Cadet Emergency Operations
Cadet Information Routing System
(CIRS)
1
Table of Contents:
Section
General Procedures
Campus Map
Job Assignments
1. Personnel Accountability Tracker
2. Emergency Status Report Collector
3. Collection Communications Officer
4. Collection Point Runner
5. Cadet Information Routing System (CIRS) Commander
6. Formation Commander
7. Cadet Assignment Tracker
8. Casualty Report Collector
9. Casualty Tracker
10. Command Center Communications Officer
11. Command Center Runner
12. Logistics Officer
13. Conference Teacher Check-in
14. Casualty Arrival Reporter
15. First Aid Station Runner
16. Quick Reaction Team (QRT)
Universal Rules of Radio Communication
Two-Way Radio Calls
Additional Information
(Slide)Page Number
3
4
5
6
8
10
11
12
13
14
16
18
20
21
22
24
26
28
29
31
37
38
2
General Procedures for All Cadets
1. Ask teacher to release you to Command Center (CC)
2. Report immediately to CC located adjacent to south
parking lot by farm
3. Fall into formation established by Formation Commander
(FC)
4. Respond “Here Sir/Ma’am” to Cadet Assignment Tracker
(CAT) during role call.
5. Receive assignment from FC
6. Check with CAT to ensure proper assignment tracking
7. Upon completion of assignment report back to CC and
check in with FC and/or CAT
8. Return to ranks and await further instructions from FC
3
Campus Map
Medical/First
Aid Station
(Triage)
Command
Center (CC)
Status Form
Collection
Point
Assembly
Area
Request
Gate
Reunion
Gate
4
Job Assignments (25 cadets minimum)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Status Form Collection Point—Rear Assembly Area near running track
Personnel Accountability Tracker (1 cadet)
Emergency Status Report Collector (1 cadet)
Collection Communications Officer (1 cadet)
Collection Point Runner (2 cadets)
Command Center (CC)—South Parking Lot Driveway (Emergency Storage Bin)
CIRS Commander (1 cadet)
Formation Commander (1 cadet)
Cadet Assignment Tracker (1 cadet)
Casualty Report Collector (1 cadet)
Casualty Tracker (1 cadet)
Command Center Communications Officer (1 cadet)
Command Center Runner (4 cadets)
Logistics Officer (1 cadet)
Conference Teacher Check-In (1 cadet)
First Aid Station (Triage)—AFJROTC Drill Pad “Grinder”
Casualty Arrival Reporter (1 cadet)
First Aid Station Runner (2 cadets)
Quick Reaction Team(s) (QRT)—Teams of 4 where ever needed (optional)
QRT1, 2, 3…(4 cadets per team; make as many teams as possible)
5
1. Personnel Accountability Tracker:
Accounts for all campus personnel (including Lashon Academy & Head Start schools) by checking off received
Emergency Status Reports or reports via radio calls.
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned, obtain Personnel Accountability Tracker Folder and a pencil pack from the AFJROTC C.I.R.S.
Kit (Blue Bin)
2.
Secure a mobile table from the School Emergency Storage Container
3.
Head to the Status Form Collection Point once you have the following team assembled: 1 Emergency
Status Report Collector, 1 Collection Communications Officer, and 3 Collection Point Runners
4.
Find Assistant Principal responsible for forms collection (usually Ms. Corral) and set up work area ensuring
visibility to teachers or students turning in status reports
5.
Begin marking “ACCOUNTED FOR” blocks on the Personnel Accountability Status Tracker as the Emergency
Status Report (ESR) Collector reads report to you
6.
If casualty is reported, ensure ESR with casualty information is promptly transported by a Collection Point
Runner to the Casualty Form Collector in the Command Center
7.
Instruct Collection Communications Officer (CCO) to alert Command Center Communications Officer the
casualty report is on its way
8.
Using CCO or a runner, notify Command Center through Casualty Tracker of all personnel that did not
check in (Note: any missing people will be treated as casualties but annotated as missing)
9.
