What is role of “communications security” in maneuver warfare?
“It’s role within maneuver warfare should provide security to deny the enemy knowledge of our true intentions.” (MCDP-6) COMSEC is divided into four areas:
* Crypto security.
* Emission security.
* Physical security.
* Transmission security.
What are the duties of a user of cryptographic controlled items?
In order for a user to handle CCI, a user form must be signed. This form requires the following constraints to be met.
1. A user must acknowledge that they have read and understand CMS-1A and understand the handling, accountability, and disposition requirements of CCI.
2. A user assumes full responsibility for the proper handling, storage, inventorying, accounting, and disposition of CCI.
What is the role of tactical communications in the MAGTF?
Tactical communications is part of the C2 support structure which “aids the people who create, disseminate, and use information.” (MCDP-6) Tactical Communications’ role within the MAGTF is demonstrated by the enabling of information flow throughout all levels of command within the MAGTF. (MCRP 3-30B.2)
How can multiple radio nets be employed to enable command and control?
There are three general categories of radio nets:
1. Operational Nets: established to support the exercise of command and control during combat operations
2. Fires Nets: established to support the request for and direction and coordination of fire support during combat operations
3. Support Nets: established to provide administrative, logistical, and technical support to requesting units during combat operations.
PRC-150 Abilities and Characteristics
Transmission Range: HF Indefinite (power output, atmospheric conditions, and antenna configuration dependant), VHF 0-10 miles.
Frequency Range: (HF, partial low band VHF) 1.6 – 59.999 MHz
Power Output: 1, 5, 20 watts (mode dependent)
Weight: 9.9 lbs. without batteries, 11.35 lbs with batteries.
Crypto Unit: Internal COMSEC (Type I)
- Capable of frequency hopping
- Capable of both voice and data communications
- Capable of fixed frequency HF communications partial low band VHF fixed frequency communications
When would you utilize a PRC-150/HF Frequency?
- Lower HF frequencies can communicate over great distances.
- “From around the corner to around the world”
Define 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
Define Command and Control
“Aids the people who create, disseminate, and use information.” (MCDP-6)
Planning considerations for ground waves
- Position your antenna on the military crest.
- Position your antenna as far back as possible from obstacles in the direction you want to communicate.
- Plan for and be prepared to use relay/retransmission stations.
- Select a scheme of maneuver that allows you to avoid or exploit certain obstacles.
What are the (3) Frequency Spectrums?
- High frequency (HF): 2 to 29.999 MHz
- Very high frequency Low band (VHF Low): 30 to 89.999 MHz
- Ultra high frequency LOS/SATCOM (UHF): 225 to 511.999 MHz
When would you utilize a PRC-117/VHF Frequency?
- Extends slightly beyond line of sight (LOS) due to diffraction or bending of the signal by the atmosphere.
- At frequencies in the 30 MHz range, acts like HF ground waves.
- Range of reliable communications generally no more than 50 km and often depends on the power output, terrain, and atmospheric conditions.
- Most widely used in infantry battalions for ground-to-ground communications
When would you utilize a PRC-152/UHF Frequency?
- Strictly line of sight (LOS).
- Unable to bend around obstacles because UHF wavelengths are so small.
- Range may extend for more than 500 km as long as aircraft is high enough to be within LOS.
- Used for ground-to-air communications and air-to-air communications
What are the transmission/frequency ranges for the PRC-117?
- VHF – 0 to 10 km
- UHF LOS - (20 km to Line of Sight)
- UHF SATCOM- 22,300 miles, (Network and channel access dependent)
- Frequency Range: (VHF, ,UHF, UHF SATCOM) 30 – 511.999 MHz
What are the transmission/frequency ranges for the PRC-152?
- 200m to 400m in lower power setting.
- 400m to 5km in medium power.
- Max range of 5km-7km unless amplified in a vehicular configuration.
PRC-117 Abilities and Characteristics
Transmission Range:
* VHF – 0 to 10 miles
* UHF LOS - (Line of Sight) dependant
* UHF SATCOM- 22,300 miles, (Network and channel access dependent)
Frequency Range: (VHF, ,UHF, UHF SATCOM) 30 – 511.999 MHz
Power Output: 1, 5, 10 Watts (VHF, UHF), 20 Watts (UHF SATCOM)
Weight: 13.8 lbs without batteries, 16.7 lbs. with batteries
PRC-152 Abilities and Characteristics
Transmission Range:
* VHF- 0 to 5 miles.
* UHF LOS - (Line of Sight) dependent
* UHF SATCOM – 22,300 miles dependent on atmospheric conditions
Frequency Range: (VHF, UHF, UHF SATCOM) 30- 511.999 MHz
Power Output: 0.25, 2, 5 watts (50 watts utilizing a power amplifier)
Power Output: 0.25, 2, 5 watts (50 watts utilizing a power amplifier)
Weight: 2.6 lbs. (with battery)
3 ft Blade Antenna VHF Antenna (30-108MHz) (Here at TBS used to talk VHF in FM 30.000-108 MHz)
Whip Antenna VHF/UHF Antenna (30-512MHz) (Here at TBS will be used for UHF communications to talk to Air in AM 225.000 – 512 MHz)
