CONDITIONS

You are the radio operator for a ground team, and have been told by the team leader to contact another station. You must choose what frequency to use.

OBJECTIVE

Within 2 minutes, identify the appropriate frequencies and channels used for ground operations

TRAINING AND EVALUATION

Training Outline

1. Ground Search and Rescue Teams use a number of VHF-FM frequencies to communicate with mission base, other ground teams, and aircraft.
2. Frequency assignments are usually given by the communications unit leader based on the following.
1. Simplex Frequencies (VHF-FM): Short range communications where units are operating on the same transmit and receive frequency
2. Duplex Frequencies. Longer range communications are accomplished through the use of a repeater. All repeaters are accessed by transmitting a subaudible tone through the radio. The 100.0 Hz tone will activate any CAP repeater, but is used only in emergencies and to request the proper tone frequency for the repeater in use. Other tones are programmed into the radio as required. The communications unit leader will brief teams on what frequency and tones to use to access local repeaters.
3. VHF-AM (Airband) SAR Frequencies: These are dedicated frequencies authorized for training and actual missions that can be accessed by any aircraft.
4. National HF Frequencies: These are frequencies coordinated by National Headquarters. Some teams may be deployed with HF radios on these frequencies during disasters to serve as relay points out of affected areas.
5. Region HF Frequencies: These are frequencies established for HF operations within a region. Teams may also be deployed and operate on these frequencies to transmit greater distances than traditional VHF-FM assets used by ground teams.
6. Other frequencies are used to communicate with police, Coast Guard, and other SAR agencies. Again, the communications unit leader will brief on the use of these frequencies

Additional Information

Additional information on frequencies used in CAP and repeater locations can be found in CAPR 100-1 Communications. Wing Communications Operations and Training plans will also contain important information for your area.

Evaluation Preparation

Setup:

Prepare a list of the five frequency groups listed above for your area of operation with assignments in each group. Give the list to the trainee. The student may use any item from his field gear, including this book or a 'cheat sheet'.

Brief Student:

Tell the student to identify each frequency and its use, within 2 minutes total time.

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.