Chapter 19. Communications

Tactical Radio Use

Radio use by the PLI can bring about victory or confusion. The following rules must be adhered to by all members to keep communications free.

Say what you have to say succinctly.
Avoid lengthy conversations.
Do not play on the radio.
Use codes where appropriate.
Use appropriate phonetics as below

CARDINAL RULE OF COMMUNICATIONS:

Say what you have to say and get off the air.

Phonetic Alphabet:

Letter	Military	Civilian	Letter	Military	Civilian
A	Alpha	Adam	N	November	Nora
B	Bravo	Boy	O	Oscar	Ocean
C	Charlie	Charles	P	Papa	Paul
D	Delta	David	Q	Quebec	Queen
E	Echo	Edward	R	Romeo	Roger
F	Foxtrot	Frank	S	Sierra	Sam
G	Golf	George	T	Tango	Tom
H	Hotel	Henry	U	Uniform	Union
I	India	Ida	V	Victor	Victor
J	Juliet	John	W	Whiskey	William
K	Kilo	King	X	X-Ray	X-ray
L	Lima	Lincoln	Y	Yankee	Young
M	Mike	Mary	Z	Zulu	Zebra

Ten Codes

All members must memorize and be prepared to use the following ten codes to codify and facilitate enhanced communications.

10-0 Exercise extreme caution
10-1 How do you read me?
10-2 Unable to read.
10-4 Okay
10-5 Transfer
5-5 I read you good
10-6 Standby
10-7 Hit/Eliminated
10-8 In service/ revived from hit/elimination
10-9 Repeat
10-10 Take a break
10-12 Assault/Attack
10-13 Reconnaissance
10-14 Escort
10-16 Investigate
10-18 Under Attack
10-20 Location
10-38 Minor Injury
10-46 Medical Emergency
10-47 Explosion
10-58 Missing man
10-62 Pickup
10-63 Meet at a certain location
10-69 Main compound or event center
10-74 Disregard
10-75 Flag Base
10-76 Listening Post
10-78 Defensive Position

When in the field, use of proper ten codes is preferred; HOWEVER, it is more important to be properly understood by everyone than to "sound cool" on the radio. If you cannot remember or don't know the appropriate code, go to clear english!

�Communications dominate war; broadly considered, they are the most important single element in strategy, political or military.�
Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan

Command Net Radio Frequencies

Radio frequencies will be determined on an event by event basis. These frequencies will include one primary operations channel with three alternates. In addition, two command net frequencies will be established with three alternates.

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THESE FREQUENCIES REMAIN SECRET!

Any member captured with a radio should endeavor to change its frequency. No member shall give out the frequencies for an event to any non-member for any reason without command staff approval.

�Consult with many on proper measures to be taken, but communicate the plans you intend to put in execution to few, and those only of the most assured fidelity. Or better, trust no one but yourself.�

Flavius Vegetius Renatus

Silent Communications

All members must be familiar with the appropriate American Sign Language hand signals for the basic execution of the squad and platoon drill. Members should also know the hand signals for number up to 10. The ability to silently communicate is an asset that cannot be overlooked or forfeited. These signs are presented here in concise form and in more detail on the next two pages. The added benefit of knowledge of ASL is obvious.

Required Knowledge: I,E,T,A,B,C,D,E,F,Z,R,L,S