to ask about the reception. In this instance we use “HOW DO YOU COPY?” or even shorter “HOW COPY?” To ask about general quality of the reception you may also ask “HOW DO YOU READ?” There are two ways of responding to such questions. You may simply answer “COPY LOUD AND CLEAR” (”LIMA CHARLIE”) or give the answerer the notion of the signal quality by giving the note from 1 to 5.
Example: COPY 3 out of 5 The meaning of numbers used in assessment over the radio: 1 = Bad (unreadable); 2 = Poor (readable now and then); 3 = Fair (readable but with difficulty); 4 = Good (readable); 5 = Excellent (perfectly readable). When repeat is needed It may happen that due to poor transmission or distracting factors some pieces of information should be repeated to avoid misunderstandings. In that case you may request repeat by saying “SAY AGAIN.”
Likewise, when you want to stress the importance of the message or simply make sure that important data get through, you say your message and then use “I SAY AGAIN” and repeat the message.
EXAMPLE: I need five more mikes, I SAY AGAIN, five more mikes…
Radio Checks
Radio checks should be used sparingly so as to not clog up the nets. Radio checks should be sent to the net owner, i.e. the command element on the frequency.
Radio Check: “Yankee Actual, this is Yankee 1 on frequency 50.0, requesting a radio check, over”
Responses: 1. If the transmission is loud and clear, respond “Yankee 1, this is Yankee Actual, you're Lima Charlie.”
2. If the transmission can barely be heard, respond “Yankee 1, this is Yankee Actual, you are Whiskey Uniform, over”
3. If the transmission is broken, respond “Yankee 1, this is Yankee Actual, Bravo Uniform, over”.
The originator of the radio check does not need to respond to a loud and clear response but should read back the responses for the stations that got less than perfect transmission acknowledging their comms are compromised. “Yankee Actual, this is Yankee 1, Whiskey Uniform, out”
Pauses and Emphasis
Pauses are used to allow the receiving station time to copy as well as to indicate natural breaks in certain terms, i.e. a grid reference. The proper way to send a grid reference is 1234 PAUSE 5678. Emphasis is used for things like making correction to errors.
Example, you transmit "Grid 1234, 5678, over" and the receiver transmits "1234 5667", you should retransmit and call correction. "Your transmission is in error. I say again, grid 1234 56SEVEN8" emphasizing the seven heavily.
PHONETIC ALPHABET
A - Alpha B - Bravo C - Charlie D - Delta E - Echo F - Foxtrot G - Golf H - Hotel I - India J - Juliet K - Kilo L - Lima M - Mike N - November O - Oscar P - Papa Q - Quebec R - Romeo S - Sierra T - Tango U - Uniform V - Victor W - Whiskey X - X-Ray Y - Yankee Z - Zulu
Reports and Returns
Pre-formatted reports are used to ensure that information is not missed while keeping radio transmission brief. Some common reports you will need to know are:
1. SPOTREP/RECREP (Spot Report/Recon Report) Generally used when units observe any known or suspected activity.
2. ACEREP (ACE Report) Used after successful enemy contact. Used to send the status of ammunition, casualties and equipment.
3. SITREP (Situation Report) To report unit tactical situation and status. It is submitted after significant events, or as otherwise requested.
4. OBSTACLE REPORT Used to report when a unit has encountered an obstacle. This report is used by command to assist decisions regarding movement and maneuver.
5. PATROL REPORT The duration and activity of patrols make a debriefing desirable. In such cases, a debriefing report format helps ensure the patrol reports all important information it has collected.
SPOTREP/RECREP
A SPOTREP takes priority over all other routine radio traffic. The initial SPOTREP/RECREP should follow no more than one minute after the contact report.
1. Format. State “SPOTREP/RECREP” or “UPDATED SPOTREP/RECREP” followed by pertinent information on these lines:
a) Line ALPHA: Observer or source (omit if it is the calling stations, use call signs or description otherwise.
b) Line BRAVO: Activity or characteristic being observed. Use the SALT/SALUTE format as follows:
SALT/SALUTE
1. Size: The number of sighted personnel, vehicles or other equipment.
2. Activity: What the enemy is doing:
3. Location Grid coordinates.
4. Unit/Uniform: Unit if known, uniforms.
5. Time: Time the activity was observed.
6. Equipment: Report any weapon systems or vehicles
c) Line CHARLIE: Actions you have taken and your recommendations. Actions usually involve conducting additional reconnaissance to determine the complete enemy situation or recommending and executing a specific course of actions. In this event, it would be best to utilize the CARVER mnemonic prior to radioing in.
CARVER
Criticality: How important, in a strategic context, is the target? What effect will its destruction have on other elements of the target system? Is it more important to have real-time surveillance of the target (e.g., a road junction) than its physical destruction?
