Common Core: Communications/Comms Security Material Systems

Question 1

What is Communications Security (COMSEC) and the role of the EKMS Local Element?

Answer 1

All personnel in the LE are responsible to the CO for COMSEC. The LE is responsible for the proper accountability, security, control, and disposition of COMSEC material.

Question 2

What is Two-Person Integrity (TPI) and how does it relate to COMSEC?

Answer 2

TPI is a system of handling and storing designed to not allow single-person access to certain COMSEC material.

Question 3

What is Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI)?

Answer 3

CCI are secure telecommunications or information handling equipment, or associated cryptographic component, which is unclassified but controlled.

Question 4

What is Physical Security?

Answer 4

Physical measures designed to safeguard COMSEC material or information from being accessed or intercepted by unauthorized users.

Question 5

What are Practices Dangerous to Security (PDS)?

Answer 5

PDSs are practices that have the potential to jeopardize the security of COMSEC material if allowed to perpetuate.

Question 6

What are Emergency Action Plans/Emergency Destruction Plan (EAP/EDP)?

Answer 6

EAP/EDP prescribes policy and procedures for planning, protecting, and destroying COMSEC material during emergency conditions.

Question 7

What is a Data Transfer Device (DTD)?

Answer 7

DTD is used to securely distribute key generated by the LMD/KP to consumers. The consumers are either an end cryptographic unit (ECU) or another DTD.

Question 8

What is are the 3 COMSEC Incident categories?

Answer 8

1. Cryptographic
2. Personnel
3. Physical

Question 9

Explain the three types of “Supersessions”.

Answer 9

Supersession refers to a time when COMSEC material is no longer eligible for use.

1. Regular: based on a specific, pre-determined time
2. Irregular: occurs as the result of use
3. Emergency: unplanned, usually a result of compromise

Question 10

What is the function and contents of Communications Electronic Operating Instructions (CEOI)?

Answer 10

CEOI contains the technical guidance required to establish and maintain communications support of operations.

• Call sign assignments
• Frequency assignments
• Radio guard charts
• Radio Net identifiers
• and various others

Question 11

What are Essential Elements of Friendly Information (EEFI)?

Answer 11

EEFI are specific facts about friendly intentions, capabilities, and activities needed by adversaries to plan and execute effective operations against our forces.

Question 12

What are Commander’s Critical Information Requirements (CCIRs)

Answer 12

1. Information about the enemy
2. Information about the environment
3. Information about friendly forces

Question 13

What is Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I)?

Answer 13

The Global Command and Control System (GCCS) implements the joint C4I for the warrior concept. Designed for the capability to move any joint force anywhere and provide the necessary information.

Question 14

What is the primary tactical radio used by your unit and what man-pack is used during infantry operations?

Answer 14

The AN/PRC-119 with a range of 8km.

Question 15

What is the function of the Single Channel Ground Air Radio System?

Answer 15

The SINCGARS are a family of lightweight combat radios that serve as the primary means of communications for C2 and fire support on the battlefield.

Question 16

Identify the following for the “Radio” Receiver-Transmitter (RT) AN/PRC 152: Characteristics, frequency range, configuration, antennas, and power sources.

Answer 16

• 8 Presets for Single Channel, 6 for Frequency Hopping
• Digital tuning and visual display
• Frequency range: 2320 SC
• 9:1 Duty cycle
• 10-30 hrs of battery

Question 17

What is the purpose of a retransmission (RETRANS) site?

Answer 17

To create a chain of LOS to transmit a signal around obstacles.

Question 18

Identify the following for the “Radio” Receiver-Transmitter (RT) 1949 AN/PRC 117G: Characteristics, frequency range, configuration, antennas, and power sources.

Answer 18

• Long range voice and data secure
• No external encryption required
• Range: 30-2000 MHz

Question 19

Identify the following for the RF-310M-HH Suite B Multiband Handheld Radio: Characteristics, frequency range, configuration, antennas, and power sources.

Answer 19

• Range: 30-512MHz

Question 20

Explain the function of a Satellite Signals Navigation set (AN/PSN 11).

Answer 20

1) Determine position using GPS.

2) Uses GPS to determine accurate time

Question 21

Explain the function of a Simple Key Loader (AN/PYQ-10).

Answer 21

Capable of receiving, storing, and transferring data between COMMS equipment.

Question 22

What is the proper use of the phonetic alphabet, numerals, and prowords?

Answer 22

ALFA-ZULU

Question 23

What is Line of Sight (LOS)?

Answer 23

LOS is a straight line path between two radios that is required for best communication.

Question 24

What is the purpose of a challenge and password?

Answer 24

To determine who is allowed access. Challenge and Password set daily and expressed in full sentences.

Question 25

What is EKMS?

Answer 25

Electronic Key Management System

Question 26

What material requires TPI at the EKMS Manager Level?

Answer 26

- All Top Secret keying material marked as CRYPTO. | - Fill Devices (FDs) or other physical media storing unencrypted Top Secret Key.

Question 27

Emergency Destruction Planning

Answer 27

COMSEC material which may require destruction are: COMSEC keying material, COMSEC-related material, and equipment.

Question 28

Who is the CISO?

Answer 28

Communications Information System Officer (S6)