Radio Procedures

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Updated: 04/14/2008

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Radio Procedures

Introduction

This page is still under construction, and currently only carries a basic guide to usage, and the lists of Prowords; Tables 1, 2, 3 & 4. This is followed by Table 5, the code for giving reports on the signal strength and readability of another stations transmissions, then the NATO standard Phonetic Code for letters and numbers (Table 6), and finally a list of the eight Public Mobile Radio (PMR) frequencies for reference (Table 7).

Basic Radio Operations

Each radio in the field and at base will have a Call Sign, which is a short string of letters and numbers that identifies that station, not the operator. For ease in the UNMC these are usually associated with the unit's organisation and composition. This alpha-numeric label is sent using the NATO Phonetic Code (Table 6), for example D20 would be said as "DELTA TWO ZERO". Avoid the use of personal names on air as the enemy WILL be listening, and collecting intelligence.

The following are useful tips to good radio procedure:

C.A.R.O.T.

Concise - keep it short.
Accuracy - be sure to pass the right information correctly.
Relevancy: pass only the information required by the person to whom you are talking.
Objective: keep in mind what the intention or purpose of the message is, when you compose it.
Timely - pass the message when it is needed.

A.B.C.

An alternative to CAROT:

Accuracy
Brevity
Clarity

C.R.A.P.S.H.I.T.

To send a message use the following routine:

COMPOSE your message in your head or if necessary write it down.
RELAX, take a deep breath, so you're not in a panic, especially necessary when you are under fire.
ACTIVATE the Push To Talk Button (PTT)
PAUSE for a second before you talk, as otherwise the first thing you say will not be transmitted, as radios tend to take time to transmit.
SPEAK slowly, clearly, with pauses and do not shout, so you can be easily understood.
"HELLO": open your transmission with the Proword "HELLO", a sort of "bing-bong" pay attention people signal, then follow it with the Call Sign of the target station, followed by your own Call Sign. For example like this: "HELLO ALPHA ONE ZERO, THIS IS ALPHA TWO THREE, OVER". The "HELLO" word is an essential tool in the battlefield, where people's attentions are often elsewhere.
INFORM, that is send the content.
TERMINATE, that is formally end each phase of your transmission, with either "THIS IS X, OVER/OUT", where "X" is your Call Sign, or when time is short, just use "OVER" ofr"OUT" as appropriate.

NB: In lengthy communications having established who is who in the conversation, there is no need to repeat Call Signs, until the close of the transmission.

When running a station, where in messages are either written down, or verbally requested by a third party, each such message is given a status as a guide to it's urgency, as follows:

IMMEDIATE: an urgent message that MUST go out at once, with no delay.
PRIORITY: an urgent message that is put out within no more than 15 minutes.
ROUTINE: a message that can be delayed up to 30 minutes.
SERVICE: a message concerned with the running of the radio network, put out as and when convenient.

Prowords

"Prowords" is the abbreviation of the phrase "Procedural Words", which are the "set" words/phrases, used to achieve clarity of meaning when using voice radio communications systems in the battlefield. They are set out below in three tables in alphabetical order. Table 1 contains the absolutely essential Prowords and Table 2 contains the remaining General Purpose Prowords. Table 3 contains those concerned with sending a receiving written messages. Any words in brackets with a Proword are ones that are either optional, or is otherwise normally used in conjunction with it.

