Communications
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. [1]
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 CAPR 39-2[2], 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 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.
| Requirement |
|---|
| Skills Evaluator Training (SET) |
| Member of Communications Staff |
| Active Cadet or Senior Member |
Evaluation Worksheets
| Radio Type | Evaluation Worksheet |
|---|---|
| EF Johnson 5112 | [1] |
| EF Johnson 5317 | [2] |
| Motorola APX 4000 | [3] |
Specialty Track
Communications (specialty track)
Cadets are not authorized to earn the specialty track, but can wear the badge and patch [3] by meeting the listed criteria specified in the Senior Member Training Guide, CAPP 214.
Online Testing
| Rating Level | Location |
|---|---|
| Technician | Learning Management System |
| Senior | Learning Management System |
| Master | Learning Management System |
Reports
Nets
Zulu Time
All nets are conducted using Zulu time, also known as UTC time.
Sample Script
Emergency Services Qualifications
Communications Unit Leader
Mission Radio Operator
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. [4]
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.