Amateur Tactical Operation

By Jeff Schmidt N5MNW

Hams have, for years, been assisting cross-country foot and bike races, parades, etc. No other radio service provides the coverage, bandwidth, reliability and affordability that Amateur Radio does (hard to beat free). Hams also are well known for their disciplined ability to communicate efficiently.

Operation during times of emergency or time-critical situations is called- Tactical Operations. A different set of operational techniques is used to smooth the flow of information to and from points in the affected area.

In “normal” Amateur communications, we are not pressed for time and will often chat for long periods of time about nothing in particular. Certain “normal” practices become a hindrance to quick, efficient passing of information.

A change in methods is warranted when there is a sense of urgency in our communications. Local ARES groups hold regularly-scheduled “Nets” to practice this disciplined operation for just this reason. The National Traffic System is devoted to the efficient passing of formal message traffic and has many procedures and tools to aid in error-free handling of messages.

One noticeable thing that differentiates “normal” day-to-day operation is that there is usually a single person “in charge” and directing transmissions on the frequency. This station is known as the “Net Control Station” or NCS. People who wish to make communications on the frequency should “check in” with the NCS and follow his/her instructions.

Another difference- Tactical callsigns are often used, such as “Checkpoint One” or “Waterstop Seven”. These “callsigns” are an aid to the NCS and other responders to quickly identify a location. Tactical check-ins are usually taken FIFO (First In, First Out), unless priority is indicated. If numerous check-ins are being taken, indicate priority when you check-in, including low priority.

Tactical callsigns -never- serve as your station’s FCC required ID! You must ID your station according to the minimum stated in Part 95. Add your FCC call on the 2^nd or 3^rd transmission or when you are sure you are making your last transmission. This sequence will become apparent once you get an idea of how a particular net is handled.

Excessive time spent identifying causes unacceptably long transmissions!

Here’s a poor form example:

NCS: “Checkpoint Foxtrot, this is Net Control calling.”

KD5ABC: “Roger, Roger, go ahead, Net Control. This is KD5ABC, that’s Kilowatt Delta Five Alpha Bravo Charlie, Checkpoint Foxtrot, over.”

NCS: “What’s your report?”

KD5ABC: “KD5ABC, Checkpoint Foxtrot reports, nothing to report. This is KD5ABC, that’s Kilowatt Delta Five Alpha Bravo Charlie, clear and monitoring, over and out.”

NCS: “Thank You, Foxtrot, N5NCS”

…Better to say little or nothing at all if you have no report. Can you imagine the frustration of someone trying to make an important transmission during KD5ABC’s monologues?

Here’s an example of better form:

NCS: “Checkpoint Foxtrot, this is Net Control calling.”

KD5ABC: “Foxtrot here, Net, go ahead.”

NCS: “What’s your report?”

KD5ABC: “Nothing here, Net, all clear. KD5ABC”

NCS: “Thank You, Foxtrot, N5NCS”

Notice that FCC regulations are observed in each of these examples. Which is most efficient in terms of time taken vs. information passed?

Also notice that the NCS did not berate or correct the individual on the air. A good NCS will seldom if ever, correct an operator during a tactical situation. Not only will valuable net time be wasted but, an obviously well-intentioned volunteer may be disencouraged. In person after the event or at the “Post Mortem” is the best place for constructive criticism!

There will be times you have important traffic for stations on the Net. Certain words are reserved to indicate levels of urgency. If you have something urgent, state so. Along with your initial break or quick interjection, add “Medical”, “Urgent”, “Priority” or some other appropriate single word to indicate how your traffic should be triaged.

The word “:Break”:

“Break” should be used only when you must disrupt the ongoing conversation. Uttering the phrase “Break, Break” indicates urgency and will be handled appropriately.

The word “Mayday”:

Mayday is the most extreme level of urgency and of course, should ONLY be used when imminent loss of life or property is threatened.

It is vital that everyone remains alert and attentive to calls made on the controlled frequency. It is also important to remain quiet unless you have a real need to make a transmission. That is the hardest thing for some of us chatterboxes to do!

Listen for other stations before calling, especially of you’ve just tuned in to the frequency. Be sure air is clear of more important traffic than yours. Yield to priority. For example, if NCS is assisting medical, delay your check-in to report “all clear” at your location.

When you don’t have critical or time-valued information, it is good practice to leave the frequency as open as possible for priority traffic. Short transmissions and quick, succinct transfer of information is vital to efficient net operations.

-Most Important Thing To Remember-

No one is perfect. Don’t put undue stress on yourself or anyone else to be.

I encourage you to contact an organizer of one or more of the many upcoming communications events. They can always use the help and I know you’ll learn more about the greatest “hobby” ever—The Amateur Radio Service!

73 N5MNW Jeff