CommunicationsCommunications

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

•RadioRadio

This revolutionised communication, enabling This revolutionised communication, enabling contact across the world.contact across the world.

The Air Cadets Organisation uses HF (High The Air Cadets Organisation uses HF (High Frequency) radio. Frequency) radio.

It has its own radio stations (the ‘network’) It has its own radio stations (the ‘network’) which operates on a single frequency.which operates on a single frequency.

•Directed NetworkDirected NetworkThis is a group of radio stations on the same frequency This is a group of radio stations on the same frequency in communication with each other. in communication with each other. It is always controlled – it has a ‘Network Control It is always controlled – it has a ‘Network Control Station’ (NCS)Station’ (NCS)The level of control depends on;The level of control depends on;- the level of radio discipline being observed by those - the level of radio discipline being observed by those using itusing it- the adherence to proper procedures- the adherence to proper procedures- the type of network- the type of network

The station used as the NCS depends on;The station used as the NCS depends on;- the equipment efficiency- the equipment efficiency- the operator experience- the operator experience- the amount of radio communication that will be passed- the amount of radio communication that will be passed

An NCS is usually a fixed base station. All An NCS is usually a fixed base station. All communications go through the NCS.communications go through the NCS.

Network Control Station

MRC 23

MRF 19

MRA 10

MRL 53

Free NetworkFree Network

Here there is no NCSHere there is no NCSAll stations are able to communicate with each All stations are able to communicate with each otherother

MRC 23

MRF 19

MRA 10

MRL 53

Air CadetsAir Cadets

Must practice the safe use and successful use Must practice the safe use and successful use of radiosof radios

If you do not stick to the standard operations, If you do not stick to the standard operations, misunderstandings will take place and this misunderstandings will take place and this

could be dangerouscould be dangerous

Always remember that the enemy may be Always remember that the enemy may be listening!listening!

Radio StationRadio Station

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

Radio ProceduresRadio ProceduresSecurity, Accuracy, Discipline are keySecurity, Accuracy, Discipline are key

Call SignsCall SignsThe identity and location of the station should be kept as The identity and location of the station should be kept as secret as possible. This is done by assigning a call sign.secret as possible. This is done by assigning a call sign.- 3 letters- 3 letters- 2 numbers- 2 numbers

e.g. MRA 23e.g. MRA 23M = in the UKM = in the UKR = RAFR = RAFA = indication of geographical locationA = indication of geographical location23 = serial number issued by HQAC23 = serial number issued by HQAC

If the station is mobile it could have M1, M2 etc. added to the If the station is mobile it could have M1, M2 etc. added to the end e.g. MRA 23 M1end e.g. MRA 23 M1

Radio ProceduresRadio Procedures

Always assume you haveAlways assume you have- a sender- a sender- a listener- a listener- an interceptor- an interceptor

Service Radio Procedures are there Service Radio Procedures are there - to safeguard meaning for authorised listeners- to safeguard meaning for authorised listeners- to make communications short (saves power - to make communications short (saves power from mobile units and allows more stations to from mobile units and allows more stations to communicate on the network)communicate on the network)

NEVERNEVER

- use unauthorised codenames- use unauthorised codenames- use personal names / nicknames- use personal names / nicknames- use slang, jargon or foul language- use slang, jargon or foul language- transmit aircraft types, roles or weapon - transmit aircraft types, roles or weapon loads in clear speechloads in clear speech- transmit details of arms or ammunition, - transmit details of arms or ammunition, particularly their movementsparticularly their movements- transmit unit locations in clear speech- transmit unit locations in clear speech

