Radio Comm Etiquette and Jargon

I'm writting this in response to some recent mil-sim events I've attended...where radio etiquette was...non existant.
Hope this helps you get on the air and be a more confident radio operator.

General Operation of "Push-Talk" Radio
-Push the “transmit” button. Wait 2 seconds before speaking.
-Announce your Squad #, then the Squad # of who you wish to transmit to.
-Give your info and get off the air.
(Note: If the radio features an automatic "OVER" beep, do not say "over")
-Wait for the full reply to be transmitted, signaled by an "over" or "over-beep", before transmitting again.
-When finished with all conversation, say “no further”


General Guide to Radio Preparation
1. Have a functioning radio and be sure of it's operational capabilities.
2. Ensure your batteries are charged/new, and your PTT mic and earpieces are functioning.
3. Estabilish useable channels prior to engagement and establish rules for "listening in" on OPFOR radio channels.
4. If using an amatuer HAM radio, be sure to notify repeater owners of mil-sim use at least one week prior.


Radio Etiquette
-When communicating via radio, remember the phrase: “Silence is golden”.
-Keep unnecessary radio traffic off of the air. Always think before you break the radio channel, “Is this traffic going to be beneficial?".
-Always communicate as if someone else is listening. If possible, do not give locations other than map coordinates.
-Do not shout, holler, or scream over the radio. Always speak in a clear, concise, professional tone of voice.
-Always inform the other Squads/Squad Leaders of your movement. If your moving to assist, be sure it is needed.
-NEVER use swear words or phrases that could be offensive. Not only are the inproper etiquette, it is ILLEGAL.


Commonly Used Jargon (Military/AARL)
QSL = Understood (Yes).
QSL? = Do you understand?
411 = SITREP requested (SITREP- Situational report).
Bogey Dope = Request info on OPFOR.
"Pull the plug" = Commence radio silence.
QTH = What is your position (location)?
Commit = Cleared for operation.
Cleared hot (or "Hot) = Cleared to continue objective with minimal engagement.
No Factor = Not a threat
Tango Charlie = Time check (Courtesy of Jarhead999 76 65)
Oscar Mike = On the move (Courtesy of Jarhead999 76 65)

92 Code
Mainly for use with when operating Morse Code. Can be used during voice transmissions, however.
1 = Wait a moment
2 = Important Business
3 = What time is it?
4 = Where shall I go ahead?
5 = Have you business for me?
6 = I am ready
7 = Are you ready?
8 = Close your key; circuit is busy
9 = Close your key for priority business (Wire chief, dispatcher, etc)
10 = Keep this circuit closed
12 = Do you understand?
13 = I understand
14 = What is the weather?
15 = For you and other to copy
17 = Lightning here
18 = What is the trouble?
19 = Form 19 train order
21 = Stop for a meal
22 = Wire test
23 = All copy
24 = Repeat this back
25 = Busy on another wire
26 = Put on ground wire
27 = Priority, very important
28 = Do you get my writing?
29 = Private, deliver in sealed envelope
30 = No more (end)
31 = Form 31 train order
32 = I understand that I am to ...
33 = Car report (Also, answer is paid for)
34 = Message for all officers
35 = You may use my signal to answer this
37 = Diversion (Also, inform all interested)
39 = Important, with priority on thru wire (Also, sleep-car report)
44 = Answer promptly by wire
73 = Best regards
88 = Love and kisses
91 = Superintendent's signal
92 = Deliver promptly
93 = Vice President and General Manager's signals
95 = President's signal
134 = Who is at the key?

Phonetic Alphabet
A Alpha
B Bravo
C Charlie
D Delta
E Echo
F Foxtrot
G Golf
H Hotel
I India
J Juliett
K Kilo
L Lima
M Mike
N November
O Oscar
P Papa
Q Quebec
R Romeo
S Sierra
T Tango
U Uniform
V Victor
W Whiskey
X X-ray
Y Yankee
Z Zulu

Voice Procedure:
"Hello" = Alerts the radio net that someone is about to call someone else.
"This Is (insert callsign)" = Identifies who is calling.
"Over" = Pro Word, meaning that a transmission has finished, and that a response is expected.
"Out" = Pro Word, meaning that a transmission has finished, and that a response is NOT expected.
NOTE: The Pro Words Over and Out are NEVER to be used together, i.e. "Over and out". The two Pro Words are mutually exclusive.
"Send"= I am ready to receive your message.
"Say Again = Means that you didn't hear the message, and, obviously, you want the sender to repeat the message.
"Roger" = Means several things. These include, but are not limited to, "I understand", "Received, understood, and I will do as you say", and so on. Use common sense!
"Execute" = Normally used with a code word, this means that a pre-planned set of actions (orders) are to be performed.
"Out to you" = This means that you have finished talking to the first call sign, and are about to call another call sign.

Fire Control Orders:
Remember GRIT
Group...Example: Fireteam
Range...Example: 100 feet
Indication...Example: One o'clock, sniper in the first floor farmhouse window
Type...Example: Rapid Fire

Types of fire
-Deliberate Fire: Careful, aimed shots each time.
-Rapid: Single shot, but very quick fire.
-Bursts: Short three-to five round automatic burst fire.
-Automatic: or more commonly called Rock 'n' roll!


