AAC CADET INSTRUCTOR’S HANDBOOK AAC COMMAND POST COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES 2014 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK i PREFACE Aim 1. The aim of this publication is to provide Cadets with the information/skills required to set up and operate communications in a cadet command post (CP). These procedures are for use in the NT. Level 2. This publication is not the source document however it is to be used as the reference for Cadet communications training. Blank pages have been inserted for doublesided printing. Gender 3. Words importing gender refer to both male and female unless specifically stated otherwise. AMENDMENTS 1. The following promulgated amendments have been made to this publication. Amendment List Number Date Amended By (Print Name and Initials) Date of Amending AAC Cadet Instructor’s Handbook – AAC Command Post Communications Procedures October 2014 CONTENTS Introduction General outline CP construction Staffing Message registration Registration procedure R and D boxes Message handling procedures Shift considerations 1.1 1.2 1.5 1.10 1.12 1.20 1.22 1.25 1.29 AAC Cadet Instructor’s Handbook – AAC Command Post Communications Procedures October 2014 CHAPTER 1 Introduction 1.1 Many AAC activities require some form of command post/HQ where staff/cadets can plan, organise and conduct the activity. The Command Post (CP) will normally contain the OPS staff (the people running the activity) and the SIG staff (the communications). 1.2 This publication will outline the communications procedures to be used. OPS will be detailed in a separate publication. General outline 1.3 The function of the cadet radio operator component of the CP is to accept and deliver incoming and outgoing messages. These can be by hand delivery, radio or telephone. After being accepted, they are registered and delivered either to the OPS staff or transmitted over the radio net. 1.4 It is not the job of the radio operators to perform the functions of OPS. CP construction 1.5 The CP can be established in a room in a building or a tent in the field. 1.6 The stores list for a CP is at annex A. It should be modified to suit the situation. 1.7 The CP box is a convenient way of storing all other requirements. This box is to be requested from the Q Store. A list of contents is at annex B. 1.8 When locating and constructing a CP, consideration should be given to: a. access and egress, b. noise, c. pedestrian or road traffic, d. other distractions, e. operator comfort, and f. sleeping arrangements. 1.9 It should be remembered that radios with speakers can generate a lot of noise and a barrier between other groups may be necessary. Staffing 1.10 Staffing will depend on the number of nets open and the tasking, however, generally the staffing would consist of: a. Two radio operators; and b. One radio clerk. AAC Cadet Instructor’s Handbook – AAC Command Post Communications Procedures October 2014 1.11 The clerk is required so that if the nets are busy, the operators are not taken from their radios thus introducing inefficiency on the nets. The functions of the clerk would typically include: a. filing of messages; b. deliver messages; c. fetching meals/refreshments; and d. other admin duties as required. Message registration 1.12 Only messages which are written down are registered with a number. Others are simply entered into the Log Book. 1.13 Message registration, or numbering, is important so that that message can be referred to or tracked. The system is simple and uses a direction, a sequential number together with the date. th The following example indicates that the message came in over the net and was the 15 message rd on the 23 of the month. This is the number entered into the Radio Operators Log sheet. See annex C. IN 15/23 1.14 A transmitted message would be: OUT 05/23. 1.15 Note that it is possible to have the same number for an incoming message and an outgoing one. The IN/OUT differentiates them as does the column it is entered in the Log Book. 1.16 1.17 There are two method for numbering: a. Each day the number resets, or b. The numbering continues on until the end of the activity. Unit SOPs should indicate which method is preferred. 1.18 The message number is written across the top of the Message Form (OC33) or equivalent. An example is at annex D. 1.19 OPS staff may also include their message number which is part of the transmitted message. This number will appear in the SIG/ORIG NO box on the message form. Registration procedure 1.20 The procedure for registering an incoming message is: a. Once the message has been written down, the details are entered into the Log Book. It is allocated the next number from the MESSAGE NUMBER IN column. b. This number (IN 15/23) is written in the top shaded section of the OC33. c. The message is then delivered to OPS/staff. AAC Cadet Instructor’s Handbook – AAC Command Post Communications Procedures October 2014 1.21 The procedure for transmitting a message is: a. The operator is handed a message to transmit. Just prior to sending the message, an OUT number is written in the top shaded section of the Message Form. This number is obtained from the OUT column of the Log Book. Note that this number is NOT transmitted. b. Once it has been sent, the details are entered into the log. It is not necessary to include all the contents of the message, only the heading/subject, eg, SITREP, MOVREQ etc R and D boxes 1.22 The radio operator must also fill in the boxes at the bottom of the OC33, marked FOR OPS USE. This consists of an R (Received) part and a D (dispatched) part. 1.23 1.24 Each consists of: a. DATE The date sent or received b. TIME The time sent or received c. SYSTEM The method by which it was received or sent, eg, runner (hand delivery), radio, phone. d. OPERATOR The initials of the operator who sent or received it. Only one part is filled in. Message handling procedure 1.25 Once the message has been processed, it should be filed in a folder marked MESSAGES IN or MESSAGES OUT. Depending on the length of the activity, it may or may not be necessary to file these by dates. 