East Wind Radio Operators’ Familiarization

Pamphlet

Department of the Army FORSCOM

Headquarters, United States Army Forces Command
In conjunction with UK Ministry of Defense
7 June 1988

History: This pamphlet is designed as a familiarization pamphlet for EW RATELOs.

Summary: This pamphlet covers basic operator concepts and usages.
Applicability: This pamphlet applies to all personnel.
Changes: Changes to this pamphlet are not official unless they are
authenticated by the Deputy Chief of Staff, G6, HQ FORSCOM. Users will
destroy changes upon expiration dates unless sooner superseded or rescinded.
Suggested Improvements: The proponent agency of this pamphlet is
FORSCOM, C3 submit suggestions to Capt. Swayze.
Restrictions: Distribution limited to Allied Personnel. Local
reproduction is authorized.

DA PAM 02-88
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Table of Contents

I. Basic Radio Speech Procedure

A. Voice Procedure………………………………………………..…….3
B. Use of Procedure Words……………………………………..………4
C. Phonetic Alphabet……………………………………………..……..8
D. Phonetic Numbers………………………………………..…………..9
E. Composing a Message……………………………………..………....9

II. CEOI/SOI
A. What is the CEOI/SOI………………………………………………12
B. Standard Reporting formats…………………………………………13
C. Using the SOI card…………………………………………………..20

III. Basic Radio Principals

A. FM Tactical Radio………………………………………..………....26
B. Antennas…………………………………………………..………...28
C. Application…………………………………………………..………29

IV. Basic Radio Features

A. Handsets………………………………………………………..…..…31
B. Squelch Systems..………………………………………….....….……32
C. Tactical Manpacks…………………………………………....…..…...33

V. Summary of Best Practices for RATELOS……………………….……...34

VI. Radios by Nationality

A. US Radios…………………………………………………….…..36
B. UK Radios…………………………………………………….….40
C. West German Radios……………………………………………. 43

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I. Basic radio speech procedure

A. Voice Procedure

To minimize the risks associated with interception, analysis and deception there are a set
of rules collectively known as Voice Procedure, which can be remembered using the
acronym DABS. Voice Procedure is designed to provide us with:

Discipline
Accuracy
Brevity
Security

Discipline

ALWAYS:
 Use correct voice procedure.
 Maintain a constant listening watch.
 Ensure frequency is correct.
 Answer all calls without delay.
 Listen before you transmit.
 Release the pressel promptly.
 Plan the message before you send.
 If suspicious authenticate.

NEVER:
 Violate radio silence.
 Compromise classified information.
 Make unnecessary or unduly long transmissions.
 Engage in operators or unofficial conversation.
 Identify yourself or unit by name.
 Speak faster than the station experiencing the worst reception can be
expected to understand.
 Swear or lose your temper.

Accuracy

It is critical that information sent over the radio be as accurate and detailed as possible.

Speech techniques that aid in accuracy can be recalled using the acronym RSVP.

Rhythm - Short sentences with a natural rhythm

Speed - Slightly slower than normal conversation
Volume - Normal unless on “whisper”
Pitch - Slightly higher than normal

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The use of the phonetic alphabet and PROWORDS “figures” for numbers or “I spell” for
words ensures that even under difficult radio conditions the message can be understood.
Use of the Communications-Electronics Operation Instructions (CEOI) or Signal
Operation Instructions (SOI) with pre-determined code words ensures a high level of
accuracy however it can be slow to use.

Brevity

The use of codes, PROWORDS, and SOIs aid in keeping radio communications brief and
accurate which protects the network from compromise.

Security

By listening to our radio traffic, the enemy will try to discover certain information that is
important to operations. Such as current combat effectiveness, casualties, damaged or
defective equipment, standard of radio discipline, command structure, radio net level,
composition and function, intentions, locations or unit identities.

The use of call signs, procedure words (PROWORDS), code words, and authentication
are the mechanisms used to secure information sent via radio.

B. Use of Procedure Words (PROWORDs)

To keep voice transmission as short and clear as possible, radio operators use Procedure
Words (PROWORDs) to take the place of long sentences.

PROWORD Explanation

ALL AFTER The portion of the message I reference is all

that follows ______.

ALL BEFORE The portion of the message I reference is all

that precedes ______.

AUTHENTICATE The station called is to reply to the challenge

which follows

AUTHENTICATION IS The transmission authentication of this

message is ______.

BREAK Indicates the separation of the text from

other portions of the message.

BROADCAST YOUR Link the two nets under your control for
NET automatic rebroadcast.

CALL SIGN The group that follows is a call sign.

COMMO CHECK This is typically used to check into the net

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prior to a mission. It has the lowest net

priority.

CORRECTION An error has been made in this

transmission.  Transmission will continue
with the last word correctly transmitted. 

An error has been made in this transmission

(or message indicated).  The correct version
is ______.

That which follows is a corrected version in

answer to your request for verification.

DISREGARD LAST This transmission is in error.  Disregard it. 

TRANSMISSION -- OUT

DO NOT ANSWER Stations called are not to answer this call,

receipt of this message, or otherwise to
transmit in connection with this
transmission.  When this PROWORD is
employed, the transmission shall be ended
with the PROWORD "OUT".

EXECUTE Carry out the purpose of the message or

signal to which this applies.  To be used only
with the executive mode.

EXECUTE TO FOLLOW Action on the message or signal which

follows is to be carried out upon receipt of
the PROWORD "EXECUTE".  To be used only
with the delayed executive method.

EXEMPT The addressees immediately following are

exempted from the collective call.

FIGURES Numerals or numbers follow.

FLASH Precedence FLASH

FROM The originator of this message is indicated by

the address designator immediately
following.

HOW COPY Does not replace “over” at the end of a

transmission it is a query for use when
comms are unstable

IMMEDIATE Precedence IMMEDIATE.

IMMEDIATE EXECUTE Action on the message or signal following is

to be carried out on receipt of the word
EXECUTE.  To be used only with the

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Immediate Executive Method.

INFO The addresses immediately following are

addressed for information.

I READ BACK The following is my response to your

instructions to read back.

I SAY AGAIN I am repeating transmission or portion

indicated.

I SPELL I shall spell the next word phonetically

I VERIFY That which follows has been verified at your

request and is repeated.  To be used only as
a reply to VERIFY.

MESSAGE FOLLOWS A message which requires recording is about

to follow.  Transmitted immediately after the
call. 

MORE TO FOLLOW Transmitting station has additional traffic for

the receiving station.

