1. Communications/Reporting
ROCC
Communications/Reporting

2. Agenda Base Radio Station Concept Message Traffic
LRS Communications Systems
Digital Capabilities
Communications Limitations/Constraints
Welcome students to the Communications portion of ROCC
Introduce yourself and outline your job here at the school, your MOS, and your LRS experience
Explain the agenda for the class, and purpose of it.
Generally, get a feel for the student’s prior LRS/Commo/DOB experience

3. BRS Concept What is a LRS Base Radio Station?
Portable communications platform
Commander’s link to deployed teams
What makes up a BRS?
Two identical communications shelters
Redundancy
Tracking several teams at once
(Ask, Pause, Call)
What is a LRS Base Radio Station and what is it’s purpose? A LRS BRS is a portable communications platform used to communicate directly with deployed LRS teams. It’s primary mission is to maintain that link and relay messages to the Company or Detachment Operations Base. Mounted on a HMMWV, it contains every type of communications equipment used by LRS teams which we will discuss later in detail. What does a BRS consist of? Two identical shelters make up a BRS. This is done for redundancy and when there are several teams deployed (more than just one rig can track). A LRS Company will have 4 BRS’s for a total of 8 shelters, and a detachment has 2 BRS’s with 4 shelters. Who operates and maintains the Base Radio Stations? The communications platoon/section operate and maintain all of the BRS’s.
Who operates and maintains it?
LRS Communications Platoon/Section

4. BRS Concept
DOB/BRS Operations is the most critical cell within the LRS communications network
Primary link between the Commander and his deployed teams
Normally located well within the security umbrella of the Corps or Division Main
Close enough to the G2 to run a direct link LAN cable or wire line for reporting
AOB may be collocated if communications has been established with teams
AOB is always prepared to relocate in order to establish communications or when the COB/DOB relocates
Operation of the Base Radio Station is the most critical cell within the communications network. It is the primary link between the Commander and his deployed teams. COB or DOB RBS’s are normally located well within the security umbrella of the corps or division main and should be close enough to the G2 section to facilitate a wire line or network cable for reporting purposes. The AOB may collocate if communication is established and maintained between the deployed teams and the COB or DOB. For increased survivability and redundancy, the AOB may be located elsewhere such as the corps or division rear. If communication cannot be established or maintained between the teams and the COB or DOB, the AOB is moved forward or rearward (mission dictated) to establish communication with the deployed teams and the COB or DOB. The AOB normally consists of one or two radio shelters along with operations personnel for battle tracking. When the AOB is used as the primary reporting link, it must maintain a constant communication path with deployed teams and the DOB.

5. AOB BRS Concept DOB/COB TACSAT HF Tactical Switch VHF/FM HF AOB BRS
If possible, communications between the two operations bases is maintained using the tactical switching system between the two locations. Backup communication between the bases is maintained by using HF radio, and TACSAT systems. Communications within the operations bases is accomplished with an internal wire net, tactical LAN’s and/or Combat Net Radio (CNR). HF
AOB BRS
LRS Team

6. BRS Concept Two methods of employing the BRS, Joint and Separate
Joint: Attached to the DOB/COB tent, allows face-to-face contact between radio operator and ops cell
Separate: Detached from the DOB/COB, linked by TACLAN, TACSAT, wire or VHF FM
There are two methods of employing the BRS; Joint and Separate.
Joint: Directly ‘attached’ to the COB/DOB TOC tent. This is done when space allows and is the preferred method of operation. It allows a direct face-to-face relationship between the operations cell and the BRS operator.
Separate: There will be occasions when it will be impossible or impractical for the joint configuration. In these cases, the BRS has the capability to be deployed away from the TOC, and a link can be established to the Operations Base using VHF, TACSAT, Tactical LAN, or field wire.

7. BRS Concept
TACLAN
Joint
Explain Slide
Separate
COB/DOB BRS

8. BRS Concept
This is an illustration of a COB/DOB setup. The BRS in this case is located directly attached to operations tent. The HF antennas can take up a lot of space, depending on the number and type of antennas used. Normally one shelter from the BRS is needed to communicate with teams, but may have to become operational if the primary rig is down or if there are several LRS teams deployed. Notice the placement of the generators. It is important to separate the generators as far away from the HF antennas as possible.

