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Authored by M. Moyer 01-Mar-2011Modified by Lt Colonel Fred BlundellTX-129 Fort Worth Senior Squadron

For Local Training Rev 5.1 05-Jan-2014

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This Training Slide Show is a project undertaken by Lt Colonel Fred Blundell of the TX-129 Fort Worth Senior Squadron, Fort Worth, TX for local use to assist those CAP Members interested in advancing their skills. The information contained herein is for CAP Member’s personal use and is not intended to replace or be a substitute for any of the CAP National Training Programs. Users should review the presentation’s Revision Number at the

end of each file name to ensure that they have the most current publication.

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The Role Of TheMission Radio Operator

Mission Base Communications Communications support in the Field

• Relay sites• Staging Areas• Equipment installation support

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Basic Procedures

Mission Radio Operators need to be familiar with the CAP‘s basic communications policies and practices• Basic Radio Operations

PTT RTL

• Prowords, Alpha-Numerics and call signs• The basics of the Radiotelephone Procedures

Guide

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Advanced Procedures

Mission Related Skills that allow our personnel to send new instructions, report mission information and track personnel adding a higher level of safety

– Updating Status Boards– Knowledge of the local equipment available– Handling urgency signals and emergency

traffic– And other procedures to support the

mission

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What Channels To Use

Consult your Operation’s Communications Plan• Simplex Operations• Duplex Operations• HF Operations• Other agencies frequencies

Know your local operating procedures and emergency plans before the incident

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Message Handling

Formal vs. Informal Traffic Message Procedences Message Forms & Distribution Communications Unit Log

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Choosing a Good Communications Site

High Ground Line of Sight Accessibility Sources of Radio Interference Internet Access

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RegainingCommunications

Check the Radio

• Move to Higher Ground• Have you tried Duplex?• Have you tried Relays?• If necessary or mobile - Move?• Don’t forget about the telephone

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ScheduledRadio Checks

When?• As briefed• When completing sortie actions• Departure and returning to Incident Base• Entering and Leaving Assigned Search or

Disaster Areas• Any extended stop - like meal or fuel breaks• As prudent Judgment Suggests

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ScheduledRadio Checks

(Continued)

Before calling in at the time required, determine at minimum:• Your location• Your Status• Anything you will need from the

station you are calling

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ScheduledRadio Checks

(Continued)

When making your radio check give:• The time of the radio check if being relayed or

it was delayed• The team’s location• The team’s status

• Don’t be afraid to ask for a confirmation and read-back of critical messages

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SendingA Position Report

When assigned to support a team in the field, aircrew or ground team, it will probably be necessary for you to report your location.

– Know where you are, not only coordinates but also land marks

– Transmit your location clearly and calmly– Confirm the location received your

transmission properly by requesting a read back

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ReportingClues And Finds

When supporting a team in the field it may be necessary for you to transmit the location or descriptions of a clue or find

– Know the location of the clue or find– Know the conditions of survivors or victims– Be sure to have a clear picture of what is

happening on scene– Establish good communications - move if

necessary

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ReportingClues and Finds

(Continued)

– Follow the report format found in the task guide– Avoid speculation - no guessing– Avoid inflammatory or unclear descriptions– Don’t be afraid to use other forms of

communications like cell phones - radio isn’t the only way

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Safety Procedures

Do your best to provide a safe environment for you and the personnel around you• Lightning protection• Routing, Securing and Marking Cables and

Wires as necessary• Placing antennas so as to avoid RF

exposure and EMI• Ground your communications systems

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Mission RadioOperator Tasks

Basic Communications Procedures for ES Operations

Perform Radio Operating Procedures Employ Appropriate Radio Frequencies and

Repeaters Message Handling Procedures Choose a Good Communications Site

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Mission RadioOperator Tasks

(Continued)

Take Steps to Regain Communications Conduct Scheduled Radio Checks Send a Position Report Report a Clue or Find Communications Safety Procedures Demonstrate the ability to Keep a Log

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QUESTIONS?

ALWAYS THINK SAFETY!