NUMBER Station Serial Number

OUT This is the end of my transmission to you

and no answer is required or expected.

OVER This is the end of my transmission to you

and a response is necessary.  Go ahead,
transmit

PRIORITY Precedence PRIORITY

READ BACK Repeat this entire transmission back to me

exactly as received.

RELAY (TO) Transmit this message to all addressees (or

addressees immediately following this
PROWORD).  The address component is
mandatory when this PROWORD is used.

REPEAT Said only in reference to artillery units

repeating fire missions. Never used to ask
any unit to “repeat” an on air message. See
SAY AGAIN.

ROUTINE Precedence ROUTINE

SAY AGAIN Repeat all of your last transmission. Followed

by identification data means "Repeat _____
(portion indicated ALL BEFORE or ALL

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AFTER)".

SERVICE The message that follows is a SERVICE

message.

SILENCE Cease transmission on this net immediately. 

(Repeated three or Silence will be maintained until lifted.  (When
more times) an authentication system is in force, the
transmission imposing silence is to be
authenticated).

SILENCE LIFTED Silence is lifted.  (When an authentication

system is in force, the transmission lifting
silence is to be authenticated).

SPEAK SLOWER Your transmission is at too fast a speed. 

Reduce speed of transmission.

STOP Cut the automatic link between the two nets

REBROADCASTING that are being rebroadcast and revert to
normal working.

THIS IS This transmission is from the station whose

designator immediately follows.

TIME That which immediately follows is the time or

date time-time group of the message.

TO The addressees immediately following are

addressed for action.

UNKNOWN STATION The identity of the station with whom I am

attempting to establish communication is
unknown.

VERIFY Verify entire message (or portion indicated)

with the originator and send the correct
version.  To be used only at the discretion of
or by the addresses to which the questioned
message was directed.

WAIT I must pause for a few seconds

WAIT -- OUT I must pause longer than a few seconds.

WILCO I have received your signal, understand it,

and will comply.  To be used only by the
addressee.  Since the meaning of ROGER is
included in that of WILCO, the two
PROWORDS are never used together.

WORD AFTER The word of the message to which I have

reference is that which follows ______.

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WORD BEFORE The word of the message to which I have

reference is that precedes ______.

WORDS TWICE Communication is difficult.  Transmit

(transmitting) each phrase (or each code
group) twice.  This PROWORD may be used
as an order, request, or as information.

WRONG Your last transmission was incorrect.  The

correct version is _____.

C. Phonetic Alphabet

A phonetic alphabet is a list of words used to identify letters in a message transmitted by

radio or telephone. Spoken words from an approved list are substituted for letters.

Alpha characters (as well as numerals) when spoken over a radio sound flat, coupled with
ambient noise and radio interference, one letter or number can sound a great deal like
another. As such one needs to spell phonetically. This reduces confusion and helps make
sure that messages are correctly conveyed.

For example, the word "Army" would be "Alfa, Romeo, Mike, Yankee" when spelled in
the phonetic alphabet. This practice helps to prevent confusion between similar sounding
letters, such as "m" and "n", and to clarify communications that may be garbled during
transmission.

Difficult or unusual words would also be phonetically spelled following the PROWORD
“I SPELL” if the transmission is not encoded. When using speech coded radio
communications the pro word “I SPELL” is replaced by the appropriate code word.

Letter Substitute Letter Substitute

A Alpha N November
B Bravo O Oscar
C Charlie P Papa
D Delta Q Quebec
E Echo R Romeo
F Foxtrot S Sierra
G Golf T Tango
H Hotel U Uniform
I India V Victor
J Juliette W Whiskey
K Kilo X X-ray
L Lima Y Yankee
M Mike Z Zulu

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D. Phonetic Numbers

Phonetic pronunciation of numbers is as follows:

0 - ZE-RO
1 - WUN
2 - TOO
3 - TREE
4 - FOW-ER
5 - FIFE
6 - SIX
7 - SEV-EN
8 - ATE
9 - NIN-ER

Numbers are transmitted digit by digit except exact multiples of thousands may be
spoken as such. However, there are special cases, such as identifying a specific code
group in a coded message, when the normal pronunciation of numerals is prescribed; for
example, 17 would then be "seventeen."

NUMERAL SPOKEN AS
44 FOW-ER FOW-ER
90 NIN-ER ZE-RO
136 WUN TREE SIX
500 FIFE ZE-RO ZE-RO
1200 WUN TOO ZE-RO ZE-RO
1478 WUN FOW-ER SEV-EN ATE
7000 SEV-EN TOU-SAND
16000 WUN SIX TOU-SAND
812681 ATE WUN TOO SIX ATE WUN

E. Composing a Message

1. Starting the Conversation

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To open communications the radio operator should identify who he is calling

followed by his call-sign. A simple way to recall the order of offering is “YOU
this is ME.” To indicate you are done with a sentence and are listening for a
response you say the word ‘Over’.

So for example, your call-sign is “B10” and the unit you are trying to reach is
“C45” your opening transmission would be:

“Charlie Four Five this is Bravo One Zero, over.”

Generally this particular example is used to initiate a series of transmissions.

When B10 needs to talk to C45 and needs to make sure that C45 is listening.

After C45 hears this transmission he replies in kind, indicating that he has heard
B10 and is prepared to converse.

“This is Charlie Four Five. Over.”

Now, B10 knows that C45 can hear him and he can begin the conversation.

2. The conversation

As stated previously one wants to keep one’s transmissions short and to

the point so that the channel can be cleared as rapidly as possible for
others to use. Also, seeing as firefights generally are happening at a rapid
pace, one needs to convey their information as rapidly as possible, in order
to maximize response time.

An example of very poor radio discipline is:

“Charlie Four Five, this is Bravo One Zero.

Yeah…um.. I’ve got a group of guys to your front.

They are…………… I’d say, over about like 30 yards to my 11

o’clock, your 12 o’clock or thereabouts.

And there are about, maybe, …………………….6 ……….or 10

of them. They seem to be moving your way.

Maybe you should, move back a little so that we can shoot at

them a little to slow them down and stuff.

Over.”

As you can see, this rambling, dead-air filled transmission is slow and
filled with potentially confusing statements. A better way to approach this

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would be to wait an extra couple seconds (seconds wasted in the first

example) to collect one’s thoughts and frame a rapid fire, easily
understood statement like this:

“Charlie Four Five, this is Bravo One Zero. Be advised. You’ve

got 5 to 10 possible enemy 40 meters to your front moving to
you. Fall back 60 meters to my right flank so we can cover you.
Over.”

