# Presentation: 317641

## Civil Air Patrol  Combined Basic / Advanced Communications User Training(BCUT / ACUT)

**Voice of Command**

- Major Ron Plank, TN DC
- Some slides courtesy of
- LTC Bruce Bream
- Ohio Wing/Group IV

## Radio Operator Training and Requirements

- Basic Communications User Training (BCUT)
- Advanced Communications User Training (ACUT)
- This course covers both

## Basic Communications User Training (BCUT)

- Calling and answering
- Use of call signs
- Operating the radio
- Basic prowords
- Prohibitions
- National communications policies

- Local operating procedures
- Location and use of local repeaters
- Local operating practices
- Local net schedules
- No test is required.

## Advanced Communications User Training (ACUT)

- Network operating procedures
- Formal message preparation and handling
- Familiarity with different radio modes and equipment (e.g. HF, VHF, SSB, FM)
- Working knowledge of CAPR 100-1, Volume 1
- Basic orientation to digital radio operations
- Successful completion of the Advanced Communications User Test (open book)
- A passing score is 80%, corrected to 100%.

## Radio Operator Authorization

- A permit allowing operation of a CAP radio unsupervised

**Notes:**
To operate a CAP radio unsupervised, a member must hold a Radio Operator Authorization, CAPF 76.  
ROA is issued for either Basic and Advanced Communication User Training.  The distinction between Basic and Advanced training is made in the individual member’s personnel records.
Communications class instructor  forwards a recommendation for authorization to wing or higher authority.
ROA with BCUT training allows member to operate a radio on CAP frequencies, unsupervised.
Successful completion of ACUT is required for a member to be issued a personal tactical call sign.

## CAP Communications Manuals and Guides

- CAPR 100-1 Volume 1: Communications
- Civil Air Patrol Radiotelephone Procedures Guide
- until CAPR 100-1 Volumes 2 and 3 are released

## Mission of CAP Communications

- The mission of the CAP Communications Program is to organize and maintain a reliable, nationwide, point-to-point, air-to-ground, and ground mobile radio capability in support of the missions of CAP.

## Purposes of CAP Communications

- Primary Purpose of a CAP Communications Facility:
- To provide the commander with the means for controlling his/her units and their activities
- Additional Purpose of a CAP Communications Facility:
- To provide the commander at each echelon the ability to communicate with superior and subordinate commanders.

## Uses of CAP Communications Facilities

- CAP Communications Facilities are used in support of:
- Emergencies
- Flying
- Administration
- Training
- Support to Other Agencies

**Notes:**
CAP has memorandums of understanding (MOU’s) with other federal, state, and local agencies which allow those agencies to request CAP communication assistance.

## Principles of Civil Air Patrol Communications

- Survivability
- Reliability
- Flexibility
- Maintainability
- Speed
- Security

**Notes:**
Survivability
Emergency power, backup antennas, and standby stations allow CAP’s communications systems to survive when other communications fail.
Reliability
Reliable communications requires both dependability of the system (i.e. its failure rate), and the ability to pass a message from the message initiator to the recipient without delay and without loss of meaning.
Flexibility
Flexibility in communications is the capability to meet changing situations and various types of mission assignments with a minimum time delay.
Maintainability
The equipment must be maintainable, but also the readiness of the system operators to perform their duties must be maintained.  Therefore, continued training is of great importance.
Speed
Delays at communications centers and relay stations caused by poor communications practices, improper training, disregard for established rules, and inadequate management and supervision must be eliminated if maximum speed is to be obtained.
Security
Security is the protection resulting from measures designed to deny unauthorized people access to sensitive information being transported through our communications system.  Under emergency conditions, though, the importance of speed sometimes outweighs the need for security.

## Operation of CAP Radio Stations by Unlicensed Personnel

- The operation of all CAP Radio Stations must be under the direct supervision of a properly licensed Civil Air Patrol radio operator.

## Talking on the Radio

## Radiotelephone Procedures

- Listen before transmitting.
- Clearly enunciate all words.
- Talk, don’t shout.
- End transmissions with proword:	***OVER, OUT, WAIT*****, **or ***WAIT OUT***.
- Identify station at beginning and end of communication, and at least once per hour.
- Wait between transmissions, for emergency break-ins.
- Use CAP prowords, not amateur radio "Q" or "Z" signals nor police 10- series.
- Review message prior to transmission.