9. Base Radio Station (BRS)
AN/GRC-193
“Legacy Equipment”
AN/GRC-213
OA-8990
Prior to 1990, LRS Units did not have a standard communications platform to facilitate C2 of deployed LRS teams. Communications at the COB/DOB was done with dismounted, low power radios that ran on batteries and usually sat on a table inside the TOC. In 1990, the LRSU Base Radio Station was developed using what was at the time the latest High Frequency communications equipment. It consisted of an S-250 shelter mounted on an M-1037 shelter carrier with improved high frequency radio (IHFR) communications equipment. It consisted of: 1 AN/GRC W HF radio, 3 AN/GRC W HF radios, 1 UGC-74 teletype terminal, 1 UXC-7 Fax, 4 OA-8990 DMDG’s, and 1 VHF SINCGARS radio. The complete system was the AN/TSC-128 Communications terminal. It was a huge improvement over the older system, and helped to standardize LRS communications throughout the Army.
UGC-74
AN/TSC-128

10. Base Radio Station (BRS)
Legacy IHFR equipment replaced with AN/PRC-150
AN/PRC-150
Toughbook
Recently, new technologies have been developed in the area of HF communications. Special Operations identified these advances early and began purchasing radios such as the AN/PRC-138 and AN/PRC Since HF is the primary link to LRS teams, these radios were also sought after and purchased by the LRS community. Eventually, the legacy IHFR radio systems were being replaced inside the shelter, and configured as each unit saw fit. Today, nearly every active LRS unit has reconfigured their shelters (and team equipment) with systems based on the AN/PRC-150. Messages that used to be sent with the DMDG, are now sent using a Panasonic Toughbook computer.

11. Message Traffic
Sending information is the primary mission of any LRS team
Short, concise, accurate messages are the key
Structured Message Formats are used by LRSU’s to communicate information
Every LRS Unit has an SOP covering the exact format of all reports
Sending SOR information is the primary of any LRS team. The key to sending timely and accurate information is for everyone involved to be able to recognize, understand and quickly react to messages sent. Short, concise, accurate messages are the key. For these reasons, structured message formats are used. A standard message format is important because if a message has an exacting format, even a partially received message is useful, because it is recognizable. Every unit has it’s SOP covering the exact format of a message
10DE11 MSG02 BORIS GHOST AAA 10 SOLDIERS, 3 VECH, 1 TRAILER, 1 ARTY BBB MOVING W THRU NAI 3 35 MPH ARTY CENTER CCC GL DDD UNK/ARTY EEE FEB03 FFF 3 BDRM2, 1 D30, 4 AK47, 4 US LBE, DCU’S, 4 HELMETS GGG TRAILER HALF FULL W/AMMO BOXES, HELMETS HAVE BLUE CENTER FRONT ACK EOM RKB

12. Message Traffic Messages include (but not limited to):
Initial Entry Report
“ANGUS”
Spot Intelligence Report
“BORIS”
Situation Report
“CYRIL”
Cache Report
The following are examples of the messages a team should be prepared to transmit during a mission:
Initial Entry Report
Spot Intelligence Report
Situation Report
Cache Report
Battle Damage Assessment
Administrative Report
Here are the report formats we use here at RSLC (explain each)
“UNDER”
BDA Report
“CRACK”
Administrative Report
“CLEAR”

13. CACHE Report Example “UNDER”
AAA- TYPE OF CACHE (CONCEALMENT, BURIAL, SUBMERSION)
BBB- CONTENTS (ID TYPE & AMOUNT OF ITEMS IN CACHE)
CCC- NUMBER OF CONTAINERS
DDD-INITIAL REFERENCE POINT
EEE-LOCATION (AZIMUTH & DISTANCE FROM REFERENCE POINT WITH DETAILED DESCRIPTION IF NECESSARY)
FFF-DEPTH CACHE IS PLACED
GGG-ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Here is an example of the message body of a Cache Report (UNDER). Reports formats should be brief as possible. The main reason for this is, the shorter the message, the less time a team is transmitting their radios.