This said the same thing in an affirmative, no nonsense fashion. The ‘Be
Advised’ is an example of an ‘attention getter’. This lets Charlie 45 know
that they have specific information of immediate importance to the
recipient.

Charlie 45, having heard this responds.

“One Zero, Four Five. I copy 5 to 10 enemy. 40 meters
forward. Fall back to your right flank. Wilco. Over.”

You’ll note that Charlie Four Five shortened both their names. Once the
conversation has started and all other units on this channel know they are
not being spoken to, the units involved can start to shorten their names to
just a unique component. In this case, One Zero and Four Five are unique
components at their level.

Also, Four Five made a point of reading back the critical information.
Since One Zero presumably already understands the situation, all Four
Five is doing is letting One Zero know that he noted the correct details.
The phrase ‘I copy…’ is the indicator of this. It says ‘the next things I say
are what I understand you to have said to me previously’.

Additionally, Four Five said ‘Wilco’. This term means ‘I received your
message, I understand and I will comply’. Another affirmative term (often
misused) is ‘Roger’, which means ‘I have received your message and I
understand’.

3. Ending the conversation

Now that One Zero has heard the reply, he needs to let Four Five know
he’s got the right information. He might respond with:

“Four Five. Good copy. Out.”

Here One Zero has shortened the reply further, leaving off the self-
identifier. He then uses the phrase ‘good copy’. This means ‘you have
correctly heard me’.
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He also closed with a different item; ‘Out’ is the term used to notify
everyone on the radio net that the net is now clear and others can initiate
conversations because Bravo 10 and Charlie 45 are done.

II. CEOI/SOI
A. What is the CEOI/SOI

To minimize the amount of useful information that an adversary can glean from
unencrypted transmission over non-secure radio nets, a directory of users and
nets is prepared with frequencies, call signs, call words, suffixes, and expanders,
that are assigned randomly and changed daily; or in the case of actual or
suspected compromise, it is changed immediately.

This directory is called, depending on the particular Service, the

Communications-Electronics Operation Instructions (CEOI) or Signal Operation
Instructions (SOI). When employed in a multi-Service and/or multi-national
environment, the directory is called a Joint CEOI.

The CEOI/SOI sheet is a Priority Intelligence item and it should be carefully

safeguarded from loss or capture.

1. Authentication:

 Always challenge if you suspect the identity of a station.

 Never break Radio Silence solely to answer a challenge.
 Never answer a challenge “Out of the blue”.
 Strike out Authentication Numbers as they are used.
 Allow only a reasonable amount of time for a reply to a challenge.
 If the threat of intrusion is high the challenge and reply may be
encoded.
 If a station replies incorrectly to a challenge terminate the
conversation and ensure that Command is aware of the possible
compromise.
 Be suspicious

2. To Encode or Send in Clear?

The type of message you plan to send determines if you should send it in the
clear or encoded.

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Call signs/call words will be used on all tactical voice nets when operating
in a non-secure mode except where it is necessary to deviate in special
combat/fast reaction situations or for safety of life.

- CJCSI 6230.03 11 March 1988

Reports where you are NOT in contact with the enemy or where the content
of the report would provide local tactical intelligence such as SIGHTING
(visual) reports, RECCE reports, RESUPPLY requests, EQUIPMENT status
and LP/OP reporting should be encoded. Information that could compromise
where you are or what you are doing if it is reasonable to believe that the
enemy is generally unaware of your status or activities.

Reports where you ARE in contact with the enemy such as CONTACT
reports, MEDEVAC requests, and SIGHTING reports on reinforcements or
maneuver elements. If the enemy is listening to your radio communications
while in contact with your unit and you provide code words and encoded grid
references that they can match to their known activities each number and
word used during the contact is potentially compromised.

A good rule of thumb is if the information will be useless in 30 minutes, the

information can be sent in the clear.

Knowing the format of these reports means that fewer items must be encoded
since the context means that you can avoid spelling out words such as GRID
prior to a grid reference.

Order of priority on a radio net will always go to a unit in immediate contact.

A unit sending routine radio traffic should cease transmission when another
unit sends, for example, a contact report.

B. Standard Reporting Formats

Encoding Table Example: (abbreviated)

SITREP   ORDERS
Moving Lamp Engage (ing) Zephyr
Halted Lanky   Disengage Zombie
Contact (visual) Lasso   Advance Zoom
Engaged Leap   Halt/Stop Zebra
ORP Lime   RTB Zealous
DECRIPTIVE WORDS   LOCATIONS/DIRECTIONS
Soviets Table   Colleville Origin
E. Germans Teacup   Caen Oscar

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Scout Veh.Terrace   East Overcast

Motorcycle Thesis   West Overflow
ALPHABET
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
POIUYTXEWQASDFGHJKLMNBVCZR
ENCRYPTION CODE WORD
1234567890
REPUBLICAN

1. Sighting Report

A sighting report should let Control know WHEN the sighting occurred if
there is a significant delay in reporting otherwise it is assumed that the
sighting is occurring now, WHERE the enemy is, WHAT the enemy is,
WHAT they are doing and WHAT you are doing about it. Typically used by
fighting patrols rather than recce or static OP patrols.

An example of an encoded immediate SIGHTING report:

“Whiskey Two One this is Bravo One Zero, LASSO over.”

“Bravo One Zero, Whiskey Two One send, over.”

“FIGURES, Charlie, India, Uniform, Papa, Romeo, Echo -

break

Teacup, Terrace - break

Lamp, Overflow - break

Zephyr,

Over.”

Using the above sample CEOI/SOI the transmission is uncoded to read:

“Whiskey Two One this is Bravo One Zero, Enemy Sighted

over.”

“Bravo Zero One, Whiskey Two One send, over.”

(GRID) “874 312

East German Scout Car

Moving West

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Engaging,

Over.”

2. Contact Report

Contact reports are sent in two parts. The initial contact report makes control
aware that you are in contact with the enemy (receiving fire) and reserves the
radio net for your follow-on traffic. The full contact report follows as soon
as possible afterwards.

This two part approach means that if the radio operator ONLY gets the initial
contact report out and nothing follows that the Commander is aware that the
entire radio net is compromised and surviving units can take steps to secure
the network. As your unit’s radio operator this contact report during initial
contact is even more crucial than returning fire; the security of every unit in
the Company is on the line.

