CONDITIONS

Given a radio and a situation where you must contact another unit or base by radio but cannot reach them.

OBJECTIVE

Define correct procedures for re-establishing a radio communications link.

TRAINING AND EVALUATION

Training Outline

1. Ground Search and Rescue Team communications with base and other teams are primarily based on using VHF-FM radio communications. Due to the frequencies used, these communications are limited to line-of-sight access. There must exist an unobstructed line between the transmitting and receiving station. When teams are deployed to the field, they will frequently operate on the 'wrong' side of the mountain or in low areas where the line-of-sight to base or other stations is blocked.
2. The following actions can be taken to re-establish FM radio communications:
1. Check the radio. Ensure battery is good (battery meter or listen for static with squelch off), and that the antenna and hand mike are connected and operational. Try another radio or battery if available.
2. Move to higher ground. This places your antenna at a higher location and increases the chances of maintaining line-of-sight to the receiving station.
3. Use duplex mode. Repeaters are placed in several locations around the state. If you cannot reach base directly, it might be possible to contact them through a radio repeater.
4. Request ground or air relay. If another ground station or aircraft is in a location where it has contact with you and the receiving station, they can relay your message. Only use an aircraft relay if absolutely necessary.
5. If transmitting from a vehicle, move the vehicle to another location. There are radio 'dead spots' near power lines and other areas. Simply moving the vehicle a few meters may correct the situation.
6. If none of these actions work, find a telephone and use it to contact base.

Additional Information

Additional information on regaining communications can be found in L-0005, Choose a Good Communications Site, and your radio's troubleshooting guide.

Evaluation Preparation

Setup:

None.

Brief Team Leader:

Brief the team leader that he is the radio operator on a team and has been told to contact mission base, but cannot reach them. Ask him what steps he would take to regain communications.

Evaluation

Student must receive a pass on all performance measures to qualify in this task. If the individual fails any measure, show what was done wrong and how to do it correctly.