AAC Inst Hbook - Command Post Communications and Procedures

8/10/2019 AAC Inst Hbook - Command Post Communications and Procedures

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AACCADET INSTRUCTORS

HANDBOOK

AAC COMMAND POST

COMMUNICATIONSPROCEDURES

2014


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THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK


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AAC Cadet Instructors Handbook AAC Command Post Communications ProceduresOctober 2014

i

PREFACE

Aim

1. The aim of this publication is to provide Cadets with the information/skills requiredto set up and operate communications in a cadet command post (CP). These proceduresare for use in the NT.

Level

2. This publication is not the source document however it is to be used as thereference for Cadet communications training. Blank pages have been inserted for double-sided printing.

Gender

3. Words importing gender refer to both male and female unless specifically statedotherwise.

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


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CONTENTS

Introduction 1.1

General outline 1.2CP construction 1.5Staffing 1.10Message registration 1.12Registration procedure 1.20R and D boxes 1.22Message handling procedures 1.25Shift considerations 1.29


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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 (thepeople running the activity) and the SIG staff (the communications).

1.2 This publication will outline the communications procedures to be used. OPS will bedetailed in a separate publication.

General outline

1.3 The function of the cadet radio operator component of the CP is to accept and deliverincoming and outgoing messages. These can be by hand delivery, radio or telephone. After beingaccepted, 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 berequested 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 barrierbetween other groups may be necessary.

Staffing

1.10 Staffing will depend on the number of nets open and the tasking, however, generally thestaffing would consist of:

a. Two radio operators; and

b. One radio clerk.


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1.11 The clerk is required so that if the nets are busy, the operators are not taken from theirradios thus introducing inefficiency on the nets. The functions of the clerk would typically include:

a. f iling 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 simplyentered into the Log Book.

1.13 Message registration, or numbering, is important so that that message can be referred to ortracked. The system is simple and uses a direction, a sequential number together with the date.

The following example indicates that the message came in over the net and was the 15th

messageon the 23

rdof 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 outgoingone. The IN/OUT differentiates them as does the column it is entered in the Log Book.

1.16 There are two method for numbering:

a. Each day the number resets, or

b. The numbering continues on until the end of the activity.

1.17 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 transmittedmessage. 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 LogBook. It is allocated the next number from the MESSAGE NUMBER INcolumn.

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.


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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. Thisnumber is obtained from the OUT column of the Log Book. Note that this number isNOT transmitted.

b. Once it has been sent, the details are entered into the log. It is not necessary toinclude 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 OPSUSE. This consists of an R (Received) part and a D (dispatched) part.

1.23 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 (handdelivery), radio, phone.

d. OPERATOR The initials of the operator who sent or received it.

1.24 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 MESSAGESINorMESSAGES OUT. Depending on the length of the activity, it may or may not be necessary tofile these by dates.

1.26 Unit SOPs may require messages and Log Books to be retained for a specified period oftime. 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 CPtogether 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


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1.30 The amount of time an operator is required to be on duty on a roster will be determined byhow many personnel are available. Times may vary between 1 to 2 hours. A shift of 1 hourduration can just have one cadet while a 2 hour shift could use 2 cadets. These would normally bestaggered 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 conductedhourly 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:

0800-12001200-16001600-20002000-22002200-2359

0001-02000200-04000400-06000600-0800

Annexes:

A. CP Stores ListB CP Box Contents List

C. Radio operators log sheetD. Message Form OC33


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ANNEX A TOAAC COMMAND POST

COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES

CP STORES LIST

Serial Item Qty Remarks

1 Board/canvas with hooks 1 For clipboards

2 Chairs 3

3 Clock, battery 1

4 Cool water container 1

5 CP Box 1

6 Lamp, CP 1 With spare batteries

7 Map board 1

8 Pin board, cork 1

9 Table, folding, large 1 Operators table

10 Table, folding, small 1 GP

11 Tent, 11 x 11 1

12 Torch 1 With spare batteries

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 Screwdriver, side cutters, pliers, insulationtape


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ANNEX B TOAAC COMMAND POST


CP Box Contents List

Serial Item Qty Remarks

1 Clipboard, A4 3 Masonite/Wood

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 May be tape

7 Map board 1

8 Map pins Qty

9 Maps Qty As required

10 Paper, copy, A3 Qty

11 Paper, ruled, A4 Qty

12 Pencil eraser 3

13 Pencil sharpener 2

14 Pencils, HB 515 Pens, blue 5

16 Pens, red 5

17 Pins, drawing Qty

18 Protractor 1

19 Radio Operators 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


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ANNEX C TOAAC COMMAND POST


RADIO OPERATORS LOG

Date28 Sep 14

Callsign11

PlaceKFTA

FrequencyCMD NET

CALL MESSAGENUMBER

From To In Out

OperatorsInitials

Message Text/Identity/event Time(local)

12 TC R/C LC 0910

14 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

ENTRY Jones off/ Smith on 1300


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ANNEX D TOAAC COMMAND POST


OC033 Department of Defence

Message Form

LINE 1

LINE 2

OUT 02/15

Security classification

LINE 3

LINE 4

LINE 5

Precedence Action Precedence Info Routine

ROUTINE

Date-Time-Group Message Instructions

Subject of message

SITREPRouting indicators FROM SIC

TO Orig no.

SITREP 4/12 MAR 14

A. CADET RATION PACKS

B. 2

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 Drafters rank, name and title Phone no Ref file no

No of pages Releasers rank, name and title Branch or unit Signature Date

FOROPS

USE R

Date Time System Operator

D

Date

15 SEP

Time

1030

System

RAD

Operator

TC

Security Classification


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Documents

AAC Inst Hbook - Command Post Communications and Procedures