The second part of the contact report should let control know WHERE the
enemy is, WHAT the enemy is, WHAT they are doing and WHAT you are
doing about it.

The Initial Contact Report:

“Whiskey Two One this is Bravo One Zero, CONTACT wait out.”

The Full Contact Report:

“Whiskey Two One this is Bravo One Zero CONTACT

Grid 365 870,

4 Enemy Troops,

Advancing West out of tree line,

Am engaging,

Over.”

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3. LACE Report

Used to report status after contact with the enemy and reported using Red,
Yellow, Green indicators for each status.

LINE 1 -- LIQUID _______________________

LINE 2 -- AMMO_________________________

LINE 3 -- CASUALTIES___________________

LINE 4 -- EQUIPMENT___________________

Refer to section C-4 for an example of an encoded LACE report.

4. Spotting Report (SALUTE)

The SALUTE report differs from a sighting report in that it is generally

considered a recon report meaning that the spotting unit is not expected to take
action due to assignment.

In practice most long range contacts will be reported using SALT (Size, Activity,
Location, Time).

Size (of enemy force)

Activity (of the enemy)
Location (of the enemy)
Unit (the type of military unit or their uniforms)
Time (of observation)
Equipment (that the enemy has).

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5. 9 Line MEDEVAC Request

Line 1. Location of the pick-up site.

Line 2. Radio frequency, call sign, and suffix.

Line 3. Number of patients by precedence:

A - Urgent
B - Urgent Surgical
C - Priority
D - Routine
E - Convenience

Line 4. Special equipment required: 

A - None
B - Hoist
C - Extraction equipment
D - Ventilator

Line 5. Number of patients: 

A - Litter
B - Ambulatory

Line 6. Security at pick-up site: 

N - No enemy troops in area
P - Possible enemy troops in area (approach with caution)
E - Enemy troops in area (approach with caution)
X - Enemy troops in area (armed escort required)
* In peacetime - number and types of wounds, injuries, and illnesses

Line 7. Method of marking pick-up site: 

A - Panels
B - Pyrotechnic signal
C - Smoke signal
D - None
E - Other

Line 8. Patient nationality and status: 

A - US Military
B - US Civilian
C - Non-US Military
D - Non-US Civilian
E - EPW

Line 9. NBC Contamination: 

N - Nuclear
B - Biological
C - Chemical
* In peacetime - terrain description of pick-up site

This report is a standardized method to rapidly request a Medevac. This report is

not sent as an encoded message due to the exigency of the circumstances.

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Line 1. Location of the pick-up site. 6 or 8 digit grid coordinates or pre-

designated (TRP) area.

Line 2. Radio frequency at pickup site, call sign. If the unit managing the
casualty collection point is using a different frequency notify control, as
well as what that unit’s call sign is.

Line 3. Number of patients by precedence: Precedence helps set the Priority

of the TOC deciding which casualty gets picked up first. It is like triage
over the radio. There are four priorities of precedence:

A-B are basically the same and count as one set. At EW they would be
used for players who are "severely wounded" and require evacuation
within 30 minutes. The TOC is going to scramble for these casualties.

The other three sets are time/situation dependent. Their requested time
limits, are listed - after.

A-- Urgent: At EW 30 Min to Evacuate to save their life.

B-- Urgent-Surgical: At EW 30 Min to Evacuate to save their life.

C-- Priority: (Light) wounded personnel - 4 hours (this would be players with a
used medic rope)

D-- Routine: Is assigned to sick and wounded personnel - 24 hours. (could be

used for light wounded also)

E-- Convenience: Normally used for the Dead - no time limit

Line 4. Special equipment required: Not generally needed at EW as all our

MEDEVACs are ground based.

A - None

B - Hoist

C - Extraction equipment

D - Ventilator

O - Other

Line 5. Number of patients: Number of each type

A - Litter (currently we do not have/use litters)

B - Ambulatory (for medevac purposes it means they can sit in a seat)

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Line 6. Security at pick-up site:

N - No enemy troops in area (and you are sure of it)

P - Possible enemy troops in area (have not cleared the area)

E - Enemy troops in area (approach with caution)

X - Enemy troops in area (armed escort required)

Line 7. Method of marking pick-up site: In this case using the code is best to
avoid enemy attempts to spoof a PZ, but if time is short, just say it in the
clear.

A - Panels (VS-17, or thermal reflective)

B - Pyrotechnic signal (flares/fire)

C - Smoke signal (if you pop colored smoke, do NOT say the color over the
radio. Have the medevac vehicle tell you the color when they get close. It is
basic security)

D - None (if you are obviously on the side of the road or something)

E - Other (say this one "in the clear" if you cannot describe your signal via code)

Line 8. Patient nationality and status:

A - US Military (US troops only)

B - US Civilian (This might apply to any reporters in the AO)

C - Non-US Military (Allies) Add their Nationality if possible.

D - Non-US Civilian (local Germans if there were any)

E - EPW (Enemy Prisoners of War)

Line 9. NBC Contamination: (This line can be omitted completely to save

time, or reported as "None")

N - Nuclear

B - Biological

C - Chemical

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C. Using the SOI card

The following example is a training example of a CEOI/SOI and should not be used
in the field as a secure SOI card. The SOI card is valid for a designated 24 hour
period unless compromised and the RATELO is responsible for turning expired
sheets in at the designated time in order to receive a new SOI card.

[Front]
CALL SIGNS SITREP
Higher Command (F.O.B.) W 93 Moving Missouri
Transport Vehicle Y Vehicle # Halted Kansas
MEDEVAC Z 43 Contact (Visual) Delaware
US Squad 1 B 24 Engaged New York
US Squad 2 26 Phase Line Florida
US Squad 3 25 ORP Colorado
US Squad 4 28 OBJ Idaho
W. Germans - Bundeswehr C 33 Line of Departure (LD) California
Canadians G 64 Enemy Texas
UK Infantry K 15 Patrol Base/Hide Oklahoma
UK Mech K 15B ETA Maryland
ETD Organ
Location Washington
ACTIONS Sensitive Items report Kentucky
Break contact Vocal/hand Near/past Utah
Lift/Shift fire Vocal/hand In/At/ On Nevada
SOI Timeline Returning Georgia
Time SOI is in effect S.A.L.U.T.E. Alabama
Time SOI ends L.A.C.E. Maine
ALPHABET PASSWORDS
ABCDEFGHIJ KLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Number combination 8
QWERTYUIOPASD FGHJ KLZXCVBNM Challenge Grape
Preface a Spelled message with “Donkey” (spell) Password Rock
Encryption Code Word Running Password Lemon
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Near Visual (Day)
P A L I N DRO ME Challenge/ Password (Night)
Authentication: Far Radio (Day)
Radio + Red Light (Night)
INJECTS LOCATIONS/DIRECTIONS
Red Speaker Colleville Notebook
Yellow Elmo Caen Tape
Green Folder Airport Pencil
Intersection Stapler North Paper
P.I.R. Binder South Keyboard
Cabinet East Computer
SOI TRANSITION Telephone West Marker
ENCRYPT & AUTHENTICATE RECOGNITION SIGNALS

