User talk:PetesGuide/Radiotelephony Voice Procedures

Deleted content
I deleted this text about the radiotelephone alarm signal because I didn't have the citation needed to add it to the Distress signal article: The purposes of the alarm signal are to:
 * provide reliable operation of automatic alarm equipment;
 * provide a distinctive signal, which is readily recognized aurally, when received on a loudspeaker or headphones;
 * be capable of being received through interference from speech transmissions, through other kinds of interference, and through noise;
 * avoid false responses when received either aurally or by automatic means;
 * be capable of being produced by a simple manual device, as well as by automatic means

Follow-up notes
Medical privacy: read http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=229720
 * GlobalSET: http://www.iaru.org/emergency-communications.html
 * https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/07/15/2013-16801/termination-of-radiotelephone-medium-frequency-2182-khz-watchkeeping-21875-khz-digital-selective
 * ALSA MTTP Tactical Radios: Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Tactical Radios (ATP 6-02.72, MCRP 3-40.3A, NTTP 6-02.2, and AFTTP 3-2.18)
 * MCRP 3-40.3B Radio Operator's Handbook (obsoleted by ALSA doc)
 * OPNAVINST F2300.44H, command, control communications, etc. for navy, Military Sealift, Coast Guard, etc.
 * COMDTINST M2000.3 (series), Telecommunications Manual (TCM), 19 June 2008
 * FM 11-21, Tactical Signal Communication Systems, Army, Corps, and Division
 * FM 11-22: Signal Operations in the Corp and Army
 * FM 11-32, Combat Net Radio Operations, 15 October 1990. (Will be revised as FM 6-02.53)
 * FM 11-45, Signal Support to Theater Operations, 30 June 1999. (Will be revised as FM 6-02.01)
 * FM 11-92: Corps Signal Battalion, November 1959 (corps station nets)
 * FM 11-92: Corps Signal Battalion and Airborne Corps Signal Battalion, February 1968
 * FM 11-95: Army Command Signal Operations Battalion (details on the composition of field army radio nets and their use)
 * TM 11-462 (illustrates radio nets) Signal Corps Tactical Communication Reference Data 1943, 106 pp
 * Alternatives to Wilderness Protocol
 * http://www.mdarc.org/activities/ares-races/wilderness-protocol
 * http://home.rbcarleton.com/rbc/SimplexOperations.pdf
 * http://www.mcminnarc.com/wilderness.html
 * https://radiofreeq.wordpress.com/2013/07/15/3-3-3-radio-plan-for-shtf-communications/
 * http://www.n5fdl.com/davids-blog/tag/long-tone-zero

