For those of you that are not really familiar with how the operation of a two way radio should roughly work. Please take the time to read and remember the following document. You would be amazed at what a Force-Multiplier** good radio communication can be in an Airsoft game.
**A capability that, when added to and employed by a combat force, significantly increases the combat potential of that force and thus enhances the probability of successful mission accomplishment.

• Understand and get familiar with the etiquette of radio communication.
  The international radio communication language is English except in cases where you are licensed to speak in some other language.
• Using the radio is not like talking on the phone, it is a two-way communication, meaning you cannot speak and listen at the same time or break into the conversation. NEVER interrupt if you hear other people talking. Patiently wait until their conversation is finished unless it is an emergency, in which case you must inform the other parties that you have a very urgent emergency message.
• Do not respond to others' calls if you aren't sure it is for you.
• Never transmit sensitive, confidential or personal information through non-cyphered radio communication, it could be heard by anyone on the same frequency.
• Always perform radio checks and ensure that your radio is in good working condition. Ensure that the battery is charged and the power is on. Keep the volume high enough to be able to hear any call outs and regularly make radio checks with other stations to make sure everything is working just fine.
• Memorize the call signs and locations of other persons and radio stations to whom you may communicate with.
• Think before you speak. Decide on what you are going to transmit and to whom it is meant for. Make it as concise, precise and clear as possible and avoid using long and complicated sentences. Do not use abbreviations or spoken phrases. If necessary, write down your message before transmitting it. If your message is long, divide it into understandable short messages.
  

Initiating a radio call

1. To call a station, first listen to ensure the channel is clear for you.
2. Press the PTT (Push-To-Talk) button and after 2 seconds say the recipient's call sign twice followed by "THIS IS" and your call sign.
3. Convey your message once the receiver replies and the communication is established.
   

A typical radio conversation would be as follows:
You: Spartan Actual, Spartan Actual, This is Spartan One, Message Over!

Recipient: Spartan One, This is Spartan Actual, Go Ahead, Over!

You: (You now say your message), Acknowledge, Over!

Recipient: Good Copy Spartan One (means your message was well received and will act upon), Over!

You: This is Spartan One, Out!

Note how in the beginning and the end of the transmission you pronounce your call sign so that people know who is talking. If you have an emergency message and need to interrupt others' conversations, wait and listen until you hear "Over", Press PTT and call ("BREAK, BREAK, BREAK, This is (your call sign), I have emergency message for (recipient's call sign), Do you copy, Over!").

Follow the four golden rules of Radio conversation.
Clarity: Your message should be clear enough. Speak slower than normal speed so that people can understand you better, do not shout.
Simplicity: Your message should be simple for everyone to understand.
Brevity: Your message should be precise and to the point.
Security: Follow the security procedures; do not transmit confidential information on the radio.

---

*The following was contributed by Arnold869 from Petawawa Airsoft, who is also an acting member in our Canadian Forces. Thanks Arnie!

BASIC RADIO / VOICE PROCEDURE

Proper voice procedure training will provide radio operators with the basic knowledge of how to improve their skills in the use of two-way radio communication.

Even the best radio system can suffer from interference, because of this it is possible that others can hear anything that is said. Therefore it is of utmost importance that proper voice procedure is used to save time.

There are two basic considerations when talking on the air.

(a) WHAT TO SAY Voice procedure
(b) HOW TO SAY IT Voice Technique

1. WHAT IS VOICE PROCEDURE?

Voice procedure is a set of rules designed to provide SECURITY, ACCURACY and DISCIPLINE when speaking on the radio. If you neglect these rules then it will be SAD.

1.1 SECURITY

(a) Think before you speak.
(b) Use correct procedure
© Be brief

1.2 ACCURACY

The necessity for clear speech on two-way radio cannot be over emphasised. Therefore the RSVP system should be used to enhance better voice procedure and technique.

R RHYTHM Adequate pauses.
S SPEED Slower than usual conversation.
V VOLUME Speak directly into the microphone.
P PITCH the voice should be pitched at a higher
level than for normal conversation.

1.3 DISCIPLINE
Radio discipline is the responsibility of every operator, and should adhere to the following:
(a) Listen before you speak.
(b) Use correct voice procedure.
© Maintain constant radio watch.
(d) Answer all calls promptly.
(e) Keep the airways free of unnecessary talk.
(f) Be brief and to the point

2. PROWORDS
Prowords are used to indicate specific meaning that replaces abbreviated sentences or phrases.

(a) OVER, I have completed my transmission and you can now reply.

(b) OUT, I have completed my transmission and no reply is required.

© ROGER, Your message is received and understood. (This proword can be used with either OVER or OUT) e.g. “Roger Over” or “Roger Out” Depending on which is applicable.

(d) AFFIRMATIVE.,This means YES normally used when a question is asked and the reply is YES.

(e) NEGATIVE, This means NO and is normally used when a question is asked and the reply is NO.

(f) SAY AGAIN, Meaning repeat your last transmission.

(g) SAY ALL AFTER., Meaning to repeat parts of message after a specific word e.g. say all after boy.