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[Back]
REQUESTS RESPONSES
Situation Report Chief Affirmative/Yes Dog
Your Location Patriot Negative/No Cat
Your ETD Royal Unknown/Undecided Pig
Your ETA Cardinal Need Clarification Duck
Extraction Hornet (Spell) Donkey
Rendezvous Tiger Color “Respond with Color”
To Engage Jayhawk ORDERS
To Remain Viking Engage Springfield
To Relocate Falcon Disengage Columbia
To Withdraw Giant Continue/Advance/Go To St. Louis
Reinforcements Dodger Halt/Stop Kansas City.
Food Phillie FRAGO Odessa
Increase L.O.A Raider WARNO Independence
Batteries Cub L.O.A Jefferson
Time Bear MISSION
Ammunition Dolphin Raid Parkview
MEDEVAC Brave Ambush Kickapoo
Water Packer Reconnoiter Hillcrest
DESCRIPTIVE WORDS Screen Glendale
Soviets Dexter Retrograde Central
E. Germans Dee- Dee Attack Republic
AT Weapon Scooby Feint Nixa
AP Mines Shaggy Defend Mobile Ozark
AT Mines Johnny MTC Rogersville
Troop Transport Buggs Pursue Bolívar
Armored Vehicle Elmer Pulse Joplin
Scout Vehicle (Light Skin) Shrek Defend Area Rolla
Motorcycle Fiona Swarming Attack Camdenton
Small Arms Daffy Patrol Base Tulsa
Civilians Donald Secure Dallas
REQUESTS RESPONSES

1. Call Signs:
The first section of the SOI card contains a list of units on the net and their
call signs. As you can see in the case of the UK Mech section it is
considered to be a sub-unit of the UK section and is therefore further
identified with the addition of ‘B’ to the call sign.

[Front]
CALL SIGNS
Higher Command (F.O.B.) W 93
Transport Vehicle Y Vehicle #
MEDEVAC Z 43
US Squad 1 B 24
US Squad 2 B 26
US Squad 3 B 25
US Squad 4 B 28
W. Germans - Bundeswehr C 33
Canadians G 64
UK Infantry K 15

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UK Mech K 15B

Contacting specific individuals within this call sign format is typically based
on their job and does not appear on an SOI sheet. The additive individual
designator for the Commander (CO) or Team Leader (TL) is “6” with the
Executive Officer (XO) or Assistant Team Leader (ATL) being individually
designated with the use of “5” and so on down through each individual in the
chain of command.

Note that it would be highly unusual for general radio traffic to specify an
individual addressee and would typically be used by Control to the CO or in
the capacity of the CO or XO being directly on the net giving orders from a
Jump TOC.

2. Actions and SOI Timeline

These blocks of the SOI cover information that would be noted in an
Operations Order (OPORD) or based on Company Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP) and are rarely filled in as an aide memoire.

For example the shift fire/lift fire orders for a raid would be covered as part
of a single mission OPORD and may not be applicable for every operation a
unit may be involved in within a 24 hour period. Additionally, the start and
end times of a particular SOI typically adheres to a known 24 hour time
period usually listed in the TOC. For instance the SOI may be known to
change each night at midnight and that fact need not be noted on the
document itself.

ACTIONS
Break contact Vocal/hand
Lift/Shift fire Vocal/hand
SOI Timeline
Time SOI is in effect
Time SOI ends

3. Spelling and sending numbers

The Alphabet and Encryption Code Word portion of the SOI card allow the
user to encode words and numbers. The top row of each row provides the
characters or numerals to be encoded with the bottom row providing the
replacement value to be used.

ALPHABET
ABCDEFGHIJ KLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
QWERTYUIOPASD FGHJ KLZXCVBNM
Preface a Spelled message with “Donkey”
Encryption Code Word
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
P A L I N DRO ME

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To spell ARMY 1988 encoded in a message the encoded spelling

would be:
Q, K, D, N
P, M, O, O

With the application of correct voice procedure the RATELO

would speech code this information over the air as follows:

…”DONKEY, Quebec, Delta, Kilo, November - BREAK

FIGURES, Papa, Mike, Oscar, Oscar.”

4. Injects

Injects are pre-designated code words that allow for mission specific or
procedural definitions to be added to the SOI. Color designations might be
added to ease the coded reporting of LACE reports or for easy encoding of a
specific mission parameter or item.

INJECTS
Speaker
Elmo
Folder
Stapler
Binder
Cabinet
SOI TRANSITION Telephone
ENCRYPT & AUTHENTICATE

Using the Injects added at company level a LACE report might be

reported as (see sub-part 5 SITREP for code word MAINE):

“Maine, Speaker, Elmo, Folder, Folder”

INJECTS
Red Speaker
Yellow Elmo
Green Folder
Intersection Stapler
P.I.R. Binder
Cabinet

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SOI TRANSITION Telephone

ENCRYPT & AUTHENTICATE

5. Situation Report (SITREP)

This section of the SOI contains words that allow you to describe what
you are doing as well as what the enemy is doing.

SITREP
Moving Missouri
Halted Kansas
Contact (Visual) Delaware
Engaged New York
Phase Line Florida
ORP Colorado
OBJ Idaho
Line of Departure (LD) California
Enemy Texas
Patrol Base/Hide Oklahoma
ETA Maryland
ETD Organ
Location Washington
Sensitive Items report Kentucky
Near/past Utah
In/At/ On Nevada
Returning Georgia
S.A.L.U.T.E. Alabama
L.A.C.E. Maine

6. Passwords

This section lists the daily series of tactical passwords and visual
signals. These are typically used on the ground and not usually used
as part of radio communications.

PASSWORDS
Number combination 8
Challenge Grape
Password Rock
Running Password Lemon
Near Visual (Day)
Challenge/ Password (Night)
Far Radio (Day)
Radio + Red Light (Night)

7. Locations/Directions

The section contains not only the cardinal directions but will also
contain major tactical features such as cities/towns or pre-assigned
Tactical Reference Points (TRP) in the unit’s Area of Responsibility
(AOR).

