Be it civilian radios or military radios, there is etiquette that must be followed. In the Army, much of this etiquette is actually rules that must be followed.
While there are normal Army radio operators who know the etiquette and rules, every Army soldier and officer should know the basic etiquette and rules because at any given time in battle, you may be in a situation where you will have to operate that Army radio.
I am putting several good links in the reference section that can help you understand as much as possible.
In today’s post, I am giving you 10 things you should know about Army radio etiquette.
#1: Slow And Clear
It is best if you speak slow and clearly. Depending on conditions, there can be some interference, so by speaking slowly, the receiver is more apt to understand. Remember, speaking loud does not necessarily help. It can actually cause more confusion.
#2: When Finishing A Message
To let the receiver know you have finished the message, you simply say “Over” and wait for their reply. If you do not expect or need a reply, your say “Out.”
#3: Do Not Interrupt Other Conversations
In some cases, the channel may be used by other units too. Unless you have a dire emergency, allow other messages to be sent before you send your message. If it is an emergency, wait until you hear “Over” and immediately say “Break, Break, Break”, give your call sign and say “I have an Emergency Message for (recipient), Do You Copy? Over!
#4: Precedence
In any Army call, you must give precedence. There are 4 types:
- Flash (For initial enemy contact reports).
- Immediate (Situations which greatly affect the security of national and allied forces).
- Priority (Important message over routine traffic).
- Routine (All types of messages that are not urgent).
#5: Proper Message Format
There is a format that should always be followed:
- Identify first the station you are calling.
- Identify your unit.
- Transmission instructions which could be relay to, read back or do not answer.
- Precedence… #4
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#6: Should Know…
All units and all potential radio operators should have a copy of ATP 6-02.53.
It should be studied carefully to ensure proper Army radio etiquette.
#7: Never Use Radio Without…
A radio operator is to not use that radio unless he/she has an order to do so from a superior officer.
The story was told about a radio test being given. The soldier was asked what he should do if he saw a mechanized unit driving into a known minefield. When he said he would “Camm them to give a warning,” he found himself in hot water.
The answer is do nothing. The unit would find out soon enough and it could cost lives. But “Camming the radio” could cost more lives.
#8: If Message Not Understood
If you do not understand a message, you simply say “Say Again.” The term “Repeat” should not be used as that is used if additional artillery fire is needed.
#9: Messages Should Be Kept Under 30 Seconds
Every attempt during war should be made to keep radio communications under 30 seconds because:
- The enemy can pinpoint your location.
- They can intercept and listen in.
- Or they can use electronic jamming equipment to disable your communications.
#10: Always Assume
You should always assume the enemy is hearing what you are saying. Unless you are certain your conversations are secured with the proper level of encryption for the level of sensitivity, you should not divulge secret, sensitive information.
Final Thoughts
These are just 10 Army radio etiquette rules. Can you share any more you feel are important?
Leave all comments and questions below.
Thank you and here is a good laugh for you…
References
- http://www.stanag6001.com/radio-communication-rules/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ProjectMilSim/comments/5mp0vz/voice_procedure_how_to_correctly_talk_on_a/
- https://quality2wayradios.com/store/two-way-radio-etiquette
- http://www.soldiercombatskills.com/chapter-11-2-radiotelephone-procedures/
- https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/ARN3871_ATP%206-02.53%20FINAL%20WEB.pdf
- https://forums.spacebattles.com/threads/military-radio-etiquette.227154/
- https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/24-19/Ch5.htm
- https://www.armystudyguide.com/content/army_board_study_guide_topics/communications/prowords-used-in-radio-communication.shtml
About The Author
Greg Boudonck is a full time freelance writer and the author of over 50 books. He served in the United States Army in the early 1980’s and enjoys writing about military subjects. You can see Greg’s books on Amazon by searching his name and you can also visit his website at Lancerlife.com.
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