**Notes:**
Operators will carefully monitor the operating frequency before commencing a transmission.
Clearly enunciate all words.
A normal tone of voice should be used.  Raising the voice does not contribute to increased understanding.
All transmissions will end with the appropriate proword "OVER," "OUT," "WAIT," or "WAIT OUT."
Station call sign should be identified at the beginning and end of each transmission.  Any station whose transmission is of one hour duration or longer should identify at the end of each one hour period.
A short time lapse between transmissions will be observed in order to allow other stations to break in with emergency traffic.
Operating signals ("Q" and "Z" signals) and police signals (10 series) are not used in CAP voice procedures.
Prior to transmission of a written message, the message should be read.  Words or phrases which could cause unnecessary delay in communications will then be familiar.

## Spelling of Words and Initials

- _Letter__	__Word__	__Pronunciation_
**A**		Alpha	**Al Fah**
**B**		Bravo	**Bra Voh**
**C**		Charlie	**Char Lee**
**D**		Delta	**Dell Tah**
**E**		Echo	**Eck Oh**
**F**		Foxtrot	**Foks Trot**
**G**		Golf**	****Golf**
**H**		Hotel	**Hoh Tell**
**I**		India	**In Dee Ah**
**J**		Juliet	**Jew Lee Et**
**K**		Kilo	**Key Loh**
**L**		Lima	**Lee Mah**
**M**		Mike**	****Mike**

- _Letter__	__Word__	__Pronunciation_
**N**		November**	****No Vem Ber**
**O**		Oscar	**Oss Cah**
**P**		Papa	**Pah Pah**
**Q**		Quebec	**Keh Beck**
**R**		Romeo	**Row Me Oh**
**S**		Sierra	**See Air Rah**
**T**		Tango	**Tan Go**
**U**		Uniform	**You Nee Form**
**V**		Victor	**Vik Tah**
**W**		Whiskey	**Wiss Key**
**X**		Xray	**Ecks Ray**
**Y**		Yankee	**Yang Kee**
**Z**		Zulu	**Zoo Loo**

## Pronunciation of Numbers

_**Digit**__**	**__**Spoken As**__**	**__**Example**__**	**__**Spoken As**__**	**_
**0****	****	****Zero****	****	****13****	****	****Wun Thu Ree**
**1****	****	****Wun****	****	****19****	****	****Wun Niner**
**2****	****	****Too****	****	****44****	****	****Fo Wer Fo Wer**
**3****	****	****Thu Ree****	****90****	****	****Niner Zero**
**4****	****	****Fo Wer****	****136****	****	****Wun Thu Ree Six**
**5****	****	****Fi Yiv****	****	****500****	****	****Fi Yiv Hun Dred**
**6****	****	****Six****	****	****1478****	****	****Wun Fo Wer Seven Ate**
**7****	****	****Seven****	****	****2100****	****	****Too Wun Hun Dred**
**8****	****	****Ate****	****	****16000****	****	****Wun Six Thow Zand**
**9****	****	****Niner****	****	****81268****	****	****Ate Wun Too Six Ate**

**Notes:**
In order to distinguish between numerals and words which are pronounced similarly, the proword "FIGURE(S)" must proceed such numbers.
Numbers will be transmitted digit by digit except that exact multiples of hundreds and thousands may be spoken as such.
The proword "FIGURE(S)" shall be used whenever numerals are to be transmitted except in conjunction with the words "NUMBER" or "TIME."

## Prowords

- In order to create a standard terminology for CAP communicators, a set of prowords has been defined which are to be used whenever they are appropriate.  Some prowords are for use only at certain times (for example "Disregard this Transmission"), while others are for use during normal radio conversation (e.g. Affirmative).

**Notes:**
Provide proword handout to class.

## Establishing Communications

- Identify the station you wish to communicate with, followed by "this is" followed by your tactical call sign.
*Tennessee cap 365, this is Tennessee cap 461, over.*
- The response is normally the opposite of the initiating call.
*Tennessee cap 461, this is Tennessee cap 365, over.*

## Emergency Communications

## Distress and Emergency Signals

- CAP Communications personnel should be familiar with the international distress and emergency signals:
- MAYDAY
- PAN
- SECURITE

**Notes:**
MAYDAY
Distress!  When this signal is heard, it means that someone is in serious danger and in the need of immediate help.
If this signal is heard, the operator must cease transmission immediately and monitor carefully to be able to provide assistance.
Stations must not transmit if there is any possibility of interfering with the distress traffic.
PAN
Urgent Condition!  This is the international urgency signal.
If this signal is heard, all communications then occurring on the calling frequency are silenced.
This signal's priority is second only to MAYDAY.
SECURITE
Pronounced as "SEH-KUR-EEH-TAY", this is the international radiotelephone safety signal.
Takes priority over all other traffic except the distress and urgency signals.
This signal is used when the commander is uncertain of his/her position, or is expecting a state of emergency, or has encountered or sighted meteorological and/or other conditions that present a hazard to the safety of navigation.

