Radio Operator Handbook for Soldiers Assigned, Attached, Or Task-Organized As Radio Operators
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
U.S. UNCLASSIFIED REL NATO, GCTF, ISAF, MCFI, ABCA For Official Use Only Handling Instructions for CALL Electronic Media and Paper Products Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) authorizes official use of this CALL product for operational and institutional purposes that contribute to the overall success of U.S., coalition, and allied efforts. The information contained in this product reflects the actions of units in the field and may not necessarily be approved U.S. Army policy or doctrine. This product is designed for official use by U.S., coalition, and allied personnel and cannot be released to the public without the expressed written consent of CALL. This product has been furnished with the expressed understanding that it will be used for official defense-related purposes only and that it will be afforded the same degree of protection that the U.S. affords information marked “U.S. UNCLASSIFIED, For Official Use Only [FOUO]” in accordance with U.S. Army Regulation (AR) 380-5, section 5-2. Official military and civil service/government personnel, to include all coalition and allied partners may paraphrase; quote; or use sentences, phrases, and paragraphs for integration into official products or research. However, integration of CALL “U.S. UNCLASSIFIED, For Official Use Only [FOUO]” information into official products or research renders them FOUO, and they must be maintained and controlled within official channels and cannot be released to the public without the expressed written consent of CALL. This product may be placed on protected UNCLASSIFIED intranets within military organizations or units, provided that access is restricted through user ID and password or other authentication means to ensure that only properly accredited military and government officials have access to these products. Regulations strictly forbid posting CALL “U.S. UNCLASSIFIED, For Official Use Only [FOUO]” documents to Department of Defense (DOD) Websites that do not restrict access to authorized personnel. AR-25-1, 15 Jul 2005, Army Knowledge Management and Information Technology, paragraph 6-4 n (2) (b) and DOD Web Site Administration Policy and Procedures (11 Jan 2002), Part II, paragraph 3.6.1 require appropriate mechanisms to protect sensitive information. When no longer needed, all CALL “U.S. UNCLASSIFIED, For Official Use Only [FOUO]” paper products and electronic media will be shredded or destroyed using approved paper shredders or CDROM destroyers. To allied and coalition personnel: This information is furnished with the understanding that it is to be used for defense purposes only, that it is to be afforded essentially the same degree of security protection as such information is afforded by the United States, and that it is not to be revealed to another country or international organization without the written consent of CALL. U.S. UNCLASSIFIED REL NATO, GCTF, ISAF, MCFI, ABCA For Official Use Only RO III UPDATE Foreword The Signal Center of Excellence and the Center for Army Lessons Learned have jointly developed a Radio Operator Handbook for Soldiers assigned, attached, or task-organized as radio operators. The intent of this handbook is to provide user/operator procedures, guidelines, and information that will enhance efficiency in the operation of currently fielded combat net radio systems. This handbook will assist Soldiers in developing unit training strategies that support the Army Force Generation cycle. By applying the information found in this handbook, Soldiers, leaders, and planners will be provided a solid foundation for unit radio operator training that will build individual confidence and competence while providing individuals with essential skills and knowledge related to radio operations. Like any other Soldier, a radio operator will be effective only if he is well trained and gains experience through the application of his skills. A good radio operator will enhance command and control at platoon through brigade level. This handbook is designed as a training support guide to supplement unit-level radio operator training and certification. U.S. UNCLASSIFIED REL NATO, GCTF, ISAF, MCFI, ABCA i For Official Use Only RO III UPDATE Radio Operator Handbook Table of Contents Introduction 1 Chapter 1. User Information 5 Chapter 2. Compromise Procedures 11 Chapter 3. Radio Systems 17 Chapter 4. Net Control Station Tasks 111 Chapter 5. Global Positioning Systems 123 Chapter 6. Controlled Cryptographic Equipment 141 Appendix A. Julian Date Calendar 155 Appendix B. World Time Zones and Time Conversion 157 Appendix C. Radio Frequency Spectrum 161 Appendix D. Radio Calls and Reports 163 Appendix E. Radio Net Procedures 171 Appendix F. Loss of Communication