Radio Protocol
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Contents
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 . You will also find more information about using the club maps at Tactical and Safety Field Guide#Maps and Directions.
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
Command. Rattrap. Enemy spotted southwest of Post 1. Over.
COMMANDER
Rattrap. Command. Stand by for reinforcements. Out.
Radio Checks
To confirm that your radio is operating properly, and you can do it informally at any time or at the start of an event as an organized group.
Individual Check Example
At any time one operator can request another confirm they are transmitting.
Requests
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.
Responses
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:
| Condition | Types |
|---|---|
| Strength | loud, good, weak, poor |
| Readability | clear, readable, distorted, intermittent |
See also RST code
Team Check Example
As a team, the leader, exec, or an experienced operator can direct the net and make sure everyone is on. This way ensures that all radios are checked at once so everyone can focus on the team's mission briefing.
ALFA ONE
All elements this net this is Alfa One. Sign in using your callsign, over.
ALFA TWO
Alfa Two
ALFA ONE
Alfa Two. Alfa One. Good and readable.
ALFA THREE
Alfa Three
ALFA ONE
Alfa Three. Alfa One. Loud and clear.
BRAVO ONE
Bravo One
ALFA ONE
Bravo One. Alfa One. Good and distorted.
BRAVO TWO
Bravo Two
ALFA ONE
Bravo Two. Alfa One. Good and readable. Break.
All elements this net, this is Alfa One. Any missed elements check in now, over
SPARROWHAWK
Sparrowhawk
NIGHTHAWK
Nighthawk
ALFA ONE
Sparrowhawk. Alfa One. Loud and clear. Nighthawk. Loud and clear. Break.
All elements this net, this is Alfa One. Radio Checks completed, out.
It takes a bit of attention from an experienced player, but can help ensure everyone is checked. Works best when everyone can see each other so everyone can take their turn when the guy next to them finishes his turn.
Overcoming Static in Games
We use radios with a wavelength of approximately 2 feet; anything that holds water and is at least 4 inches long will absorb our radio transmissions. Around many live tree and shrub branches, anyone?
Two things you can use to improve your radio communication during the game:
- move so that trees or shrubs aren't directly between you and the player you are trying to reach
- move to higher ground (keeping the transmitter higher than the receiver improves transmit range)
Message Format
To ensure that your team understands your messages.
- Receiver Callsign - get their attention
- Sender Callsign - tell them who you are
- Transmit Instruction (optional) - for radio operators
- Priority / Precedence (optional) - for radio operators
- Content - tell them the message
- Final Instruction - for radio operators
- 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
Along with the wording examples below, please refer to Recommended Phrases and 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
- Frequency Table
- Code Cards - Simple Field Encryption
- Radio Operator - for Squads in Milsim
- Subchannels - Squelch Codes
- Brevity - Keep Messages Short
- Recommended Phrases
- In-play Callsigns
- Directed Net
- Additional Resource
Search Terms
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