## False or Fraudulent Signals

- No person within the jurisdiction of the United States shall knowingly utter or transmit, or cause to be transmitted, any false or fraudulent signals of distress.

## Operator's Responsibility

- Radio Operators involved under any conditions of emergency or distress communications will adhere to the following two basic rules of operating procedures:
- Listen before transmitting, ALWAYS.
- Cooperate.  Be prepared to offer assistance.  However, remain off the air unless it is clearly determined that your station's services are needed.

## Station Licensing and Use of Call Signs

## National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA)

- The federal agency responsible for the regulation and coordination of telecommunications among federal agencies is the National Telecommunications and Information Agency.  CAP radio communications fall under this authority.

## Station License

- CAP stations are authorized to operate as part of a *fleet* license, applicable, typically, to a wing.
- A station authorization for the *fleet*, must be on file somewhere in the unit.  (If the fleet license is for the wing, then the station authorization must be on file somewhere in the wing.)

## Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

- The federal agency responsible for the regulation and coordination of telecommunications among non-federal agencies is the Federal Communications Commission.  Amateur radio falls under this category.
- CAP is specifically prohibited from using the frequencies in the amateur radio service (ham radio) to conduct CAP business including SAR/DR operations.

## Communicating with Other Agencies

- CAP stations operating on non-CAP frequencies must have written authorization from the licensed agency.
- A copy of the FCC license or the federal authorization must also be obtained.

## Types of Stations &Tactical Call Signs

**GROUND**

**AIRMOBILE**

**TENNESSEE CAP 40**

**CAPFLIGHT 4134**

**TENNESSEE CAP 461**

**MOBILE**

_**TENNESSEE WING CALL SIGN EXAMPLES**_

## Voice Call Signs - Land fixed and mobile stations

**Tactical call signs**
**e.g. Tennessee cap 461**
**Functional call signs**
**e.g. Mission Base Knoxville**
**e.g. Ground Team 1**

**Notes:**
Tactical call signs are generally assigned to individuals, who may use their assigned call sign at any radio from which they transmit.
Call signs may be assigned to particular units, bases, or other such entities.  For example, a call sign may be assigned to a squadron, so someone calling for anyone in that squadron could call the squadron call sign.
During actual or practice search and rescue missions and special events, temporary functional call signs may be assigned.  The wing Director of Communications, the mission commander, or the special events commander have the authority to use this option.  (e.g. Minute Man Base, Ground Team 1, Flight Line, etc.)
HF stations using functional call signs must include the geographical name for the station or location in the functional call sign.

## Voice Call Signs - Air-mobile stations

- CAP corporate aircraft will use “CAPflight” (pronounced “Cap-Flight”) at all times.
- Member-owned aircraft may use an assigned CAPflight call sign when on reimbursable missions.  At other times, member-owned aircraft should use an assigned tactical call sign as would be used by land stations.

## Tactical call signs

- Composed of a word or short phrase, which identifies the wing or region, followed by a number, which uniquely identifies an individual, unit, or station.
- e.g. Tennessee Wing uses the word Tennessee cap for all TNWG stations.  Tennessee cap 461 is the call sign of an individual, unit, or station assigned by TNWG in group IV area.

## Staff assignment of call signs

- Wing or region (not group or squadron):
- 1	Commander (e.g. Tennessee cap 1)
- 2	Vice commander
- 3	Chief of staff
- 4	Director of communications
- 5	Chaplain

## Local Procedures in TNWG

- Group receives block of 200 call signs.
- Typical assignment:
- 1	Commander (Capt. Lipman is XX 461)
- 2	Deputy Commander for Seniors
- 3	Deputy Commander for Cadets
- 4	Communications Officer
- Remainder assigned per unit whim

## ES Mission Communications

- Communicators are needed for nearly all ES missions in CAP, both SAR and DR.
- Additional training is required to achieve a Radio Operator emergency services rating.  This training is outlined in CAPR 50-15.

## Why does radio work?

- When I talk on the radio, how does my voice get from here to there???