At end of collection detail, return to Command Center, ensure information you reported to Casualty
Tracker is accurate, then turn in equipment.
10.
Report back to Formation Commander for further instructions
6
Example of the Personnel Accountability Tracker Form
7
2. Emergency Status Report Collector:
Collects Emergency Status Reports from all campus personnel (including Lashon Academy & Head Start schools),
reads information to the Personnel Accountability Tracker, and sends reported casualties to Command Center.
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned, obtain clip board, extra blank Emergency Status Reports and a pencil pack from the
AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit (Blue Bin)
2.
Assist Personnel Accountability tracker in securing a mobile table from the School Emergency Storage
Container
3.
Head to the Status Form Collection Point once the following team is assembled: 1 Emergency Status
Report Collector, 1 Collection Communications Officer (CCO), and 3 Collection Point Runners
4.
Find Assistant Principal responsible for forms collection (usually Ms. Corral) and help set up work area
ensuring visibility to teachers or students turning in status reports
5.
Collect Emergency Status Reports (ESR) from teachers or designated students as they come to collection
point
6.
Read off Teacher’s name and room number from the report to the Personnel Accountability Tracker
7.
If casualty or missing student is reported:
1) Notify the assistant principal, with you, of the reported casualty or missing(s) student(s)
2) Task a Collection Point Runner to transport the ESR reporting the casualty(s) or Missing Student(s) to
the Casualty Report Collector in the Command Center
3) Instruct CCO to alert Command Center Communications Officer the casualty report is on its way
8.
If time allows, organize ESRs alphabetically by last name; if not do it when you detail is complete.
9.
Upon completion of report collection, return to Command Center, alphabetize ESRs, then turn in
equipment.
10.
Report back to Formation Commander for further instructions
8
Example of the Emergency Status Report (ESR)
9
3. Collection Communications Officer:
Transmits information provided/requested by Personnel Accountability Tracker and Emergency Status Report
Collector, via two-way radio, to Command Post Communications Officer; monitors radio traffic for applicable
information; ensures radio operability and repairs (i.e. replace batteries) when necessary.
*NOTE: See “Universal Rules of Radio Communication” and “Two-Way Radio Call” slides at the end of this
PowerPoint for proper use of two-way radios.*
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned, obtain two-way radio and Collection Communications Folder from the AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit
(Blue Bin)/Logistics Officer
2.
Perform initial radio checks with both Command Center Communications Officer and Casualty Arrival
Reporter to ensure positive radio communication
3.
Head to the Status Form Collection Point once the following team is assembled: 1 Personnel
Accountability Tracker, 1 Emergency Status Report Collector, 1 Grid Communications Officer, and 2
Collection Point Runners
4.
Perform second (long range) radio check, at collection point, to determine positive radio communications
5.
Use two-way radio to transmit any messages or responses given by either the Personnel Accountability
Tracker or the Emergency Status Report Collector to the Command Center Communications Officer.
6.
If no transmissions have occurred for 10 minutes or more, initiate a radio check to ensure positive
communications .
7.
Upon completion of report collection, return to Command Center and turn in equipment.
8.
Report back to Formation Commander for further instructions.
10
4. Collection Point Runner:
Transports documented casualty reports and various other information, given by the Personnel Accountability
Tracker or the Emergency Status Report Collector, to Command Center; returns any responses or instructions by
command center back to collection point personnel.
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned, assist Personnel Accountability tracker in securing a mobile table from the School
Emergency Storage Container
2.
Head to the Status Form Collection Point once the following team is assembled: 1 Personnel
Accountability Tracker, 1 Emergency Status Report Collector, 1 Grid Communications Officer, and 2
Collection Point Runners
3.
Find Assistant Principal responsible for forms collection (usually Ms. Corral) and help set up work area
ensuring visibility to teachers or students turning in status reports
4.
Position yourself behind the Personnel Accountability Tracker being careful not to obstruct the form
collection process.
5.
