5 FAM 560
TACTICAL SATELLITE (TACSAT) COMMUNICATIONS
(CT:IM-309; 10-26-2023)
(Office of Origin: IRM/FO)
5 FAM 561 GENERAL
(CT:IM-36; 12-09-2002)
Tactical satellite (TACSAT) communications units are provided by the Department to select locations for emergency and special mission requirements. The constant monitoring of TACSAT communications is the responsibility of the Department’s secure voice center.
5 FAM 561.1 In-flight Secure and Emergency Communications
(CT:IM-36; 12-09-2002)
The Department relies on two types of TACSAT communications:
(1) In-flight secure communications from the Secretary and other principals; and
(2) Emergency communications for approximately 255 posts around the world.
5 FAM 561.2 Notification Procedures
(CT:IM-36; 12-09-2002)
The continuous monitoring of TACSAT communications by the secure voice center requires the following notification procedures:
(1) Posts with TACSAT handsets must put a notification on each handset alerting the user that TACSAT communications are monitored for technical reasons and that use of the handset constitutes prior consent to the monitoring; and
(2) Before boarding an airplane equipped with TACSAT communications units, Department personnel and guests of the Department must be provided with a written memorandum that alerts them to call monitoring and informs them that use of the TACSAT handset constitutes prior consent. This notification is contained in the information package accompanying each seat equipped with a handset.
5 FAM 562 THROUGH 569 UNASSIGNED