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. Find a detailed article about gear in Communications Rigs .

Remember to have two sets of spare batteries and verify your radio works before entering the Field.

Example radio exchange

SQUAD 1

Overlord, Angel. Sitrep: halted at 55-60, over.

COMMAND

Angel, Overlord. Withdraw to 35-25, out.

COMMAND

Gator, Overlord. Rendezvous with Angel at 35-25, over.

SQUAD 2

Sparrow, Overlord. Location and Sitrep, over.

SQUAD 3

Overlord, Sparrow. Enemy spotted at 15,65. Moving to 15,70 to avoid them, over.

SQUAD 3

Overlord, Sparrow. Request support at 15,70, over.

Compare Good and Poor

Comparison of poor and good protocol, showing the increase in responsiveness and clarity:

Poor Protocol

LONE SOLDIER

I have enemies at my two o'clock.

COMMANDER

Last station this is Command. Who are you? Over.

LONE SOLDIER

Do you want me to go get them?

COMMANDER

Last Station this is Command. Who are you and where are you and which direction are you facing? Over.

LONE SOLDIER

I'm at the forward defense post.

COMMANDER

Last Station this is Command. Which one, and who are you? Over.

Good Protocol

LONE SOLDIER

Rattrap to Command. Enemy spotted southwest of Post 1. Over.

COMMANDER

Command to Rattrap. Stand by for reinforcements. Out.

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:

Signal Reporting

Condition	Types
Strength	loud, good, weak, poor
Readability	clear, readable, distorted, intermittent

See also RST code

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 - see also Brevity Words

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]

Advanced Topics

• Code Cards - Simple Field Encryption
• Radio Operator - for Squads in Milsim
• Subchannels - Squelch Codes
• Brevity - Keep Messages Short
• Additional Resource

Search Terms

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