ITU emergency communications regulations
EmComm links
 * Chapter IV (incorporating GMDSS) of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The First version was adopted in 1914 (in response to the RMS Titanic, ratified in 1929 (delayed from 1914 by World War I), ratified by the U.S. in 1936, then revised in1948, Terminated as to the United States November 19, 1953, 1960, and 1974 (coming into force on May 25, 1980).
 * Resolution 355 (WRC-07)
 * ITU-R Radio Regulations 32-4, Section 9B, paragraphs 32.13C and 32.13D (RR32-4 32.13C § 9B)
 * Recommendation ITU-R M.257: Sequential Single Frequency selective-calling system for use in the maritime mobile service (suppressed in 2011)
 * Recommendation ITU-R M.493: Digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime mobile service (read about Class D: VHF Handheld Class H)
 * ITU-R M.476: Direct-printing telegraph equipment in the maritime mobile service
 * Recommendation ITU-R M.541: Operational procedures for the use of digital selective-calling equipment in the maritime mobile service (includes instructions for MAYDAY and other signals).
 * Recommendation ITU-R M.585: Assignment and use of identities in the maritime mobile service (IMSI)
 * ITU-R M.586: Automated VHF/UHF maritime mobile telephone system
 * Recommendation ITU-R M.633: Transmission characteristics of a satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacon (satellite EPIRB) system operating through a satellite system in the 406 MHz band (EPIRB)
 * ITU-R M.689: International maritime VHF radiotelephone system with automatic facilities based on DSC signalling format
 * Which Rec for SART?
 * GMDSS came into force on Feb 1, 1992
 * Recommendation ITU-R M.689: International maritime VHF radiotelephone system with automatic facilities based on DSC signalling format
 * ITU-R M.821: Optional expansion of the digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime mobile service
 * ITU-R M.825: Characteristics of a transponder system using digital selective calling techniques for use with vessel traffic services and ship-to-ship identification
 * Recommendation ITU-R M.1042: Disaster communications in the amateur and amateur-satellite services
 * 1080
 * Recommendation ITU-R M.1082: International maritime MF/HF radiotelephone system with automatic facilities based on digital selective calling signalling format
 * Recommendation ITU-R M.1171: Radiotelephony procedures in the maritime mobile service
 * ITU-R M.1159: Characteristics of an automatic identification system for VHF and UHF transmitting stations in the maritime mobile service (AIS system)
 * Recommendation ITU-R M.1371: Technical characteristics for an automatic identification system using time-division multiple access in the VHF maritime mobile band (AIS)
 * Chapter VII Distress and safety communications
 * The forwarding traffic and the control for working for radiotelephony shall be carried out in accordance with D.13.1 : Revision to Recommendation ITU-D 13 Effective utilisation of the amateur services in disaster mitigation and relief operations withdrawn
 * International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities
 * IEC 61162 Digital interfaces for navigational equipment within a ship (position information)
 * IARU emergency comms guide: http://www.iaru.org/uploads/1/3/0/7/13073366/emcommguide_1sept2016.pdf
 * DHS cross-border comms: https://www.dhs.gov/oec-international-cross-border-emergency-communications-efforts
 * USCG SAR: http://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Response-Policy-CG-5R/Office-of-Incident-Management-Preparedness-CG-5RI/US-Coast-Guard-Office-of-Search-and-Rescue-CG-SAR/SAR-Manuals/
 * ITU-R study groups: https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/information/Pages/emergency.aspx Emergency communications procedures are described in Article 44, Chapter VII of the ITU Radio Regulations, and in ACP 135. Emergency Radiocommunications
 * International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (1972)
 * Distress Signals
 * International Distress Signals
 * For maritime communications, "DSC provides the primary means of transmitting a distress alert. Provisions of transmitting a distress alert by other methods and procedures are described in the Radio Regulations (RR);"
 * A VHF DSC call requires a voice follow-up on 156.8 MHz (channel 16) (Telecommunication Manual, COMDTINST M2000.3)

Record communications
AR 25-11: U.S. Army, Record Communications and the Privacy Communications System
 * Supersedes AR 105-31 (Aug. 8, 1977) w/C 901 and 902, Record Communications
 * Supersedes AR 380-38 (Nov. 15, 1985), Department of the Army Privacy Communications System
 * See also ACP 122
 * DA Form 2655 (Message Action Request)
 * ACP 100 US SUPP-1
 * DD Form 1392 (Data Message Form)
 * TM 11-490-2 Telecommunications Center Operating Procedures
 * MOS 72E: combat telecommunications center operator
 * record communications include narrative, electronic mail (E-Mail), data (card and magnetic tape) messages, and facsimile transmissions. (AR 25-11)
 * Most, M, 'Record communication', Barron's, 3 (9 March 1959), p17
 * B. L. Kline Inks for Record communications. Western Union Technical Review 4:4, October 1950, p. 149.
 * J. Acunis A Fundamental Record Communication System Problem...The ARS Solution. Western Union Technical Review 23:3, June 1969, Insert 2.
 * The Failure of Fax: When a Vision Is Not Enough
 * http://www.jmcvey.net/cable/intro.htm
 * A narrative is a story that is created in a constructive format that describes a sequence of events.
 * Formal traffic: Official record traffic transmitted verbatim. Formal traffic involves policy matters, instructions, orders, reports, or other information to be preserved as written records. Formal traffic may be transmitted by voice, and also by digital means, when digital systems are authorized. Formal traffic is usually point-to-point but may also be broadcast in nature (see CAPR 100-3, para. 2.1.3. and 4.2.1.4.)
 * Informal traffic: 7.8.2. Informal Traffic. Any radio communications not in the form of formal traffic, including relaxed procedures during directed nets and other expedient or administrative communications. During actual missions and training, includes instructions to air and ground mobile stations, rapid exchange of target information, preliminary status reports, etc. Such traffic does not lend itself to the preparation of formal messages and, in most cases, will be a direct exchange of information between various participants in the mission. Although this traffic may be informal, the inclusion of traffic that is personal in nature is prohibited.