Procedures 175 Appendix G. Medical Evacuation Request 177 Appendix H. Glossary 181 Appendix I. References 183 Conclusion 185 U.S. UNCLASSIFIED REL NATO, GCTF, ISAF, MCFI, ABCA iii For Official Use Only CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED Center for Army Lessons Learned Director Colonel Thomas Joseph Murphy Division Chief George J. Mordica II CALL Analysts Ralph Nichols Tom Odom Marvin Decker Contributing Authors Major Craig Cardon Major Brian L. Williams Major Brian Lionberger Signal Center Author Yvonn B. Barnes Signal Center Editor Aileen Davila Production Coordinator Kristine Bell Graphic Artist Julie Gunter Distribution Manager Candice Miller The Secretary of the Army has determined that the publication of this periodical is necessary in the transaction of the public business as required by law of the Department. Unless otherwise stated, whenever the masculine or feminine gender is used, both are intended. Note: Any publications (other than CALL publications) referenced in this product, such as ARs, FMs, and TMs, must be obtained through your pinpoint distribution system. U.S. UNCLASSIFIED iv REL NATO, GCTF, ISAF, MCFI, ABCA For Official Use Only RO III UPDATE Introduction Selecting a Radio Operator Ralph D. Nichols, Senior Military Analyst, Center for Army Lessons Learned and MAJ Brian Lionberger, Center for Army Lessons Learned The unit radio operator (RO) provides platoon- to brigade-level maneuver leaders a command and control capability that is critical to mission success. The RO is more than a Soldier who carries the radio for the commander, serves as the commander’s driver, or provides the commander personal security, although he often serves in these functions. The RO is the commander’s tactical information manager. The process for selecting and training an RO varies widely and is based on the role the unit commander intends the RO to perform; however, there are common factors that every maneuver RO should possess in order to enable effective unit command and control. Unit commanders should consider the following factors when selecting, training, and employing their ROs. ROs should: • Be able to competently apply the four principles of providing effective communications: plan, manage, train, and maintain. • Be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. • Be able to receive a message and communicate it effectively. • Be proficient in both traditional analog (map and compass and azimuth and pace count) and enhanced digital-enabled (blue force tracking [BFT], Precision Lightweight Global Positioning System Receiver, and/or Force XXI battle command—brigade and below [FBCB2]) land navigation skills). • Be in outstanding physical condition, especially if the unit conducts dismounted operations for any length of time. The added weight of the communication equipment and supplies increases the difficulty of movement. • Be technically proficient in the operation of all required communications systems and understand the limitations of that equipment. A dismounted RO must be proficient with secure frequency modulation, tactical satellite, and high-frequency radios. The RO must also be proficient with BFT and/or FBCB2 terminals, as most command vehicles and some lift aircraft have these systems. • Understand the ranges and limitations of the communication equipment. Know and apply employment techniques (such as positioning) and field expedients (such as long-wire antennas) to mitigate the limitations imposed by the environment. Operating in a dense urban environment, traversing long distances and/or mountainous terrain, or inclement weather can degrade communication range capabilities. U.S. UNCLASSIFIED REL NATO, GCTF, ISAF, MCFI, ABCA 1 For Official Use Only CENTER FOR ARMY LESSONS LEARNED • Possess and sustain combat driving skills and understand unit convoy procedures in situations where the RO is also the commander’s driver. The RO should be cross-trained and able to assume the vehicle gunner’s duties in extreme situations. The RO must have the ability to engage the enemy with lethal force when required. • Be a certified combat lifesaver. Understand and be able to quickly and effectively apply appropriate medical evacuation procedures when required. • Be familiar with Field Manual (FM) 1-02, Terms and Graphics. ROs must understand that operational terms have specific meanings, and the terms cannot be changed or paraphrased when receiving a message. They must understand graphics so they can mark a map when receiving a spot report; situation report; or size, activity, location, unit/uniform, time, and equipment report. • Be familiar with FM 6-02.53, Tactical Radio Operations. This FM serves as a reference document for tactical radio systems. It also provides doctrinal guidance for using tactical radios on the modern battlefield. The FM targets operators, supervisors,