CONDITIONS

Given a scenario in which a team is deployed from base to a remote location.

OBJECTIVE

Determine a good location to contact base by radio.

TRAINING AND EVALUATION

Training Outline

1. When on a sortie, the ground search and rescue team is required to maintain communications with mission base. In order to contact mission base, the team must find a good geographical location that will provide solid radio communications.
2. The following factors should be considered in choosing a good communications site:
1. High ground. The higher you are, the farther your signal can travel because there are fewer objects in the way.
2. Line of Sight. You want a clear path through the air between you and the station you are trying to communicate with. Just finding a high spot will not necessarily help if there is higher ground left between you and the receiving station. Artificial structures, especially tall buildings and metal sheds/towers, can block a signal easily.
3. Accessibility. If you are choosing a communications site based on a map study, ensure that you can actually get to it. The best communications site in the world cannot help you if you cannot drive/walk to it easily or if it is behind a locked gate.
4. Radio Interference. Some artificial objects produce radio interference that can interfere with your radio's ability to receive. Look for and avoid radio interference generators when choosing a communications site. These include:
1. High power lines
2. Transformers
3. Underground cables

Additional Information

Additional information on choosing a good communications site can be found in publications of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Newington, CT. Information on ARRL can be found at their web site: http://www.arrl.org.

Evaluation Preparation

Setup:

None.

Brief Team Leader:

Ask the team leader to name at least three factors in choosing a good communications site, and two sources of radio interference.

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.