Carefully transport any casualty forms or information to appropriate command center personnel
– If you receive a casualty or missing student report, promptly but safely carry it to the Casualty Collector
in the Command Center; once you hand report over, return to collection point to retrieve more
casualty forms.
6.
Upon completion of report collection, return to Command Center, then help turn in equipment.
7.
Report back to Formation Commander for further instructions
11
5. Cadet Information Routing System (CIRS) Commander:
Responsible for the overall function and management of the entire Cadet Information Routing System (CIRS)
process. Normally, the highest ranking cadet on scene will assume this role. Must maintain a level head and be
able to ensure all component of CIRS is functioning properly.
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned, obtain two-way radio and CIRS Commander Folder from the AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit (Blue
Bin)/Logistics Officer
2.
Remain in the command center while carrying out your duties.
3.
Monitor Radio traffic to ensure all areas are reporting and functioning properly.
4.
If you need to relieve a cadet for any reason, send replacement first before removing cadet from post; this
will ensure operational stability.
5.
Be prepared to answer any questions school officials (i.e. Operations Chief, Lieutenant Colonel Smith) may
have about CIRS operations or information provided by CIRS
6.
Upon completion of the emergency incident, receive debrief from all CIRS operating areas to determine
effectiveness and/or problem areas.
7.
Turn in assigned equipment.
8.
Task someone (usually logistics officer) to inventory AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit.
9.
Dismiss remaining cadets.
12
6. Formation Commander:
Responsible for cadet job assignments, and overall cadet supervision; establishes the initial formation and
supervises any subsequent formations throughout CIRS activation. Normally the second highest ranking cadet on
scene; squadron commander or any other command staff member also acceptable.
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned by instructor or CIRS commander, establish a cadet formation in a safe area (shaded if
possible) in the command center; ensure the formation does not interfere with school emergency
operations
2.
Assign cadets to roles/jobs as requested by CIRS commander or school officials.
3.
Update Cadet Assignment Tracker on all job/role assignments for proper tracking
4.
If you need to relieve a cadet for any reason, send replacement first before removing cadet from post; this
will ensure operational stability.
5.
Be prepared to answer any questions school officials (i.e. Operations Chief, Lieutenant Colonel Smith) or
CIRS Commander may have about cadet accountability.
6.
Upon completion of the emergency incident, receive all cadets back in formation for final accountability
and praise.
7.
Police formation area to ensure cleanliness
13
7. Cadet Assignment Tracker:
Responsible for tracking cadet job assignments throughout CIRS activation. Normally a command staff member.
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned, obtain Cadet Assignment Tracker Folder and a pencil pack from the AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit
(Blue Bin).
2.
Take 1st roll call after Formation Commander assembles formation; continue checking in cadets as they
arrive in the command center.
3.
Actively listen to cadet assignments by formation commander or school officials requests.
4.
Annotate all cadet job/role assignments and reassignments on Cadet Assignment Tracker.
5.
Check cadets back in as they return from assignments.
6.
Sign out cadets as parents arrive to take them home.
7.
Be prepared to support Formation Commanders answers to any questions from school officials (i.e.
Operations Chief, Lieutenant Colonel Smith) or CIRS Commander about cadet accountability.
8.
Upon completion of the emergency incident, conduct the 2nd roll call of remaining cadets.
9.
Ensure everyone is accounted for—either in formation or released to parents
10.
Turn in equipment to the AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit (Blue Bin).
11.
Police formation area to ensure cleanliness
14
Example of the Cadet Assignment Tracker
15
8. Casualty Report Collector:
Receives Emergency Status Reports, annotated with Casualty and missing person information, from Collection
Point Runners; reads information to the Casualty Tracker; reports casualty and/or missing students to school
Operations Chief (normally Lieutenant Colonel Smith); assists casualty tracker with information tracking and
notification; maintains casualty reports until rescue operations cease.
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned, obtain clip board and a pencil pack from the AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit (Blue Bin)
2.
Assist Casualty Tracker in securing a mobile table from the School Emergency Storage Container
3.
Help set up work area ensuring visibility to arriving Collection Point Runners
4.
