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 . . .

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.

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.

  1. Listen BEFORE transmitting, ALWAYS.
  2. COOPERATE.  Be prepared to offer assistance.  However, remain off the air unless it is clearly determined that your stations services are needed.
  3. 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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