User:PetesGuide/Radiotelephony message handling

Although a good deal of two-way radio communications can be done with extemporaneous speech, this has several limitations. First, it only works reliably when all parties that need to exchange information are on the same radio frequency at the same time. Second, absent the use of full-time audio recording, there is no permanent record of the communications that can be easily accessed with respect to a particular conversation.

The use of formal messages overcomes both of these problems by allowing the exact content of written messages to be transferred by radio operators who may or may not be parties to the messages, and this can happen asynchronously, without all parties composing and acting on the messages needing to be using the same communications channel at the same time. When required, these messages are archived with the organization, becoming Record Communication.

Record communications is defined as information that can be retrieved either in the original form or in exact duplication, and is placed into a recorded medium for a period of time for future official reference and use. This includes videos, photographs, telegrams, radiograms, other written communications, data communications, and facsimiles.

The procedures have been developed nearly continuously since the advent of the first wireless communications systems in WWI, and got their biggest boost in terms of formal procedures during commercial service between the world wars, and then during military service in WWII. By necessity, the military procedures were based on the commercial procedures, as it was often necessary to send military and government communications over commercial services such as Marconi and RCA.

Message delivery speed

To understand how to properly talk on a two-way radio, it is first necessary to understand when and why you should use voice as opposed to other means of communication. Not all communications are appropriate for voice channels, for reasons that include:

• accuracy of transmission
• accuracy and completeness of long-term records
• Ability to redirect the message to other people or other delivery methods

The speed values in the table below are based on a 10-word telegram, as stated in FM 24-5.

Year Introduced	Method	Manual	Speed		Picture
1797	Semaphore Flags (double flag code?)	ACP 130	15
1835	Manual telegraph (single line)		28–36	Messages per hour
1851	Telegram
1860	Myer Code (flag signals)
1864	Wig-Wag Flag (single flag code)	ACP 130	10
1867 & 1875	Signal Lamp	ACP 130	10
1869	Manual telegraph (duplex)		50–70
1876	Telephone		10–15
1899	Radiotelegraph		15–25
1908	Teletypewriter (single line)		80–100
1900 or 1904?	Radiotelephone		10–15
	Teletypewriter (duplex)		150–190
c. 1940	Ground Signal Codes/Signaling Panel	ACP-136(A)	30	Groups per hour
	Messenger, dismounted		3–5	Miles per hour
1274	Messenger, mounted		6–8
1870s	Messenger, bicycle		6–10
1911	Messenger, airplane		80–200
1914	Messenger, motor		25–40

With the decline and now near total absence of commercial voice radiotelephony message services, the only active and publicly published message handling procedures (at least for the English language) are those of the U.S. military and the ARRL NTS message system.

The format for communicating such messages over radio is called a radiogram. The basic format of the radiogram and the concept of record communication goes back to the earliest days of wired and wireless telegraphy, and one of its key tenants is that such messages can be transferred over a sequence of different communications channels without losing fidelity. For instance, the author of a message need not know which method will be used when composing it, leaving the method of delivery up to the communications personnel. The message might be transmitted over the first leg of its journey as a radiogram transmitted via voice radio circuits, then be sent to the next station using Morse code (still as a radiogram), sent via radioteletype (abbreviated RATT in the military; RTTY in Amateur radio) for the next leg (still a radiogram), then read by a radio operator at that station to a commercial wire service (now it's a telegram) for delivery to the recipient as a letter (a telegram inside a postal envelope). Transmitting an incoming message over a network facility other than that by which it was received is called "refiling".

The most well-developed form of the radiogram still in use, which has written procedures for traversing all such transmission methods, is the U.S military's 16-line message format. This format is also used by Amateur radio operators in the Military Auxiliary Radio System, and by the U.S. Department of State. Amateur radio operators participating in the American Radio Relay League's National Traffic System use a different message format, the ARRL Radiogram and matching NTS procedures.

Record keeping requirements

Although most two-way radio stations are no longer legally required to keep records of all radio transmissions, there are situations in which logging operations and retaining their records is either advisable or required by law.