Collect casualty and/or missing students annotated Emergency Status Reports from collection point
runners
5.
Write down time received on bottom of the report
6.
Read off teacher’s name, room number/location, casualty name, nature of injury/situation, location of
victim, missing students (if any), and time you received the report to the Casualty Tracker
7.
Notify school Operations Chief (normally Lieutenant Colonel Smith) of the incident with all pertinent
information so it could be reported to rescue teams.
8.
Assist Casualty Tracker with times and updates of casualties to Operations Chief.
9.
Upon completion of emergency operations, file forms in Casualty Tracking Folder, then turn in equipment.
10.
Report back to Formation Commander for further instructions
16
Example of a Casualty/Missing Student Report
17
9. Casualty Tracker:
Accounts for and tracks all reported casualty incidents during emergency operations; notifies school operations chief
(usually Lt Col Smith) on reported casualties, their locations, and nature of injury so rescue teams could be notified;
update operations chief on casualty arrivals to First Aid Station
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned, obtain Casualty Tracker Folder and a pencil pack from the AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit (Blue Bin)
2.
Secure a mobile table from the School Emergency Bin
3.
Set up work area ensuring visibility to arriving Collection Point Runners
4.
Begin monitoring Casualty Report Collector for casualty/missing student information and prepare to write
5.
Using the casualty tracker folder, write down the following information provided by the Casualty Report Collector:
– Room number or location
– Teacher’s name
– Victim’s (casualty/missing student) name
– Nature of injury and/or situation (if missing student, you write “Missing” or “Missing Student” as the Nature of
Injury
– Location of victim
– Time incident was reported
6.
Provide above information to the school operations chief (normally Lt Col Smith)
7.
Note time you reported incident to operations chief and document it on form
8.
Await word from Command Center Communications Officer or First Aid Station Runner that the victim arrived at
the First Aid Station.
9.
Document arrival time (time you were notified will suffice) on form
10.
Notify school operations chief that victim has arrived and search and rescue incident is closed
11.
Be prepared to answer questions from school operations chief or school officials about casualty tracking status
12.
Once Search and rescue operations are over, remain with school operations chief until they have taken possession
of your tracking data and have released you
13.
Return equipment back to AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit (Blue Bin)
14.
Report back to Formation Commander for further instructions
18
Example of the Casualty Tracker Form
19
10. Command Center Communications Officer:
Transmits information provided/requested by Command Center personnel (i.e. Casualty Report Collector,
Casualty Tracker, Formation Commander, Cadet Assignment Tracker), via two-way radio, to Command Post
Communications Officer; monitors radio traffic for applicable information and passes it on to the intended
personnel; ensures radio operability and repairs (i.e. replace batteries) when necessary.
*NOTE: See “Universal Rules of Radio Communication” and “Two-Way Radio Call” slides at the end of this
PowerPoint for proper use of two-way radios.*
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned, obtain two-way radio and Command Center Communications folder from the AFJROTC
C.I.R.S. Kit (Blue Bin)/Logistics Officer
2.
Perform initial radio checks with both Grid Communications Officer and Casualty Arrival Reporter to
ensure positive radio communications
3.
Head to the Status Form Collection Point once the following team is assembled: 1 Emergency Status
Report Collector, 1 Grid Communications Officer, and 3 Collection Point Runners
4.
Prepare to receive second (long range) radio check, after Collection Communications officer and Casualty
Arrival Reporter arrive at respective stations, to determine positive radio communications
5.
Use two-way radio to transmit and/or relay any messages or responses given by either Command Center
personnel or by the other communications officers.
6.
If no transmissions have occurred for 10 minutes or more, initiate a radio check to ensure positive
communications .
7.
Upon completion of report collection, turn in equipment.
8.
Report back to Formation Commander for further instructions.
20
11. Command Center Runner:
Transports information from Command Center to any point on campus; returns any responses or instructions
back to Command Center.
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned, post by Command Center Communications Officer and await instructions/messages to
transport
2.
Carefully transport any information to the intended station/personnel
3.
