Communication and Marking

Communication is top priority whether you're a rifleman or a platoon leader. Remember, during a session, if you're not shooting or moving, you should be communicating.

Radio Communication

Through our radio system (ACRE2), we use a full-duplex system which allows multiple people with different radios to talk on the same channel at the same time. This means we have to practice certain protocols to ensure information flows up and down the chain of command properly.

Radio Channels/Nets

All radio nets are listed at the map briefing screen. However, you can also find a list of them here. All fireteams have their own private PRC-343 ("walkie-talkie") while communication between assets, squads, and the platoon all happen on different long-range radios such as the PRC-152, PRC-148, and the PRC-117F.

Short-Range PRC-343 Channels:

CH1 - Alpha 1 
CH2 - Alpha 2  
CH3 - Alpha 3 
CH4 - Bravo 1 
CH5 - Bravo 2 
CH6 - Bravo 3
CH7 - Charlie 1
CH8 - Charlie 2
CH9 - Charlie 3
CH10 - Inter-Armor
CH11 - Inter-Air
CH12 - Inter-Platoon

Long-Range PRC-152/148/117F Channels:

CH1 - Alpha Net
CH2 - Bravo Net
CH3 - Charlie Net
CH4 - Platoon Net
CH5 - Air Net
CH6 - Armor Net
CH7 - Emergency Net

Radio Brevity

Brevity is the ability to transmit your message with utmost accuracy as quickly as possible. An example:

Scenario: You are Alpha 1 Fireteam Leader and you see enemies in front of your team, but they're not aware of your presence.

Rather than a message such as:

Alpha Squad Lead, this is Alpha 1, we uh, see about a squad size or even maybe two squads of infantry in the open over here and we need to know if we should shoot them or wait. So far, I don't think they uh, have noticed us and we're prone on the hill here.

A proper message with brevity would be:

ASL, this is A1, we have an EI squad soft contact 300 meters from us at the treeline north. Check map for "EI" mark.

Marking

Marking is any visual form of identification across one or more mediums. This includes marks on the global map, spray painting doors after buildings have been cleared, or even lasing targets with a laser designator.

Map Marking

There are two kinds of map marking: Icons and Drawn Lines. Every mark on the map must be color-coded based on who the mark is for. There are also specific techniques that platoon and squad leaders must use when developing plans.

Marking Color Code

Alpha - Red
Bravo - Blue
Charlie - Green
Individual Specialties (MMG, MTR, MAT) - Purple
Command - Yellow
Armor - Orange
Everyone - Black

Icons

Icons are used for specific points such as dismounting, convoy start points, or even mortar/air strike requests. Icon example:

Drawn Lines

Lines are used to draw movement plans, areas of operation, or even specific blocking orders. Line example:

EI Map Marks

EI: Enemy Infantry

Every "EI call" must be marked on the map once they are pointed out. This allows for direct identification on all levels of command based on color-coded marks. As an example, if it's a green "ei" mark, then charlie has obviously spotted and called out enemy infantry. Alternatively, if it was blue, bravo has spotted them.

In this example, Alpha has marked spotted EI at the top of hill 100: