The Mission of the CAP Communications Program is . . .
. . . to organize and maintain a Reliable, Nationwide, Point-to-Point, Air-to-Ground, and ground mobile radio capability in support of the Mission of CAP.
The Primary Purpose . . .
. . . of any CAP communications facility is to provide the commander with the means of controlling his/her units and their activities. In addition, it provides the commander at each echelon the ability to communicate with superior and subordinate commanders.
The Basic Principles of CAP Communications . . .
1.
Survivability
2.
Reliability
3.
Flexibility
4.
Maintainability
5.
Speed
CAP Communications Facilities are used in support of many operations . . .
- Emergencies - (SAR, Preparedness, Disaster Relief, Augment Comm services, U.S. Air Force)
- Flying - (Communicating with CAP aircraft)
- Administration - (Day-to-Day CAP Admin. support)
- Training - (Familiarization & practice of CAP communications)
- Support
to Other Agencies -
(MOU's with Federal, State & Local governments &
agencies)
Group 3 VHF Net
The Group3 VHF Net is held Monday thru Thursday on Channel 6. Everyone with a CAP radio is encouraged to participate.
A Personal Objective . . .
As an active mission qualified (MRO/CUL) CAP member and a licensed "Ham Radio" operator, it is my intention to share my knowledge and interest in radio communications to those of you that are interested in learning different aspects of communications. This sharing of information will be primarily focused on CAP radio communications, but will also include other areas as well.
With everyone today using email and cell phones, you might think
"why is radio communication important anymore?" The answer is
that the Mission Base staff needs to be able to communicate with Air
& Ground assets during a mission, since email is not practical and
cell phones can't be used in the aircraft.
Also, during a Disaster situation such as Hurricane Katrina or
any other wide area event, normal communication methods may not be
available over a large area and for a long period of time. 2-way
radio communication assets can be set up anywhere, at any time.
Remember This . . .
We are using
U.S. Air Force (DOD) radio frequencies, so it is imperative that we
conduct ourselves in a professional manor when using our radios.
There is always somebody listening on scanners, including the news
media.
In accordance with ICS/NIMS procedures and CAPR 100-3
(1-7a), "Code Words" are NOT authorized, however, during a Real
mission, please use discretion transmitting details of a FIND; as
family members could be listening.
Basic Radiotelephone Procedures . . .
The following are procedures that EVERY Mission Radio Operator, Ground Team member, Individual operator and even Pilots/Observers need to adhere to when using CAP frequencies and radios.
- Listen BEFORE transmitting.
- Clearly enunciate all words.
- Stay calm; talk normally; don't shout and don't talk real fast.
- Begin transmission with THIS IS TN CAP ### or THIS IS TRAINING MISSION BASE, or other appropriate Tactical or Functional Callsign.
- End transmission with correct Proword: OVER, OUT, WAIT, WAIT OUT, etc. . .
- Identify station at beginning and end of communication and at least once per hour.
- PAUSE between transmissions for Emergency break-ins.
- Use CAP PROWORDS, not Ham radio "Q" or "Z" signals or CB/Police 10-codes.
- Review Formal Messages prior to transmission.
- If there is a Net Control Station (NCS) on the frequency, ALL stations MUST get permission from NCS BEFORE proceding with any additional transmissions.
Radio Operator's Responsibility . . .
Radio Operators involved under any conditions of Emergency or
Distress communications will adhere to the following THREE basic rules
of operating procedures.
- Listen BEFORE transmitting, ALWAYS.
- COOPERATE. Be prepared to offer assistance. However, remain off the air unless it is clearly determined that your stations services are needed.
- See Rule 1.
What does an ELT sound like?
ELT 1 | ELT 2 | ELT 3
Additional Communications Resources
Comm Page 1 | Comm Page 2 | Comm Page 3 | Comm Page 4 | Comm Page 5
Communications Links | Communications Forms & Documents

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