## Frequency

- Alternating Current (AC)
- The terminals of the power supply change from positive to negative to positive and so on. AC flows first in one direction, then the other.  The current alternates in direction.
- The frequency of the AC is the number of complete cycles, or alternations, that occur in one second.
- Measured in Hertz (Hz)

**Notes:**
In alternating current, or AC, the terminals of the power supply change from positive to negative to positive and so on.  Because the polls change and electrons always flow from negative to positive, AC flows first in one direction, then the other.  The current alternates in direction.  The frequency of the AC is the number of complete cycles, or alternations, that occur in one second.
Unit of measurement of frequency is Hertz, abbreviated Hz
Heinrich Rudolf Hertz (1857-1894) first demonstrated generation and reception of radio waves.

## VHF - Very High Frequency

- Short-range, line-of-sight
- Allows for multiple conversations on the same frequency, throughout the country, concurrently.
- Provides excellent, dependable, short-range communications which are readily adaptable to ground and air mobile operation.

## HF - High Frequency

- Can be Long-range (cross-country) or Medium-range.
- Travels long distances, so not appropriate for short-range communications.

## Amplitude Modulation

- The process of varying the amplitude of a radio frequency carrier in response to the instantaneous changes in a signal source (e.g. voice).

## Frequency Modulation

- The process of varying the frequency of a radio frequency carrier in response to the instantaneous changes in a signal source (e.g. voice).

## Sidebands

- The sum or difference frequencies generated when an RF carrier is mixed with an audio signal.
- Single Sideband phone (SSB) signals have an upper sideband (USB -- that part of the signal above the carrier) and a lower sideband (LSB -- the part of the signal below the carrier).
- CAP HF frequencies primarily use USB.

## Transmitter Power

- Radio operators should use the minimum power required for satisfactory operation.
- In particular, HF stations are limited to the minimum power required to establish communications.

## Using a Radio

## Radio Operation Summary

**Common Controls:**
**	****Volume**
**	****Squelch**
**	****Channel Selector**
**	****Mike with Push to Talk Switch**

**Radio Setup**
**	****Radio Transceiver (VHF-FM, HF-SSB, SAR)**
**	****Power Supply (110 VAC or 12 Volt DC)**
**	****Antenna (Vertical, Magnetic Mount, Dipole)**

- V

- S

- 1

- Power
- Supply

## CAP VHF-FM Radio Operation

_**Normal Operation Setup Sequence**_
**   ****Power on**
**   ****Set channel  -  Channel 1 in display (148.15 MHz)**
**   ****Set volume, squelch**
_**Before Transmitting**_
**   ****Listen on Channel -- don’t transmit if conversation is in progress**
_**To Transmit**_
**    ****Press *****push-to-talk***** button**
**    ****Hold microphone about 1” from mouth**
**    ****Speak in a normal tone of voice**

## Repeaters

- Talking to people farther away

## Repeater Operation

- 143.90 MHz

- 148.15 MHz

- Repeater increases the range of mobile
- stations due to its high profile location

## Voice Operating Modes

**SIMPLEX**

**REPEATER**

- Single Frequency - One Station at a Time

- 148.15 MHz

**R**

**T**

**143.90**

**148.15**

- Two Frequencies - One Station at a Time

## Selecting a particular repeater

- Repeaters are activated by PL (private line) Tones, aka CTCSS (Continuous tone-coded squelch system).
- A sub audible tone system which, when added to a carrier, allows a receiver to "decide" to accept a signal.

## The universal access tone.  

- 100.0 Hz is a national "all-repeaters" tone
- Use for a short period of time, to contact a local station to determine the proper tone to use.
- Portable radios of 6 watts or less may use 100.0 Hz for routine operations only if the radio is incapable of using the primary discrete tone.

**Notes:**
100.0 Hz is a national "all-repeaters" tone, available to transient operators who don't know the unique PL tones for the local repeaters.  Use is discouraged because it can activate multiple repeaters simultaneously.
A visiting mobile station may use the universal access tone, for a short period of time, to contact a local station to determine the proper tone to use.
Portable radios of 6 watts or less may use 100.0 Hz for routine operations only if the radio is incapable of using the primary discrete tone.