Ensure message is received, await any responses, then return to Command Center post; if returning
information, deliver message to intended personnel before returning to post
4.
Upon completion of emergency, assist with any cleanup of work area.
5.
Report back to Formation Commander for further instructions
21
12. Logistics Officer:
Maintains AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit (Blue Bin); issues and collects CIRS equipment ; ensures cadet two-way radios are
functioning and maintained with kit; position normally filled by the logistics officer with the equipment NCOIC or
uniform management NCOIC as alternates.
Instructions:
1.
Prior to Cadet Information Routing System (CIRS) activation, the Cadet Command Staff Logistics Officer will
maintain the AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit (Blue Bin) by conducting inventories, replacing used forms, and ensuring
four two-way radios are fully operational (charged or batteries replaced when dead) and stored with kit
2.
At CIRS Activation, Logistics Officer, Equipment NCOIC, Uniform Management NCOIC, or any responsible
cadet will position AFJROTC Emergency Response Kit (Blue Bin) in an sensible location in the Command
Center while ensuring they don’t impede emergency operations
3.
Issue out required equipment to cadets assigned to CIRS positions
4.
Recover, inspect and return equipment being returned by cadets
5.
Upon completion of emergency, inventory kit to ensure all equipment is returned.
6.
Secure kit in Fulton emergency storage container or any location deemed by instructors or school officials
7.
Report back to Formation Commander for further instructions
22
AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit (Blue Bin) Inventory












Cadet Information Collection System Instructions 
(PowerPoint)

50 blank EMERGENCY STATUS REPORTS

2 extra sets of PERSONNEL ACCOUNTABILITY
STATUS TRACKER Forms

1 Cadet Information Collection System (CIRS)
Binder
2 extra sets of AFJROTC CADET ROLE SHEET &
ASSIGNMENT TRACKER Forms
2 extra sets of CASUALTY TRACKER Forms
2 extra sets of CASUALTY ARRIVAL TRACKING
Forms
5 Assignment Reference Cards (4,6,11,15,16)
6 Radio Reference Packets



 2 sets of AFJROTC CADET ROLE SHEET &
ASSIGNMENT TRACKER Forms


1 Casualty Report Collector Clipboard
1 Casualty Tracker Folder
 2 sets of CASUALTY TRACKER Forms

1 Casualty Arrival Reporter Folder
 2 sets of CASUALTY ARRIVAL TRACKING Forms

Conference Teacher Check-in Folder
 50 blank EMERGENCY STATUS REPORTS


COMM03 (Collection Communications Officer)
COMM04 (Casualty Arrival Reporter)
2 Uniden Model # GMR635-2CK




COMM01 (CIRS Commander)
COMM02 (Command Post Communications
Officer)
1 Dual Radio Charging Base (Cobra) with USB
charging Cord
2 Uniden Scramble Radios


1 Personnel Accountability Tracker Folder
1 Emergency Status Report Collector Clipboard
1 Cadet Assignment Tracker Folder
2 Cobra microTALK Two-Way Radios


 2 sets of PERSONNEL ACCOUNTABILITY STATUS
TRACKER Forms
 1 Current Year Room Assignment Chart
 30 blank EMERGENCY STATUS REPORTS


CIRS Commander Folder
Command Center Communications Folder
Collection Communications Folder
Logistics Folder
11 Message Logs (L.A.U.S.D. Booklets)
1 Communications Box
COMM05 (Spare)
COMM06 (Spare)
AAA Replacement Batteries – 8 minimum
AA Replacement Batteries – 6 minimum
1 Supplies Container








40 Pencils - 10 bundles of 4
6 Black Pens
2 Red Pens
2 Highlighters (any color)
1 Roll of Duct Tape
1 Bag of Rubber bands
1 Single Hole Punch
1 Pair of Scissors
23
13. Conference Teacher Check-in:
Responsible signing in all teachers and aids on conference periods reporting to command center.