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT REQUESTED
Example Format (BDA)
ADDRESS
MSG NUMBER
PROWORD
DURESS
MSG BODY
10DE11 MSG05 CRACK GHOST AAA FEB03 BBB GL CCC 1 T-72 DESTROYED (CATASTROPHIC) 1 BTR-60 DAMAGED (MOBILITY KILL) 15 TROOPS KILLED DDD CONFIRMED EEE. ENEMY WITHDRAWING, TEAM MOVING TO EXTRACTION POINT ACK EOM RKB
An example message format for Battle Damage Assessment. This is the format used at the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course. Some unit SOP’s have several more report formats that their teams are required to memorize. Unless you require teams to carry a book of all the different types and formats, you should keep the number of reports to the minimum required to facilitate accurate reporting.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT REQUESTED
END OF MSG
CODENAME

15. LRS Message Flow HF/ TACSAT AN/PRC-150 /TOUGHBOOK VHF/ SINCGARS
HIDE SITE
HF/ TACSAT
AN/PRC-150 /TOUGHBOOK
Explain the LRS message flow from surveillance site to the BRS.
VHF/ SINCGARS
AN/PRC-148
COB/DOB BRS
SURV SITE

16. Message Traffic LRS Surveillance Site Observes SOR/IR
Sends Report to Hide Side
Hide Site Formats Report/Types Message
BRS Receives Report/Copies or Prints MSG
TL Checks Report/RTO Sends Message
BRS RTO Logs MSG/Hands off to DOB/Sends ACK
Explain message traffic flow from start to finish
MSG Sent to G2/ACE (TACLAN/Runner) or Processed Locally
Operations Cell Process MSG
Intelligence Analysis

17. Messaging Devices SLOW DMDG OA-8990P DMDG OA-8990P SLOWER KL-43C
In the past, sending and receiving reports was done with either offline encryption devices (KL-43) or sending them via DMDG and encrypting the reports manually. Although messages sent this way were usually accurate, it could take some time to receive a message. It would require 2 or three “bursts” for a message to be received, and with the KL-43 you had to set the device up every time you wanted to receive. On top of that, the maximum connection speed of either of these devices over HF was 150bps!
Sending large messages was a tedious process at best. It is important to remember that every step a report has to take adds time to the message. If the intelligence sent is not close to real-time, it is not nearly as useful to the Commander.
SLOWER
KL-43C
KL-43C

18. Tactical Chat
Today LRS units have adapted new techniques in the pursuit of timely reporting. One initiative is the use of “tactical chat” programs, that are similar to “instant messaging”
10DE11 MSG02 BORIS GHOST AAA 10 SOLDIERS, 3 VECH, 1 TRAILER, 1 ARTY BBB MOVING W THRU NAI 3 35 MPH ARTY CENTER CCC GL DDD UNK/ARTY EEE FEB03 FFF 3 BDRM2, 1 D30, 4 AK47, 4 US LBE, DCU’S, 4 HELMETS GGG TRAILER HALF FULL W/AMMO BOXES, HELMETS HAVE BLUE CENTER FRONT ACK EOM RKB

19. Tactical Chat Sent over 3G HF With TAC CHAT Message and Photo Attached
AN/PRC-150(C)
Talk through slide
ToughBook CF-34

20. Communications
LRS teams deploy farther than line-of-sight (LOS) communication range
Ordinary CNR systems cannot support the reporting requirements of the LRSU. Tactical FM radios, such as SINCGARS, must be in sight of each other electronically to communicate
Explain slide R

21. Communications Two Tactical Beyond Line-Of-Sight (BLOS) Systems Are:
Modern High‑frequency (HF) Systems
Tactical Satellite (TACSAT) Radios.
BLOS Systems

