Communications FAQ

Can the Introductory Communications Users Training (ICUT) be taught in a classroom setting?

If you contact your Group or Wing Director of Communications (DC) they can tell you who is qualified as an instructor for you. The instructors have access to the teaching materials and can also evaluate the members upon completion.

How do I find my radio operator’s call sign?

Ask your Wing Director of Communications (DC). Callsigns are issued at the wing level under the direction of the wing DC. In some wings, this has been delegated to the Group level. If the wing uses a “Licensing Officer” under the DC to perform these administrative tasks, that would be the person to contact.

Where can I find information on CAP radio system frequencies?

See information on frequencies in Chapter 9 and Chapter 10 of CAPR 100-1. This regulation prescribes concepts, policies, and standards which govern the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Radio Communications Program. The National Commander prescribes the minimum communications requirements. Practices, procedures, and standards prescribed in this regulation are mandatory. All suggestions for modification and improvement of the program will be forwarded through the chain of command.

Frequency information may be obtained providing you are in a communications track and in a group or higher level by going to E-Services and selecting the Communications site. The frequency information is found in the Communications Library General Information tab.

Chapter 9 FREQUENCY UTILIZATION

Chapter 10 CAP FREQUENCY SPECIFICATIONS

How do I get certified as a radio operator in CAP?

For requirements and procedures, please see CAPR 100-1, Chapter 5.

Is there a CAP National Radio Communications Network Plan?

Access to this plan is restricted. See details under eServices at the bottom of the page click on "Communications" which will take you to the "Communications Area Security System" and allow access to the Communications plan.

Click on "Communications Library" under "Communications Applications, Programs, Library, Reports and Information".

If an ICS Communications Log is the current form in use, where would I find it?

The communications log is CAP Form 110. You can find it on the forms and pubs page at capmembers.com.

You can also access the from through the following link: CAPF 110

Where can I find online tests for communicators?

Communications tests can be found in the Learning Management System (LMS) in eServices.

These include the specialty track examinations and the Introductory Communications User Course (ICUT).

The “ICUT Introductory Communications User Training” tests are located in AXIS. To find the test, look on your “Main Portal” page and scroll through the “Courses In Progress”, “Courses Not Started”, and “Completed Courses” to see if the course link if there. If not, click on the “Course Catalog” link at the top of AXIS and search for “ICUT”.

What is the CAP National Technology Center (NTC)?

The CAP National Technology Center (NTC) supports the Civil Air Patrol Communications Program through a variety of activities including communications engineering and technical services as well as integration of new technologies in the areas of communications and information exchange. The NTC performs research and development into exploitation of the World Wide Web and Internet capabilities in fixed and mobile environments.

As a functional part of CAP National Headquarters, the NTC receives and processes new communications equipment obtained with federal appropriated funds for distribution and use by the CAP Wings and Regions across the country. In addition the NTC locates, acquires, processes, rehabs, and distributes previously used communications equipment obtained through federal excess property systems and other donating entities.

And, as part of the National Headquarters Operations Directorate, the NTC Staff represents the Civil Air Patrol on several standing committees and federal inter-agency work groups. Upon request, the NTC engineering staff is available to assist the Wings and Regions in maintaining the various communications-electronics systems that they are responsible for. Providing technical support, engineering design and industry contacts is a frequent tasking of the NTC Staff.

Where can I find information about the proper protocol for message urgency as in which message is more important than others?

Message precedence is covered in para 1-14 of CAPR 100-3. Briefly, the precedence in order of importance are:

a. FLASH (Z)

b. IMMEDIATE (O)

c. PRIORITY (P)

d. ROUTINE (R)

What is High Frequency Automatic Link Establishment (HF/ALE)?

High Frequency Automatic Link Establishment (HF/ALE) is the next generation of HF radio technology being implemented throughout the Civil Air Patrol communications system. In the HF/ALE environment, each radio operates automatically across a suite of frequencies. This differs from conventional HF in which a “net” is a gathering of stations, usually on a single frequency at a specific time. In the ALE methodology a “net” is a group of radios continuously scanning a common suite of frequencies. CAP’s 21st Century HF/ALE system will not use traditional scheduled voice nets for operational missions. Rather, it will be composed of a system of decentralized point-to-point, peer-to-peer stations strategically located to provide connectivity required for tactical and command and control communications. The system will be organized into a National Command Net and eight Region Command Nets.

I'm am interested in purchasing a personal portable VHF radio for CAP use. Is there any guidance available on appropriate units other than the list of NTIA compliant radios in the communications section?

With the closure of the CAP Supply Depot, CAP is no longer in the business of reselling communications equipment. The database of authorized radios on the CAP Communications Web Page provides guidance on the equipment on today’s market allowable for CAP use. In addition to the database product there is also a link provided where you can “Suggest a radio for addition or specification review/update”. This link allows you to email the keepers of the database and discuss equipment options.

But, your best resource for selecting a radio to meet your needs is your wing Director of Communications. This staff officer not only shoulders the burden of managing your wing’s communications system but is also very aware of equipment options available to you. And, he/she has access to their counterparts all across the country should your question go beyond their personal expertise. We recommend you contact your wing DC and discuss what equipment would best serve your needs.

What are prowords and where can I find a list of them?

Common prowords used in CAP communications are found in CAPR 100-3, attachment 4.

Where can I find the phonetic alphabet?

The phoenetic alphabet can be found in CAPR 100-3.

Does the FCC issue call signs to all users including the federal government?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issues call signs to non-federal users and that is how the stations are tracked. The federal stations could issue their own internationally recognized call signs, but it was decided long time ago to let the FCC do this. By international treaties (the ITU), military departments may depart from the call sign letter and number scheme. That is why a MARS station has a call sign that follows the international scheme whereas a tactical unit or an installation may do something else. Civil Air Patrol follows the procedures and guidance used by most of the Department of Defense (DoD). All CAP call signs are recorded in DoD call sign books, but these books are not normally seen by the general public.

For the general member, all you need to know is that, if qualified, your wing Director of Communications will be happy to help issue you a callsign.

What can you tell me about the combat survival radio for downed pilots?

The Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) is the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Program of Record for Joint Search and Rescue. This fully qualified, next-generation survival radio system is comprised of over-the-horizon relays, ground, and user equipment segments for the joint services. Today, CSEL is providing global coverage for U.S. DoD forces world wide.

Where can I find the requirements for earning the Communicator's Badge and patch?

The communications patch is the cloth equivalent of the communications badge which is awarded in recognition of completion of the various levels (technician, senior, and master) of the communications specialty track CAPP 214. It is NOT authorized for wear by communications users who have completed only ICUT, BCUT or ACUT training.

Where can I find information about Mission Radio Operator (MRO) Tasks?

To see the task required to become a Mission Radio Operator, you can go to Operations Qualifications in eServices. Follow the steps below to get to the SQTR for MRO:

- Once in Operations Qualifications, click on "Entry/View Worksheet" under Emergency Services.

- In the "Achievement" dropdown, select "MRO - Mission Radio Operator"

- The task are then shown on the page.

You can find out what is associated with the various tasks by going to the National Emergency Services Academy (NESA) web site at: (task guide is not currently available, site is being updated)

Check back at a later date by going to the NESA site: https://nesa.cap.gov/