Tactical Communications
Tactical communications are the military systems and networks used for secure, reliable voice, data, and video communication on the battlefield to coordinate operations, share information, and maintain situational awareness.
Knowledge Check Q&A
Q: The flexibility of the Harris AN/PRC 152A radio allows you to:
A: Use one radio to communicate with many different types of radios.
Q: To open a non-secure network, the Network Control station (NCS) calls the group call sign and issues an authentication challenge, what should the first user do in response?
A: Authenticate and issue a counter-challenge to NCS
Q: After the radio completes its initial self-test and you have checked the indicators on the LCD screen, what are you ready to do?
A: Receive messages
Q: Wait and Execute are common final instruction prowords, which is NOT?
A: Over
Q: What does a radio communication precedence indicate when communicating a message?
A: Level of urgency
Q: Where are the Civil engineering tactical communication UTCs stored and maintained?
A: AFCEC Contingency Equipment Management Facility
Q: When pre-setting the description, which PRESET WAVEFORM should be selected on an AN/PRC-152A radio?
A: VULOS
Q: Which indicator shows the radio is receiving a message and the strength of the incoming signal?
A: The RX/TX Power Indicator
Q: What will occur if you come in contact with or are within two inches of the antenna when the transmitter is keyed?
A: Radio Frequency Burns
Q: The communication standard format has three major parts. What are the parts?
A: Heading, Text and Ending
Q: The multiband handheld radio __________ (PA) is used for both the vehicle or base station radio systems.
A: Power Amplifier
Q: What is used to switch between presets 1-15 for RT1?
A: Presets Selection Knob
Q: After assembling the antenna and mast, what position should the mast be extended near the ground?
A: Horizontal
Q: What document will provide a comprehensive list of equipment in each Unit Type Code?
A: Equipment Supply List (ESL)
Q: Why are the parts of the antenna and cable connectors NEVER touched when the radio equipment is transmitting?
A: Dangerous Radio Frequency (RF) voltages may exist
Q: Programming a channel begins by pressing the numeric ________ button.
A: 8 PGM
Q: What precedence is used for messages that don’t need special treatment but still need to be delivered as quicky as possible?
A: Routine
Q: What should you do before disposing of lithium-ion batteries?
A: Make sure they are completely discharged
Q: What message precedence is used for situations that affect the security of firendly forces or populace?
A: Immediate
Q: On a non-secure network, after the first user authenticates, the Network Control Station (NCS) will give an authentication to their challenge and begin ________.
A: A chain of authentications to verify the remaining users.
Q: The AN/PRC-163 System Presets Selector Buttons located on the top left-hand side are pre-programmed for _________.
A: RT1
Q: Never transmit messages within ________ of UXO when using a vehicle mounted radio.
A: 100 ft
Q: True or False: Authentication codes change frequently and vary from one network to another.
A: True
Q: How many channels can the user preset on an AN/PRC-152A radio and save?
A: 99
Q: A repeater receives a radio signal and _______ it at a higher power to cover a greater distance.
A: Re-transmits
Q: After selecting SYSTEM PRESETS and pressing enter, what should be selected next, before selecting Preset number 01-99 on an AN/PRC-152A radio?
A: PRESET CONFIG
Q: Why is the message heading referred to as “The Call”?
A: It hails the attention of the receiver(s) and identifies the sender.
Q: What should you do if your radio network is not secure?
A: Authenticate your identity
Q: Prior to leaving the network, what should you do?
A: Transmit a call to the Network Control Station (NCS) and request permission to exit
Q: True or False: You should never erect the antenna where power lines could possibly sag, break or come in contact with the antenna or transmission line.
A: True
Q: What position does the function Knob need to be placed in, before connecting the battery?
A: Off
Q: When you program a new secure channel or use an existing channel the _____ will be used to select an encryption key from the radio’s memory.
A: Simple Key Loader (SKL)
Q: what message has precedence over routine traffic?
A: Priority
Q: True or False: Radio trandmissions may cause Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) to detonate. NEver transmit messages with hand-held radios within 8 meters or 25 feet from UXO.
A: True
Q: True or False: The AN/PRC-152A is designed for specific environments and must be carefully maintained for indoor use.
A: False
Q: When you first turn on the AN/PRC-163, what will happen?
A: the radio will perform a self-test
Q: True or False: All tactical communications equipment UTCs will contain the same number and type of components.
A: False
Q: What is used to select Plain Text (PT) non-encrypted, or Cipher Text (CT) encrypted communication on an AN/PRC-152A radio?
A: Cipher Switch
Q: Ho many antennas does the AN/PRC-152A handset unit consist of?
A: 2
Q: The multiband handheld radio Power Amplifier supplies additional _______ for increased range and link reliability.
A: Rardio Frequency Power
Q: Which proword indicates the separation of the text from other portions of the message?
A: Break
Q: Which connector is located on the back of the AN/PRC-163 handheld radio?
A: External Mission Module Interface (EMMI)
Q: What Personal Protective Equipment should Airmen use when erecting the antenna?
A: Helmet, Gloves, Safety Glasses and Safety Toe Boots
Q: If you erect the AT420 antenna near power lines, the base of the antenna must always be at least ______.
A: To times the height away.
Q: Once the radio is warmed up, it will _________.
A: Heat up approximately 10 degrees and will never cool down.
Q: Why would you turn the function knob from the OFF position to the F position on an AN/PRC-152A radio?
A: To use the numeric keypad to select the channel
Q: How many sections are displayed on the AN/PRC-163’s main screen of the Liquid Crystal Display?
A: 3
Q: True or False: You do not need to get approval before operating the AN/PRC-163 Multichannel Radio on any frequency.
A: False
Q: The AN/PRC-163 can be used for __________ communication.
A: Crossbanding, Ground to Ground, Ground to Air, and TACSAT
Q: the radio’s software includes an automatic test when you turn on the radio and a self-diagnosing ___________.
A: Built-in-Test (BIT)
