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. By default the Caps Lock key allows you to transmit over the radio. Below is an image of the message that will appear in the bottom right of your screen when you are transmitting over the radio.
In addition to letting you know that you are transmitting this message also display some useful information. It shows which radio you are broadcasting on (in this case the PRC-343) and which channel you are broadcasting on (in this case Block 1 - Channel 1). This is important to note so you are transmitting on the correct channel using the correct radio. Before the mission starts it is worth checking your gear to see which radios you have. If you have to change the channel you are broadcasting on, you can open and close the currently selected radio by using the hotkey Ctrl + Alt + Caps Lock Or by double clicking the radio in your inventory. If you need to cycle between multiple radio, use the hotkey Ctrl + Shift + Caps Lock. A full list of hotkeys can be found in the section below or the mission briefing.
Radios & Radio Channels
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 AN/PRC-343 ("walkie-talkie") while communication between assets, squads, and the platoon all happen on different long-range radios such as the AN/PRC-152, AN/PRC-148, and the AN/PRC-117F.
Short-Range AN/PRC-343:
The AN/PRC-343 or 343 is most basic radio we use. It is mostly used for communication between Fireteam leaders. Almost every position uses a 343 to communicate and it is an important radio to become familiar with. The 343 has the shortest range of all the radios we use so it is important to remember it can only be used to contact nearby elements. The 343 comes equipped with a 2.5in antenna, a max output of 50mW and a range of up to 500 metres in rural terrain. The 343 operates on an Ultra High Frequency. This means they cannot transmit or receive messages from a 152 or 148. Below is an image of the 343 when you open it up.
Looking at the 343, you can see there are two dials at the top as well as a detachable handle on the left side. The left dial can be used to change the volume of your radio. The right dial can be used to change the channel of your radio. The radio will go from channel 1 to channel 16. The handle on the right can also be detached to in order to change the block being transmitted on. Currently there is not need to change the block. Make sure the handle is attached or the radio will not work.
AN/PRC-148
The AN/PRC-148, a more advanced radio is generally used by a squad leader and specialty (ex: engineering) leader to communicate with command. The 148 uses pre-programmed channels like the 343 but with a much longer range. It has the same specifications as the 152.
Use the default key to open up your 148 and you are left with that screen. To change channels, once again you have to press the top middle button. To change volume, simply click the button on the leftmost side.
AN/PRC-152
152s are currently not directly issued in the framework, though may be found mounted in some vehicle racks
The AN/PRC-152 handled by the squad leader to communicate with command. It uses predefined, pre-programmed channels like the 343 and 148, but is much more powerful than the 343. It functions on a Ultra High Frequency, has an output of 5W, and a range of up to ten kilometres in ideal conditions.
The 152 has two controllabe buttons that you need to worry about: the top middle one, which changes channels, and the buttons at the side which are used to adjust volume. To change a channel, simply click on the top middle button (left to go up a channel, right to go back one). To change volume, you do the same.
Radio Channels
Short-Range PRC-343 Channels:
CH1 - Alpha CH2 - Bravo CH3 - Charlie CH4 - Delta CH5 - CH6 - CH7 - Weapon team Specialties (MAT, MMG) CH8 - CH9 - CH10 - Inter-Armor CH11 - Inter-Air CH12 - CH16 - Medical
Long-Range PRC-152/148/117F Channels:
CH1 - 1st Platoon CH2 - 2nd Platoon CH3 - CH4 - Company Command (Coy) CH5 - Air Net CH6 - Armor Net CH7 - Emergency Net
Radio Procedures & Prowords
Before making a transmission, remember the following:
Accuracy: Is what you're saying solid information? When reporting contact, ensure that you have double checked the direction and distance of the contact.
Brevity: KISS - Keep It Short and Simple, or Keep It Simple Stupid. Convey as much information as necessary in as few words as possible.
Clarity: Make sure that you speak slowly, steadily and as clearly as you can. Do your best to remain calm under pressure.
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.
Some good key words to remember are listed in the table below. Use them to limit the time you're on net.