## Repeater Operation

- 143.90

- 148.15

- 110.9 Hz Tone
- or
- 100.0 Hz Tone

**Note:  All CAP Repeaters should respond to the 100.0 Hz tone.  (Doesn’t work yet in CAWG.)**

**Universal Access Tone used by low power stations only**

## Channel AssignmentsandSpecial Frequencies

## National standard frequency and tone encode assignment

- All corporate VHF radios are mandated to have the following frequencies assigned to channels 1 - 4:
- Channel 1 – 148.1500 MHz, simplex 100 Hz PRI
- Channel 2 – 148.1250 MHz, simplex 100 Hz SEC
- Channel 3 – 148.1375 MHz, simplex 100 Hz G/G
- Channel 4 – 149.5375 MHz, simplex 100 Hz A/G
- It is also recommended that member-owned radios contain this same frequency assignment to channels, to ease operation.

## TNWG frequency and tone encode assignment

- Std 148.150/143.900     -Alt 148.125/143.750
- 5  Memphis S 162.2      -11 Dayton A 110.9
- 6  Nashville S 107.2      -12 Cookville A 162.2
- 7  Kingsport S 114.8     -13 Emg Sec A 100.0
- 8  Sevierville S 110.9   -14 Lewisburg A 114.8
- 9  Humbolt S 167.9       -15 Packet 149.8950
- 10 Emg Pri S 100.0 Hz -16 Airborne A 203.5

## National Calling Frequencies

- 4582.0 kHz and 7635.0 kHz
- Authorized for use by all CAP stations for communications concerning all matters relating to official CAP business
- Emergency operations will take precedence
- Middle East Region and Pacific Region are assigned 4582.0 kHz as their region alternate frequency, and have precedence over other stations on that frequency except emergency or mission communications.

## Digital Communications

## Digital Communications

- Digital communications refers to a radio communications system that uses computers and associated equipment to transfer messages and files across the country.

## Packet Radio 

- Packet Radio is transmission utilizing a standard method of data flow management or "protocol" titled X.25
- X.25 has been refined to allow computer controlled processing and transmission of digital text communications on radio circuits.  This refinement to X.25 is called AX.25 (Amateur X.25).
- Allows rapid and error free transmission of data

**Notes:**
Using the protocol of AX.25, a Terminal Node Controller processes text into finite bursts, or "packets" of data.  These packets include addressing and error checking information which self-directs the message from the originating station to the destination without operator assistance, even when many intermediate relay stations are used.
Host stations augment this capacity with "store and forward" software that routes messages automatically through a larger network.
Packet Error Checking
As each packet is sent, some additional data is added to the packet to allow the receiving end to verify that what was received is in fact what was sent.  This ensures that messages are sent and received 100% error free.
The additional data which is added to each packet also allows a certain amount of error correction.  This means that if a small amount of the data received is not exactly as it was sent, the receiving end may be able to "recreate" what data was actually sent, without asking the sending end to retransmit the data.

## Components of a Packet System

- Terminal Node Controller (TNC)
- Terminal Device
- Radio Transceiver

## Terminal Node Controller (TNC)

- The interface between the user's terminal device and the transceiver.
- Often is a small computer to run the AX.25 protocol software.
- Accepts digital data from the terminal device, processes data, and assembles text into a "packet" of digital information which contains addressing, routing, text and error checking and correction information.

## Terminal Device

- Displays and transmits ASCII characters and control codes.
- Human-to-machine interface
- May be a computer, either storing the messages coming into it, or, acting as a terminal to display the messages.

## Radio Transceiver

- The interconnection between the TNC and the radio is very simple.  It requires only a speaker audio signal from the radio, a microphone level input to the radio, and a push-to-talk line to allow keying of the transmitter.

## Components of a Packet System

- Packet Bulletin Board System (PBBS)
- A computer system used for storage and retrieval of message traffic.
- Users leave addressed messages on the bulletin board and destination stations retrieve messages when they connect to the BBS.

## Digital call signs

- Wing digital call signs are made up of the two-letter postal state identifier, followed by the assigned four digit number.
- Typically, the assigned four digit number is composed from the station call sign number, right justified, filled with leading zeros
- Example:
- Tennessee Wing ”TN CAP 137" would become _TN0137_

## Digipeaters

- A digipeater operates on a single frequency, and is basically a "store and forward" device.
- By using the "digipeat" function, traffic can be relayed through an intermediate station's TNC without human intervention.  This permits error-free transfer of messages that can span unlimited distances from origin to destination.

## Communication Nets

## Directed Net

- Stations obtain permission from the Net Control Station prior to communicating with other stations in the net.
- Often started with a roll call, to determine which members are monitoring the Net.
- Each station identifies itself, as called, with its CAP assigned tactical call sign.
- Following roll call, transmission of traffic occurs.
- Messages are transmitted in order of precedence.