Table 1: Essential Prowords

Proword	Explanation
"AFIRMATIVE"	Used instead of just "Yes", as this can be lost in transmission. See also NEGATIVE for "No".
"ALL STATIONS"	Used in place of a call sign when the signal is intended for every station on the network.
"ANY STATION"	Used in place of a call sign when the signal is intended to gain a response from any other random station on the network. For example when requesting a "RADIO CHECK".
"CHANNEL X"	A reference to a standard channel (Public Mobile Radio frequency and privacy code), given as a two or three digit number. As in "GO TO CHANNEL THREE SEVEN"
"CONTACT!"	Used to declare "contact" with an enemy. At this point all non-related traffic MUST stop to give priority to messages related to this engagement.
(THAT IS) "CORRECT"	Used instead of the more common "right", as in saying "You're right", or "what you have transmitted is right". Especially important in avoiding confusion when giving directions
(MY) "CORRECTION" (IS)	1. An error has been made in this transmission. Transmission will continue with the last word correctly transmitted. 2. An error has been made in this transmission (or the message as indicated). The correct version is "X". 3. That which follows is a corrected version in answer to your request for verification. See "VERIFY".
"DECIMAL"	Used to verbally marked the decimal point in a number to prevent confusion.
"DISREGARD THIS TX" or "TRANSMISSION" - "OUT"	This transmission is in error. Disregard it. This Proword shall not be used to cancel any message that has been completely transmitted and for which receipt or acknowledgement has been received.
"ENDEX"	The signal that is sent to end a military exercise. All units should acknowledge this message. The word "ENDEX" is oftern repeated two or three times before saying "OVER".
"HELLO X"	Used as the opening word in a call to another station. It acts as a verbal "bing-bong" or pay attention people, to alert all listeners that a message is about to be sent. The "X" is the either the Callsign of the target station, or either the"ALL STATIONS", "ANY STATION", or "UNKNOWN STATION" Proword sets. It is always followed by the "THIS IS X" Proword set.
"I SAY AGAIN"	I am repeating my entire transmission, or the portion indicated. Do NOT use the word "repeat", see "REPEAT" below. See also "ALL AFTER X", "ALL BEFORE X" , "WORD AFTER X" and "WORD BEFORE X".
"I SPELL"	I shall spell the next word phonetically using the standard NATO Phonetic Code for extra clarity.
"NEGATIVE"	Used instead of just "No", as this can be lost in transmission. See AFIRMATIVE for "Yes".
"OUT"	This is the end of my transmission to you and no answer is required or expected. NB: never used with "OVER" as in the incorrect signal "over and out" which is contridictory.
"OUT OF CHARACTER"	This proceeds a message that is NOT an "In-Character" communication.
"OVER"	This is the end of my transmission to you and a response is necessary. Go ahead and transmit. NB: never used with "OUT" as in the incorrect signal "over and out", which is contridictory.
"RADIO CHECK"	"Can anyone hear me?" "How loud/clear is my transmission". See Signal Reports below.
"ROGER (THAT)"	I have received and understood your last transmission satisfactorily. NB: never used with "WILCO", as in "roger, wilco", as the function of "ROGER" is implicit in the "WILCO" Proword. The addition of "THAT" is common practise, often being used in non-radio speech as an acknowledgement or agreement.
"(REQUEST YOU) SAY AGAIN"	A request to repeat either all of your last transmission, or that portion indicated by the "ALL AFTER X" or "ALL BEFORE X" Prowords. NB: do NOT say "repeat", see "REPEAT" above.
"SIGN(ING) OFF"	Sent when the station is shutting down and ceasing radio operations altogether.
"SILENCE"	This Proword is repeated three or more times, and used to order the ceasation of transmission on this channel/frequency immediately. Radio silence will be maintained until lifted. Used when absolute stealth is required for that network. When an authentication system is in force, the transmission imposing silence is to be authenticated.
"SILENCE LIFTED"	Radio silence is lifted. When an authentication system is in force, the transmission lifting silence is to be authenticated.
"SIT-REP"	A reference to, or a request for a "Situation Report".
"SPEAK SLOWER"	Your transmission is at too fast a speed. Reduce speed of transmission.
"STAND-BY..OUT/OVER"	A request for a pause in the exchange. If followed by "OVER" the other station must acknowledge the request with "STANDING BY", and usually "OUT". If the message is "STAND-BY...OUT", no acknowledgement is required, but it does require the other station to remain alert for the follow up transmission. This is used when an incoming signal could compromise the station's security. See also "WAIT" and "WAIT ONE".
"STANDING-BY...OUT"	The acknowledgement to the request "STAND-BY...OVER".
"THIS IS X"	This transmission is from the station whose call sign immediately follows. See also "FROM X".
"UNKNOWN STATION"	The identity of the station with whom I am attempting to establish communication is unknown. Used at the start of a transmission in place of the call sign of a known station.
"WAIT"	A request to suspend the conversation for a few seconds. Used as an alternative to "STAND-BY", but more urgent, often the message is not terminated with an "OVER" Proword, as there is an implied "OUT" in it's use. The other station must NOT attempt to recontact the original signaler, and MUST wait on standby until they return, or until concern for the unit's situation becomes critical, warranting the risk of breaking the implied radio silence. It can also be used at less critical moments when the operator needs literally just a few seconds to sort something out. They will begin transmitting again almost immediately.
"WAIT ONE"	As per "WAIT", but a request to suspend the conversation for one minute rather than a few seconds. Used as an alternative to "STAND-BY", but more urgent, often the message is not terminated with an "OVER" Proword, as there is an implied "OUT" in it's use. It can be presumed that the operator's security is at risk. The other station may attempt to recontact the original signaler after one minute has passed.
"WILCO"	I have received your signal, understand it, and will comply. To be used only by the station addressed. Since the meaning of "ROGER" is included in that of WILCO, the two Prowords are never used together.
"WRONG"	Your last transmission was incorrect. The correct version is "X". Do not use "incorrect" as this can be confused with the Proword "CORRECT".