Direction Indication
Firstly, you need to know the 'clock ray' method of indicating direction. The clock ray method of giving directions is based, unsurprisingly, on the face of an analogue clock. The point of origin is always "12 o'clock", and directions are given relative to this. For instance "eleven o'clock", "Four o'clock", and so on. Giving a field signal over a radio is simple, if you think about it. Where you would normally point, you give a clock position. Where you would normally signal distances, you say the distance.



Report of Signal Strength
5 = LOUD Your signal is very strong.
4 = GOOD Your signal strength is good.
3 = WEAK Your signal strength is weak.
2 = VERY WEAK Your signal strength is very weak.
1 = FADING Your signal strength fades to such an extent that continuous reception cannot be relied upon.

Report of Readability
5 = CLEAR Excellent quality.
4 = READABLE Quality is satisfactory.
3 = UNREADABLE The quality of your transmission is so bad that I cannot read you.
2 = DISTORTED Having trouble reading you because your signal is distorted.
1 = WITH INTERFERENCE Trouble reading due to interference.

Zane's additions:

Quote :

If you do use 2 way radios please don't talk DIRECTLY into the thing...no one can hear you. Also make sure that if your not licensed you stay of the HAM channals as some of the 2 ways do have some HAM channals build in, your going to scare the crap out of someone if you do use the HAM challals for mill sim.

So, in summary, you can send virtually any kind of message over the radio, but you need to THINK about what, and how, you're sending, before pressing that PTT button.
I hope that this short series has been of assistance to you, and that your Airsoft games become a lot more tactical and enjoyable due to this.
Enjoy yourselves, and remember: It's Only A Game!

Im sure I'll keep adding to this as I remember other stuff...feel free to add also.

[Last edited on March 29, 2010]

Question! What does HAM stand for and would the previously stated Jargon neccesarily(sp?) be used during an actual mil-sim event excatly like that?

Ham is an informal term for an amateur radio operator, and, by extension, "ham radio" refers to amateur radio in general. This use of the word first appeared in the United States during the opening decade of the twentieth century — for example, Robert A. Morton in "Wireless Interference", from the April, 1909 Electrician and Mechanic, reported overhearing an amateur radio transmission which included the comment: "Say, do you know the fellow who is putting up a new station out your way? I think he is a ham." However, the term did not gain widespread usage in the United States until around 1920, after which it slowly spread to other English-speaking countries.

And yes, I do believe it is a great addition to mil-sim operations because it really adds a whole new level of realism to the game.

To add to your alphabet, the numbers:

one
two
three
four
five
six
seven
eight
niner
zero

saying niner instead of nine makes it clearer over the radio. Also, I find it very difficult to keep people from revealing specific names, locations, actions, etc. Most people don't understand the importance of being cryptic.

Omega Lambda wrote:

To add to your alphabet, the numbers:

one
two
three
four
five
six
seven
eight
niner
zero

saying niner instead of nine makes it clearer over the radio. Also, I find it very difficult to keep people from revealing specific names, locations, actions, etc. Most people don't understand the importance of being cryptic.

The effect of using 'niner' in replacement of 'nine' is really a matter of opinion (in my opinion ). Radio technology in reducing static interference nowadays have all but erased the need to use it. On another note, I hear 'nil' in replace of 'zero' alot on California nets and have taken to using it in my own transmissions. Then again, I hear expletives alot on California nets too...hahah. Anyways, sorry if I have succeeded in necro posting...but I wanted to expand on the original topic...and I understand we have some new members since the topic's death that may have input. Thanks!

Id like to add somthing if I may, If you do use 2 way radios please don't talk DIRECTLY into the thing...no one can hear you >< Also make sure that if your not licensed you stay of the HAM channals as some of the 2 ways do have some HAM channals build in, your going to scare the "Watch your language" out of someone if you do use the HAM challals for mill sim ^_^

BTW, are you involved with MARS at all Durkee?

Zane wrote:

Id like to add somthing if I may, If you do use 2 way radios please don't talk DIRECTLY into the thing...no one can hear you >< Also make sure that if your not licensed you stay of the HAM channals as some of the 2 ways do have some HAM channals build in, your going to scare the "Watch your language" out of someone if you do use the HAM challals for mill sim ^_^

BTW, are you involved with MARS at all Durkee?

can't say that I am. Is t hat like RACES? I 've heard of MARS somewhere but didnt take the time to research it.

Ill give yuou the easy wiki version of it lol. Ive been looking into it.

Quote :

The Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) is a United States Department of Defense sponsored program, established as a separately managed and operated program by the United States Army, Navy, and Air Force. The program is a civilian auxiliary consisting primarily of licensed amateur radio operators who are interested in assisting the military with communications on a local, national, and international basis as an adjunct to normal communications. The MARS programs also include active duty, reserve, and National Guard units; Navy, Marine Corps, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ships, and Coast Guard cutters and shore stations.[1]

MARS has a long history of providing worldwide auxiliary emergency communications during times of need. The combined three-service MARS programs (Army, Air Force, and Navy–Marine Corps) volunteer force of over 5,000 dedicated and skilled amateur radio operators provide the backbone of the MARS program. The main benefit of MARS membership is enjoying the amateur radio hobby through an ever-expanding horizon of MARS service to the nation. MARS members work by the slogan "Proudly serving those who serve".