| Proword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CORRECTION | An error has been made in this transmission. Transmission will continue with the last word correctly transmitted. |
| I SAY AGAIN | I am repeating transmission or portion indicated. |
| OUT | This is the end of my transmission to you and no answer is required or expected. |
| OVER | This is the end of my transmission to you and a response is necessary. Go ahead; transmit. |
| BREAK | I hereby indicate the separation of the text from other portions of the message. |
| ROGER | I have received your last transmission satisfactorily, and loud and clear. |
| SAY AGAIN | Repeat all of your last transmission. |
| SEND | I have received your initial call; pass on the rest of your message. |
| THIS IS | This transmission is from the station whose designator/callsign immediately follows. |
| WILCO | I have received your signal, understand it, and will comply. To be used only by the addressee. Since the meaning of ROGER is included in that of WILCO, the two prowords are never used together. |
Default Hotkeys
By default, your hotkeys are set to the following:
CapsLock - Default voice over network key
SHIFT + CapsLock - Alternative Radio 1 VON
CTRL + CapsLock - Alternative Radio 2 VON
ALT + CapsLock - Alternative Radio 3 VON
CTRL + DOWN - Previous Channel (active radio)
CTRL + UP - Next Channel (active radio)
CTRL + SHIFT + LEFT - Active Radio Left Ear
CTRL + SHIFT + UP - Active Radio Both Ears
CTRL + SHIFT + RIGHT - Active Radio Right Ear
CTRL + SHIFT + DOWN - Toggle headset (takes them off your ears)
TAB + Scroll UP/DOWN - Volume control
ALT + SHIFT + CapsLock - Switch radio
CTRL + ALT + CapsLock - Open radio
Direct Communication
Direct communication is any communication done between two or more players in real time. Direct communication is a skill that must be developed in order to relay information between fireteam members more efficiently and ultimately increase surviveability.
Acre2 Direct Speech
Besides Radio comms ACRE also supplies a direct chat system which can only be heard by those directly around you. This system allows you to choose your voice volume by holding tab and scrolling up or down with your mouse wheel. Based on your mission or surroundings your voice volume can be very important. Below will be an info sheet pulled from the ACRE2 wiki itself. By default your TS3 Push to talk or voice activation setting will be your direct speech.
Keep these in mind. The AI or players can and will react to you based on what they can hear. In most cases it is not necessary to go over 3/5 and I would recommend staying at 2/5 until you get into combat so you do not end up disrupting briefings or orders.
Contact Calls
A contact is anything unknown that you're able to visually or audibly identify as being present. A contact is not specifically an enemy vehicle or infantry, so make sure you always identify prior in order to avoid friendly fire incidents. Examples of contact calls:
I got audio on something tracked to the north in the treeline. Unknown distance
Contact, infantry moving in the trees to the southwest, 300 meters.
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 Types
There are two map types: Textured and Un-textured. The map type can be toggled at the top right of the map screen. It is recommended that you use un-textured for clarity of terrain and markings.
Textured
Un-Textured
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
When marking the map, it is important to use the correct color to indicate which element the mark being added is addressed to. This means that all red marks are for alpha squad and so on for each element. Below is a list of the color code used for each element.
Alpha - Red Bravo - Blue Charlie - Green Individual Specialties (MMG, MTR, MAT) - Purple Command - Yellow Armor - Orange Everyone - Black
Prior to mission start, you can set your marker color at the top right of the map screen. This should be done by everyone while safe start is on. Below is a image of the drop down to select your marker color.
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. Lines can be drawn by holding down the left control key and left mouse button. 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 this hill:
In general, we also name terrain within the area of operation. As this hill's overall peak is 100 meters above sea-level, we'd often refer to this as hill 100 and mark it as such.
Command Map Planning
Regardless of who is in command at the time of mission start, all mission commanders need to follow the same type of planning system. This ensures that all players have a streamlined and structured experience without the need to adapt to different leadership styles as a whole. Failure to do so will result in commanding rights being revoked. The following are examples of full plans.
Convoy
Also note that ALL convoy planned-missions must have a Mount Order defined prior to mission start. A stand MO looks like this:
Infantry
Full Plans
Convoy with Infantry Dismount/Assault
Calls for Fire
Calls for fire will always be directed by a Joint Terminal Attack Controller(JTAC)/Forward Observer(FO) if available. If not, all leadership can request support through their chain of command. Only the highest level leader may contact the supports directly for fire if there is no JTAC/FO available.
Mortar Support Marking
Air Support Marking
For non-JTACs, mark the target on the map w/ a descriptor, and then communicate with higher elements to make a request for a strike on that target.
For JTACs, see JTAC-Aircraft Operations.
Acronym Cheat sheet
ARMA is full of Acronyms and letter soup. These list should help you see the order in the madness.
