Comm School
ILLINOIS WING COMMUNICATIONS SCHOOL
We are pleased to offer Illinois Wing Communications School. It is an activity that runs concurrent with and provides communications support for Illinois Wing Summer Encampment. It is open to both Senior and Cadet members. The school is limited to the first ten personnel who complete their encampment registration. Additional applicants will be wait-listed.
Requirements
Cadets must have successfully completed a basic encampment to apply for the communications School. Senior Members must have completed Level 1 of Professional Development and be current with Cadet Protection Training. All attendees should have completed the following before attending (which can be completed in the Absorb online training link in e-services):
- GES
- ICUT
- 117 Part 3
Communications Unit
We require at least six MRO-qualified members to assist in this year’s communications unit. The National Guard requires units using their training facilities to maintain contact with them using issued radios on their frequencies. Other responsibilities will include maintaining contact with all CAP units on base from 0600 until 2100 each day.
Training Unit
Members wishing to become qualified as MRO and be prepared for the many communications needs of CAP will follow the course of study and hands-on experience offered. At the end of the week, you will be tasked with all MRO requirements and receive sign-off as fully qualified.
Some of the subjects covered will be:
- The Mission and responsibilities of Civil Air Patrol Communications
- The Phonetic Alphabet, Prowords, Numerals, & Punctuation.
- Basic RF Propagation
- RF Exposure hazards
- CAP Unique Operating Procedures
- The basic operation of all CAP radio equipment.
- Setting up Masts and antennas
- Net operating procedures
- Required documentation for stations and missions
- Message Handling
- Copying and writing Formal Messages
- Tactical mission messages
- Members that are already qualified as MRO will receive training on the following:
- Advanced features of the basic CAP mobile and handheld radios
- Set up the Tactical Repeater in ground and airborne configurations.
- Set up and use the Rapid Deployment Pack (Portable HF radio)
Those MROs completing this training will receive a Wing Certificate showing their skills and be included in a Wing listing of those trained in the deployment of this equipment.
The school provides its students with the complete MRO (Mission Radio Operator) skill set, so those leaving at the end of the week, if the prerequisites are completed, will have their MRO rating.
This year we will also cover the new RADO 5 material as well. RADO (FEMA’s title for Radio Operator) is what will replace MRO next year. MRO ratings earned this year are valid for three years. Once your MRO expires, you will need to complete RADO training to continue in communications. Having the RADO 5 training will put you ahead of the changes.
Students are given ample time on the radio during the week, as the school also provides the communications needs for Summer Encampment. In addition to time on the radio, students will learn how to set up radio equipment and antennas. There will be course material on radio propagation, safety, and RF exposure limits.
Students will also become proficient in the setup and use of both the Portable Deployable Repeater (PDR), in its ground use and airborne operation, and the Rapid Deployment Package (RDP). The RDP is a portable high-frequency (HF) radio used for communication over distances longer than standard VHF radios.
Students will also have the opportunity to send and receive formal message traffic over the National Training Net, which occurs daily on weekdays.
If you have questions concerning the Communications School, contact the school director, LtCol Jim Bartel, at jbartel@ilwg.cap.gov