5 FAH-2 H-720
HIGH FREQUENCY (HF)
(CT:TEL-88; 06-30-2023)
(Office of Origin: IRM/FO)
5 FAH-2 H-721 OVERSEAS High-Frequency RADIO PROGRAM
(CT:TEL-88; 06-30-2023)
High-frequency (HF) radios are provided to overseas posts' missions to support long-distance communications with other regional missions and with military aircraft or ships in the vicinity in support of evacuations or emergencies.
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Relations requires host country consent before installing and using wireless transmitters. The IMO or a designee will consult with the host government to obtain consent and, where practicable, obtain specific frequencies from the host government to ensure interference-free radio use (See 5 FAM 542.1, 543, and 544). The information management officer (IMO) at post must be given a copy of all frequency host nation approvals.
5 FAH-2 H-722 NET OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
(CT:TEL-88; 06-30-2023)
The Radio Programs Branch (IRM/FO/ITI/LWS/RPB) drafts and distributes net operating instructions (NOIs) for operating and programming HF radio equipment used in distinct HF radio networks operating within defined geographic areas around the world. NOIs contain, but are not limited to, the following information:
(1) Primary and secondary frequencies for establishing contact with other Department missions;
(2) Department Federal Communications Commission (FCC) call signs for Department network participants;
(3) Network configuration information; and
(4) Instructions for conducting official tests.
Specific information in the NOI will vary according to geographic location.
5 FAH-2 H-723 OPERATIONAL TESTING
(CT:TEL-88; 06-30-2023)
a. To ensure the operational readiness of all HF equipment and the competence of HF radio operators (usually U.S. direct hire (USDH) staff in the Information Programs Center (IPC)), posts must test HF radio equipment weekly and officially record the results as directed in the NOI. Consult RIMC if equipment fails or if personnel require additional training. IPC personnel should maintain documentation of the testing schedule and unique post circumstances affecting radio operations.
b. Department organizations that have off-site HF equipment or HF mobile radios must test them on a monthly basis.
5 FAH-2 H-724 NETWORK CONTROL STATION
(CT:TEL-88; 06-30-2023)
RPB designates which post is designated as the net control station in coordination with all net members. The network control station performs the following tasks:
(1) Monitors network frequencies for radio communications from the RIMC, other posts, or military activities;
(2) Acts as radio relay to establish contact between other posts in the network;
(3) Coordinates weekly tests with posts within its network; and
(4) Reports results of weekly tests on the HF reporting SharePoint site.
5 FAH-2 H-725 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
(CT:TEL-88; 06-30-2023)
The Information Programs Center (IPC) staff of each HF network control station performs weekly testing and records the results of each subscriber station and any problems experienced. Network control stations record results on the HF Reporting Form available on IRM’s Crisis & Contingency Communications Reporting Management Portal. Test results are viewed by senior IRM leadership and RIMCs to ensure network control stations conduct weekly testing and identify ongoing issues and/or trends. Contact the RPB or RIMC for guidance regarding the HF test program.
5 FAH-2 H-726 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION CALL SIGNS
(CT:TEL-60; 07-26-2017)
a. Call signs assigned to Department of State stations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may not be reassigned laterally in the field without prior approval by IRM/FO/ITI/LWS/RPB.
b. Using an FCC call sign in a spectrum assigned to the Amateur Radio Services or acknowledging a request for reception confirmations (QSLs) from amateur or short-wave radio operators is prohibited by federal law.
5 FAH-2 H-727 THROUGH H-729 UNASSIGNED