Communications

Accuracy is important here.  Pay attention to detail.  The communications tasks range from extremely easy to moderately difficult.

You must receive a GO on 3 of 4 tasks 


ASSEMBLE AND OPERATE A SINCGARS (ASIP) WITHOUT ANCD

CONDITIONS: Given a SINCGARS radio (AN/PRC-119E/F), handset, antenna base, whip antenna, a battery, an operating frequency, a call sign, and the receiving station's call sign.

STANDARDS: Assemble the radio, set the operating frequency for single channel unsecured operation, and perform a radio check within 5 minutes.

PERFORMANCE STEPS:

1. Install battery.

2. Screw whip antenna into antenna base, hand tight.

3. Screw antenna base into "RT ANT" connector, hand tight.

4. Connect handset connector to "AUD/DATA" connector.

5. Set "MODE" to "SC" via "MENU" key.

6. Set "FCTN" to "TST," should read "GOOD."

7. Set "CHAN" to desired channel via "MENU" key.

8. Press "FREQ," then "CLR" on the keypad.

9. Enter the frequency given and press "STO" on the keypad

10. Set "RF PWR" to desired setting ("LO," "M," "HI") via "MENU" key.

11. Set "FCTN" to "SQ ON."

12. Perform a radio check using correct radio procedure and prowords.

Performance Measures GO NO GO
1. Installed battery
2. Screwed whip antenna into antenna base, hand tight.
3. Screwed antenna base into "RT ANT" connector, hand tight.
4. Connected handset connector to "AUD/DATA" connector.
5. Set "MODE" to "SC" via "MENU" key.
6. Set "FCTN" to "TST," should read "GOOD."
7. Set "CHAN" to desired channel via "MENU" key.
8. Pressed "FREQ," then "CLR" on the keypad.
9. Entered the frequency given and pressed "STO" on the keypad.
10. Set "RF PWR" to desired setting ("LO," "M," "HI") via "MENU" key.
11. Set "FCTN" to "SQ ON."
12. Performed a radio check using correct radio procedure/prowords.
13. Completed all performance measures within 5 minutes.

REFERENCES:  TM 11-5820-890-10-8


ASSEMBLE AND OPERATE A SINCGARS WITHOUT THE ANCD

CONDITIONS: Given a SINCGARS radio (AN/PRC-119A/B), handset, antenna base, whip antenna, a battery, an operating frequency, a call sign, and the receiving station's call sign.

STANDARDS: Assemble the radio, set the operating frequency for single channel unsecured operation, and perform a radio check within 5 minutes.

PERFORMANCE STEPS:

1. Install battery.

2. Screw whip antenna into antenna base, hand tight.

3. Screw antenna base into "RT ANT" connector, hand tight.

4. Connect handset connector to "AUD/DATA" connector.

5. Set "MODE" to "SC," "CHAN" to position "1," "COMSEC" to "PT," and "PWR" to desired setting.

6. Set "FCTN" to "TST," should read "GOOD."

7. Set "FCTN" to "LD."

8. Press "FREQ," then "CLR" on the keypad.

9. Enter the given frequency and press "STO" on the keypad.

10. Set the "FCTN" to "SQ ON."

11. Perform a radio check using correct radio procedure and prowords.

Performance Measures GO NO GO
1. Installed battery
2. Screwed whip antenna into antenna base, hand tight.
3. Screwed antenna base into "RT ANT" connector, hand tight.
4. Connected handset connector to "AUD/DATA" connector.
5. Set "MODE" to "SC," "CHAN" to position "1," "COMSEC" to "PT," and "PWR" to desired setting.
6. Set "FCTN" to "TST," should read "GOOD."
7. Set "FCTN" to "LD."
8. Pressed "FREQ," then "CLR" on the keypad.
9. Entered the given frequency and pressed "STO" on the keypad.
10. Set the "FCTN" to "SQ ON."
11. Performed a radio check using correct radio procedure/prowords.
12. Completed all performance measures within 5 minutes.

