CAPITULO 3: ESTRATEGIA DE MIGRACIÓN A SOFTWARE LIBRE PARA LOS PROYECTOS DE SOFTWARE
3.1 G ENERALIDADES DE LA ESTRATEGIA
3-231. The following discussion covers the capabilities, limitations, advantages, and disadvantages of the various means of communications available to the company team.
Messengers
3-232. When security conditions, resources, and time permit, the use of messengers is the preferred means of communications for the company team. It is the most secure means and generally is also very flexible and reliable. Messengers can deliver fire plans, status reports (STATREP), and various types of messages. If possible, lengthy messages sent by messenger should be written to prevent confusion.
Wire
3-233. This method of communications is especially effective in static positions. The company team may employ a hot loop in defensive positions, OPs, and assembly areas. Wire is both secure and reliable, but it imposes strict limits on the mobility of the user. This could interfere with unit TLP or other priorities of work. (NOTE: Wire can also be used on M1-series tanks and BFVs to facilitate communications with dismounted elements working with the unit. Wire is routed from inside the vehicle to an externally mounted phone.)
Visual Signals
3-234. Visual communications are valuable in identifying friendly forces or transmitting prearranged messages quickly over short distances. Standard hand-and-arm or flag signals work well during periods of good visibility.
(See FM 3-25.60 [FM 21-60] for a description of hand-and-arm signals.) Crews can use no-power thermal paper, flashlights, chemical lights, or other devices during periods of limited visibility, but they must exercise extreme care to avoid alerting the enemy to friendly intentions. Pyrotechnic ammunition can also be used for visual signaling. The meaning of these signals must be specified in paragraph 5 of the OPORD or by unit SOP.
Sound Signals
3-235. This form of communications is mainly used to attract attention, transmit prearranged messages, and spread alarms. Sound signals, however, carry only short distances, and their range and clarity are greatly reduced by battle noise. In addition, since they are open to enemy interception, use of sound signals may be restricted for security reasons.
They must be kept simple to avoid creating confusion. Pre-arranged meanings for sound signals must be covered in unit SOPs and SOIs.
Radio
3-236. The radio is the company team’s most flexible, most frequently used means of communications. It can quickly transmit information over long distances with great accuracy. It is also the least secure means, although secure equipment and the ability of Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) to frequency-hop provide the company team with protection against most enemy direction-finding, interception, and jamming capabilities. To maintain effective radio communications, leaders must strictly enforce proper radio discipline and procedures and adhere to the following guidelines:
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Keep radio transmissions short (10 seconds or less); break up longer messages into short transmissions.•
Make clear, concise transmissions.•
When direct radio contact is broken, set up relays or go to high ground.•
Submit initial contact reports immediately, then send additional information later.•
Prioritize transmissions.Digital (Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade And Below)
3-237. FBCB2 is the foundation system for Army Battle Command System (ABCS) and the tactical internet (TI). Mounted on most of the vehicles in the company team, each system is linked to a Precision Lightweight Global Positional System Receiver (PLGR) and a SINCGARS or EPLRS radio. Each FBCB2 generates and transmits its own position location. Collectively, the FBCB2 systems generate the Blue SA picture. Operators utilize FBCB2 to generate threat SPOTREPs, which create the majority of the Red (enemy) picture at the tactical level. The messaging, reporting, and orders/graphics capabilities of the system support battle command for each battlefield functional area (see Figure 3-21).
3-238. FBCB2 receives data across the TI via the internet controller (INC).
The INC is a tactical router built into the SINCGARS radio system. The enhanced position location reporting system (EPLRS) data radio and the SINCGARS data/voice radio transmit/receive digital information between vehicles. Units equipped with FBCB2 must use precise SOPs to dictate how the unit and specific users will send and receive information from the top down and from the bottom up.
Figure 3-21. FBCB2 FM VERSUS DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
3-239. Whether to use FM or digital means for communication is a function of the situation and SOPs. Even though both systems are critical for effective C2 at all levels, FM will remain the primary method for control at company and below during operations. Some general considerations can help guide the understanding of when to use which mechanism at what time.
3-240. FM will be the primary method of communications when maneuver elements are in contact and time is a critical factor. Staffs at brigade and battalion level must remain sensitive to the difficulty and danger of utilizing digital systems when moving or in contact and should not expect immediate digital reports under those conditions. Digital systems are used for reporting combat information when not in direct fire contact. Companies should develop FBCB2 reporting SOPs that specify the protocol for turning FM reports received by platoons in contact into the digital reports that generate the COP on FBCB2.
3-241. Other general guidelines include—