Accessibility: Can an Recon team reach or sense the target, keep it under surveillance for the appropriate time, and then exfiltrate after the target is struck?
Recuperability: When the target is destroyed by fire support or direct action, in the case of DA missions, can the enemy repair, replace, or bypass it quickly using minimum resources? If so, it may not be a viable target.
Vulnerability: Do Recon (including DA) and supporting units have the capability to destroy the target?
Effect: Beyond pure military effect what are the political, economic, legal, and psychological effects of destroying the target? How would the attack affect local civilians?
Recognizability: Can the target be recognized clearly, by Recon and attack forces, under the prevailing weather, light, and in its terrain? If there are critical points within the target, they also must be recognizable by the means of destruction used.
2. NOTE: Report the center of mass identical, closely grouped items. 3. Otherwise, report multiple grid coordinates of traces (From _________ to ________)
Example: “YANKEE 4, THIS IS YANKEE 2. SPOTREP, OVER. ONE BTR70, STATIONARY, ORIENTED SOUTH AT GRID 23441221, 1900 HOURS, CONTINUING TO OBSERVE, OVER.”
Ammunition, Casualties and Equipment Reports are usually called after each engagement. These reports are called to give your Commanding Officer information about your current situation.
ACE reports are sent as soon as a contact is complete, i.e after successfully assaulting a contact or breaking contact. It is a status report.
The leader of your element will call out “ACEREP” on the radio, where people in turn will give their ACEREP. To relay your ACEREP simply say your last name or callsign if given, and one of the following status levels depending on your situation:
GREEN – You are at full strength with 75% or more of your original ammunition or equipment. YELLOW – You are at reduced strength 50-75% of your original ammunition or equipment. RED – You are at reduced strength, injuries or 25-50% of your original ammunition or equipment. BLACK – You are at reduced strength, heavy injuries or 25% or less of your original ammunition or equipment. At this point the Command will decide if the member or team is still combat effective.
Ammunition Green = Plenty left Yellow = Expended roughly half Red = Less than 2-3 mags per person, not enough for another contact.
Casualties Green = No casualties Yellow = sustained an injury that will not impend their ability to fight Red = Critical injury or injury that prevents mobility Black = KIA (Remember be sure to announce how many have been WIA or KIA)
Equipment Any equipment expended or lost. Green = No change Yellow = Ammunition for AT and explosive platforms are expended Red = Mission equipment such as laser designator, AT, breaching charges, etc fully lost. Report any AT or AA rounds expended.
Example: “Yankee Actual, this is Yankee 1, ACEREP as follows, break. Overall ammunition yellow, break. Casualty check green break. Equipment yellow, 3x M136 AT expended, over.
Note: If you have ZERO casualties and no loss of equipment it is not required to be included in the ACEREP.
SITREP Report
The SITREP is submitted by subordinate units to their higher headquarters to report their tactical situation and status. It is submitted after significant events, or as otherwise requested by the Company Command.
The SITREP LACE system is exercised.
Format – State “SITREP”, followed by pertinent information on these lines:
1. LINE 1: LOCATION of UNIT Location of BLUFOR and additional friendly forces that may be operating with us. 2. LINE 2: ACTIVITY Brief activity of the friendly units.
3. LINE 3: CASUALTIES Casualties sustained.
4. LINE 4: EQUIPMENT Specialized equipment that the element has deployed such as:
a) AT/AA
b) Heavier Weaponry/Static Equipment
c) Vehicles
5. Summary of tactical intentions.
Example: “Yankee Actual, this is Yankee 02, sending SITREP, break. Yankee 02 LOCATION GRID 022312, break. Advancing towards OBJ Alpha, approach from south west to conduct Assault, break. We have ZERO times casualties, break. 2x M2 Static, 2x MATV, break. Yankee 02 continuing mission, how copy?”
Additionally, these formats may also be utilized.
Obstacle Report
Report all pertinent information using the following format:
1. LINE 1: Type of obstacle or obstruction.
2. LINE 2: Location Using grid coordinates. For large complex obstacles, send the coordinates of the ends and of all turn points.
3. LINE 3: Dimensions and orientation.
4. LINE 4: Composition.
5. Enemy weapons influencing obstacle.
6. LINE 6: Observer’s actions.
IED / UXO 9-Line:
LINE 1 - DATE, TIME, GROUP, ITEM DISCOVERED:
LINE 2 - UNIT REPORTING ACTIVITY:
LINE 3 - CONTACT METHOD: RADIO FREQ: CALL SIGN:
LINE 4 - MUNITIONS TYPE & NUMBER:
LINE 5 - CBRNE CONTAINMENT:
LINE 6 - RESOURCES THREATENED:
LINE 7- IMPACT ON MISSION:
LINE 8 - PROTECTIVE MEASURES:
LINE 9 - RECOMMENDED PRIORITY: (IMMEDIATE, INDIRECT, MINOR, NO THREAT)
LOCATION OF IED/UXO (6/8/10 DIGIT GRID): Ex: “12345, 56789”
Patrol Report
Information collected by combat units is occassioanlly submitted using SPOTREPs as events occur. The duration and activity of dismounted patrols make a debriefing desirable. In such cases, a debriefing report makes ensure that the patrol reports all important information it has collected. The report may be submitted by radio when required.