REFERENCES:  TM 11-5820-890-10-8


LOAD FH/COMSEC DATA AND CONDUCT RADIO CHECK USING SINCGARS (ASIP)

CONDITIONS: Given a SINCGARS radio (AN/PRC-119E/F) with components, a battery, an ANCD (AN/CYZ-10) loaded with signal operation instructions (SOI) and FH/COMSEC data and a W-4 cable, an operating frequency, a call sign, and the receiving station's call sign.

STANDARDS: Load radio for single channel secure operations and complete a radio check within 10 minutes.

PERFORMANCE STEPS:

1. Set "FCTN" to "TST." Wait for "GOOD" on display.

2. Set "FCTN" to "LD."

NOTE: Steps 1 and 2 may be skipped if this task is performed after "Assemble and Operate a SINCGARS (ASIP) Without ANCD" task.

3. Set "COMSEC" to "CT" via "MENU" key.

4. Set "MODE" to "FH" via "MENU" key.

5. Press handset twice to clear audio alarm in handset to solid tone.

6. Turn "ANCD" on and enter "RADIO" at the main menu.

7. Press "Enter" for "Send-Radio-Icom" at next three screens.

8. Follow guidance for next two steps by down arrow.

9. Enter "Y" at the menu (time), then press "LOAD" on the "RT."

10. Set "CHAN" to desired channel via "MENU" key.

11. Press "FREQ," then "CLR" on the keypad.

12. Enter the frequency given and press "STO" on the keypad.

13. Set "RF PWR" to desired setting ("LO", "M", "HI").

14. Set "FCTN" to "SQ ON."

15. Conduct radio check using proper procedures and prowords.

Performance Measures GO NO GO
1. Set "FCTN" to "TST." Waited for "GOOD" on display.
Set "FCTN" to "LD."
3. Set "COMSEC" to "CT" via "MENU" key.
4. Set "MODE" to "FH" via "MENU" key.
5. Pressed handset twice to clear audio alarm in handset to solid tone.
6. Turned ANCD on and entered "RADIO" at the main menu.
7. Pressed "Enter" for "Send-Radio-Icom" at next three screens.
8. Followed guidance for next two steps by down arrow.
9. Entered "Y" at the menu (time), then pressed "LOAD" on the "RT."
10. Set "CHAN" to desired channel via "MENU" key.
11. Pressed "FREQ," then "CLR" on the keypad.
12. Entered the frequency given and pressed "STO" on the keypad.
13. Set "RF PWR" to desired setting ("LO", "M", "HI").
14. Set "FCTN" to "SQ ON."
15. Performed a radio check using correct radio procedure/prowords.
16. Completed all required performance measures within 10 minutes.

REFERENCES:  TM 11-5820-890-10-8  TB 11-5820-890-12 


LOAD FH/COMSEC DATA AND CONDUCT RADIO CHECK USING SINCGARS

CONDITIONS: Given a SINCGARS radio (AN/PRC-119A/B) with components, a battery, an ANCD (AN/CYZ-10) loaded with SOI and FH/COMSEC data and a W-4 cable, an operating frequency, a call sign, and the receiving station's call sign.

STANDARDS: Load radio for single channel secure operations and complete a radio check within 10 minutes.

PERFORMANCE STEPS:

1. Set "FCTN" to "TST." Wait for "GOOD" on display.

2. Set "FCTN" to "LD."

NOTE: Steps 1 and 2 may be skipped if this task is performed after "Assemble and

Operate a SINCGARS Without the ANCD" task.