22. HF Communications
HF achieves long range communications without the use of satellite relays
HF radios use the Ionosphere to relay signals
HF communications can be secure voice or data or both
New technology and advanced waveforms
High frequency is the only tactical communications asset that may achieve long-range communications, independent of satellite relays. HF radio systems use the earth’s ionosphere to propagate radio waves.
HF communications may be either secure voice or data or both. Advancing technology and waveforms have greatly improved the reliability of HF communications

23. HF Communications
The two HF radio systems being used in LRS Units are:
AN/PRC-150(C)
AN/PRC-137
V Corps LRSC is the only LRS Unit currently using the AN/PRC-137
High Frequency radio systems have made huge advances over the past 5 years. The days of the AN/PRC-104 are slowly becoming a memory, and two new systems have taken it’s place. Today LRS Units are using (or have plans to purchase) the AN/PRC V Corps LRSC acquired the AN/PRC-137 during their rotations to Kosovo and have been using them ever since.

24. AN/PRC-150 Frequency Range From 1.6 To 60 Mhz In SSB And FM Modes
Ability to interface with the Army’s SINCGARS radios
Multi-waveform High Speed Data Rates (Up To 9600 Bps)
Digital Voice Capablility
Automatic Link Establishment
Easy Interface With Data And Imaging Devices ( Digital Cameras, Laptop Computers)
Frequency Hopping
Menu-driven Interface
Advanced Comsec Features
Explain AN/PRC-150

25. AN/PRC-137 Primarily used by Special Operations (SF ODA)
Frequency Range 1.6 To 60 Mhz
10 Watt Power Output
ALE Capable
Embedded Modems
Must Be Interfaced With A Data Messaging Device To Operate/Program
Uses Only One Battery
Smaller And Lighter Than The AN/PRC-150
Explain Slide

26. ALE
Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) is a technique that permits HF radios to automatically call other stations and link on the best HF frequency.
ALE systems use Link Quality Analysis (or “LQA Scores”) stored in memory.
Explain ALE

27. TACSAT TACSAT Radios are also used by LRS for BLOS communications
Can be use for both voice and data
Advantages over HF:
Speed
Easy to operate
Faster data transfer speeds
Satellites have become overcrowded
Tacsat radios can also be used for BLOS communications. TACSAT radios can be used for both voice and data traffic. The advantages of using TACSAT over HF are: They are faster to set up, they are relativity easy to operate, and huge amounts of data can be sent faster over TACSAT channels. However, these advantages also make TACSAT attractive to everybody else, and today most satellites are at their full capacity.

28. DAMA Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA)
DAMA Allows many more users to access a satellite at once
Also knows a “narrow-band” channel
Each user must have an address that is in the GCS databse
No more “bootlegging” of satellites
GCS has complete control of resources
Because more and more users need to access satellite channels, a technology known as DAMA was developed. DAMA is a technique of satellite resource manipulation that allows many users on a satellite to share a limited assignment of channels. As one user connects to the satellite they draw from a common "pool“ of channels. When that user disconnects from the satellite the space returns to the pool for other users to access. In order to access a DAMA satellite, uses must be assigned an address that must be recognized by the Ground Control Station. This gives the Control Station complete control of each sattelite.

29. SATCOM Radios
Two DAMA capable SATCOM Radio Systems in use today by LRS Units are:
-An/PRC-117
-An/PSC-5 Spitfire

30. AN/PRC-117

31. AN/PRC-117 Multi-band/multi-mission radio system
Provides continuous coverage over the full MHz band
State-of-the-art modem technology (High Performance Waveforms)
Interoperable with a wide variety of existing military and civilian communication systems

32. Advantages of AN/PRC-117
Designed to provide the most advanced tactical communications technology available in one single package.
Microprocessor-based
Software-controlled (vs hardware)
Radio can be tailored to fit any unconventional, conventional or data/automation mission requirement
More user-friendly and cost-effective when compared to current "standard" equipment

