NET-104
Operating in a
Tactical Radio Net (Part I)
Author: Dick Rawson, N6CMJ
Updated 1 Jan 2020
The original of this version was obtained from the Santa Clara County, California ARES/RACES Website http://www.scc-ares-races.org/operating_in_a_tactical_net.htm and edited for this training. Other versions are also on the Internet. For more information, Google “Tactical Net” +”Amateur Radio”
What is a Net?
Emergency radio communication nearly always use formal nets as do NTS traffic nets. Casual everyday ham operation mostly does not. This session discusses how to operate as part of a formal radio net and probably one where most operators are using handi-talkies in unfamiliar locations. For the purposes of this discussion, a radio net consists of several stations on one frequency (more if linked) who are following organized procedures and who are directed by a net control station. This arrangement makes for efficient use of the frequency and helps ensure that urgent matters get handled before less urgent ones. In short, the net functions as a team to work towards the common goal of effective net operation. There are two general types of nets, a Directed Net and an Open Net.
What is a Net Control Station?
A net control station is the net’s moderator, chairman, team captain or traffic cop; take your pick. The net control station exists for the purpose of exercising control of the net as the name implies. The amount of control depends on the type of net that is being run. What is the difference between a Directed Net and an Open Net?
During a directed net, the net control station typically exercises strict control, requiring every station to get its permission before passing traffic or speaking directly to another station. A directed net is essential if the frequency is busy since net control must be able to select the stations with the most urgent traffic first.
During an open net, net control is more relaxed. Stations may be permitted to call one another directly and even have casual conversations on the frequency. Net control will intervene only when there is net traffic to pass. An Open Net may be appropriate in anticipation of an impending event such as when a storm is moving into the area. It may also make sense when activity on the net dies down for extended periods of time.
Net Control is responsible for choosing the best way to run the net; when you join an ongoing net you should observe how it is being run and fit in accordingly. Until you know otherwise, assume the net is operating as a directed net.
Tactical vs. FCC Call Sign Use
Tactical call signs are generally used for efficiency while working public service events or emergency communication nets. During a directed net, you will be called by your tactical call sign, not your FCC amateur radio call sign. You should use the tactical call sign to identify your transmissions, and you should call other stations by their tactical call signs. You must, however, always comply with FCC regulations and properly identify with your FCC call sign. Part 97 requires that “Each amateur station . . . must transmit its assigned call sign . . . at the end of each communication, and at least every ten minutes during a communication . . . .” That means our FCC call sign. To comply, simply add your FCC call sign to your last transmission in a series shorter than ten minutes.
Know The Net Procedures
Tactical nets operate effectively when everyone knows and follows the same procedures. Net procedures will probably differ for various events and will be published prior to the event in the IS-201 form for formal nets. If the same group of people frequently work together on nets, everyone may be familiar with these however new people may have joined to help out. It is important for Net Control to hold a pre-event briefing and go over how the net will operate per the 201. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get clarification on how the net will operate and what is expected of you. Before you head off to your post, know why you are there, what to do, what not do, how to do it, who you report to and how to communicate with your fellow operators. Don’t take offense if Net Control instructs or corrects you during the day, nets, except for emergency/disaster nets, are primarily for training and that is part of Net Control’s job.
Listen for your Tactical Call Sign
The use of tactical call signs allows the net to be conducted without regard to what operator is at the radio at any particular location. Different individuals may operate the radio at different times. Changes will occur due to shift changes, meal breaks, errands or movement of operators to other assignments just to name a few. For all these reasons, it is awkward and error-prone to use an operator’s FCC call because a call sign does not locate the station. Net Control is responsible to keep track of the FCC call of each operator and their assigned tactical call. Sometimes an inattentive or distracted operator will answer his FCC call when he does not catch his tactical call.
Answer Promptly When Called
Unless you make other arrangements, you are expected to listen continuously to the net, and answer immediately when called. If you have to step away from your station briefly, tell Net Control before you do so and then check in with Net Control when you return. Otherwise, net control can waste a lot of time attempting to call you when you aren’t there or cannot pass messages.
Never Leave a Net without checking out
If you have to leave your station before you are relieved, make sure that you notify net control of this fact, before you leave. You properly should ask Net Control to release you but as a practical matter we are volunteers and Net Control cannot compel anyone to stay who wants to leave however we owe it to the people and agencies we serve and to our reputations as individuals and as ARES/RACES organizations to be reliable. Once we agree to support an agency’s activity, we should do our best to deserve that agency’s trust by completing our assignments.
Brief the Operator that Relieves You
If another operator is assigned to replace you, they should arrive or report for duty ten minutes before the scheduled shift change but do not depart before briefing them even if that delays your departure. If your relief is late and you must leave your station, at the very least leave a written list of what that operator needs to know to do the job. If possible, write down the information they’ll need during lulls in activity. If they do arrive on time, go over the list with them in person. You would want the same thing if you were coming onto a shift. This is especially important during ongoing emergency or priority situations or for open message exchanges with officials.
Examples of the kind of information your relief will need include:
1. The frequencies being used
2. The tactical call signs in use and where the stations are located
3. Who is at each location; their name and call sign.
4. If a telephone is available; what is its location and phone number.
5. The names of the officials or others you are serving; how you find them and recognize them.
6. Any pending activity, i.e. messages you have sent and replies you expect; also, who gets the reply?
7. What is your station’s purpose?
8. What’s going on in general? What changes are expected?
9. Where is the restroom, water, food, etc.
10. Any relevant radio, power, or antenna details.
Arrive For Your Assignment Ahead of Time
Arrive at your assigned operating point 10 to 20 minutes before your shift starts so that you can get set up and be briefed by the start of your shift. The operator you are relieving would like to leave at the end of his shift and may not be able to stay late for a briefing. If the operator you are relieving doesn’t have written information for you you can use the same list we just discussed (with any additions you need) to guide your questions.
Keep A Log
Check with Net Control before departing for your post to learn what kind of written records might be required. This information should have been explained during the preliminary briefing, but, if not, ask. Do the best you can to record all messages sent and received and events in which you are involved during your shift. At minimum, a simple log should be kept on a tablet that can be transposed to an official form. Pass these records on to your replacement and ask them to do the same to their replacement. Notes and logs should be turned in to Net Control at the end of the day or event as requested either physically or via digital messaging.
THIS CONCLUDES PART I OF ‘OPERATING IN A TACTICAL RADIO NET’ and
That concludes tonight’s training. Are there any questions, comments or suggested additions to this material?
Thanks, this is (callsign) clear to net control.
Send corrections, modifications, updates or suggestions to k5prs@aol.com