Table 2: Other General Purpose Prowords

Proword	Explanation
"ACKNOWLEDGE"	Used to demand a response from another station when their operational status is in doubt. For example: "Alpha Two Zero, Alpha Two Zero, THIS IS Bravo One Zero, ACKNOWLEDGE, OVER." "THIS IS Alpha Two Zero, ACKNOWLEDGE, STAND BY, OUT."
"AUTHENTICATE"	The station called is to reply to the challenge which follows. A pre-arranged code word or phrase is used for this purpose. Used when the identity of the station is uncertain or suspect.
"(MY) AUTHENTICATION IS X" (same as "I AUTHENTICATE...")	The transmission authentication of this message is "X".
"CASEVAC"	A request for casualty evacuation by any means. See also MEDEVAC.
"CHANNEL UP/DOWN"	A request to move either up or down ONE channel.
"EXECUTE"	Carry out the purpose of the message or signal to which this applies.
"EXECUTE TO FOLLOW"	Action on the message which proceeds or follows is to be carried out upon receipt of the Proword "EXECUTE".
"EXEMPT"	The stations immediately following are exempted from the collective call.
"GRID X"	Used as a prefix to an alpha/numeric or simply a numeric string giving a map co-ordenate, where "X" is the co-ordinate.
"I AUTHENTICATE - X" (same as "(MY) AUTHENTICATION IS X")	The group that follows is the reply to your challenge to "AUTHENTICATE".
"IMMEDIATELY EXECUTE"	The action on the message or signal following is to be carried out immediately on completion of this transmission.
"I VERIFY"	That which follows has been verified at your request and is repeated. To be used only as a reply to "VERIFY". This is used to confirm the truth of a statement or a piece of intelligence.
"MARK"	Used to "mark" a precise moment in time, to ensure accuracy. Preceded by either "at my" MARK or "on my" MARK, then "MARK". For example for synchronising watches or actions such as an attack.
"MEDEVAC"	A more specialised request for casualty evacuation, requiring a purpose built ambulance and crew. see also CASEVAC.
"MINIMIZE"	Please limit your transmissions to essential traffic. Emergency operational traffic is in progress. MINIMIZE is imposed by the Net Controller or by the Incident Commander.
"MINIMIZE LIFTED"	The "MINIMIZE" order is lifted by either the Net Controller or by the Incident Commander.
"MORE TO FOLLOW/"	Transmitting station has additional traffic for the receiving station, please wait.
"NOTHING HEARD (OVER)"	Used when no reply is received from a called station, thus alerting others to the fact that you have not heard a return signal. This is important, as another station maybe able to relay the messages.
"RELAY (TO)"	Transmit this message to all addressees (or addressees immediately following this Proword). The address component is mandatory when this Proword is used.
"TIME CHECK"	A request for the current correct time, given in 24 hour format for the time zone of the theatre of operations. "ZULU" equals GMT, and is the default time zone. The time giver uses the "MARK" Proword to ensure accuracy.
"VERIFY"	Verify entire message (or portion indicated) with the originator and send the correct version. Used when the recieving station has a doubt about the content of the message. To be used only at the discretion of or by the station(s) to which the message was directed.