## Net Control Station (NCS)

- Controls and directs the flow of radio traffic within their Net.

**Notes:**
NCS is charged with the responsibility for the efficient movement of traffic within the net or network, for the relay of inter-net traffic, and for implementing the necessary measures to promote and insure circuit discipline.
The decisions and instructions of the NCS in conducting the Net are final and will not be contested on the air.  

## Break-in Procedures

- Only emergency or urgent traffic justifies break-in procedures.
- A station wishing to break in will transmit at the pause with his/her station call sign.
- The word "Break" is  not used as a break-in proword.  This proword is used solely to separate message text from other portions of the message.

## Types of Nets

- Command Net
- Communicators Net
- Chaplain's Net
- Special Purpose Nets
- Mission Net
- Training Net

- Regional Nets
- Wing Nets
- Group Nets
- Squadron Nets

**Notes:**
Command Net
The Command Net is composed of the stations representing the region headquarters and the National Headquarters.  This net is restricted to a primary and two alternate stations for each region.  The purpose of this net is to pass traffic from national headquarters to the region/wing nets for further dissemination.
Communicators Net
The daytime and nighttime communicators nets are open to participation by any licensed communicator.  The purpose of these nets is the free exchange of information.  Questions of both a technical and administrative nature may be handled.  Furthermore, the traffic originating on other nets may be handled on the communicators nets to insure widest possible delivery of information.
Chaplain's Net
Although the primary purpose of the Chaplain's Net is the exchange of information between chaplains at all levels, the net is open to all members for participation.
Special Purpose Nets
There are several special purpose nets such as the Santa Claus Net and the Hurricane Net, which are activated as necessary.  The participation in the net is determined by the type of net involved.
Regional Nets
Composed of the stations representing the region headquarters and the wing headquarters within the region.  The purpose of this net is to pass traffic from region or higher headquarters to the wings and from the wings to region or higher headquarters.
Wing Nets
The purpose of the wing net is to pass traffic from the wing or higher headquarters to subordinate units or from subordinate units to the wing or higher headquarters.
The wing net is composed of the wing net control station and the stations representing the headquarters of the groups within the wing.  When groups are not a part of the wing organization, the wing net is composed of the wing net control station and the stations representing the headquarters of the units within the wing.  Wing nets will generally use high frequencies because of the distance to be covered.  However, the use of VHF should be encouraged wherever feasible.
In small wings, a wing net will often be open to all stations within the wing, and will be conducted on VHF.
Group Nets
A group net is composed of the group net control station and the stations representing the headquarters of the squadrons within the group.  VHF should be used when possible.
Squadron Nets
The squadron net is composed of the squadron net control station and the stations representing the squadron's operational elements.  Mobile stations at squadron level should be equipped with the capability to assure communications with other mobile stations and the squadron headquarters.

## Free Net

- In this net, the Net Control Station authorizes member stations to transmit traffic to other stations in the net without obtaining prior permission from the net control station.
- Free net operation does not relieve the NCS of the responsibility for maintaining circuit discipline.

## NCS script

- Each wing has its own Net script
- Roll call
- a list of call signs, in some wings (e.g. TNWG)
- by Group, in some wings (e.g. TNWG)
- TNWG procedure uses hundreds digit of call sign
- e.g. *100 series stations* refers to all call signs between 100 - 199

**Notes:**
ATTENTION ALL PATRIOT STATIONS, THIS IS (your call) NET CONTROL STATION OPENING THE REGULAR PATRIOT NET AT (xxxx) ZULU.  THIS STATION WILL PAUSE TEN SECONDS FOR ANY EMERGENCY OR OUT OF WING TRAFFIC, OVER (pause)

ROLLCALL FOLLOWS.  STATIONS PLEASE LIST ANY TRAFFIC ON INITIAL CHECKIN.  WING STAFF STATIONS, OVER (pause)

100 SERIES STATIONS, OVER (pause)

200 SERIES STATIONS, OVER (continue through 900)

ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL STATIONS, VISITORS, OR CHANGES IN TRAFFIC FOR THIS EVENING'S NET?  THIS IS (your call), OVER. (pause)

(pass traffic in precedence order, highest to lowest)

(ask again for late stations or changes in traffic)

closing the net: THIS IS (your call) NET CONTROL STATION CLOSING THE PATRIOT NET AT (xxxx) ZULU AND THANKING ALL STATIONS FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION, OUT.