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned, obtain Conference Teacher Check-in Folder and a pencil pack from the AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit
(Blue Bin).
2.
Obtain student desk or small table from the school emergency storage container.
3.
Set up a workstation in command center near Command Center Communications officer.
4.
Let school official know that you are checking in conference period teachers so official can direct teachers
to you.
5.
Collect completed Emergency Status Reports from teachers; if they do not have one, give them one to
complete then collect it.
6.
Task a command post runner to carry conference period forms to the collection point Emergency Status
Report Collector.
7.
Upon completion of the emergency incident, turn in folder to the AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit (Blue Bin) and
desk/table to storage container.
8.
Report back to Formation commander and/or Cadet Assignment Tracker for dismissal or retasking.
24
Example of Conference Period Teacher ESR
25
14. Casualty Arrival Reporter:
Documents all casualties arriving at the First Aid Station; reports arrivals to Casualty Tracker via two-way radio
communication to Command Post Communications Officer or by First Aid Station Runner to Command Center.
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned, obtain Casualty Arrival Reporter Folder, a pencil pack, two-way radio and radio reference packet
from the AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit (Blue Bin)/Logistics Officer
2.
Secure a mobile table from the School Emergency Storage Container
3.
Once two First Aid Station Runners have been assigned to you, head over to the First Aid Station (Cadet Drill
Pad/Grinder)
4.
Set up work area ensuring your visibility to arriving casualties, but in a position not to impede casualty arrivals
5.
As casualties arrive to First Aid Center, ask rescue member (transporting the victim) for the following information:
– What room or location did the victim come from?
– What is the victims name?
– What type of injury does the victim have?
6.
Document Answers on Casualty Arrival Form and note the time of arrival
7.
Using either two-way radio (through Command Center Communications Officer) or First Aid Station Runner, notify
the Casualty Tracker of the casualty arrival by provide all information you received regarding casualty (include
time of arrival).
8.
If time allows, assist medical personnel in tracking information for them (Nurse’s Information Section )
9.
Once Search and rescue operations are over and Casualty Tracker has identified all casualty incidents as closed,
return to command center and compare notes with the casualty tracker (should be with school operations chief).
10.
Remain with school operations chief until they have taken possession of your tracking data and have released you
11.
Return equipment back to AFJROTC C.I.R.S. Kit (Blue Bin)
12.
Report back to Formation Commander for further instructions
26
First Aid Station Casualty Arrival Tracking Form
27
15. First Aid Station Runner:
Transports reported casualty arrivals and various other information, given by the Casualty Arrival Reporter or
medical personnel, to Command Center; returns any responses or instructions by command center back to First
Aid Station personnel.
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned, assist Casualty Arrival Reporter in securing a mobile table from the School Emergency
Storage Container
2.
Once First Aid Station team has been assembled (1 Casualty Arrival Reporter and 2 First Aid Station
Runners), head over to the First Aid Station (Cadet Drill Pad/Grinder)
3.
Assist with setting up work area ensuring your visibility to arriving casualties, but in a position not to
impede casualty arrivals
4.
Position yourself behind the Casualty Arrival Tracker out of the way of arriving casualties
5.
Carefully transport casualty arrival or any other pertinent information to appropriate command center
personnel (normally the Casualty Tracker)
– If you receive casualty arrival information from the Casualty Arrival Reporter, promptly but safely
deliver information to the Casualty Tracker in the Command Center then return to First Aid Station to
retrieve more arrival messages.
6.
Once Search and rescue operations are over and Casualty Tracker has identified all casualty incidents as
closed, help collect mobile desk, return to Command Center, then return equipment were it belongs.
7.
Report back to Formation Commander for further instructions
28
16. Quick Reaction Teams (QRT):
A Quick Reaction Team (QRT) is made of four cadets with the ranking cadet assuming the QRT leader. Teams are
assembled by the Formation Commander. QRTs can be assigned various roles such as litter teams, first aid
assembly teams, request or reunion gate runner teams, or any other detail that school officials request. Once
teams are assembled they will stay together and await assignment from formation commander.
