Ratel

Preliminaries: Statement of relevance: In this lesson you will be taught the basic procedures of RATEL. You are taught this so you are able to withhold the three principles of RATEL in the field. By the end of the lesson you will have reached a competent standard. You will be taught the three principles of RATEL, Security, Accuracy and Discipline, the phonetic alphabet/numerical figures and appointment titles. Now I will run through the phonetic alphabet as well as pronouncing numbers on the net. Phonetic Alphabet: When it is necessary to identify any letter of the alphabet whilst on the net the phonetic alphabet must be used. (Go through with the phonetic alphabet) When numerals are transmitted by ratel, they are to be correctly pronounced. TABLE 4-2. Pronouncing Numerals 1. 1 Wun (with emphasis on N) 2. 2 Too (with sharp T and long O as in MOO) 3. 3 Thuh-ree (with short U, slight rolling of R and long E) 4. 4 Fo-wer (with long O as in FOE) 5. 5 Fi-yiv (emphasising the consonants, with a long i for the first syllable [as in PIE] and a short one for the second [as in GIVE]) 6. 6 Six (with emphasis on X) 7. 7 Seven 8. 8 Ate (with long A as in MATE) 9. 9 Niner (with long i [as in PIE] and emphasising each N) 10. 10 Zero When the conditions on the radio net are poor, i.e. distorted, the numbers are to be said by digits. Example. Forty four is FIGURES Four Four one thousand and eighty three is FIGURES 1083 TEST Now I will run through the three principles of RATEL, Security, Accuracy and Discipline. Radio transmissions are valuable sources of intelligence for the enemy. Information intercepted from radio nets could help opposing forces to discover friendly disposition and deduce plans for battle. That’s where security comes in. Users must observe the following rules in the interests of security: a. Think before speaking. Is the transmission really necessary' Having produced the shortest possible message, think again about the details in the message which must be concealed from the enemy, for example: (1) Levels or types of formations and units must never be referred to in clear language, as frequently occurs through reference to sub-units, ranks and appointments, as mortars or bridging. (2) Locations of troops must be guarded; names of officers or other ranks must never be given in clear language, as this would provide one of the best ways of following the movements of units and formations. (3) Never link nicknames for topographical features with encoded grid references. b. Use correct procedure. c. If the action involved in the message is immediate The following practices are specifically forbidden: (1) violations of communications silence (radio, electronic and emergency); (2) unofficial conversation between operators; (3) transmitting on a directed net without permission; (4) excessive testing and tuning; (5) transmitting the operator.s personal sign or name; (6) unauthorised use of plain language; (7) use of unauthorised prowords; (8) use of plain language in place of suitable prowords; (9) use of jargon; (11) obscene language. Aids to Security 1.23 The proper use of the following measures will aid security in radio communications: a. code-words, b. nicknames, d. radio appointments titles, e. address groups and call-signs, and Code-words. A code-word is a single word which has been assigned a classification and a classified meaning. It is used to safeguard intentions and information regarding the establishment of a condition, an alert or the implementation of a plan or operation. The allocation of code-words and their meanings is registered and safeguarded. The use of unauthorised code-words is prohibited. Nickname allocations may be issued by formation or units as appropriate. Signal operating instructions (SOI) are to include a number of nicknames for each purpose. Nicknames may be used for: a. communication drill for closing down, imposing/lifting or breaking radio silence, and for changing frequency; b. overcoming unpronounceable names, for example, CAT JEWEL in place of the town PEEDAMULLAGH; TEST Accuracy: Legibility of Letters and Figures 1.35 Legibility is important to ensure that messages are transmitted accurately and radio log books are neat,accurate and readable. Basic Rules 1.36 To avoid confusion of similar letters and figures the following rules are to be adopted: a. The figure one (1) has a line under it to differentiate it from the letter I. b. The letter Z has a short horizontal line through the middle to differentiate it from the figures two (2) and seven (7). c. The letter U has square corners to differentiate it from the letter V. d. Thefigure five (5) is to be printed carefully to avoid confusion with the letter S. e. The letter E is printed with one stroke. f. The figure zero (0) has a slant through it to differentiate it from the letter O. TEST Radio Discipline 1.37 Discipline is essential for the efficient working of radio nets.The NCS operator, irrespective of rank, is in charge of the net and is responsible for radio discipline. Radio discipline includes: a. correct use of ratel procedure, b. use of the correct frequency, and c. constant radio watch by all stations on the net. Only one station may transmit at a time. To prevent confusion, the following rules must be obeyed: a. Before speaking, listen to ensure that the frequency is clear to avoid cutting in on other transmissions. Allowances must be made for transmissions where only one of the participants in a conversation can be heard. b. Leave a short pause at the end of a conversation. c. Answer all calls immediately and in the correct order. TEST Appointment Titles: Appointment Titles are part of security and are code-words for certain crucial parts within a unit. SUNRAY CO SUNRAY MINOR 2IC PLAYTIME Ground transport SHELLDRAKE Artillery FOXHOUND Infantry STARLIGHT Medical NUTSHELL Q-store BLUEBELL Signals Conclusion: Clear up doubtful points Summary: SAD. Phonetic alphabet and appointment titles Statement of relevance: Past tense Preview of next instruction