33. Advantages of AN/PRC-117
Can be used as a bridge between two different communications systems (SINCGARS to SATCOM, SABRE to SINCGARS)
Easy interface with standard laptops or Toughbooks through Data Port
Uses Wireless Messaging Terminal (Outlook E- mail)
Can be used as a Gateway to WWW (Standard to WMT)
Retransmit capabilities (example UHF AM to VHF FM)

34. AN/PRC-117F Manpack, vehicular, marine and base-station configurations
Built-in ECCM and COMSEC capability
Voice/data retransmission across traditional frequency bands and waveforms
Data rates up to 64 kbs with built-in interfaces
Full remote-control capability (all functions)
Longer battery life due to low voltage logic design
Multiband scanning
100-channel presets for fixed frequency

35. AN/PRC-117F
Optional Global Positioning System interface for navigation and time signals
Software-reprogrammable to accommodate evolving waveforms, ECCM, COMSEC, signal processing and modulation techniques
Dual antennas for optimal performance ( mHz).

36. Technical Data Frequency Range: 30-512 MHz
Net Presets: 100, fully programmable
RF Impedance: 50 Ohms nominal
Power Input: 26 VDC ( VDC)
Radio Weight: lbs. without batteries
High Speed Data: 48/64kbps (Option)
Transmitter Output: FM: Watts AM: Watts
Environmental: Per MIL-STD 810E
Immersion: 3 ft. (.9m) of water
Operating Temperature: -40C to +70C

37. “Swiss Army Knife” Radio System
AN/PRC-117F
“Swiss Army Knife” Radio System

38. Applications Uplink to SAT Sent Via HPW
Wireless Messaging Terminal ( )
Sent Via HPW
Image Sent to Toughbook

39. Applications
Base Station

40. Retransmit
VHF FM SINCARS
UHF SATCOM

41. Retransmit
UHF AM
VHF FM

42. Data Retransmit
WMT GATEWAY
INTERNET

43. AN/PSC-5 Spitfire

44. AN/PSC-5 Spitfire
Supports army special operations forces C2 in war and operations other than war
UHF band from megahertz (MHz) to MHz
Provides narrowband voice, 5-kilohertz (kHz) and 25-kHz (Wideband) operation
5-kHz DAMA and Demand Assigned Single Access (DASA) operation
Half Duplex (HDX) SATCOM and line of sight (LOS) communications

45. AN/PSC-5 Spitfire Frequency Range 30-400 MHz
Modes: UHF LOS and SATCOM ,including DAMA
Size: cubic inches
Weight: 11 pounds
Digital Voice: LPC-10e
Applications: Manpack, Airborne, Vehicular, Fixed Station
COMSEC: KY-57/58, KY-99/100, KG-84A, KYV-5, KGV-11

46. AN/PRC-148 MBITR

47. AN/PRC-148 MBITR Multi-Band Intra-Team Radio (MBITR)
Secure hand-held, lightweight radio
Incorporates frequency-hopping technologies that are compatible with the SINCGARS radios systems
Multi-purpose radio that can be used to communicate with other elements of a joint task force (including fixed and rotary winged aircraft), are ideally suited for LRS and reconnaissance operations.

48. AN/PRC-148 MBITR 30-512 MHZ CONTIGUOUS FREQUENCY COVERAGE
AM/FM; VOICE/DATA
SELECTABLE RF OUTPUT POWER
US TYPE 1 COMSEC
IMMERSIBILITY
20 METER MARITIME VERSION
2 METER URBAN VERSION
LESS THAN 29 OUNCES, 34 CUBIC INCHES
SINCGARS SIP/HAVEQUICK II OPTIONAL

49. Technical Data Modulation Types: AM and FM (Software) Controls:
Transmit Output Power:
0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 & 5.0 watts (FM)
1.0 & 5.0 watts (AM)
User Selectable
Emergency Beacons and GPS:
AM Swept Tone Beacon
GPS Interface to PLGR
Programmable Channels:
100 Memory Preset Channels
Menu Selectable Groups
User Programmable from:
Front Panel Menu
PC Programmer
Radio-to-Radio Cloning
Controls:
On/Off/Volume/Whisper/Zeroize Knob
16-Position Channel Select Knob
Large Tactile Push-To-Talk Switch
Squelch Override Push-button
Backlit 7 Button Keypad (NVG
Compatible)
2 Software Configurable Option Keys
Indicators:
32 x 80 Pixel Backlit LCD (NVG Compatible)
Intuitive Menu Driven User Interface
Channel Name/Frequency
Group Name
Clear/Secure Mode
Key Location
Battery Capacity
Transmit Power