The following debrief format can be used to ensure all pertinent information is provided in the report.
1. Designation of patrol. Include these elements: a) To: ____________________ b) From: __________________ c) Maps: __________________
2. Size of patrol.
3. Task.
4. Time of departure.
5. Time of return. 6. Routes (out and back)
7. Terrain. Included description of terrain by type (wooded, rocky, dry etc.)
8. Enemy. This includes details of enemy strength, defenses, equipment, movement, coordinates and time enemy activity was observed.
9. Map corrections.
10. Results of encounters with the enemy.
11. Conclusions and recommendations.
12. Additional remarks.
NOTE: The report should conclude with the name rank/grade, and unit of the patrol leader.
Re-Supply 6-Line
Initial Contact: "Alpha, this is Bravo, standby for Re-Supply 6-Line, over"
LINE 1 - Grid Example: “123 456”
LINE 2 - Callsign & frequency “Callsign & frequency remains the same”
LINE 3 - Patient/s by precedence “Routine, Priority, or Urgent”
LINE 4 - Equipment Needed: Ex: “30 mags of 5.56 and 20 MRE packets”
LINE 5 - LZ Security: Ex: “360 degree security on the LZ, little resistance to the North”
LINE 6 - Method of marking: (Smoke, Pyro, Other. Never say the color of smoke or marking unless defined in OPORD or SOP)
Medical Evacuation 9-Line:
Initial Contact: "Alpha, this is Bravo, standby for 9-liner, over"
LINE 1 - Grid Example: “115 373”
LINE 2 - Callsign & Frequency: “Callsign & frequency remains the same”
LINE 3 - Patient/s by precedence: “Routine, Priority, or Urgent”
LINE 4 - Special Equipment Needed: Ex: “Surgical equipment, x6 mags of 5.56, 4 MREs” (Be specific)
LINE 5 - Patients by type: (Ambulatory or Litter) Ex: “3x Ambulatory and 4x Litter” (Litter patients cannot walk, ambulatory patients can walk.)
LINE 6 - Security of Pickup sight: Ex: “360 degree security on the LZ, little resistance from the south”
LINE 7 - Method of marking: (Smoke, Pyro, Other. Never say the color of smoke or marking unless defined by OPORD or SOP)
LINE 8 - Number of Patients nationality: • US MIL (U.S. Military), • FOREIGN MIL (Foreign Military), • EPW (Enemy Prisoner of War), • US CIV (U.S. Civilian), • FOREIGN CIV (Foreign Civilian).
LINE 9 CBRN Threat or Terrain Description: “No known Contaminants / Terrain is an open field surrounded by hills”
(Receiver: “Be advised, helo is en-route to your pos, ETA 20 mikes”)
ZMIST Report
Initial Contact: "Alpha, this is Bravo, standby for ZMIST, over"
(If you have more than one patient, give a ZMIST for each patient.)
Patient #: (Patient one or more)
Zap number: (First and Last initial, last 4 of tag number, add unit or unit type if patient represents a specific unit, blood type) Ex: “MR2234 1IR, ONEG”
Mechanism of Injury: (What caused the injury) Ex: “Enemy small arms fire”
Injury sustained: (Fall, MVA, GSW, RPG, IED/Mine
or Abrasion, Avulsion, Contusion, Crush, Cut, Laceration, Velocity, Puncture.)
Ex: “3x Velocity wounds to the chest, 2x lacerations to the legs”
Treatment rendered: Ex: Elastic bandages & quicklot applied to chest, x1 tourniquet applied to left leg.