ALWAYSALWAYS

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

AuthenticationAuthentication

This is a method of challenging any station that This is a method of challenging any station that is using your network. The system used by Air is using your network. The system used by Air Cadets asks the station to respond to one of Cadets asks the station to respond to one of four codesfour codes

a. Alphaa. Alphab. Bravob. Bravoc. Charliec. Charlied. Deltad. Delta

AlphaAlpha

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

BravoBravo

The reply to this challenge is the The reply to this challenge is the Station’s Station’s Squadron number in reverseSquadron number in reversee.g.e.g.MRC 28 This is MRC 56 Authenticate Bravo MRC 28 This is MRC 56 Authenticate Bravo OverOverMRC 56 This is MRC 28 I Authenticate Bravo MRC 56 This is MRC 28 I Authenticate Bravo Figures 873 OverFigures 873 OverMRC 28 This is MRC 56 Correct OutMRC 28 This is MRC 56 Correct Out

CharlieCharlie

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

DeltaDelta

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

If the reply is not satisfactory the transmission must be If the reply is not satisfactory the transmission must be stopped immediately and your radio officer informed.stopped immediately and your radio officer informed.

Authenticating Bravo and Charlie should not normally Authenticating Bravo and Charlie should not normally be used when challenging a mobile unit.be used when challenging a mobile unit.

Appointment TitlesAppointment TitlesThese are an aid to security by concealing the level of These are an aid to security by concealing the level of commandcommand

Veiled SpeechVeiled SpeechThis is used to convey information when both the This is used to convey information when both the listener and the sender are aware of the subject matterlistener and the sender are aware of the subject mattere.g.e.g.‘Meet me at the same time and place as last week’‘Meet me at the same time and place as last week’

AccuracyAccuracy

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

RSVPRSVP

R – R – RhythmRhythm (natural speaking rhythm and (natural speaking rhythm and divide the message into sensible size sections)divide the message into sensible size sections)

S – S – SpeedSpeed (speak slightly slower than normal, (speak slightly slower than normal, use standard ‘Prowords’ to shorten the use standard ‘Prowords’ to shorten the messagemessage

V – V – VolumeVolume (loud enough to overcome (loud enough to overcome background noise but do not shout)background noise but do not shout)

P – P – PitchPitch (some people may need to speak at a (some people may need to speak at a high pitch but those with a naturally high pitch high pitch but those with a naturally high pitch should not)should not)

ProwordsProwords

THIS IS – the callsign of the sender is about THIS IS – the callsign of the sender is about to followto follow

OVER – the end of the transmission, a reply OVER – the end of the transmission, a reply or acknowledgement is requiredor acknowledgement is required

OUT – end of transmission, not reply OUT – end of transmission, not reply expectedexpected

WAIT OUT – transmission has been received, WAIT OUT – transmission has been received, a reply will follow latera reply will follow later

ProwordsProwords

WILCO – message received and understood, I will WILCO – message received and understood, I will comply with you instructionscomply with you instructions

ROGER – I have received your transmissionROGER – I have received your transmission

SAY AGAIN – request for repetition of messageSAY AGAIN – request for repetition of message

MESSAGE – the following transmission must be MESSAGE – the following transmission must be written downwritten down

ProwordsProwords FIGURES – used before groups of numbers are FIGURES – used before groups of numbers are

saidsaid

GRID – used before encoded reference or grid GRID – used before encoded reference or grid referencereference

RADIO CHECK – report how you receive my RADIO CHECK – report how you receive my transmissiontransmission

SPEAK SLOWERSPEAK SLOWER

ProwordsProwords

BREAK – said to separate text during a long BREAK – said to separate text during a long transmission or the next identified station should transmission or the next identified station should replyreply

TIME – the following group is a time group or a TIME – the following group is a time group or a date time groupdate time group

UNKNOWN STATION – when calling a station UNKNOWN STATION – when calling a station whose identity is not knownwhose identity is not known

WRONG – your last transmission was incorrectWRONG – your last transmission was incorrect

PhoneticsPhoneticsLetters and Letters and numbers can be numbers can be pronounced using pronounced using the phonetic the phonetic alphabet to ensure alphabet to ensure that complex words that complex words or specific or specific information is information is transmitted correctlytransmitted correctly

Time should always Time should always be given using the be given using the 24 our clock24 our clock