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LOCATIONS/DIRECTIONS
Colleville Notebook
Caen Tape
Airport Pencil
North Paper
South Keyboard
East Computer
West Marker

8. Additional Code words

The back side of the SOI card contains most of the “action words” in
your radio communications vocabulary and is applied as previously
shown.
[Back]
REQUESTS RESPONSES
Situation Report Chief Affirmative/Yes Dog
Your Location Patriot Negative/No Cat
Your ETD Royal Unknown/Undecided Pig
Your ETA Cardinal Need Clarification Duck
Extraction Hornet (Spell) Donkey
Rendezvous Tiger Color “Respond with Color”
To Engage Jayhawk ORDERS
To Remain Viking Engage Springfield
To Relocate Falcon Disengage Columbia
To Withdraw Giant Continue/Advance/Go To St. Louis
Reinforcements Dodger Halt/Stop Kansas City.
Food Phillie FRAGO Odessa
Increase L.O.A Raider WARNO Independence
Batteries Cub L.O.A Jefferson
Time Bear MISSION
Ammunition Dolphin Raid Parkview
MEDEVAC Brave Ambush Kickapoo
Water Packer Reconnoiter Hillcrest
DESCRIPTIVE WORDS Screen Glendale
Soviets Dexter Retrograde Central
E. Germans Dee- Dee Attack Republic
AT Weapon Scooby Feint Nixa
AP Mines Shaggy Defend Mobile Ozark
AT Mines Johnny MTC Rogersville
Troop Transport Buggs Pursue Bolívar
Armored Vehicle Elmer Pulse Joplin
Scout Vehicle (Light Skin) Shrek Defend Area Rolla
Motorcycle Fiona Swarming Attack Camdenton
Small Arms Daffy Patrol Base Tulsa
Civilians Donald Secure Dallas
REQUESTS RESPONSES

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III. Basic Radio Principals

A. FM Tactical Radios

The radios you will use at East Wind operate using Frequency Modulation (FM) in
the UHF or VHF bands. Frequency modulation is the process of varying the
frequency (rather than the amplitude) of the carrier signal in accordance with the
variations of the modulating signals. A radio set consists basically of a transmitter
and a receiver. The transmitter contains an oscillator which generates radio
frequency (RF) energy include a source of electrical power and an antenna for
radiation and reception of radio waves. After an RF signal has been generated and
amplified in the transmitter, it is radiated into space by an antenna. At the distant
station, a receiving antenna is used to receive the signal.

Within the radio frequency spectrum, radio frequencies are divided into groups or
bands of frequencies. Most tactical radio sets operate within a 30 to88MHz range
within the frequency spectrum.

1. Radio Wave Propagation

There are two principal paths by which tactical radio waves travel from a
transmitter to the receiver. One is by ground wave which travels directly
from the transmitter to the receiver. The other is by sky wave which travels
up to the ionosphere and is refracted (bent downward) back to the Earth.
Short distance and all UHF and upper VHF transmissions are by ground
waves. Long distance transmission is principally by sky wave.

2. Ground Wave

Ground wave propagation is affected by the electrical characteristics of the

Earth and by the amount of diffraction (bending) of the waves along the
curvature of the Earth. The strength of the ground wave at the receiver
depends on the power output and frequency of the transmitter, the shape and
conductivity of Earth along the transmission path, and the local weather
conditions.

A ground wave radio signal is made up from a number of constituents. If the

antennas are in the line of sight then there will be a direct wave as well as a
reflected signal. As the names suggest the direct signal is one that travels
directly between the two antenna and is not affected by the locality. There
will also be a reflected signal as the transmission will be reflected by a
number of objects including the earth's surface and any hills, or large
buildings. That may be present.

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In addition to this there is surface wave. This tends to follow the curvature of
the Earth.

Beyond the horizon the direct and reflected waves are blocked by the
curvature of the Earth, and the signal is purely made up from the diffracted
surface wave. It is for this reason that surface wave is commonly called
ground wave propagation.

The surface wave is also very dependent upon the nature of the ground over
which the signal travels. Ground conductivity, terrain roughness and the
dielectric constant all affect the signal attenuation.

The type of antenna and its polarization has a major effect on ground wave
propagation. Vertical polarization is subject to considerably less attenuation
than horizontally polarized signals.

The direct wave is that part of the radio wave which travels direct from the
transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna. This part of the wave is limited
to the line-of-sight (LOS) distance between the transmitting and receiving
antennas, plus the small distance added by atmospheric refraction and
diffraction of the wave around the curvature of the Earth. This distance can
be extended by increasing the height of either the transmitting or the
receiving antenna, or both. The surface wave, which follows the curvature of
the Earth, is that part of the ground wave which is affected by the
conductivity and dielectric constant of the earth.

The ground reflected wave is that portion of the radio wave which reaches
the receiving antenna after being reflected from the surface of the earth.
Cancellation of the radio signal can occur when the ground reflected
component and the direct wave component arrive at the receiving antenna at
the same time and are 180° out of phase with each other. (Fresnel Zone)

Knowing where the receiving antenna is in relation to where you are

transmitting from allows the RATELO to make simple deductions on
propagation using a map. If for instance the map shows that a large hill is
somewhere between you and the receiving antenna a lateral or vertical
movement of just a few meters may allow the surface wave to reach the other
antenna. Knowing about the characteristics ground wave also means that

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you can position yourself carefully in a valley and get traffic through that you
would otherwise not be able to.

B. Antennas

The function of an antenna depends on whether it is transmitting or receiving. A

transmitting antenna transforms the output RF energy produced by a radio transmitter
(RF output power) into an electromagnetic field that is radiated through space. In
other words, the transmitting antenna converts energy from one form to another form.
The receiving antenna reverses this process. It transforms the electromagnetic field
into RF energy which is delivered to a radio receiver.

The type of terrain between two field radio sets determines ground conductivity and
affects the ground wave. Flat prairie country has high conductivity and there is little
absorption of the ground-wave by the earth.

Large bodies of water also have high conductivity. Mountainous, rugged, and broken
country usually has low conductivity. In areas where there are large mineral deposits,
and in deep ravines and valleys, the ground-wave may be absorbed completely by the
soil.

Large terrain obstructions between the transmitting and receiving stations reduce the
reliability of radio transmissions. However understanding the radiating properties of
the antenna you are using can mitigate some issues.