Table 3: Fire Control Prowords

Proword	Explanation
"ADJUST YOUR FIRE"	An instruction to adjust the point of impact by the firing of a single second round following the initial shot from artillery or other indirect fire weapons like machine guns, grenade launchers and mortars. See also "FIRE FOR EFFECT"
"CHECK (YOUR) FIRE"	An order to stop shooting.
"FIRE FOR EFFECT"	An instruction to artillery or other indirect fire weapons such as machine guns, grenade launchers and mortars, to proceed with bombardment following the observation or adjustment of the fall of shot.
"FIRE MISSION..."	A request for fire support from artillery or other indirect fire weapons such as machine guns, grenade launchers and mortars. Normally followed by the "GRID" Proword to state the position for the fall of shot. The instruction to fire the first round is implicit in this request. The full barrage is ONLY launched once the "FIRE FOR EFFECT" proword is given, which can be sent after the first round has been observed and no "ADJUST YOUR FIRE" instruction has to be given, or it may be appended to the end of the "FIRE MISSION GRID X" sequence when speed and not safety is critical.
"REPEAT"	A "Fire Support" request: sent to another unit to "repeat" their supportive fire. For example a request to a machine gun group, a mortar team or artillery position. Do NOT use it to ask for information to be sent again, see "SAY AGAIN". Mistakes could be unfortunate!

Table 4: Messaging Prowords

The following Prowords are used in transmission of messages that must be written down by the receiver.

Proword	Explanation
"ALL AFTER X"	This is used to refer to a latter portion of a message. For example to request it's repetition (see also "SAY AGAIN").
"ALL BEFORE X"	This is used to refer to a previous portion of a message.For example to request it's repetition (see also "SAY AGAIN").
"BREAK"	I hereby indicate the separation of the text from other portions of the message. A verbal "paragraph break" used in giving a message that is being written down.
"CALL SIGN"	The group that follows is a call sign. Used to make it clear that the following part of the message is a call sign and not something else.
"FIGURES"	Indicates that a list of numbers follow.
"FROM X"	Used to identify the signallar or the originator of a recorded (written) message. This is indicated by the address/call sign designator "X"immediately following. It should NOT be used as an alternative to "THIS IS X".
"I/MY READ BACK (IS)"	The following is my response to your instructions to read back your message.
"(I HAVE A) MESSAGE"	A message which requires recording or writing down is about to follow. It is only transmitted once the recieving station gives the "SEND (YOUR) MESSAGE" signal, demonstrating that they are ready to record the data.
"MESSAGE ENDS"	Used to mark the end of the recordable message.
"MESSAGE FOLLOWS"	Used to mark the start of the recordable message.
"MESSAGE TO"	The station or address immediately following is the destonation for the message.
"READ BACK"	Repeat this entire transmission back to me exactly as received. G
"SEND (YOUR) MESSAGE"	A response to a station that requires a message to be recorded, demonstrating that the station is ready to take the details down.
"TIME"	That which immediately follows is the time or date time-time group of the message.
"WORD AFTER X"	Used to refer to text that follows the stated word in a message.
"WORD BEFORE"	Used to refer to text that proceeds the stated word in a message.
"WORDS TWICE"	Communication is difficult. Please transmit/I will transmit each phrase or each group twice. This Proword may be used as an order, request, or as information.