(You: “How copy on all?”) (Receiver: “Roger, solid copy. Patching you into the helo now for the LZ brief”)
LZ Brief
Initial Contact: "Alpha, this is Bravo, standby for LZ Brief, over"
LOCATION: Grid 123, 456
LINE 3 CALL SIGN: Remains the same
LINE 4 FREQUENCY: Remains the same
LINE 5 LZ MARKING: (Smoke, Pyro, Other. Never say the color of smoke or marking unless defined by OPORD or SOP)
LINE 6 WIND DIRECTION & VELOCITY: Ex: “Winds blowing North to South” LINE 7 ELEVATION / SIZE: (Rough estimation of the elevation and size of the LZ) LINE 8 OBSTACLES: Ex: “Powerlines to the Southwest, buildings to the West”
LINE 9 FRIENDLY POSITIONS (DIR / DIST): Ex: “We are 100 meters South of the LZ” LINE 10 ENEMY POSITIONS (DIR / DIST): Ex:“Enemy is to the North 500 meters from the LZ”
LINE 11 LAST FIRE RECEIVED (TIME / TYPE): Ex: “Last fire received was small arms at 1425 hours”
LINE 12 DIRECTION OF FIRE & DISTANCE: Ex: “Fire was directed to the North 200 meters away” LINE 13 CLEARANCE TO FIRE (DIR / DIST): Ex: “South to Southeast 150 meters”
(You: “How copy on all?”) (Receiver: “Roger, solid copy.”)
Base Incursion/Excursion:
Initial Contact: "Alpha, this is Bravo, requesting to depart from / enter into (friendly lines) at (Local time) with (number of personnel/pacs) in a (number of vehicles and vehicle types)
(Receiver: “Roger, granted / denied”)
UTILIZATION OF RADIOS
The Fighting Eleventh uses three radio series during communications. The RT-7800 personal radio series for fireteam members, the AN/PRC-152 personal radio series for fireteam leaders & above, and the AN/PRC 155 Coyote long range radio series for leadership and vehicles. Additional radios for special operations are RT-1523 long range radio series. In this example, the AN/PRC-152 and the AN/PRC-155 Coyote radio series will be used.
AN/PRC-152 (Short range)
The AN/PRC-152 is a short range (5,000m) radio. This radio is assigned to all personnel in operations and is primarily used for communication on a platoon/squad/detachment/team level. The frequency range is 30-512 MegaHertz. Default transmit button is CAPS LOCK.
Initial Setup and Functions Initial setup of the AN/PRC-152 includes setting the main frequency, volume and stereo settings.
1. Set Main Frequency a) Press LCTRL+P to bring the radio interface. b) Use the +PRE key to cycle through channels, ensure on C1. c) Press the CLR button to clear the current frequency. d) Use NUMPAD on your keyboard to input the correct main frequency. e) Press ENT to set frequency.
2. Stereo settings: Use the 0() key on the radio to toggle stereo settings between Left Only, Right Only and Left and Right.
3. Volume: Left and Right-Click the volume knob on the top of the radio to adjust volume. Turn speaker function using the > key.
To set an additional frequency, do the following:
1. Press the + key to go to C2.
2. Press CLR to clear the current frequency.
3. Using the NUMPAD on their keyboard, input the correct freq.
4. Press the ENT button to set the freq.
5. Press the < key to set this as an additional freq.
C2 should change to A2.
6. Press the – key on the radio to return to C1.
AN/PRC-155 Coyote (Long-Range)
The AN/PRC-155 Coyote is a long range (20,000m) radio. This is a radio assigned to leadership and support elements in operations. The frequency range 30-87 MegaHertz. If installed into a vehicle, the range is 30,000 meters. The Coyote refers to the pattern of the pack.
Initial Setup and Functions Initial setup of the AN/PRC-155 includes setting the main frequency, volume and stereo settings.
1. Set Main Frequency a. Press LALT+P to bring up the radio interface. b. Use the 1 Key on the radio to ensure the radio is on C1. c. Use the MENU/CLR button to clear the current frequency. d. Use NUMPAD on the keyboard to input the correct frequency. e. Use FREQ to set the frequency.
2. Stereo settings: Use the STO key on the radio to toggle stereo settings between Left Only, Right Only and Left and Right.
3. Volume: Use the TIME and BATT CALL buttons to adjust the volume.
Key up using LCTRL+CAPSLOCK key will verify you are transmitting on the correct freq.
Setting up Additional LR Frequency To set an additional frequency, do the following:
1. Press the 2 key on the radio to go to C2.
2. Press MENU/CLR to clear the current frequency.
3. Press the NUMPAD on their keyboard, input the correct additional frequency.
4. Press FREQ button to set the freq.
5. Press ERF/OFST key to set this as an additional freq. You should see C2 change to A2.
6. Press the 1 key on the radio to switch back to C1.
Whenever a radio is keyed up you will hear to different types of ‘squaks’, indicating both beginning and end of transmission. Transmitting at the same time as someone else creates feedback. If you do not hear anything, that means you are out of range.
Additionally, you will hear a background fuzz and distortion on a person speaking when they are on radio. If you don’t hear the distortion and buzz, it means you aren't receiving their radio transmission
Troubleshooting Communications
If you are unable to make contact with another element, you should try these basic troubleshooting steps: 1. Check to make sure you are using the correct radio. 2. Check your radio to ensure it is set to the correct frequency.
3. Check your position to ensure that you are in range.
4. Check your location to ensure you are not on dead ground.