1. Radiation Patterns

The radio signals radiated by an antenna form an electromagnetic field having a

definite pattern, depending on the type of antenna used. This radiation pattern is
used to show the directional characteristics of an antenna. A vertical antenna
theoretically radiates energy equally in all directions (omnidirectional); a
horizontal antenna is mainly bidirectional. There are also uni-directional
antennas. These antennas theoretically radiate energy in one direction. In
practice, however, the patterns usually are distorted by nearby obstructions or
terrain features.

2. Polarization

The polarization of a radiated wave is determined by the direction of the lines of

force making up an electric field. If the lines of electric force are at right angles
to the surface of the Earth, the wave is said to be vertically polarized. The
antennas in use at East Wind are vertically polarized. This is important to
remember under difficult communications conditions.

Simple vertical wave antennas are used to provide omnidirectional (in all
directions) communications. This is desirable in communicating with a moving
vehicle. Its disadvantage is that it radiates equally to the enemy and friendly
forces.

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The local terrain determines, in part, the radiation pattern and, therefore, affects
the directivity of the antenna and the possible range of the set in the desired
direction. If possible, several variations in the physical position of the antenna
should be tried to determine the best operating position to radiate the greatest
amount of energy in the desired direction.

The reliability of radio communications depends largely on the selection of a

good radio site. Since it is very difficult to select a site for a radio that satisfies all
the technical, tactical, and security requirements, we compromise and select the
best site of all those available. It is also good planning to select both a primary
site and an alternate site. If, for some reason, radio communications cannot be
established and maintained at the primary location, the radio equipment can be
moved a short distance to the alternate site.

C. What does this all mean?

Most tactical radios have matching systems built in so you don’t have to calculate
antenna lengths unless you are building a field expedient antenna. However,
anything you do that alters the electrical length or orientation of the antenna
adversely affects both performance and the health of the radio.

For example, bending antennas over, folding them up, broadcasting with the antenna
touching the ground, or even with the antenna touching wet foliage or broadcasting
with the antenna not upright.

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When the operator or the transmitter is in a position other than vertical to the
ground, the antenna should be adjusted so that it is vertical to the ground. If
the vertical position would reveal the operator’s position, the antenna can be
positioned so that it is horizontal to the ground. In this situation, it is critical
to understand that the direction of communication is broadside to the
antenna.

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IV. Basic Radio Features

A. Handsets
Military handsets are all designed to operate in high noise environments.
The handsets at East Wind fall into two categories:

Noise canceling (H-250, clansman handsets)

 Noise canceling handsets have a microphone element that is
open on two sides so that noise that is equal on both sides of
the element do not cause the diaphragm to move and
therefore help to cancel out loud background noise.

 These work quite well however if you are not paying

attention to what you are doing and you speak to both
openings equally, the noise canceling system will cancel out
your voice and your traffic will not be heard.

Directional (US and German H-33 handsets)

 Work by simply pointing the mic element directly at the
user’s mouth in order to reduce the amount of background
noise that makes it into the mic element.

 When using these, care must be taken to speak directly into

the handset and to orient yourself in a manner which shields
the mic from other noises.

 Also worth pointing out that most of these handsets are quite
old and reliability is frequently suspect.

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Throat and/or Ear/Bone Mic

 Typically garbled or difficult to understand.
 Only real benefit is use with a gasmask.
 Does not work well on personnel with extra padding.
B. Squelch systems

Squelch is a system which turns off the audio output on the radio when there
is no traffic coming in. This saves both battery life and spares you from
being constantly blasted with static.

There are 3 types of squelch systems which you will encounter at East Wind
with the NATO forces

1. Quieting squelch or “old squelch”

Old squelch” relied on the radio listening for the background static to get
overwhelmed by an incoming signal in order to let it know that there
was traffic on the channel. You can hear this yourself by listening to a
radio when no traffic is coming in then hearing the static go silent on the
channel just before the message comes in.

2. Tone squelch or “new squelch”

Frequently, “old squelch” systems would miss weak signals. To
compensate for this designers added a sub- audible tone (a noise you
cannot hear) to the background of transmissions that signals the
receiving radio to open its squelch and receive traffic.

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This improved communications a great deal but was not backwards

compatible with the old system. Old squelch radios will receive
messages from new squelch radios however the new squelch radios will
not open their squelch systems for the old squelch radio since it lacks the
required tone.

Some new squelch radios will have a switch which allows them to
operate in old squelch mode however the system can only operate in
either new or old squelch modes not both at the same time.

2. Hybrid squelch
Hybrid squelch solved the interoperability issues. Hybrid squelch opens
the channel for either the tone from a new squelch system OR the
quieting of the channel from an old squelch system. Hybrid systems can
intercommunicate with both old and new squelch systems seamlessly.

C. Tactical manpack antennas

Most military radios will come with multiple antennas so that the radio can
be configured to operate efficiently in multiple roles. The antennas common
seen are:

1. Rubber Duck
Rubber duck antennas are fitted to smaller squad type radios. They are
short and flexible and don’t get in the way much. Most are intended to
attenuate the radios signal (absorb a sizable portion of it) in order to
try to limit the range of the radio to appox 400-600 meters. This is
done in order to reduce the radios emissions and make it harder to
detect and track.

2. Ribbon or short mast antennas

Ribbon or short mast antennas are one step up from the rubber ducks.
They do not attenuate the signal and are inherently more efficient that
the duck antennas and as such provide better range and reception.

They are flexible enough to not get hung up on everything and can
take a real beating in the field without trouble. Most of you carrying
the manpack radios will use these antennas most of the time.

3. Long mast antennas

Long mast antennas are rigid sectional fishing pole type antennas that
attach to a rigid base. These antennas are a great deal more efficient
than the ribbons however, they are hard to use while mobile and are
therefore mostly employed from stationary positions.

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V. Summary of best practices for RATELOs

 Position radio high on back this creates less back fatigue and elevates
radio slightly to improve performance.

 Keep antenna straight upright as much as possible for better send and
receive performance.

 Position handset where you can hear it easily and you can speak
directly into the mic. Be careful of poor positioning causing you to
speak to both sides of a noise canceling mic.

 Know your route, know where you are, know the terrain between you
and who you need to talk to so that you can take actions as needed to
get messages through.

 Take the time to memorize key terms on the SOI card so that you can
rapidly send messages without needing to reference the SOI card.

 Memorize all the standard report formats. Write out messages before
you send them to pass traffic smoothly and efficiently.