Zane wrote:

Ill give yuou the easy wiki version of it lol. Ive been looking into it.

Quote :

The Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) is a United States Department of Defense sponsored program, established as a separately managed and operated program by the United States Army, Navy, and Air Force. The program is a civilian auxiliary consisting primarily of licensed amateur radio operators who are interested in assisting the military with communications on a local, national, and international basis as an adjunct to normal communications. The MARS programs also include active duty, reserve, and National Guard units; Navy, Marine Corps, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ships, and Coast Guard cutters and shore stations.[1]

MARS has a long history of providing worldwide auxiliary emergency communications during times of need. The combined three-service MARS programs (Army, Air Force, and Navy–Marine Corps) volunteer force of over 5,000 dedicated and skilled amateur radio operators provide the backbone of the MARS program. The main benefit of MARS membership is enjoying the amateur radio hobby through an ever-expanding horizon of MARS service to the nation. MARS members work by the slogan "Proudly serving those who serve".

Ah very cool! That would be such a cool program to be apart of. I took part in emergency communications during the major fires in SoCal this year and I deeply enjoyed using my license for something in service of our country. From what I understand, MARS applicants must be 18 years and older Oh well, only a couple years.

Update:

New sections...
-Voice Procedure
-Fire Control Orders:
-Types of fire
-Direction Indication

Here are a few we use in MCJROTC

Tango Charlie = time check
Oscar Mike = on the move

@Durkee
Does FUBAR/SNAFU count as a profanity?

Jarhead999 76 65 wrote:

Here are a few we use in MCJROTC

Tango Charlie = time check
Oscar Mike = on the move

@Durkee
Does FUBAR/SNAFU count as a profanity?

Ah yes, thanks for the jargon additions.

As for FUBAR/SNAFU, eh...its debatable.
They've pretty much become their own words...and you technically don't say any profanity...
...so ya I suppose it's good to go.

Same goes for FNG or any other acronyms.

UPDATE: Jarhead999 76 65's additions added

I'll see if I can think of anymore. I'm having a brain fart at the moment

I thought "Cleared Hot" meant the same as "Open Fire" or "Weapons Free." I may be thinking of the USAF Brevity Code however.

Otherwise, I agree with all of the info present, and have nothing more to add/edit.

br55ftw wrote:

I thought "Cleared Hot" meant the same as "Open Fire" or "Weapons Free." I may be thinking of the USAF Brevity Code however.

I some respects, it does mean "weapons free"...but it implies minimal engagement (operators have freedom to fire, but are to refrain if not completely necessary).
The call of "fire" or "open fire" is a fire control order...which is different than an operation launch control order.

Update:
-Added "92" Code
-Report of Signal Strength
-Report of Readability

Sounds cool, tell me how it goes. it seems to me that MARS is heading on a downhill path..Navy and the Marines dropped it if i remember correctly.

But we see how smug they get if they ever loose thier pretty satalites :p

Hey, Durkee, I have a question for you. Say you were attempting to communicate to another squad in your platoon and your Platoon call sign was Godfather. Your squad would be Godfather One and the squad you wish to communicate would be Godfather Two. Would it be proper to say
"Godfather Two, this is One"?

If it is the first transmission of a conversation, start with your own call then that of the squad you wish to communicate with.

Transmitting party starts with:
"Godfather One to [Godfather] Two."

Then the receiving party will respond with:
"This is Godfather Two, go ahead."

That's known as the initial acknowledgment. Basically its to ensure that you're actually talking to someone before beginning a transmission
I don't feel like I answered your question exactly, tell me if I didn't. Long day.

Well, let me see if I understand this correctly. Say you were Godfather Two and I was One. I would start off with
"Godfather One to Godfather Two" but I could also say "Godfather One to Two", correct? Or would saying "Godfather One to Two" be incorrect?

Jarhead999 76 65 wrote:

Well, let me see if I understand this correctly. Say you were Godfather Two and I was One. I would start off with
"Godfather One to Godfather Two" but I could also say "Godfather One to Two", correct? Or would saying "Godfather One to Two" be incorrect?

Naw that's fine, just not recommended when operating on a shared radio net. When you say "Two", you could be talking to any other "[Callsign] Two" on the frequency.
But ya, it works for airsoft...since I doubt you'll have that many squads on one net.

Okay, got it. Thanks for the info, Durkee!

I have a question also, what is the difference between saying "solid copy" and "roger?" Such as:

"Saber One to Saber Three, over."
"Saber Three here, go ahead."
"Saber Three, we've sighted some possible enemy contacts at your two-o'clock, break. Could you deal with them, we're in kind of a bad position here, over."
"Solid copy, One, we'll get them, out."
OR
"Roger that, One, we'll get them, out."

This thread should be made a Sticky I think....anyone agree?

I agree with that. I think that would be an excellent idea