FM 24-17 forms

 * DA Form 4215 (Duty Officer's Record of Communication Center Operations)
 * Make a record of all unusual conditions (i.e., circuit/equipment problems, backlogs, personnel shortages, etc.)
 * DA Form 3940, Unit Assignment (all personnel shift assignments)
 * DA Form 4180 Message Number Sheet (for logging incoming? outgoing? messages)
 * DA Form 4010, Message Distribution Register
 * DA Form 2150-R Communication Status Log
 * DA Form 4016 Telecommunications Center Originating Message Register (replaces form 11-189?)
 * DD Form 173 Joint Message Form
 * DA Form 4004 message book http://www.nf6x.net/2013/05/2013-mrcg-event-after-action-report/img_0464/ (derived from M-210 Message Book) https://www.amazon.com/US-Army-Message-Book-Form/dp/B0079F2JFS
 * DA Form 4012, Terminating Message Number Sheet
 * DA Form 4011?
 * DA Form 3921, Communications Center Service Message
 * DA Form 4016

Reading list

 * NIFOG
 * http://w3jjj.com/acp/tm5_811_3.pdf
 * Current CCEB Radio Procedures
 * ACP 121(I) Communication Instructions General
 * ACP 123(B) Common Messaging Strategy and Procedures
 * ACP 124(D) Communication Instructions Radio Telegraph Procedure
 * ACP 125(G): Communications Instructions Radiotelephone Procedures
 * ACP 125 US SUPP-1 Communications Instructions Radiotelephone Procedures for use by United States Ground Forces
 * ACP 125 U. S. SUPP-2 (A) Radiotelephone Procedures for the Conduct of Artillery and Naval Gunfire
 * ACP 126(C) Communications Instructions Teletypewriter (Teleprinter) Procedures
 * ACP 127(G) Communications Instructions Tape Relay Procedures
 * ACP 127 US SUPP-1(K) Communications Instructions Tape Relay Procedures
 * ACP 128(A) Allied Telecommunications Record System (ALTERS) Operating Procedures
 * ACP 131(F) Communications Instructions - Operating Signals
 * ACP 131 US SUPP-1(E) Communication Instructions - Operating Signals
 * ACP 135(F) Communications Instructions Distress and Rescue Procedures
 * ACP 167(I) Glossary of Communications-Electronics Terms
 * ACP 193(A) Ground Routing Protocol for use With Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) Capable HF Radios
 * ITU Administrative Regulations Collection (International telephone, telegraph, and radio regulations from 1865 to present)
 * General Radiocommunication Regulations + Additional Radiocommunication Regulations, edition of 1932
 * Most Army doctrinal publications are available online: https://armypubs.army.mil
 * Two Way Radio Protocol
 * Crisis Communications
 * NCJ 191788: Proper Radio Use, by Tim Schennum (states that no transmission should be longer than 15 seconds)
 * Instructor guide: proper radio use in emergencies, by Tim Schennum
 * .http://www.worldcat.org/title/instructor-guide-proper-radio-use-in-emergencies/oclc/855415226&referer=brief_results
 * TC 11-6 Grounding Techniques (Training Circular)
 * CECOM TR 93-1. Lightning Protection System Design, Applications for Tactical Communications Systems. January 1993.
 * CECOM TR 98-6. Earth Grounding and Bonding Pamphlet. October 1998.
 * NAVPERS NAVAL Communications
 * Rec. 219-1 Alarm Signal For Use on the Maritime Radiotelephony Distress Frequency of 2182 kHz
 * M.1175 : Automatic receiving equipment for radiotelegraph and radiotelephone alarm signals replaces Rec 219-1?
 * Signature Card DD Form 577
 * Optional Form 23, Chargeout Record
 * FM 11-72E - Soldier's Manual MOS 72E, Combat Telecommunications Center Operator
 * FM 24-16 Communications-Electronics Operations, Orders, Records, and Reports.
 * FM 24-17: Tactical Telecommunications Center Operation
 * AR 105-34 Reduction and Control of Telecommunications Traffic in an Emergency (MINIMIZE)
 * TM 11-490-2 Army Communications Facilities Telecommunications Center Operating Procedures, Aug 75
 * DA PAM 108-1 Index of Army Motion Pictures and Related Audio-Visual Aids