 On contact, the FIRST thing you do is call in “Contact, wait out”. Do

not forget this since it lets others know you are in a fight and gets help
queued up and ready to move to bail you out. Before you shoot,
before you maneuver on the enemy, before you break contact, call
it in. You can send more later but for now at least make sure higher
knows you are in a fight.

 Speak slowly and with an easy rhythm so that the receiving operator
can write down what you are sending.

 Write down all messages you receive.

 Keep a sanitized “field” notebook that has reduced value to the enemy
if you are captured.

 Use random pages in your notebook in no particular order, never throw

out information, use your “field” notebook for everything mundane
from grocery lists at home to poems about your cat but keep important
tactical information hidden in the volumes of crap.

 Stick close to your squad leader. Try to mentally anticipate things he

will want or need to send up and stay one step ahead to keep things
running smoothly.

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 If you hear a unit trying to reach another unit and failing try to relay
traffic for them.

 Check your batteries before you step off.

 Be sure to turn off you radio when you return so you don’t waste
batteries.

 Carry extra batteries on longer duration missions or better still get

someone else to carry them for you.

 Conduct a radio check prior to step off.

 Choose your radio based on your mission type. For shorter patrols,
the squad sized radio might be a good fit, for longer missions
operating at greater distances, the larger radio will likely work better.

 Practice, practice, practice. Practice before you come to East Wind,

practice at East Wind, practice once you go home.

VI. Radios by Nationality

A. US Radios
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1. PRC-77

 Manpack portable radio that is the current of US tactical

comms from the late 60s up through today.
 30-79.95 MHz manually tuned
 Power output of between 1.5 to 3 watts
 New squelch operation
 Very reliable
 Most squads will be issued 1 PRC-77
 Most RATELOs will use the PRC-77 most of the time.
 With the addition of the AM-2060 amplifier power supply,
the PRC-77 becomes the VRC-46 vehicle radio. (One is
fitted in the NATO commo shelter)

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2. PRC-68a

 Smaller “squad” radio primarily intended for short range

communication.
 30-88 MHz pre-programmed into 10 channels
 Power output of between 0.6 and 1.5 watts
 Hybrid squelch operation
 Comes in pouch with 1 rubber duck and 1 ribbon antenna
 Reliable and popular for shorter ranged comms but not the
equal to the PRC-77.
 Most squads will be issued 1 PRC-68a. Generally the
squad leaders carry the PRC-68a if the Ratelo is carrying
the PRC-77 on longer missions in order to provide back up
comms and intercommunication with other NATO forces
since the 68a can receive old squelch traffic.

3. VRC-12 Series Radios

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 The VRC-12 is a larger vehicle/base station radio

 30-79.95 MHz manually or automatically tunes
 New OR Old squelch operation (but not both at the same
time)
 Selectable between low and high power modes
 Power output between 5 and 70 watts
 Most US vehicles are fitted with the VRC-12 series radios.
 NATO Commo shelter has 1 VRC-12 system.

4. URC-111V Radio

 Forward air controller radio used in the commo shelter to

intercommunicate with all NATO units at once and give us
the ability to speak directly to supporting aircraft.
 30-88 MHz and 200-399.995 MHz FM or AM mode.
 Power output (selectable) of either 2 or 5 watts.

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 Hybrid squelch operation means the URC-111V is the only

radio in the HQ that can speak seamlessly to all other East
Wind radios in the field (Warpac or NATO).

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B. UK Radios

1. PRC-351

 Slightly newer and more modern UK equivalent to the US

PRC-77.
 30-76 MHz manually tuned
 4 – 5 watts output
 New squelch operation
 Features two volume settings, loud or whisper which
allows you to effectively communicate at a whisper.
 Can be fitted to vehicles (and is installed in Ferret)

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2. PRC-350

 Cost reduced (to the UK Govt) alternative to the PRC-351.

 36-57 MHz
 2 watts output
 New squelch operation
 Features two volume settings, loud or whisper which
allows you to effectively communicate at a whisper.
 While these are the “cost reduced” radios they have largely
proven more reliable and popular than the PRC-351.
 As a UK RATELO, you will likely use the PRC-350 most
of the time.

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3. PRC-349

 Smaller squad radio that performs a similar role as the

PRC-68 series in the US Army.
 37-46.95 MHz operation
 1-1.5 watts output.
 New squelch operation
 Features two volume settings, loud or whisper which
allows you to effectively communicate at a whisper.
 Frequently carried by UK infantry as a direct link to nearby
armor.

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C. West German Radios

1. SEM-35

 West German equivalent to the US PRC-77

 26-70 MHz
 0.15 – 1.5 watts (selectable) power output
 Old Squelch operation
 The SEM-35 is one of the heaviest infantry radios we have
and with it being only Old Squelch it is one of the hardest
sets we have to communicate with. That said it is a
WILDLY capable radio that is able to talk literally
thousands of miles under the right conditions. Dial it down
into the lower reaches of its frequency range and you’ll
likely pick up Panamanian taxi drivers, HAM operators
from the Czech Republic etc.
 SEM-35 radios all use the older H-33 handsets. Many of
the US ones we have were made in the 50s and reliability
on these old handsets can be low. If at all possible, you
want to use the later German made green handsets that are
a little newer (most from the 70s – early 80s). Regardless
of which ones you use, you will need to make sure that you
speak directly into the handset and talk louder than you
would likely want to talk in order to get your message
through.
 As a West German RATELO, you’ll likely mostly use the
SEM-35 on longer duration missions.
 You will find that traffic to HQ should flow fairly smoothly
however attempts to speak directly to other NATO units in
the field will likely not succeed due to the German radios
being the only ones still operating on old squelch.

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2. SEM-52 Series

 West German squad radios that fill the same role as the US
PRC-68 or UK PRC-349 radios.
 These are available as either the SEM-52A or the SEM-
52S. The A radios are fixed channel sets that use a bone
conducting headset while the S is programmable and has an
internal speaker-mic.
 46-57MHz either fixed (A model) or programmable (S
model)
 Power output is 1 – 1.5 watts
 Old squelch operation
 These are VERY capable little radios but the A model can
be tricky to use since replacement headsets are not
available and most of the originals are getting a little
ragged out. Much like the SEM-35, you need to speak
rather forcefully at them in order to get messages through.
 Again, like the SEM-35, traffic to HQ should flow fairly
smoothly however attempts to speak directly to other
NATO units in the field will likely not succeed due to the
German radios being the only ones still operating on old
squelch.

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