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