Message handling

 * FM 24-1 Tactical Communications Doctrine
 * FM 24-5 (message center procedures)
 * FM 24-6 Radio Operator's Manual (radiotelegraph only?)
 * FM 24-8 Combined Teletypewriter (Teleprinter) Procedure
 * FM 24-9 Combined United States-British Radiotelephone (R/T) Procedure (CCBP 3-2?)
 * FM 24-10 Joint Army and Navy Radio Procedure
 * FM 24-10 Combined Radiotelegraph (WT) Procedure
 * FM 24-11 Combined Operating Signals
 * FM 24-12 (Army Extract of Combined Operating Signals (from FM 24-11)
 * FM 24-13 Air Extract of Combined Operating Signals (from FM 24-11)
 * FM 24-16 Communications-Electronics Operations, Orders, Records, and Reports
 * FM 24-17 Tactical Communications Center Operations
 * FM 24-18 Radio Communication http://www.90thidpg.us/Research/Original/TableauNr2/Resources/FM_24-18_Radio_Communication.pdf
 * TM 11-450 (training specifications for signal specialists)
 * TM 11-459 morse code training
 * Fm 24-56 (operating regulations)
 * TM 11-454 The Radio Operator
 * TM 11-455 Radio Fundamentals
 * FM 101-5 and FM 11-5 for orders, records, and reports
 * TM 11-490-2 Army Communications Facilities Telecommunications Center Operating Procedures
 * AR 105-10 Communications Economy and Discipline
 * AR 105-15 signal communications command
 * AR 105-22 Telecommunications Requirements Planning, Developing, and Processing.
 * AR 105-31 Message Preparation
 * AR 105-34 Reduction and Control of Telecommunications Traffic in an Emergency (MINIMIZE)
 * AR 310-50 Authorized Abbreviations and Brevity Codes
 * AR 340-18-1 The Army Functional Files System: General Provisions

Microphone technique

 * adjusting mic levels
 * http://wa8lmf.net/Meter/index.htm
 * http://www.sam-mallery.com/2013/02/how-to-set-audio-levels/
 * http://www.ti.com/lit/wp/spraaj4/spraaj4.pdf
 * http://www.eham.net/articles/8069
 * https://www.walcottradio.com/help/mic-gain-control-where-to-set-it-cb-radio.php
 * mic gain vs rf gain
 * http://www.analog.com/en/analog-dialogue/articles/understanding-microphone-sensitivity.html
 * ALC (Automatic Level Control)
 * Plosives
 * Common Intelligibility Scale (CIS) from IEC 60849
 * Voice loudness vs. clipping
 * How long to pause between words?
 * Avoid reverberation (echo) at all costs, because this is one of the largest contributors to reduced intelligibility.
 * proximity to microphone/plosives/presence of pop filter
 * AGC setting: slow (to control overall level) or fast (for syllabic compression)
 * sidetone
 * speech processor in transmitter
 * Modified Rhyme Test of House, et al. modified by Kruel
 * Multisyllable words and multi-word phrases are more intelligible (based on Speech Intelligibility in Naval Aircraft Radios)
 * A comparison of Five Intelligibility Tests for Voice Communication Systems NEL R&D 1960

