Communications, Radio Use, and Situational Awareness Reporting
What the exam tests
Communications, Radio Use, and Situational Awareness Reporting tests whether you can pass clear, timely information that supports LCES and tactical decisions. Expect questions on radio protocol, emergency traffic, and what a complete situation report contains.
Core rules
- Use clear text; avoid agency codes and slang that other resources may not understand.
- A useful report identifies who you are, location, what you see, size and behavior, action taken, and resource need.
- Radio check: confirm you can transmit and receive before you need the radio; know the failure plan and alternate channel.
- Emergency traffic has priority; say “emergency traffic” clearly, then give the essential facts.
- Report changes immediately: wind shift, spot fire, new smoke, route blocked, or resource entering the area.
Worked example
A scout sees a 0.1-acre spot 100 yards downhill of the crew, moving uphill. A weak report is “We have a spot.” A complete report is: “Scout to Division A, spot fire, 100 yards below the crew on the east side, one-tenth acre, running uphill, I am requesting two hand crews and a water tender; crew is moving to the road.” The reasoning is that the report gives location, size, behavior, request, and crew action, so the supervisor can decide without asking four questions.
Traps
Using codes; keying over emergency traffic; reporting a spot without location or action; assuming a transmission was received because you sent it.