Communications and Radio Procedures
Communications and Radio Procedures tests clear, brief, and standardized voice transmission: phonetic alphabet, prowords, radio checks, message formats, and medical evacuation requests.
Core rules
- Use the phonetic alphabet to spell out letters: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliett, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-ray, Yankee, Zulu.
- Common prowords: ROGER means received; WILCO means will comply; OVER means I have finished and expect a reply; OUT means the conversation is ended; SAY AGAIN means repeat; BREAK separates parts of a message; WAIT means pause.
- Speak at a steady rate, use plain language when possible, and keep transmissions short. Do not combine OVER and OUT.
- A radio check reports signal strength and readability. Use standard reports and Formats rather than improvising when time matters.
- A MEDEVAC request uses a standardized nine-line format covering location, call sign, number and type of patients, urgent or priority status, special equipment, security, marking, and patient nationality or status.
Worked example
You need a station to repeat a grid. You say “Red One, Red One, this is Blue Two, SAY AGAIN grid, OVER.” Reasoning: “SAY AGAIN” is the correct proword for repeat; “OVER” invites a reply; and the call signs establish who is speaking and who should answer.
Traps that cost marks
Saying “over and out” together; using ROGER to mean “I will do it” instead of WILCO; failing to identify your station; and giving a MEDEVAC line out of order. Also avoid careless spelling of call signs and grid coordinates.