General Safety instructions for all QRTs:
NEVER GO INTO ANY BUILDING FOR ANY REASON! Storage Bins OK.
Instructions:
1.
Once assigned and leader is selected, remain together in formation area until dispatched by formation
commander—members will work as a team for the duration of the emergency event or until
parent/guardian recovers them.
2.
If tasked to perform litter team duties, obtain litter, hard hat, safety vest, safety goggles, dust mask,
rubber gloves, and heavy duty outer gloves from school emergency storage container then put on
equipment—receive location assignment then proceed safely to assigned area to meet rescue team for
victim transport.
3.
Upon completion of emergency operations, return any assigned equipment to school emergency storage
container or any location were equipment was acquired.
4.
Report back to Formation Commander for further instructions—remember to stay together as a team for
quick redeployments to new taskings.
29
Example of Litter Team Personal Safety Equipment
30
Universal Rules of Radio Communication (Part 1 of 6):
Courtesy of: http://www.stanag6001.com/radio-communication-rules/
1. Before you press the transmission button, gather your thoughts about what you are going to say. Many people
with radios have a tendency to talk and/or repeat too much. Say what you need to say without unnecessary
repeats. Keep in mind that your message should go through the first time – you may not have any opportunity
to repeat it.
2. Give the call sign of the unit you are calling first. It will alert the addressee to focus on the incoming message.
There might be more listeners and radio network users so you must let them know that this time there will be
a message for them, not a usual background noise.
3. Introduce yourself by your call sign. Do not use real names or nicknames.
4. Don’t speak too fast especially if the message needs to be written down. Pause after logical phrases. High
voice does not guarantee that you will be more readable.
5. Use “CLEAR”, “OVER”, “OUT” when you finish your message. It notifies the addressee that you finished your
portion of information and wait for the response or just ended the transmission (“OUT” word).
6. When you have understood the message, acknowledge the receipt with the words “COPY“, “RECEIVED“,
“ROGER” or “ACKNOWLEDGED.” The word “COPY” is preferred.
7. If the caller requires some actions you may use “WILCO” instead of “ROGER” to notify that you WILL COMPLY
(=”WILCO”).
8. Use “BREAK, BREAK” whenever there is a radio traffic and you want to get through with your emergency
message.
9. Answer each call to confirm reception. Use “RECEIVED”, “COPY”, “ROMEO” or “ACKNOWLEDGED.”
10.If you do not comprehend the message, do not confirm it. Use “SAY AGAIN”, “REPEAT”, “STAND BY” instead.
11.Whenever a word must be spelled use NATO code words for each letter. Do not invent your own words – they
might be misleading and not comprehensive.
12.Use single, cardinal numbers, do not combine them into bigger numbers.
31
Universal Rules of Radio Communication (Part 2 of 6):
Courtesy of: http://www.stanag6001.com/radio-communication-rules/
Call out
When you want to initiate radio exchange, first you must call out the addressee of your
message. To notify the addressee about incoming message call him/her twice, giving
his/her call sign:
• Example: “COMMAND, COMMAND…”
Then give your call sign:
• Example: “THIS IS GRID, OVER.”
When you expect the other party to answer, finish your portion of message with a word
“OVER”, like in the example above.
If there is a traffic on the air, use “BREAK, BREAK” to cut into the network. Only in case
of higher priority of your message!
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Universal Rules of Radio Communication (Part 3 of 6):
Courtesy of: http://www.stanag6001.com/radio-communication-rules/
Quality of transmission
In case of some interference or just to confirm how your message was received you may
need to ask about the reception. In this instance we use “HOW DO YOU COPY?” or even
shorter “HOW COPY?” To ask about general quality of the reception you may also ask
“HOW DO YOU READ?”
There are two ways of responding to such questions. You may simply answer “COPY
LOUD AND CLEAR” (=”LIMA CHARLIE”) or give the answerer the notion of the signal
quality by giving the note from 1 to 5.