## Message Traffic

- Categories of Traffic
- Formal Traffic
- Administrative Traffic
- Informal Traffic

**Notes:**
Categories of Traffic
Formal Traffic
Official traffic transmitted for, by, or in the name of the commander.
Administrative Traffic
The transmission of direct questions and answers between staff officers, relating to the official business of the organization(s) to which the participating officers are assigned.
Traffic that is personal in nature is prohibited.
Informal Traffic
Traffic other than formal or administrative types, or traffic which does not lend itself to the preparation of formal messages.
Usually is a direct exchange of information between various participants of a mission or exercise.
Example
During an actual mission or training period, instructions to air and ground mobile stations, rapid exchange of target information, preliminary status reports, etc.

## Formal Traffic Message Form

- Formal message traffic is prepared on, and transmitted from CAP Form 4 or similar form.

**Notes:**
Provide CAPF4 handouts now.

## Message Precedence (PRECEDENCE)

- Precedence Designations
- ROUTINE
- PRIORITY
- Under no circumstances may the message precedence be changed without the permission of the originator.

**Notes:**
Indicates
To the originator
The required speed of delivery to the addressee.
To communications personnel
The relative order of handling and delivery.
To the addressee
The relative order in which he/she would note and respond.
Precedence Designations
ROUTINE
To be used when the message must reach the addressee within several hours.
Examples:
Operational plans on projected operations
Supply matters
Personnel matters
PRIORITY
To be used when the message requires expeditious action by the addressee and/or will furnish information essential to conducting operations in progress.
Under no circumstances may the message precedence be changed without the permission of the originator.

## Date Time Group (DTG)

- Indicates when the message was originated.
- Zulu Time is used (AKA Greenwich Mean Time and UTC (Universal Time Coordinated)
- Zulu time is five hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time; four hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time.  E.g. 1130 EST is 1630Z;  2215 EDT is 0215Z (the next day).

## Format of the DTG

**011816Z  NOV  97**

**Date**

**Time**

**Month**

**Year**

**Date **_**and**_** Time in ZULU**

**ZULU - Designates that time is UTC**
** ****(Universal Coordinated Time)**

## Originator of Message (FROM)

- Includes the name of the headquarters of the originator, a "Slant Bar" ('/'), and the originator's office symbol, name, and/or duty.
- Examples:
- From: HQ TNWG / CC
- From: HQ LtCol Frank Pocher Minute Man Squadron / Project Officer SM Cross

## Addressee (TO)

- This indicates the unit and name and/or office symbol of the addressee.
- Example
- To: All Units, TNWG

## Copies To (INFORMATION)

- The information line is used to indicate all additional units and/or personnel which the originator desires to receive a copy of the message.

## Text of message

- The originator here states his/her message as clearly and briefly as possible

## Radio Station Operator Information

- The radio station operator will complete the information on the time of receipt and time of transmission, at the bottom of the message form.

## Corrections to a message

- If an error is made in transmission, it must be corrected before continuing, and speech will be stopped immediately.
- The proword "CORRECTION" is spoken, the last correct group or phrase is repeated, then the transmission continues with the correct version.
- No one but the originator has the authority to change any part of the message.

## Acknowledgment of Receipt

- Acknowledgment of receipt will not be given until the receiving operator is satisfied that the transmitted message has been copied correctly.
- Example of acknowledgment
- Roger your message, out.
- Messages which have been transmitted and acknowledged will be corrected by a subsequent, separate service message.

## TNWG Net Schedule

- HF Nets are held at 9pm local, on:
-  Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- All licensed operators may check in

## Communications Awards, Activities and Programs

- The Communicator Badge
- The Senior Communicator Badge
- The Master Communicator Badge
- See CAPR 100-1 for more details

**Notes:**
The Communicator Badge:
The basic Communicator Badge is designed to recognize those individuals involved in communications.
Eligibility Criteria:
Obtain the Radio Operator Permit card.
Participate in one mission in any communications capacity.
Participate in one communications exercise sanctioned by the Wing Director of Communications
Actively participate in communications, checking into 25% of the local nets over a minimum of one year.
Attend at least one communications meeting.
The Senior Communicator Badge:
The Senior Communicator Badge is designed to recognize the continuing participation of active communicators.
See CAPR 100-1 for eligibility criteria.
Senior does not refer to Senior Members; it refers to a more advanced rating.
The Master Communicator Badge:
The Master Communicator Badge is designed to recognize those communicators who have graduated to the communications management function and are actively promoting communications at all echelons by their actions.