Voice procedures
[http://www.itu.int/dms_pubrec/itu-r/rec/m/R-REC-M.1171-0-199510-I!!PDF-E.pdf Rec. ITU-R M.1171] Radiotelephony Procedures in the Maritime Mobile Service ACP121 US SUPP-1 Communications Instructions, General The APCO Project--A National Training Manual and Procedural Guide for Police and Public Safety Radio Communications Personnel. NFPA 1561, Standard for Fire department Incident Management system (section 3-6) Title 29, CFR, Part 1910, Section 120(q)(3), "Procedures for handling emergency response," April 3, 2006" NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Sercices Communications Systems, 2013 Edition. NFPA 1061, Standard For Professional Qualifications for Public Safety Telecommunications Personnel USCG documents: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=R-DEPT&category=telecomms-pqs https://sitsd.mt.gov/Portals/165/docs/Public%20Safety%20Communications/Spectrum%20Program/MA_Manual_2015_color_v14.pdf http://samples.jbpub.com/9781284068368/9781284026672_CH04.pdf http://www.search.org/files/pdf/ib2-commics.pdf http://www.bigskyfiretraining.com/ffi-2014-academy/chapter-4/10-proper-radio-procedures.pdf https://nfa.plateau.com/content/nfa/nfa_content/q297/Unit_5/Module%205%20Onsite%20Communications%20SM.pdf http://www.fireengineering.com/articles/print/volume-161/issue-7/features/improving-fireground-communications.html