• Example: “COPY 3 BY 5”
• The meaning of numbers used in assessment over the radio:
1 = Bad (unreadable);
2 = Poor (readable now and then);
3 = Fair (readable but with difficulty);
4 = Good (readable);
5 = Excellent (perfectly readable).
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Universal Rules of Radio Communication (Part 4 of 6):
Courtesy of: http://www.stanag6001.com/radio-communication-rules/
When repeat is needed
It may happen that due to poor transmission or distracting factors some pieces of
information should be repeated to avoid misunderstandings. In that case you may
request repeat by saying “SAY AGAIN.”
Likewise, when you want to stress the importance of the message or simply make sure
that important data get through, you say your message and then use “I SAY AGAIN” and
repeat the message.
• EXAMPLE: “I need five more minutes, I SAY AGAIN, five more minutes…”
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Universal Rules of Radio Communication (Part 5 of 6):
Courtesy of: http://www.stanag6001.com/radio-communication-rules/
NATO code words for English letters (Phonetic Alphabet)
A
Alpha
N
November
B
Bravo
O
Oscar
C
Charlie
P
Papa
D
Delta
Q
Quebec
E
Echo
R
Romeo
F
Foxtrot
S
Sierra
G
Golf
T
Tango
H
Hotel
U
Uniform
I
India
V
Victor
J
Juliet
W
Whiskey
K
Kilo
X
X-ray
L
Lima
Y
Yankee
M
Mike
Z
Zulu
N
November
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Universal Rules of Radio Communication (Part 6 of 6):
Courtesy of: http://www.stanag6001.com/radio-communication-rules/
Numbers in radio transmission
It is a common practice to say numbers with each digit separately. For instance we say:
“CHARLIE TWO-THREE”
instead of
“CHARLIE TWENTY THREE.”
Additionally, to avoid misunderstandings two particular numerals are pronounced
differently:
4 = “FOER”
9 = “NINER”
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Two-Way Radio Calls:
When communicating on a two-way radios, always remember that when you are transmitting, no one else can. Therefore keep your
radio communication short and concise. Here are some procedures and guidelines to follow:
To make a call, start by using the call sign of the person you are calling followed by your call sign:
•
“COMMAND, COMMAND, THIS IS GRID. OVER.” (You are basically saying: Hey you, this is me. Now it is your turn to answer)
To respond to a call, use the same format but let them know you are ready to receive:
•
“GRID, THIS IS COMMAND. GO AHEAD. OVER.” (What you are telling them is: Hey you, this is me. I am ready to hear you.
Now it is your turn to respond.)
To perform a radio check, use the same call format but add the radio check immediately:
•
“COMMAND, COMMAND, THIS IS GRID, WITH A RADIO CHECK. OVER.” (Hey you this is me. Can you hear me? Done for now-your turn.)
To respond to a radio check, use the same initial call format:
•
“GRID, THIS IS COMMAND. HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR. HOW ME? OVER.” or,
•
“GRID, THIS IS COMMAND. HAVE YOU LIMA CHARLIE. HOW ME? OVER.” or,
•
“GRID, THIS IS COMMAND. HAVE YOU 4 BY 5. HOW ME? OVER.” (Hey you, this is me. I can hear you. Can you hear me?
Done for now-your turn.)
To complete the radio check, use same initial call format:
•
“COMMAND, THIS IS GRID. HAVE YOU LOUD AND CLEAR. OVER AND OUT.” or,
•
“COMMAND, THIS IS GRID. HAVE YOU LIMA CHARLIE. OVER AND OUT.” or,
•
“COMMAND, THIS IS GRID. HAVE YOU 5 BY 5. OVER AND OUT.” (Hey you, this is me. I can hear you as well. I am done and
we are done with this conversation.)
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Additional Information
• Emergencies will create confusion so
remember to take deep breaths to get oxygen
flowing to your mind for clearer thinking
• Remain Calm
• Incident already occurring; you can only do
what you can do so try to focus
• Remember your general orders—they apply
here
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Questions?
NOTES:
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