Radio Communications
Purpose
Radio communication enables sections and platoon-level units to maintain real-time coordination across the battlefield. A disciplined and structured radio protocol ensures that essential information is delivered clearly, quickly, and with minimal risk of confusion, even under fire.
Definition
Radio communications are verbal transmissions sent across designated frequencies or voice channels to relay orders, situational updates, and coordination messages. Depending on the mission or game engine, a dual-net setup is preferred:
- Platoon Net: Used for communication between Section Leaders, Platoon Leadership, and Command Section.
- Section Net: Used internally within each Section for Fire Team coordination.
Not all games or missions support multi-net configurations. In those cases, radio discipline becomes even more critical.
Key Principles
- Use “[listener], this is [speaker]” format to initiate communication.
- Speak clearly, slowly, and with intent.
- Keep transmissions brief and essential.
- Follow closed-loop communication procedures to confirm orders and acknowledgements.
- Avoid crosstalk or overlapping transmissions — only one person should speak at a time.
- Prioritize Platoon Net for inter-section reports and Section Net for local execution.
Application
🔁 Standard Radio Flow
-
Initiating Call:
“Alpha, Bravo, how copy?, over.” -
Acknowledgment:
“Bravo, Alpha, good copy, over.” -
Transmission Content:
“Move to grid 1234, over.” -
Confirmation:
“Move to grid 1234, copy, over.” -
Close Transmission:
“Good copy, out.”
💡 Remember: “Over” means you’re passing the mic. “Out” means the conversation is done.
🔁 Closed-Loop Communications
Used to confirm orders, repeat critical data, and verify understanding:
- Sender issues command
- Receiver repeats back
- Sender confirms or corrects
“Bravo, Alpha. Cover the south window.”
“Alpha, Bravo. Covering south window, over.”
“Bravo, Alpha. Good copy, out.”
📖 Radio Verbiage Reference
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ”How Copy?” | Requests confirmation that message was received. |
| ”Good Copy / Loud and Clear / Lima Charlie” | Message received clearly. |
| ”Say Again?” | Request repetition of message (never say “repeat”). |
| ”Wilco” | Will comply. |
| ”Break Break Break” | Emergency priority message incoming. |
| ”Break” | Pause in long message. |
| ”Standby” | Wait for more information. |
| ”Standing By” | Acknowledging the request to wait. |
| ”Wait One” | Short pause (usually one minute). |
| ”Over” | End of your turn; awaiting response. |
| ”Out” | Transmission complete. |
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Talking too quickly or without clear structure.
- ❌ Using casual language or inside jokes.
- ❌ Forgetting to identify both parties in multi-unit environments.
- ❌ Flooding the Platoon Net with irrelevant chatter.
- ❌ Saying “Repeat” instead of “Say Again.” (Repeat = fire mission).
Summary
Proper radio procedure is one of the most important skills in the SPECTRE SOP. Whether you’re a fireteam member passing a contact report, a section leader coordinating a breach, or a platoon lead issuing tasking orders, clear radio comms enable rapid, reliable decision-making.