Standing Operating Procedures

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Radio Communications

The purpose of this section is to introduce fundamental tactical radio communications at the Company and Platoon
level, including basic Voice Procedure on the Combat Net Radio (or CNR). Communicating effectively is a crucially
important aspect of warfare fieldcraft; especially in how it pertains for command and control, situational awareness,
and battlefield information across the battlespace. It is especially vital for Commanders, NCOs and Radio Operator
personnel who need to understand how to pass on critical information swiftly, accurately and with appropriate need.

Standard operating procedures vary between countries and even different units, although NATO countries follow a
common standard when necessary.  The scope of this guide covers US and UK/Commonwealth variations. Varied
relevant parts have been labelled to clearly indicate these differences. Proper net discipline and accurate, realistic
communications not only enhance unit effectiveness but also increase the capability and capacity for any said unit.

1. Combat Net Radio & Radio Nets

Unit level radio nets at Battalion and above are formal nets. They have watchkeepers maintaining their set 24 hours
listening watch, are fully logged and require scheduled reports, returns and requests (R3) as well as regular use of
command, control or admin traffic. As such, there is a prescribed amount of formal protocol that applies specifically
toward these nets. At a sub-unit level (Company and below), command nets are usually informal although standard
Voice Procedure (VP) still applies. At a Section or Squad level, short range nets used on Personal Role Radios are
considered ‘chat nets’, although it is good practice to follow standard VP regardless of what broadcast level is used.

A Light Infantry Company operates a single command net with occasional use of additional nets for busier operations
in order to declutter the command net, such as an Admin net or Offensive Support (Fires) net for Forward Observers,
Forward Air Controllers or Joint Terminal Attack Controllers attached to the subunit. Each Platoon has their separate
Platoon Command net, sometimes referred to in the US as an Assault net. Finally, each Section / Squad has a PRR
chat net. Fire Teams work on the Section/Squad net but Team Leaders will monitor (listen to) the Platoon Command
net on a separate radio. The Battalion Signals Officer distributes frequency allocations, call signs and passwords via
Communications Electronic Instruction (CEI) ahead of operations. As a rule it is better to use as few nets as possible.

2. Call Signs

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3. Voice Procedure

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3a. Prowords

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3b. Incorrect Prowords

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4. Reports

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5. Support Requests

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5a. Fire Missions

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5b. Close Air Support

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5c. Casualty Evacuation

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6. Call Sign Matrix Example

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Rules of Engagement

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Operations Order (OpOrder)

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Order of Battle (ORBAT)

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Terminology Glossary

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