View source for Communications

{{See also|Communications FAQ}}

== Mission ==
The mission of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Radio Communications Program is to meet the validated communications requirements of internal and external customers. This mission is accomplished by strong planning to organize and maintain a reliable, integrated, point-to-point, air-to-ground, and ground mobile radio capability in support of the missions of CAP. <ref>https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/R100_001_162D77B8183A1.pdf</ref>

== Introductory Communications User Training (ICUT) ==

=== Information ===
ICUT is offered online and includes several segments of produced video instruction. Subsequent skills evaluation by a mentor/evaluator is also required. The only prerequisites for ICUT are being an active CAP cadet or senior member, as defined by {{Pub|CAPR|39-2}}<ref>https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/R039_002_A74FDA9552C2D.pdf</ref>, Civil Air Patrol Membership, and completion of OPSEC training. All members with duties including unsupervised operation of radios on CAP frequencies must complete ICUT training.

=== Location ===
ICUT is located in the [https://elearning.capnhq.gov AXIS LMS]{{dead_link}}

=== Structure ===
The course is made up of 3 sections: OP1, T1, and OP2.

=== Evaluation ===
Communications staff members recorded in eServices at any level, including cadets, may serve as mentors/evaluators.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ICUT Evaluator Requirements
!Requirement
|-
|[https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.LMS.Web/Default.aspx Skills Evaluator Training (SET)]
|-
|Member of Communications Staff
|-
|Active Cadet or Senior Member
|}

==== Evaluation Worksheets ====
{| class="wikitable"
!Radio Type
!Evaluation Worksheet
|-
|EF Johnson 5112
|[https://frederick.cap.gov/media/cms/ICUT_Evaluation_Worksheet_T1__OP2_1E3940D4E57DC.pdf]
|-
|EF Johnson 5317
|[https://frederick.cap.gov/media/cms/ICUT_Evaluation_Worksheet_T1__OP2_1E3940D4E57DC.pdf]
|-
|Motorola APX 4000
|[https://icuteval.tiiny.site/]
|}

== Specialty Track ==
[[Communications (specialty track)]]

Cadets are not authorized to earn the specialty track, but can wear the badge and patch <ref>https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/R100_001_162D77B8183A1.pdf</ref> by meeting the listed criteria specified in the Senior Member Training Guide, {{Pub|CAPP|2}}14. 

=== Online Testing ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Rating Level
!Location
|-
|Technician
|[https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.LMS.Web/Quiz/quiz_start.aspx?qid=247 Learning Management System]
|-
|Senior
|[https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.LMS.Web/Quiz/quiz_start.aspx?qid=248 Learning Management System]
|-
|Master
|[https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.LMS.Web/Quiz/quiz_start.aspx?qid=228 Learning Management System]
|}

== Reports ==
[[Reports#ICUT Completion Report|Reports]]

== Nets ==

=== Zulu Time ===
All nets are conducted using Zulu time, also known as UTC time. 

=== Sample Script ===
[https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/R100_003_4C83447E87350.pdf Attachment 5]

== Emergency Services Qualifications ==

=== Communications Unit Leader ===
[https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.OPSQuals.Web/EmergencyServices/SQTR.aspx?print=1 Print SQTR]

=== Mission Radio Operator ===
[https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.OPSQuals.Web/EmergencyServices/SQTR.aspx?print=1 Print SQTR]

== Intra-Squad Radios (ISRs) ==
The primary use of ISR radios is for ground team members to communicate among themselves when away from their vehicles, as well as other short-range ground communications.

=== Prohibited Frequencies and Services ===
ICOM 4008M ISR radio channels 10 and 11 are not authorized for use by Civil Air Patrol. 

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is specifically prohibited by the Air Force for use. 

=== Family Radio Service ===
Use of FRS radios are authorized as long as they are used IAW NTIA Regulations. <ref>https://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/7_21_1.pdf</ref>

FRS radios are ideal as a hands-on training tool for communications classes such as demonstrating how to call other stations, transmitting and receiving formal traffic, and simulated ES radio traffic. 

==== Prohibited FRS Use ====

* Emergency/disaster response
* Medical communications
* Command and control communication
* While airborne

==== Acceptable FRS Use ====

* All CAP units and activities not directly supporting Emergency Services (actual missions and training)
* Encampments
* Air shows
* Fund raisers
* Model rocketry
* Ballooning
* Conferences and Meetings

=== Procedures on ISRs and FRS ===
Operations with either ISR or FRS radios should use normal CAP operating procedures, including call signs. To operate either FRS or ISR without supervision, operators must have ICUT. 

==== OPSEC Considerations ====
All communication using these methods can be monitored and members should conduct themselves

professionally and preserve operational along with communications security.

== Best practices ==

== External links ==


[[Category:Functional areas]]