3. Set "COMSEC" to "CT."

4. Set "MODE" to "FH."

5. Press handset twice to clear audio alarm in handset to solid tone.

6. Turn ANCD on and enter "RADIO" at the main menu.

7. Press "Enter" for "Send-Radio-Icom" at next three screens.

8. Follow guidance for next two steps by down arrow.

9. Enter "Y" at the menu (time), then press "LOAD" on the "RT."

10. Set "CHAN" to desired position.

11. Press "FREQ," then "CLR" on the keypad.

12. Enter the frequency given and press "STO" on the keypad.

13. Set "RF PWR" to desired setting ("LO", "M", "HI").

14. Set "FCTN" to "SQ ON."

15. Conduct radio check using proper procedures and prowords.

Performance Measures GO NO GO
1.  Set "FCTN" to "TST." Waited for "GOOD" on display.
2.  Set "FCTN" to "LD."
3. Set "COMSEC" to "CT."
4. Set "MODE" to "FH."
5. Pressed handset twice to clear audio alarm in handset to solid tone.
6. Turned ANCD on and entered "RADIO" at the main menu.
7. Pressed "Enter" for "Send-Radio-Icom" at next three screens.
8. Followed guidance for next two steps by down arrow.
9. Entered "Y" at the menu (time), then pressed "Load" on the "RT."
10. Set "CHAN" to desired position.
11. Pressed "FREQ," then "CLR" on the keypad.
12. Entered the frequency given and pressed "STO" on the keypad.
13. Set "RF PWR" to desired setting ("LO", "M", "HI").
14. Set "FCTN" to "SQ ON."
15. Performed a radio check using correct radio procedure/prowords.
16. Completed all required performance measures within 10 minutes.

REFERENCES:  TM 11-5820-890-10-8  TB 11-5820-890-12 


PREPARE AND TRANSMIT A MEDEVAC REQUEST (USING SECURE MODE RADIO)

CONDITIONS: Given three or four treated casualties (a minimum of one has a lifethreatening injury), GTA 08-01-004, a secure mode of communication (SINCGARS with secure fill loaded to operate in CT, FH), frequencies and call signs of candidate’s unit and MEDEVAC unit, and the information required to complete GTA 08-01-004.

STANDARDS: Collect all applicable information and prioritize casualties. Transmit lines 1 through 5 of the MEDEVAC request within 25 seconds. Complete all performance measures within 5 minutes.

PERFORMANCE STEPS:

1. Collect all applicable information needed for the MEDEVAC request.

a. Obtain the grid coordinates for the pickup site.

b. Obtain radio frequency, call sign, and suffix.

c. Determine the number of patients and precedence.

d. Determine the type of special equipment required.

e. Determine the number and type (litter or ambulatory) of patients.

f.  Determine the security of the pickup site.

g. Determine how the pickup site will be marked.

h. Determine patient nationality and status.

i. Obtain pickup site NBC contamination information normally obtained from the senior person or medic.

NOTE: Information for steps 1a, 1b, and 1i will be provided to the candidate during the OPORD or scenario brief. Information for steps 1c through 1h must be determined by the candidate during testing of the task.

2. Record the gathered MEDEVAC information using the authorized brevity codes (GTA 08-01-004).

a. Location of pickup site (line 1).

b. Radio frequency, call sign, and suffix (line 2).

c. Number of patients by precedence (line 3).

d. Special equipment required (line 4).

e. Number of patients by type (line 5).

f.  Security of pickup site (line 6).

g. Method of marking pickup site (line 7).

h. Patient nationality and status (line 8).

i.  NBC contamination (line 9).

3. Transmit the MEDEVAC request.

a. Contact the unit that controls the evacuation assets.

(1)  Make proper contact with the intended receiver.

(2)  Use effective call sign and frequency assignments from the SOI.

(3)  Give the following in the clear "I HAVE A MEDEVAC REQUEST;" wait 1 to 3 seconds for response. If no response, repeat the statement.

b. Transmit the MEDEVAC information in the proper sequence.

NOTES:

1. Line numbers 1 through 5 must always be transmitted during the initial contact with the evacuation unit. Lines 6 through 9 may be transmitted while the aircraft or vehicle is en route.

a. Follow the procedure provided in the explanation column of the MEDEVAC request format to transmit other required information.

b. Pronounce letters and numbers IAW appropriate radio telephone procedure.

2. The 25 second transmit time starts when the candidate says "LINE 1" and ends with the proword "OVER."

3. The proword "BREAK" must be given between each patient category in line 3 and between each patient type in line 5.

4. The 5-minute time limit ends when the candidate completes line 9 with the proword "OVER."

Performance Measures GO NO GO
1. Collected all applicable information needed for the MEDEVAC request line items one through nine.
2. Recorded the information using the authorized brevity codes.
3. Transmitted lines 1 through 5 within 25 seconds using proper procedures/prowords.
4. Transmitted lines 6 through 9 using proper procedures/prowords.
5. Correctly performed all performance steps for each performance measure within 5 minutes.

