Radio Protocol

Introduction

After you start using your radio, you really should start using good communication protocols. For convenience, I am going to explain some of the protocols players should know.

Radio Checks

To confirm that your radio is operating properly.

Examples

Request

ALFA ONE

Alfa Two this is Alfa One, Request radio check. Over.

ALFA ONE

Alfa Two this is Alfa One. Radio check 1 2 3 4 5. How do you read me? Over.

Respond

ALFA TWO

Alfa One this is Alfa Two, Good and Readable. Out.

ALFA TWO

Alfa One this is Alfa Two, Loud and Distorted. Out.

ALFA TWO

Alfa One this is Alfa Two, Poor and Intermittent. Out.

A2's response tells A1 his signal strength and readability. Available options:

Strength: loud, good, weak, poor

Readability: clear, readable, distorted, intermittent

Message Format

To ensure that your team understands your messages.

1. Receiver Callsign - get their attention
2. Sender Callsign - tell them who you are
3. Transmit Instruction (optional) - for radio operators
4. Priority / Precedence (optional) - for radio operators
5. Content - tell them the message
6. Final Instruction - for radio operators
7. Close (Over / Out) - tell them you're done

Examples

BRAVO DELTA

Bravo Lima.

This is Bravo Delta. Read back. Flash. Enemy spotted southwest of Post One. Wait.

Over.

BRAVO DELTA

Bravo Lima.

This is Bravo Delta. Read back. Flash. Enemy moving northeast.

Over.

BRAVO LIMA

Bravo Delta.

Bravo Lima. I read back. "Flash". "Enemy spotted southwest of Post One, moving northeast".

Over.

Wording

Examples of the message elements:

Transmit Instructions

READ BACK / RELAY TO / DO NOT ANSWER / SAY AGAIN

Priority or Precedence

FLASH / IMMEDIATE / PRIORITY / ROUTINE

Final Instructions

MORE TO FOLLOW / WAIT / CORRECTION

Questions

• SITREP? (What's going on?)
• LOCATION? (Where are you?)

SitReps (Situation Reports)

• MOVING AT [position]
• HALTED AT [position code]
• IN RALLY POINT [code name]
• AT OBJECTIVE [code name]
• ENEMY SPOTTED AT [position or position code]
• COMPROMISED AT [position]
• CASUALTIES AT [position or position code]
• MISSION COMPLETED

Orders

• MOVE TO [position code]
• HALT AT [position code]
• ATTACK [codename]
• WITHDRAW
• CONTINUE MISSION
• RENDEZVOUS AT [position code]

Requests

• REQUEST REINFORCEMENT AT [position]
• REQUEST MEDIC AT [position]

Search Terms

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For more information on possible use of these skills, please refer to the next article: Radio Operator - for Squads in Milsim