P10-46 Procedure: Radio checks

Initiating radio checks

Radio checks are initiated by the station that is the most senior or highest ranking on the respective net by stating the channel, the callsign and asking for a radio check. Afterwards the callsigns respond in the same order as on the ORBAT by stating their callsign (or name on fireteam nets) and acknowledging the check. The radio check is ended again by the initiating station by acknowledging the checks.

 

Weak signals and non-reponsive callsigns

If a callsign is not responding, they will be skipped and the next station in line will just proceed with their check. If someone is indicating that he is only receiving such a weak signal that he doesn’t understand the traffic, the radio check will be continued as normal afterwards, so the highest ranking station can follow this up after the check.

 

Examples

Fireteam level without problems:

This example will cover a Fireteam, 1-1, net on channel 251, with the members (in the order of the ORBAT) Joe (FTL), Tom, Andrew and Mitch. The check might be as simple as the following:

 

Joe (Team Leader): 1-1, this is Joe, give me a radio check on channel 251.

Tom: Tom, ROGER.

Andrew: Andrew, ROGER.

Mitch: Mitch, ROGER.

Joe: ROGER, radio check complete, OUT.

 

Now the team leader knows that all of his subordinates are on the correct channel and they can start/continue the mission. This check is best done before stepping off on mission, and once all members of the team have arrived.

 

Company level with one callsign not properly receiving and one unresponsive callsign:

This example will cover a Company net on channel 40 consisting of Outlaw, Phoenix, Lightning, Hammer, and Anvil. However Phoenix is only receiving a weak signal and cannot understand what Outlaw wants and Hammer is unresponsive:

 

Outlaw: Channel 40, this is Outlaw, radio check.

Phoenix: This is Phoenix, weak readable.

Lightning: This is Lightning, ROGER, OUT.

Hammer: (Hammer is not answering even after 5 seconds)

Anvil: This is Anvil, ROGER, OUT.

Outlaw: Channel 40, this is Outlaw, ROGER, OUT.

 

Now Outlaw knows that Lightning is on the correct channel but out of range and that a follow up on Hammers status is needed.

 

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CREDITS
This SOP has been contributed to by 1 editors:
Major James

REFERENCES
UNITAF Standard Operating procedures (SOP) are adapted primarly from US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Our written and audio procedures are a combination of the following primary source materials, as well as our own learnings, modifications and adaptations:
- US Army Techniques Publication, Infantry Platoon and Squad (ATP 3-21.8)
- Soldier’s Manual of Common Tasks Warrior Leader Skills Level 2, 3, and 4 (STP 21-24-SMCT)
- The Warrior Ethos and Soldier Combat Skills (FM 3-21.75 / FM 21-75)
- Leadership Development (FM 6-22)
- Dyslexi's Tactics, Techniques, & Procedures for Arma 3 (TTP3)

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