50. Technical Data Connectors: 50 Ohm TNC Antenna 10 Pin Multi-function
Immersion Sealed Top Connector (20M)
6-Pin Multi-function Top Connector
(2M)
18-Pin Side Connector for
Extended Capabilities and Upgrades
COMSEC:
US Type 1
VINSON & FED-STD-1023
Selective Key Zeroization
Panic Radio Zeroization with Mechanical
Interlock Protection
Receive OTAR Compatible
6 Key Locations
Physical Parameters
(with battery):
Length: 8.44 inches (21.44 cm)
Width: 2.63 inches (6.68 cm)
Depth: 1.52 inches (3.86 cm)
Volume: cu. inches (552.8 cubic cm)
Weight: 30.6 ounces (867.5 gm)
Environmental Specifications:
Temperature:
Operating: -31° to +60° C
Storage: -33° to +71° C
Humidity: 95% non-condensing
Shock: EIA
Vibration: EIA
Altitude: 30,000 Feet

51. Technical Data Batteries: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion 3000 mAH
>8 Hours Life at 5 Watts*
Non-Rechargeable Battery Holder
Commercial Lithium Cells
10 Hour Life at 5 Watts *
* Standard Duty Cycle (8:1:1)
Antenna Set:
30-90 MHz
MHz
Accessories:
Vehicle Adapter
Radio Holster
Radio System Carrying Bag
AC Powered Single Battery Charger
AC/DC Powered 6-way Battery Charger

52. Applications
LOS- Surveillance to Hide
Inter-Team Communications

53. Applications
AN/PSC-5
AN/PRC-117

54. Toughbook Ruggedized standard laptop computer
Used as a data terminal device for the radio
Used to send and receive reports and images
Communicates to the radio through the serial port or synchronous data controller card (ViaSat)
Can be powered by a BA-5590 or BB-390 with an adapter
Can use “Tactical Chat” application for real time free text communications (no ViaSat card required)
Wireless Messaging Terminal (HPW) uses “Outlook “ to communicate over SAT/HF (VDC-200 or VDC-400)
Interfaces with any standard digital camera

55. Toughbook Full magnesium alloy case
Moisture- and dust resistant LCD, keyboard and touchpad
Sealed port and connector covers
HDD is mounted in shock-absorbing gel
Ruggedized port replicator connector
Rugged and dust-resistant LCD hinges
Ultra Low Voltage Mobile Pentium Processor
Touchscreen Display 8.4" 800 x 600 (SVGA)

56. Toughbook Models CF-72 Fast CPU Large HD Touchscreen Expensive
Laptop Size
Base Station Use
CF-72

57. Toughbook Models CFM-34 Smallest Model Touchscreen Fast CPU Large HD
Team Use

58. Toughbook Models CF-27 Older Model Slower CPU Smaller HD Less RAM
Still in use
Cannot by new
CF-27

59. Limitations/Constraints
High Frequency Radio Limitations and Constraints
-Planning Considerations
-Planning Ranges
-Operations in Unusual Conditions
-ALE Network Profiles (RPA) Development
-Frequency Management
-Training (operators/communications personnel)
-Enforcing HF ALE as primary means of communications
-Equipment (MTO&E vs. the right equipment)

60. Limitations/Constraints
TACSAT Radio Limitations and Constraints
-Planning Considerations
-DAMA Terminal Address Assignment
-DAMA Order-wire Key
-Getting through on a DAMA channel
-Training (operators/communications personnel)
-Equipment (MTO&E vs. the right equipment)
-Relying on SATCOM and loosing HF skills
Explain