There will also be a few Prowords here. Prowords are words used in radio Procedure as a form of shorthand.
| Acronym | Definition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AO | Area of Operations | |
| CQB | Close Quarters Battle | |
| CQC | Close Quarters Combat | |
| MOUT | Military Operations in Urban Terrain | School of tactics related to fighting in and around Cities |
| ROE | Rules Of Engagement |
| Acronym | Definition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASL | Alpha Squad Leader | |
| AAR | Assistant Auto-Rifleman | Spotter and ammo bearer for AR |
| AR | Automatic Rifleman/Rifle | |
| BSL | Bravo Squad Leader | |
| COY | Company | |
| CSL | Charlie Squad Leader | |
| FO | Forward Observer | Spots for and directs Artillery assets |
| FT | Fireteam | 6 man element. 2 to a squad. |
| FTL | Fireteam Leader | |
| GREN | Grenadier | Carries grenade launcher or extra grenades |
| HAT | Heavy Anti-Tank | Typically Static AT launchers |
| HMG | Heavy Machinegun | Typically A .50 caliber Machinegun |
| INF | Infantry | |
| JTAC | Joint Terminal Attack Controller | Spots for and directs Air assets |
| LAT | Light Anti-Tank | Man portable Disposable rocket launchers |
| MMG | Medium Machinegun | Typically a belt fed .30 cal (7.62mm) Machinegun |
| MRT | Mortar Team | |
| MO | Medical Officer | Manages the PLT Field Hospital |
| PL | Platoon or Platoon lead | |
| PLT | Platoon | |
| RAT | Rifleman Anti-Tank | Carries FT's anti tank |
| Acronyms & Prowords | Definition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACES | Ammo, Casualties, Equipment, Situation | To be reported in order |
| BDA | Bomb Damage Assessment | Report of effectiveness of Air/Arty Strike. |
| Black | Expended resource | "A2, black on ammo" |
| CallSign | A radio codename | |
| ETA | Estimated Time of Arrival | "Reinforcements ETA 10 Mikes" |
| Green | Full on resource | "Green across the board, ready to fight" |
| Mike | Minute | |
| Net | Network | A radio channel |
| Oscar Mike | On The Move | |
| Over | Proword used to end a message while asking for a reply | |
| Out | Proword used to mark the end of a transmission | |
| Red | Critically Low on Resource | "Red on Bandages" |
| Radio Check | Please confirm my radio is working and you can hear me | |
| SITREP | Situational Report | Either giving or asking for a report |
| Station | Your Radio | |
| Yellow | Have used a small amount of resource | Not in immediate need of resupply |
| Acronym | Definition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AO | Area of Operations | |
| ASR | Alternate Supply Route | The veins that branch from an MSR |
| BOF | Base Of Fire | |
| CP | Command Post | |
| CCP | Casualty Collection Point | |
| COP | Combat Outpost | Small fortified outpost relies on supply and patrols from FOB |
| DZ | Drop Zone | You parachute here |
| EA | Enemy Armor | |
| EI | Enemy Infantry | |
| FH | Field Hospital | |
| FOB | Forward Operations Base | Large Fortified forward base |
| HVT | High Value Target | Valuable enemy to Kill or Capture |
| HQ | Headquarters | |
| LZ | Landing zone | Where you land your boats or helicopters |
| LOA | Limit Of Advance | The furthest extent of an assault or movement |
| MSR | Main Supply Route | The main artery into an AO Usually a major highway or the largest road |
| PL | A Phase Line | A line typically a grid line or road that indicates the starting line of an operational Phase |
| Phase | A codenamed section of the overall plan | Not to be executed until command uses the codeword |
| RP | Rally Point / Regroup Point | |
| TOC | Tactical Operations center | |
| TRP | Target Reference Point | A terrain or building feature that aids in navigation and or talking support onto a target |
| VIC / VEH | Vehicle | |
| VIP | Very Important Person | An ally we need to protect or rescue |
| WP | Waypoint | A navigational aid to stay on the correct path, usually near something that can be used as a reference point |
| Acronym | Definition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AA | Anti Aircraft | Generic term for any Anti Aircraft platform |
| AAA / Triple A | Anti Aircraft Artillery | Cannons meant to shoot at aircraft |
| AH | Attack Helicopter | A helicopter with CAS capability |
| APC | Armored Personal Carrier | A Lightly Armored vehicle meant to transport troops, occasionally armed with machine guns. M113 and BTRs are examples |
| ARTY | Artillery | |
| CAS | Close Air Support | |
| Fast Mover | A Jet Fighter/Bomber | |
| FW | Fixed Wing | A Plane |
| IFV | Infantry Fighting Vehicle | An Armored vehicle that can transport and support a small team. Armed with Cannons and anti tank missiles. |
| MBT | Main Battle Tank | Heavily Armored vehicle with a large caliber high velocity gun |
| MLRS | Multiple Launch Rocket System | Rocket Artillery normally vehicle mounted |
| SAM | Surface to Air Missile | A form of anti Aircraft |
| SPAA | Self Propelled Anti-Air | Sometimes A "G" is added for Gun. SPAAG |
| SPG | Self Propelled Gun | A howitzer on tracks or wheels. |
| TH | Transport Helicopter | |
| Technical | An improvised combat vehicle | Normally a pickup truck with a .50cal MG bolted to it. |
| UAG | Unmanned Ground Vehicle | |
| UAV | Unmanned Aerial Vehicle |