EXECUTIVE METHOD FOR RADIOTELEPHONE

The Executive Method for R/T is used to execute a tactical message at a given instant. This method is used to ensure that two or more units make simultaneous maneuvers. Abbreviated plaindress format is normally used for Executive Method messages. These messages never have a time group included in the message ending. There are two variations of the Executive Method: delayed and immediate.

DELAYED EXECUTIVE METHOD

A tactical message sent by the Delayed Executive Method must carry the warning proword EXECUTIVE TO FOLLOW in the message instructions immediately preceding the text. The executive signal is sent later in the form of "standby-EXECUTE," the latter word being the instant of execution. For example, referring to

Figure 2-1, assume that Key sends the following message by the Delayed Executive Method to the collective call Poseidon:

"Poseidon, THIS IS Key, EXECUTE TO FOLLOW, Fire One Water Slug, OVER."

All stations respond in alphabetical order of full call signs:

"THIS IS Kamehameha, ROGER, OUT."

"THIS IS Polk, ROGER, OUT."

"THIS IS Tecumseh, ROGER, OUT."

"THIS IS Vallejo, ROGER, OUT."

When ready to execute, Key transmits:

"Poseidon, THIS IS Key, Standby, EXECUTE, OVER."

The stations then respond in alphabetical order of full call signs with:

"THIS IS (station), ROGER, OUT."

If communications conditions are good, Key can designate only one station to receipt for everyone to ensure that the transmission is heard. As part of the execute signal, Key could have transmitted:

"Poseidon, THIS IS Key, Standby, EXECUTE, Polk, OVER."

Polk would then ROGER with:

"THIS IS Polk, ROGER, OUT."

When considerable time has elapsed between the EXECUTE TO FOLLOW message and the actual execution message, the text to be executed should be repeated prior to the words "Standby-EXECUTE." The text should also be repeated when it is only a portion of a message or one of several outstanding "EXECUTE TO FOLLOW" messages.

IMMEDIATE EXECUTIVE METHOD

In cases of urgency, the execute signal may be transmitted in the final instructions element of the message to which it refers. The use of the Immediate Executive Method does not allow stations to obtain verifications, repetitions, acknowledgments, or cancellations before the message is executed. These messages should be in plain language or limited to basic TURN, CORPEN, and SPEED signals.

The Immediate Executive Method uses the warning proword IMMEDIATE EXECUTE in the message instructions instead of the proword EXECUTE TO FOLLOW. The text of the signal is transmitted twice, separated by the proword I SAY AGAIN. The execute signal is transmitted in the final instructions. For example:

"Poseidon, THIS IS Key, IMMEDIATE EXECUTIVE, BREAK, Shift Your Rudder, I SAY AGAIN, Shift Your Rudder, STANDBY, EXECUTE, Polk, Vallejo, OVER."

Notice that Key includes both Polk and Vallejo as ROGER addressees. Again, this is done to ensure that the transmission is received by everyone involved, provided communications are good. However, if communications are bad, all stations in the net must ROGER the execution. Upon hearing their calls, Polk and Vallejo would answer:

"Key, THIS IS Polk, ROGER, OUT"

"Key, THIS IS Vallejo, ROGER, OUT."

RADIOTELEPHONE CIRCUIT LOGS

R/T circuit logs must be maintained on all R/T nets or circuits unless otherwise directed. The circuit log shows a complete and continuous record of all transmitted and received traffic, as well as the operating condition on that radio day. Circuit logs contain the following information:

Times of opening and closing by individual stations;

Causes of any delays on the circuit;

Frequency adjustments and changes;

Unusual occurrences, such as procedural and security violations; and

Changing of the watch.

NTP 5 contains the complete list of data required in an R/T circuit log.

When operating conditions permit and when there are no instructions to the contrary, an operator should record every transmission heard, regardless of the source or completeness. This rule applies to all tactical, command, and reporting nets. On other nets, a modified log may be kept.

Some nets may require only a modified log for ready reference. However, on nets or circuits that require complete logs, automatic recording devices should be used to ensure a total record. Time should be automatically or manually recorded at intervals not to exceed 5 minutes.

When a message is addressed to or is to be relayed by the receiving station, the message must be written in full on a message blank. Only details needed to identify the message are inserted in the radio log. If the message does not need to be recorded in full on a message blank, the transmission should be recorded as completely as feasible in the circuit log.

When opening a new circuit or starting a log for a new day, the operator writes or types in his or her name and rank/rate or grade in full. Upon being relieved or closing the circuit, the operator must sign the log. The oncoming operator then writes or types his or her name and rank/rate or grade in full in the log.

Log entries are never erased. Any necessary changes are made by drawing a neat single line through the original entry and indicating the changed version

adjacent to the lined out entry. When using the typewriter, the operator may use the slant key to delete erroneous entries. All changes must be initialed by the operator making the change.

SUMMARY

Circuit discipline is achieved through the proper use of radio equipment, adherence to prescribed frequencies and operating procedures, proper training, and monitoring. The lack of circuit discipline, as well as basic negligence, inaccuracy, and laxity, is responsible for violations that endanger the integrity and security of R/T transmissions.

It is essential that operators be well trained in proper communications voice procedures to competently perform their duties. They are responsible for maintaining circuit discipline at all times. Reliability, security, and speed of communications are reduced when operators don't follow prescribed procedures.