1.26 Unit SOPs may require messages and Log Books to be retained for a specified period of time. If so, they are to be enveloped and clearly marked ready for archival processes. Shift rosters 1.27 For extended activities, a shift roster will be necessary. 1.28 Rosters should be drawn up with sufficient time for cadets to identify sleeping areas of the people they need to wake up. A diagram showing where cadets are sleeping should be in the CP together with the roster timings, duties and names. Shift considerations: 1.29 When drawing up the roster, the following factors should be considered: a. The number of cadets/staff available to fill a roster, b. The length of time the activity goes on for, c. The amount of traffic expected during the shifts, and d. The number of radio nets operating AAC Cadet Instructor’s Handbook – AAC Command Post Communications Procedures October 2014 1.30 The amount of time an operator is required to be on duty on a roster will be determined by how many personnel are available. Times may vary between 1 to 2 hours. A shift of 1 hour duration can just have one cadet while a 2 hour shift could use 2 cadets. These would normally be staggered so that handovers are seamless. 1.31 Shifts can be sequential or overlapping if using more that one cadet. 1.32 Depending on the activity and sub-stations deployed, radio checks should be conducted hourly or on the half past, to maintain the net and keep shift personnel awake. 1.33 Talking or movement of shift personnel must not disturb others sleeping. 1.34 Timings would typically be: 0800-1200 1200-1600 1600-2000 2000-2200 2200-2359 0001-0200 0200-0400 0400-0600 0600-0800 Annexes: A. B C. D. CP Stores List CP Box Contents List Radio operators log sheet Message Form OC33 AAC Cadet Instructor’s Handbook – AAC Command Post Communications Procedures October 2014 ANNEX A TO AAC COMMAND POST COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES CP STORES LIST Serial 1 Item Board/canvas with hooks Qty 1 Remarks For clipboards 2 Chairs 3 3 Clock, battery 1 4 Cool water container 1 5 CP Box 1 6 Lamp, CP 1 7 Map board 1 8 Pin board, cork 1 9 Table, folding, large 1 Operator’s table 10 Table, folding, small 1 GP 11 Tent, 11 x 11 1 12 Torch 1 13 Waste paper bin 1 14 White board, small 1 15 Radios Qty As required 16 Antennae Qty As required 17 Radio remote, AN/GRA-39 1 As required 18 Battery, dry cell, D 12 For remote 19 Retrans cable 1 As required 20 Radio, hand held 3 As required 21 Tools Qty With spare batteries With spare batteries Screwdriver, side cutters, pliers, insulation tape AAC Cadet Instructor’s Handbook – AAC Command Post Communications Procedures October 2014 ANNEX B TO AAC COMMAND POST COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES CP Box Contents List Serial 1 Item Clipboard, A4 Qty 3 2 Compass, SILVA 1 3 Envelope, manila, A4 10 4 Envelope, manila, A5 10 5 Folder, manila, A4 10 6 Labels, adhesive, 75 mm x 40 mm Qty 7 Map board 8 Map pins Qty 9 Maps Qty 10 Paper, copy, A3 Qty 11 Paper, ruled, A4 Qty 12 Pencil eraser 3 13 Pencil sharpener 2 14 Pencils, HB 5 15 Pens, blue 5 16 Pens, red 5 17 Pins, drawing 18 Protractor 1 19 Radio Operator’s Log Book 4 20 Scissors 2 21 Sleeve, plastic, A4 10 22 String Qty 23 Tape, adhesive, 12 mm, rolls 1 24 Whiteboard eraser 1 25 Whiteboard marker, black 3 26 Whiteboard marker, red 3 Remarks Masonite/Wood May be tape 1 As required Qty AAC Cadet Instructor’s Handbook – AAC Command Post Communications Procedures October 2014 ANNEX C TO AAC COMMAND POST COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES RADIO OPERATOR’S LOG Date Callsign 28 Sep 14 CALL From To Place 11 MESSAGE NUMBER In Out 12 14 KFTA Operator’s Initials Frequency CMD NET Message Text/Identity/event LC Time (local) TC R/C 0910 TC Vehicle has arrived 1023 10 01 TC SITREP 1100 22 02 TC STORES REQ 1115 12 01 TC MOVREQ 1120 35 02 TC BATT REQ 1215 Jones off/ Smith on 1300 ENTRY AAC Cadet Instructor’s Handbook – AAC Command Post Communications Procedures October 2014 ANNEX D TO AAC COMMAND POST COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES Department of Defence OC033 Message Form LINE 1 Security classification LINE 2 OUT 02/15 LINE 3 LINE 4 LINE 5 Precedence – Action Precedence – Info Routine Date-Time-Group Message Instructions ROUTINE Subject of message SITREP Routing indicators FROM SIC TO Orig no. SITREP Ø4/12 MAR 14 A. CADET RATION PACKS B. 2Ø C. GR 456324 CADETS ON SIDE OF ROAD D. 1500 HRS NLT 1700 HRS E. C/S 1 F. CH 17 G. 3 BAGS OF RUBBISH H. NIL Page no Drafter’s rank, name and title No of pages FOR OPS USE Releaser’s rank, name and title Date R Phone no Time System Ref file no Branch or unit Operator D Signature Date Time System Operator 15 SEP 1030 RAD TC AAC Cadet Instructor’s Handbook – AAC Command Post Communications Procedures October 2014 Date Security Classification AAC Cadet Instructor’s Handbook – AAC Command Post Communications Procedures October 2014
© Copyright 2024