REFERENCES: FM 8-10-6, Chapter 7   STP 21-24-SMCT, Task No. 081-831-0101, Sample Format for Medical Evacuation Prepare and transmit a MEDEVAC request


SUBMIT NBC 1 REPORT

CONDITIONS: An NBC attack has just occurred in your area. You have a watch, map, compass, protractor, pencil or pen, paper, and the NBC report format guide (GTA 03-06-008).

STANDARDS: Submit Spot Report to give attack notification. Submit NBC 1 Report using the correct format and content within 10 minutes.

PERFORMANCE STEPS:

1. After protecting yourself from an NBC attack, submit a Spot Report immediately using the S-A-L-U-T-E format.

NOTE: The purpose of the Spot Report is to give immediate notification of the NBC attack.

a. Identify enemy activity. Determine whether observed activity is friendly or enemy.

If unable to make determination, report activity as unknown.

b. Record information in a Spot Report, using the S-A-L-U-T-E format.

(1) The Spot Report is a report containing information for which speed of transmission is essential. A spot report does not have a prescribed format, but use of the S-A-L-U-T-E format will ensure reporting of essential information.

(a) S - Size. Report the number of personnel, vehicles, aircraft, or size of an object.

(b) A - Activity. Report detailed account of actions, such as, direction of movement, troops digging in, artillery fire, type of attack, and NBC activity.

(c) L - Location. Report where you saw the activity. Include grid coordinates or reference from a known point including the distance and direction from the known point.

(d) U - Unit. Report the enemy's unit. If the unit is unknown, report any distinctive features, such as uniforms, patches or colored tabs, headgear, and vehicle identification markings.

(e) T - Time. Report the time the activity was observed, not the time you report it. Always report local or Zulu time.

(f) E - Equipment. Report all equipment associated with the activity, such as weapons, vehicles, tools. If unable to identify the equipment, provide as much detail as you can so that higher headquarters can make an identification.

(2) Remarks. Include any information not included in the S-A-L-U-T-E format.

c. Provide a written spot report to chain of command (evaluator for testing purposes).

2. Submit NBC 1 (Observer's) Report after you have gathered available data.

a. Fill out required information as outlined in GTA 03-06-008.

(1) Line B. Location of observer (use grid coordinates or place name).

(2) Line D. Date-time group of the attack (specify local or Zulu time).

(3) Line H. Type and height of burst (if nuclear) or type of agent and persistency (if chemical or biological).

(4) Either Line C (direction of attack in mils or degrees from the observer) or Line F (location of attack - grid coordinates or place name).

b. Select proper communication precedence.

(1) If this is the first attack of its type (first nuclear, first biological, or first chemical) use FLASH precedence. FLASH precedence is used to report first use of NBC weapons against U.S. troops.

NOTE:  FLASH reports should not be delayed for lack of any of the information.

(2) Use IMMEDIATE precedence for all other attacks.

c. Submit NBC 1 Report to higher headquarters (evaluator for testing purposes).

Performance Measures GO NO GO
1. Submitted a written Spot Report immediately for attack notification using the S-A-L-U-T-E format.
2. Submitted NBC 1 Report.
3. Correctly performed all performance steps for each performance measure within 10 minutes.

REFERENCES:  FM  3-3  , FM 3-3-1 FM 3-11.4,  FM 21-75  STP 21-1-SMCT, Task No. 031-503-3005  STP 21-1-SMCT, Task No. 301-371-1000

 
113-637-2001 Communicate Via a Tactical Radio in a Secure Net Click Here


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Communication Quiz

Know what equipment is being used before you go out for the badge. 

Practice assembling and disassembling the radio.

Practice stripping the wires to the field telephone.

Practice placing the batteries in the field telephone.

Use proper radio procedures (prowords, pronunciation, etc.)

Practice the MEDEVAC request. Remember this is a mandatory GO just like CPR.  Even if you get the other skills correct and receive a NOGO on the MEDEVAC request you are finished.  

Chapter 7 FM 8-10-6 Evacuation Request Procedures

You must receive  a GO on 3 of 4 tasks 

EFMB Lessons Learned
Additional Resource