5 FAH-2 H-700
MANAGING RADIO NETWORKS
5 FAH-2 H-710
rADIO COMMUNICATIONS
(CT:TEL-96; 09-07-2023)
(Office of Origin: IRM/FO)
5 FAH-2 H-711 Host-Government Permission to Use Frequencies
(CT:TEL-96; 09-07-2023)
a. Article 27 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations states that:
"The receiving state shall permit and protect free communication on the part of the mission for all official purposes. In communicating with the government and the other missions and consulates of the sending State, wherever situated, the mission may employ all appropriate means, including diplomatic couriers and messages in code or cipher. However, the mission may install and use a wireless transmitter only with the consent of the receiving State."
The Information Programs Center (IPC) should permanently file diplomatic notes and all other records regarding permission to use frequencies.
b. The Information Management Officer (IMO) should inform the Chief of Mission (COM), Regional Information Management Center (RIMC), and the Radio Programs Branch (RPB) immediately if host-government officials request detailed information about a post’s radio inventory.
5 FAH-2 H-711.1 Interoperability of Radio Networks with Third-country Missions
(CT:TEL-96; 09-07-2023)
The (COM) has the authority to disclose radio frequencies used by the mission to “friendly” third-country missions, international organizations, or U.S. businesses. The purpose of exchanging frequencies is to facilitate the broadcast of information in emergency situations. The COM determines which missions or organizations are considered friendly. If a post intends to share frequencies with third countries, it must follow these guidelines:
(1) The COM must approve the disclosure of mission frequencies to third countries;
(2) The Regional Security Officer (RSO) must participate in any third-country frequency-sharing plans;
(3) The Department will accept no financial responsibility to provide radio equipment or resources to implement interoperability. The post must fund any units it chooses to exchange with third-country missions;
(4) Procedures should be established to test the frequency and interoperability of exchanged equipment; and
(5) The designated third-country party may only use a mission frequency or radio in scheduled tests or in an emergency.
5 FAH-2 H-711.2 SECURITY RESTRICTIONS
(CT:TEL-96; 09-07-2023)
Any radio equipment used in a controlled access area must comply with Department unclassified electrical/electronic equipment security standards. Radio equipment installed, stored, and used exclusively in the IPC must be handled in accordance with applicable DS security standards and guidelines.
5 FAH-2 H-712 ON-AIR PROTOCOLS
(CT:TEL-96; 09-07-2023)
General on-air protocols for operating radio equipment are derived from Allied Communications Publication 125F (ACP-125 F) guidelines. The RSO and IMO should enforce the following protocols to maintain the security of the network and to keep EAC channels clear for urgent or emergency communications:
(1) Keep communication brief and clearly state your intention or information you wish to convey;
(2) Use call signs and mutually recognizable code words when identifying network participants, mission personnel, or locations;
(3) Use the EAC channel only for substantive communication. Communications for administrative purposes should be restricted to secondary channels and never allowed to infringe on any channel assigned for EAP purposes;
(4) End each transmission by saying “over.” End radio contact by saying “out"; and
(5) Use the International Phonetic Alphabet (see 5 FAH-2 Exhibit H-712) to spell words or acronyms that may not transmit clearly.
5 FAH-2 H-713 THROUGH H-719 UNASSIGNED
(CT:TEL-96; 09-07-2023)
5 FAH-2 Exhibit H-712
INTERNATIONAL PHONETIC ALPHABET
(CT:TEL-96; 09-07-2023)
A—ALPHA
B—BRAVO
C—CHARLIE
D—DELTA
E—ECHO
F—FOXTROT
G—GOLF
H—HOTEL
I—INDIA
J—JULIETT
K—KILO
L—LIMA
M—MIKE
N—NOVEMBER
O—OSCAR
P—PAPA
Q—QUEBEC
R—ROMEO
S—SIERRA
T—TANGO
U—UNIFORM
V—VICTOR
W—WHISKEY
X—XRAY
Y—YANKEE
Z—ZULU