What is command & control (C2)?
“The exercise of authority and direction by a designated Commander to accomplish a mission.” MCDP 6, PG 1-7
What is communication?
The process of converting data into a signal, passing that signal to the distant point, and at the destination converting the energy into data that can be used to make decisions.
Communication enables command and control.
Describe the properties of radio waves
Radio Wave: A rhythmic stream of continuous Electromagnetic waves which conveys information
Amplitude: STRENGTH, measured in volts, visualized as a wave’s height
Wavelength: DISTANCE between crests of a wave
Frequency: number of REPETITIONS given a period of time.
◦ Lower frequencies have longer wavelengths
◦ Higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths
◦ Modulation: The impressing of information upon and transmission medium
What are the different types of antennas?
- Omnidirectional (360 direction shoot)
◦ Good for tactical, mobile directions - Bidirectional (two different directions)
- Directional (one direction)
What are the different types of radio frequencies?
- HF = High Frequency
◦ Wavelength: 10-100 meters
◦ Travel long long distances so great for distance - VHF: Very High Frequency
◦ Wavelength: 1-10 meters
◦ 30=89.99 MHz
◦ Platoon level comms - UHF: Ultra High Frequency
◦ Wavelength: < 1 meters
◦ Line of sight usage (primarily for communicating with air)
Explain radio etiquette terms
- “Break”
◦ Use when your transmission is longer than 4 seconds. sure you un-key the handset after saying it - “Over”
◦ Use when you are done with your entire transmission and expect a response - “Out”
◦ Used by initiator when all traffic is complete - “Say again vs. Repeat”
◦ Use for when you do not understand transmission. Repeat is used only for Fire missions - “Roger”
◦ Use when understand or copy the traffic - “Affirm & Negative”
◦ Used to confirm or deny - Call Signs
◦ Enlisted = Phonetic Alphabet/rank/letter
‣ Echo
◦ Officer = Phonetic Alphabet/rank/letter
‣ Oscar