(h) SAY ALL BEFORE. , To repeat parts of a message before a specific word e.g. say all before Jamaica.

(i) STAND BY, Wait for a short period and I will get back to you.

(j) I SPELL, I will spell the next word or group of words phonetically. (See Phonetic Alphabet)
(k) VERIFY, check back with the originator of the message to confirm the whole or specific parts of the message.
(l) WAIT OUT, in a tactical situation, and can not reply back, Until safe.


SIGNAL REPORTING

Whenever an initial radio check call is made the receiving station needs to inform the other station making the request how the receiving signal is being heard. To do this the following scale should be used:

3.1 READABILITY
1 Unreadable.
2 Barely readable some words now & then.
3 Readable with considerable difficulty.
4 Readable with practically no difficulty
5 Perfectly readable (Loud & Clear)

3.2 SIGNAL STRENGTH
1 Faint signals
2 Very weak signals
3 Weak signals
4 Fair signals
5 Fairly good signals
6 Good signals
7 Moderately strong signals
8 Strong signals
9 Extremely strong signals

4. INITIATING A CALL: -
Whenever you are using a radio for the first time, or there is doubt about the performance of your radio, the simplest check that can be done is what is known as a “RADIO CHECK”. The call should consist of the following:

• The callsign of the station being called.
• The words “THIS IS.”
• The callsign of the station calling.
• The words “RADIO CHECK.”
• The proword “OVER”

EXAMPLE:
ODP base THIS IS Red Cross base RADIO CHECK OVER.
Red Cross base THIS IS ODP base you are loud and clear OVER.
ODP base THIS IS Red Cross Base ROGER OUT



PHONETIC ALPHABET
Just as in normal conversations, when someone has difficulty understanding an unfamiliar word or name, the best way to get it across is to spell it.

Therefore the only difference over a two-way radio system is, these words are spelt phonetically to avoid confusion. The alphabet is as follows:

Alpha
Bravo
Charlie
Delta
Echo
Foxtrot
Golf
Hotel
India
Juliet
Kilo
Lima
Mike
November
Oscar
Papa
Quebec
Romeo
Sierra
Tango
Uniform
Victor
Whiskey
Xray
Yankee
Zulu

TACTICAL REPORTS AND RETURNS

Contact report
This report is sent to a unit or formation headquarters, usually by a reconnaissance element , reporting initial contact with enemy forces. Any one can call a contact report.
Example:
- 0 this 2 Contact, (or if your being engaged, 0 this 2 Contact, WAIT OUT) then relay.
- para a, Grid 123 567
- para b, 5 enemy, wearing green BDUs, moving North.
- para c, 1038 hrs
- para d, engaging, retreating (or the actions of your section)

CONTACT REPORT
a. Grid reference of enemy (In clear)
b. Description of enemy force and direction of movement.
c. Date and time of sighting. (If delayed)
d. Own action.



PATROL SITREP
a. Own location. (Grid)
b. Enemy location.
c. Enemy activity.
d. Future intentions.



CASUALTY REPORT
a. Location.
b. Number and type;
(1) Killed.
(2) Wounded.
(3) Missing.
(4) Missing returned.
c. Action required by HQ (indicated urgency)
d. Additional requirements.


ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS AND RETURNS

RESUPPLY
a. Call sign
b. Location of drop (Grid)
c. Type of request
d. Commodity
(1) Designation
(2) Quantity
d. Method of delivery
e.
AIR RESUPPLY
a. Authorization (Smoke, panel, flashlight, mirror, flare, IR light etc)
b. Grid reference of DZ and code-name
c. DTG open from / to
d. Run-in magnetic bearing in degrees
e. Layout pattern (Only if not standard)
f. Any other info (enemy situation, obstacles, etc…)


INTELLIGENCE REPORTS

CAMP REPORT
a. Location Grid
b. DTG found
c. Type
d. Occupied / not occupied
e. Number of buildings
f. Defences
g. Obstacles
h. Activities
i. Estimated time vacated if not occupied[/quote]

"yo dawg, where you at?"
*BEEP!*

Remember to use "over" when done speaking, so the other party knows when they can speak.
Use "out" when finished, someone else may be waiting to use the means.

Excellent advice. I hope more and more airsoft players take this to heart and use it on the field. I ALWAYS have my radio operation when I am on the field, in the respawn, or even in the staging area. Not only do you get vital up-to-date in-game tactical intel, but it is also good for out-of-game information. Such information can be critical especially in the event of an emergency, such as when you get injured or lost when you're alone or when a "no duff" is being called. I don't understand why people who have perfectly good radios don't use it more often during a game. Part of the fun of dressing up and running around the forest playing army/airsoft is in the usage of military radio procedures, at least for me it is.

Thanks for sharing.

Arnold, I merged your post with post #1 and added credit to you at the top of the section you provided. Thanks for posting what is pretty much a complete guide to radio operations. I hope that you all take time to read it! Both new players and veterans of the sport alike should take the time to read this. Nobody expects you to remember everything when you use your radio at a game. But the more radio procedures you can use effectively as a collective group; the better your probability of success when the plastic starts flying.

Happy Reading!