PronunciationPronunciation

00 ZEROZERO

11 WUNWUN

22 TOOTOO

33 TREETREE

44 FOW ERFOW ER

55 FIFEFIFE

66 SIXSIX

77 SEV ENSEV EN

88 AITAIT

99 NIN ERNIN ER

DECIMALDECIMAL DAY SEE MALDAY SEE MAL

THOUSANDTHOUSAND TOU SANDTOU SAND

AA ALPHAALPHA AAL FAHL FAH

BB BRAVOBRAVO BRAH VOHBRAH VOH

CC CHARLIECHARLIE CHARCHAR LEE LEE

DD DELTADELTA DELLDELL TAH TAH

EE ECHOECHO ECKECK OH OH

FF FOXTROTFOXTROT FOKSFOKS TROT TROT

GG GOLFGOLF GOLFGOLF

HH HOTELHOTEL HOH HOH TELLTELL

II INDIAINDIA ININ DEE AH DEE AH

JJ JULIETJULIET JEWJEW LEE LEE ETTETT

KK KILOKILO KEYKEY LOH LOH

LL LIMALIMA LEELEE MAH MAH

MM MIKEMIKE MIKEMIKE

NN NOVEMBERNOVEMBER NO NO VEMVEM BER BER

OO OSCAROSCAR OSSOSS CAH CAH

PP PAPAPAPA PAH PAH PAHPAH

QQ QUEBECQUEBEC KEH KEH BECKBECK

RR ROMEOROMEO ROWROW ME OH ME OH

SS SIERRASIERRA SEE SEE AIRAIR RAH RAH

TT TANGOTANGO TANGTANG GO GO

UU UNIFORMUNIFORM YOUYOU NEE FORM NEE FORM

VV VICTORVICTOR VIKVIK TAH TAH

WW WHISKEYWHISKEY WISSWISS KEY KEY

XX X-RAYX-RAY ECKSECKS RAY RAY

YY YANKEEYANKEE YANGYANG KEE KEE

ZZ ZULUZULU ZOOZOO LOO LOO

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

Number / WordNumber / Word PronunciationPronunciation

00 ZEROZERO

11 WUNWUN

22 TOOTOO

33 TREETREE

44 FOW ERFOW ER

55 FIFEFIFE

66 SIXSIX

77 SEV ENSEV EN

88 AITAIT

99 NIN ERNIN ER

DecimalDecimal DAY SEE MALDAY SEE MAL

ThousandThousand TOU SANDTOU SAND

All numbers must be pronounced clearly in this way.

Sending a messageSending a message

When a radio is first switched on you need to check id When a radio is first switched on you need to check id communications are satisfactory.communications are satisfactory.The strength of signal is described in 5 levels:The strength of signal is described in 5 levels:Loud, Good, Weak, Very Weak, FadingLoud, Good, Weak, Very Weak, Fading

Readability (capacity of understanding) is described in 6 levels:Readability (capacity of understanding) is described in 6 levels:Clear, Readable, Unreadable, Distorted, Intermittent, InterferenceClear, Readable, Unreadable, Distorted, Intermittent, Interference

Radio checks should include strength and readability e.g. ‘Loud Radio checks should include strength and readability e.g. ‘Loud and Clear’, ‘Very Weak and Readable’, ‘Fading and Intermittent’and Clear’, ‘Very Weak and Readable’, ‘Fading and Intermittent’

MRG91 This is MRG84 Radio check over.MRG91 This is MRG84 Radio check over.

MRG84 This is MRG91 Good Readable radio check overMRG84 This is MRG91 Good Readable radio check over

MRG91 This is MRG84 Loud and Clear outMRG91 This is MRG84 Loud and Clear out

MessagesMessages

The Call – the start of a messageThe Call – the start of a message

The Text – convey meaning or instructionsThe Text – convey meaning or instructions

The Ending – signify understanding and The Ending – signify understanding and action will be takenaction will be taken