Patrol Lane
P2

TACTICAL HANDHELD RADIO

8 minutes

Conditions: You have been directed to prepare unit radios for dismounted operations. Enemy presence suspected.

Understanding This Task

You must assemble a radio from parts, load COMSEC using an SKL, program a secure frequency-hopping channel using SOI data, set the time with a DAGR, and conduct a successful radio check.

Radio discipline is graded throughout. Improper RTO pronunciation or procedures = NO-GO. You cannot see the SOI until time starts.

Common NO-GO Mistakes

  • Loading wrong COMSEC keys for the week
  • Unable to communicate on specified frequency = NO-GO
  • Improper RTO pronunciation or procedures = NO-GO
  • Failing to authenticate when required per SOI

Task Basis: 113-000-1016, 031-UCS-3174, 113-100-1138, 113-587-2007

Video Resources

EFMB Warrior Skills: Tactical Radio
Steps and procedures for operating a tactical handheld radio
SINCGARS Training — 29th MPAD
SINCGARS radio setup and operation
EFMB: Spot Report with Man Pack Radio
Transmitting a spot report using tactical radio
Timer: 8 Minutes
8:00
Critical Notes
  • Proper PROWORD usage required throughout.
  • Authentication if required per SOI.
  • Radio discipline — improper procedures = NO-GO.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

0/7 GO
  1. 1

    Assemble the radio

    • Battery.
    • Antenna.
    • Headset or external microphone/speaker.
  2. 2

    Power on the radio

  3. 3

    Load appropriate COMSEC with SKL

    • Select correct COMSEC keys for appropriate week.
    • Load the correct hop set.
  4. 4

    Program one secure operational frequency

    • Per SOI: cypher text (CT), SINCGARS, frequency hop.
  5. 5

    Change settings for headset/external speaker

  6. 6

    Set time with DAGR

  7. 7

    Conduct radio check CRITICAL

    • Unable to communicate on specified frequency = NO-GO.
    • Improper RTO pronunciation or procedures = NO-GO.

From the Ranger Handbook (TC 3-21.76)

Supplementary context — not tested directly, but builds deeper understanding.

Man-Pack Radio Assembly — AN/PRC-119F (Ch. 4, Section 4-3): The Ranger Handbook provides a full step-by-step assembly procedure for the SINCGARS man-pack radio. While ESB tests handheld radios, the fundamentals are the same:

  1. Battery: Inspect battery box for dirt/damage. Check battery life (rechargeable BB-390). Install and latch cover.
  2. Battery life entry: Set FCTN to LD, press BAT then CLR, enter number from battery, press STO, set FCTN to SQ ON.
  3. Antenna: Inspect whip connector. Screw into base and hand-tighten. Mate with RT ANT connector. Keep antenna straight if possible.
  4. Handset: Inspect for damage. Push onto AUD/DATA and twist clockwise to lock.
  5. Pack: Place RT in field pack with antenna on left shoulder. Fold flap over RT and secure.
  6. Set presets: CHAN: 1, MODE: SC, RF PWR: HI, VOL: mid-range, DIM: full clockwise, FCTN: LD, DATA RATE: OFF.
  7. Load frequency: Set FCTN: LD, MODE: SC, select channel, press FREQ, press CLR, enter new frequency, press STO, set FCTN: SQ ON.

Troubleshooting (Section 4-4): Check frequency, power output (set to HIGH), time sync for frequency hop, crypto fill, and control knob. Check antenna fitting, hand-mike, and battery. For LOS radios, move to higher ground if needed.

Source: TC 3-21.76, Chapter 4 — Communications, Sections 4-3 and 4-4, April 2017

P1: Move Under Fire P3: DAGR GPS