Table 5: The RST Signal Reporting Code

The Proword request "RADIO CHECK" meaning what is my signal strength and readability, that is "how well do you hear me?" is normally answered with an abbreviated version of the RST Code (Readability-Strength-Tone Code). The use of the abbreviation RST is purely a continuation of historically established radio convention. You may use either the five numbers or their associated phrases as set out below. They are used to describe the incoming signal, always Strength first and Readability second (in voice communications), with the word "BY" in between. For example "FIVE BY FIVE", meaning "LOUD AND CLEAR", or you can use the actual Prowords "LOUD AND CLEAR" instead. Alternatively you can use just "ROGER THAT - OUT", serving as short hand to mean "I have received your last transmission satisfactorily/loud and clear". The omission of the comment on signal strength and readability is understood to mean that reception is loud and clear. If the reception is other than loud and clear ("5 by 5") it must be described with the Prowords or code numbers from below:

#	Strength		Readability
5	LOUD	Your signal is very strong.	CLEAR	Excellent quality.
4	GOOD	Your signal strength is good.	READABLE	Quality is satisfactory.
3	WEAK	Your signal strength is weak.	UNREADABLE	The quality of your transmission is so bad that I cannot read you.
2	VERY WEAK	Your signal strength is very weak.	DISTORTED	Having trouble reading you because your signal is distorted.
1	FADING	Your signal strength fades to such an extent that continuous reception cannot be relied upon.	WITH INTERFERENCE	Trouble reading due to interference.

Table 6: NATO Phonetic Alphabet & Numbers

During verbal radio/telephone communications, it is sometimes required to clarify a detail by spelling out a word. However, even in normal conditions never mind when a signal is poor, or under the stress or noise of combat, such messages can become easily garbled, and so a clearer method of denoting letters and numbers is essential. The standard system used throughout the US and allied military services including the UNMC is the so-called International system formalised and adopted by NATO in 1956. ALL personnel should memorise and use this system while in UNSGC service.

A special note about numbers; be aware that the number 5 and number 9 are especially susceptible to readability issues. For example "five" can be confused for "fire". Therefore the special words "Fife" and "Niner" are normally used instead.

For more information on other phonetic systems see the UNMC Military Reference Charts by clicking HERE.

Letter/#	Word	Letter/#	Word	Letter/#	Word	Letter/#	Word
A	Alpha	B	Bravo	C	Charlie	D	Delta
E	Echo	F	Foxtrot	G	Golf	H	Hotel
I	India	J	Juliett	K	Kilo	L	Lima
M	Mike	N	November	O	Oscar	P	Papa
Q	Quebec	R	Romeo	S	Siera	T	Tango
U	Uniform	V	Victor	W	Whisky	X	X-ray
Y	Yankee	Z	Zulu	0	Zero	1	One
2	Two	3	Three	4	Four	5	Fife
6	Six	7	Seven	8	Eight	9	Niner

Table 7: The PMR Channels

For your information listed below are the eight PMR (Public Mobile Radio) frequencies in service with the UNMC. Each frequency has 38 encoded "privacy codes" or "channels", enabling users to exchange signals on the same frequency without over-hearing one another. Note that some radios have the option to broadcast without the use of a privacy code (marked "00"), in which case all "channels" within a frequency can be covered similtainiously. Be aware that although all radio systems use the same frequencies, the numerical labels for their "channels" do not always match one another. Care must be taken to make allowances for this flaw when selecting channels prior to a mission. The frequencies are spaced at 0.0125MHz intervals as set out below:

PMR Frequencies
1 446.00625 MHz 2 446.01875 MHz 3 446.03125 MHz 4 446.04375 MHz
5 446.05625 MHz 6 446.06875 MHz 7 446.08125 MHz 8 446.09375 MHz

PMR Frequencies
1	446.00625 MHz	2	446.01875 MHz	3	446.03125 MHz	4	446.04375 MHz
5	446.05625 MHz	6	446.06875 MHz	7	446.08125 MHz	8	446.09375 MHz

In practise the channels are referred to by their channel number and privacy code number. Therefore they run from "CHANNEL ONE ONE", being the first code number on the first channel (446.00625MHz) through to "CHANNEL EIGHT THREE EIGHT", that is the 38th code of the eighth channel (446.09375MHz).

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