## Cadet Eligibility for Communicator Badge

- Cadets are encouraged to pursue each level of the communicator badges.  To do so, cadets must meet all of the training requirements listed in the appropriate section of CAPP 214 with the exception of the portions specifically intended for the senior member training program.

## Safety

**Notes:**
To: HQ MAWG
    I'm writing in response to your request for additional information for Block Number 3 of the Accident Reporting Form.  I put "poor planning" as the cause of my accident.  You said in your letter I should explain more fully, and I trust the following details will be sufficient.
    I am a CAP radio operator and on the day of the accident I was working alone on the top section of my new 80 foot antenna tower.  When I had completed my work, I discovered that I had, over the course of several trips up the tower, brought up about 300 lbs. of tools and hardware.  Rather than carry the now unneeded tools and material down by hand, I decided to lower the items down in a small barrel by using a pulley, which fortunately was attached to the gin pole at the top of the tower.
    Securing the rope at ground level, I went to the top of the tower and loaded the tools and materials into the barrel; I went back to the ground and untied the rope holding it tightly to insure a slow descent of the 300 lbs. of tools.  You will note in Block Number 11 of the Accident Reporting Form, I weigh only 135 lbs.
    Due to my surprise at being jerked off the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope.  Needless to say, I proceeded at a rather rapid rate of speed up the side of the tower.  In the vicinity of the 40 foot level, I met the barrel coming down; this explains my fractured skull and broken collarbone.  Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into the pulley.
    Fortunately, by this time, I had regained my presence of mind and was able to hold on to the rope in spite of the pain.  At approximately the same time, however, the barrel of tools hit the ground and the bottom fell out of the barrel.  Devoid of the weight of the tools, the barrel weighed approximately 20 lbs..  I refer you again to Block Number 11.  As you might imagine, I began a rapid descent down the side of the tower.  In the vicinity of the 40 foot level, I met the barrel coming up; this accounts for the two fractured ankles and the lacerations on my legs and lower body. The encounter with the barrel slowed me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell on to the pile of tools, and fortunately only three vertebrae were cracked.  I'm sorry to report, however, that as I lay there on the tools, in pain, unable to stand, and watching the barrel 80 feet above me, I again lost my presence of mind. I let go of the rope.

Sincerely and shaken,

Capt Derrell Lipman

## First Aid Equipment

- A suggested list of first aid equipment which should be available at all Land radio stations is:
-  First Aid Kit		Flashlight
-  Safety Rope	 Walking Cane
-  Blanket		 Direct breathing 					    resuscitation kit

## Practice ELT’s

## Emergency Locator Transmitters

- ELTs transmit on 121.5 MHz, 243 MHz, 406 MHz
- Practice ELTs traditionally operated on 121.6 MHz, but other frequencies are authorized.
**Preferred** practice ELT frequency is **121.775 MHz**
- Practice ELT use on any authorized frequency other than 121.775 MHz requires notification of three different FAA offices prior to use.
- Practice ELT’s operating on 121.775 MHz require  notice to the TNWG prior to use.

**Notes:**
Practice ELT use on any authorized frequency other than 121.775 MHz requires notification of three different FAA offices:
Nearest FAA Frequency Management Office:
At least three working days prior to use of Practice ELT.
Nearest FAA Flight Service Station:
At least three hours prior to activation of Practice ELT.
(800) WX-BRIEF
Nearest Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility:
Immediately prior to activation of the Practice ELT.

## Miscellaneous Rules and Regulations

## Out of Wing Operation

- Operation of mobile stations outside of the wing in which they are licensed is permitted.
- Operation on CAP frequencies in Canada and Mexico is prohibited.
- Before operating any radio in the states bordering Canada, you must check with the wing director of Communications to learn what the operating restrictions are.

## Communications with Higher Headquarters

- Any problems or questions regarding CAP communications should be addressed to the next higher headquarters, as a first remedy.

## Loss of Communications Privileges

- For reasonable cause, a wing or higher commander may terminate the privileges of any CAP member in his command to participate in CAP radio activities.

## Hints for the Open-book Test

- Study CAPR 100-1
- The table of contents is your friend
- All but one answer are in CAPR 100-1
- Even the one missing answer is implied
- Find _each and every_ answer in the reg
- Don’t mark an answer until you’ve found it!
- Don’t mark an answer until you’ve found it!
- Don’t mark an answer until you’ve found it!

## The End