Radio net operation

 * see also http://www.idahoares.info/_downloads/procedures/NET_CONTROL_STATION_TRAINING_MANUAL_3-05rev.pdf
 * See FM 11-10 for examples of division radio net charts.
 * Pete's List
 * Damage reporting net
 * Earthquake magnitude reports
 * Modified Mercalli Earthquake Reporting (Mike Mike): https://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/mercalli.php
 * Mercalli intensity scale (felt)
 * Moment magnitude scale (measured)
 * Infrastructure damage reports
 * Command and Control (C2) net
 * Resource net (for radio operator and equipment resources)
 * Logistics net (for managing the logistics for everything except the radio teams)
 * Liaison nets (for communicating with outside agencies)
 * Shelter net (for communicating with Red Cross and other shelters)
 * Mass care net/Feeding net?
 * Hospital net (official traffic with Department of Public Health)
 * Traffic net (for passing of formal messages)
 * Health and Welfare (H&W) net: for handling ARRL Radiograms
 * Skywarn net (for participating in weather alerts)
 * Hurricane Watch Net (run by WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center in Miami)
 * Information net (can this be part of the resource net?)
 * Packet net
 * IARU emcomm guide
 * Traffic Net: handles formal written messages
 * Resource Net: when incoming operators arrive on scene this is the net that they would check into to receive assignments, or to be reassigned as needs change. A resource net may also be used to locate needed equipment, or operators with specific skills. Several different resource nets may be used in large-scale events. One might be used for collecting new volunteers over a wide area, and other local nets could be used for initial assignments.
 * Logistics Net: If required due to geography or high net activity, a third net could handle ongoing logistical support needs.
 * Tactical Net: In general, the tactical net(s) handle the primary on-site emergency communication.
 * Information Net: An information net might be used to make regular announcements, disseminate official bulletins, or answer general questions.
 * Health and Welfare (H&W) Net: These nets usually handle messages between concerned friends, families and persons within and outside of the disaster area where legally permitted.
 * Civil Air Patrol
 * Command and Control (C2) Nets: These nets are established for the purpose of conveying messages and information between different locations and levels of CAP Command. Also known as Traffic Nets, these nets may support the CAP chain of command, or may support CAP operational missions. Typically the C2 net would connect an Incident Command Post with mission sub-bases and/or higher headquarters. C2 nets often transmit formal traffic. In some situations, C2 nets may function simultaneously on HF, VHF, and/or other CAP communication systems. C2 nets typically begin with a roll call, used to establish which stations are available to handle traffic. Multiple call signs per station may only be checked in IAW paragraph 3.5
 * Tactical Net: A Tactical Net is established whenever a requirement exists to coordinate the actions of deployed units in a mobile or portable environment, including CAP special activities such as encampments. The primary purpose of these nets is the exchange of mission information among deployed units. Tactical nets are generally controlled from an Incident Command Post, another mission base, or designated location, such as an airborne relay aircraft. Communications among deployed mobile units and the base(s) is directed by the primary NCS. If operational considerations require sub-bases directing communications within their specific areas, the sub-base tactical nets will typically be connected by a C2 net. Tactical nets may be either FREE or DIRECTED. If DIRECTED, Ops Normal reports may be required, or the NCS may employ roll calls to verify the assets available. Only one call sign per station may check in to ensure a correct count of available stations. During either type of tactical net, operators not signed in to the mission or activity may check in and out of the net and also relay traffic. The NCS will accommodate these stations the same as those active on the mission/activity with priority being given to mission traffic
 * Liaison Nets: Anytime CAP is involved with other agencies, CAP may be invited to participate on their frequencies or a previously signed agreement may allow the other agencies on CAP frequencies. Call signs and procedures will be as established by prior arrangement or as mutually agreed upon prior to initiating communication; however steps should be taken to minimize changes to CAP procedures on CAP frequencies. Liaison nets operate best when they are on frequencies set aside for interagency communication. CAP does not have the authority to allow other agencies to use CAP frequencies except for true interagency communication, in which CAP is an integral part.
 * Contingency Nets: Contingency Nets. Communications managers at each level have the authority to initiate stand-by nets, placing CAP radio stations within their span of control on alert to be available for developing conditions that may result in mission activity. For example, a region DC could alert stations in the region to be on the air and ready in advance of a hurricane landfall elsewhere in the region. Generally, this is done in consultation with the Commander, Net Control Station operators and other appropriate communications and operations staff. Ordinarily, activation and deactivation of contingency operation is done in association with changing the alert status of the CAP Alerting System. Contingency nets for major missions, particularly those spanning more than one region, will be expanded National Traffic Net (NTN) schedules, using the NTN NCS team, coordinated with National Headquarters/DOK.
 * Training Nets: Communication managers may establish nets for training purposes, such as to teach radio procedures to novice operators, or new skills and procedures to more advanced operators. Such nets should use radios suitable to the level of training. Local introductory training should typically be conducted with ISR or VHF radios. Training nets proposing to use HF channels shall be coordinated with higher headquarters.
 * FM 6-02.53, Tactical Radio Operations
 * Command and Control (C2): C2 networks are found in all Army units. The units establish internal C2 networks, and are subscribers in at least one other network. SINCGARS is the primary means of short range communications in secure C2 voice networks. The C2 net is given the highest installation priority.
 * Administrative and Logistics Networks
 * Operations & Intelligence Networks
 * Sustainment Operations Net
 * High-Frequency and Data Networks
 * Brigade Combat Team
 * Medical Network
 * Fire Direction Network
 * Surveillance Network
 * Sustainment Area Battle Command Network
 * FM 11-50, Combat Communications within the Division (Heavy and Light), 4 April 1991. (Will be revised as FM 6-02.50)
 * Command and Operations net
 * Intelligence net
 * Administrative and Logistical net
 * Fire Direction net
 * Surveillance net
 * Rear Battle net
 * HF Voice net
 * GP RATT net

Licensing requirements
See also Amateur radio licensing in the United States Regulations and Guidelines for National Interoperability (paste from NIFOG)

1. The FCC and NTIA rules allow for some flexibility in frequency use by personnel directly involved in a situation where there is imminent danger to human life or property. This does NOT mean “In an emergency, anything goes.”

2. For communications not covered by #1, your use of a radio frequency must be authorized by: a. Your (or your agency’s) FCC license or NTIA authorization b. “License by rule” – a provision in FCC rules that authorizes use of a radio frequency under specified conditions without a specific license or authorization issued to the user c. A “Special Temporary Authorization” provided by FCC or NTIA

3. Digital P25 operations on non-Federal interoperability channels should transmit the default Network Access Code (N A C) $293 (659 10), and receive with NAC $F7E (3966 10) (accept any incoming N A C). Specify talkgroup $FFFF (65535 10), which includes everyone.

4. Default modes for using Federal Interoperability Channels: use analog for all Incident Response channels and Law Enforcement channels LE A, LE 1, LE B, LE 10, and LE 16; use P25 Digital for the remaining LE channels, NAC $68F (1679 10).