Record retention guidelines

• All formal messages should be kept for a period of two years. (based on broadcaster requirement in §73.1820)
• Record communications and logs involving communications incident to a disaster (including search and rescue operations) or regarding an FCC investigation must be retained until authorized for destruction by the FCC.
• If the log relates to a complaint of which the licensee has received notice, relevant records must be maintained (even if there are not normally a requirement to keep such logs) until the matter has been fully resolved or the applicable statute of limitations has run.
• Because of the complaint requirement, it is a good idea to keep a station log whenever there are unusual operating conditions or events.

Types of logs

From CAP R100-3

• Operating Log: The operating log records the times, channels (identified with frequency designators), and the message and subject of messages sent or received. Technical notations about the station may also be included, such as changes of radio, antennas, backup power availability, etc.
  • See DA Form xxxx for an example of an operating log
• Message Log: The Message Log is a more detailed listing of messages received, sent, and waiting to be sent. It should record the local message number, and the sending station’s message number, Date-Time-Group of the message, received from, time received, receiving operator, sent to, time, and sending operator.
  • fields for TX #, RX #, MSG DTG, RX From, RX Time, TX To TX Time
  • See DA Form 4180 Message Number Sheet for an example of an outgoing message log
  • See DA Form 4012 Terminating Message Number Sheet for an example of an incoming message log.
• NCS Log: The NCS Operating log should constitute a complete and continuous record of all transmitted and received messages, and information concerning the radio net. If kept by hand, the log will be written legibly in ink, by the operator or an assistant under the supervision of the operator.
• Operator's Number Sheet (read FM 24-5 for more details)
  • See DA Form 4180 Message Number Sheet for an example
  • See DA Form 4016 Telecommunications Center Originating Message Register for an example
  • See DA Form 4012 Terminating Message Number Sheet
• Station log. In conjunction with the number sheet and the file of transmitted and received messages forms a complete record of events and operating conditions which occur during a radio day at a station. See Master Station Log, DD 1753 for an example form. It should also include:
  • opening and closing of stations
  • causes of delays in traffic
  • Frequency adjustments and changes
  • Unusual occurrences such as procedure violations, circuit/equipment problems, backlogs, personnel shortages, etc. (See DA Form 4215 Duty Officer's Record of Communication Center Operations for an example)
  • Communication Status Log: records which stations, and by which means, your station can communicate with (see DA Form 2150-R for an example)
  • a list of operators on duty (see DA Form 3940, Unit Assignment for an example)

Procedures

Break-in procedure

Stations needing to interrupt other communications in-progress shall use the most appropriate of the below procedure words, followed by their call sign:

International priority signals

The use of these emergency signals is governed by international radio regulations that have the force of law in most countries, and were originally defined in the International Code of Signals and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, so the rules for their use emanate from that document.

Proword	Signal Type	Use For	Handling	Prosign/OPSIG
MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY	Distress signal	Lives are in danger	Immediate! All radio traffic not actively engaged in assisting the station in distress stops or moves to another frequency. This rule applies on all frequencies allocated to emergency use. On other frequencies, the rule is modified to allow FLASH precedence traffic, because FLASH messages have a similar scope of immediate danger (especially when it is a military communication) and also need immediate responses.	SOS SOS SOS
PAN-PAN PAN-PAN PAN-PAN	Urgency signal	Urgent situations that are not life threatening	Immediate, unless there is an ongoing Mayday issue. This is considered to be IMMEDIATE precedence traffic.	XXX XXX XXX
SÉCURITÉ SÉCURITÉ SÉCURITÉ	Safety signal	Important safety information	Immediate, unless there is an ongoing Mayday or Pan-pan issue. Must be sent as T T T instead of TTT in order to differentiate it from the Morse code symbol for O. This is considered to be IMMEDIATE precedence traffic.	T T T T T T T T T

Precedence procedure words

If the need for the break-in is to pass message traffic and is not a condition covered by MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, or SÉCURITÉ, then one of the following signals should be used:

Proword	Procedure	Handling Time	Prosign/ OPSIG
FLASH FLASH FLASH	Break in at once, announce the traffic and either transmit the message or call the destination station immediately. If appropriate, sending stations may use the proword DO NOT ANSWER.	Immediately; always less than 10 minutes.	Z
IMMEDIATE IMMEDIATE IMMEDIATE	May break in at once and pass the message. A preliminary call may be made before transmitting the message, if necessary. On a directed net, approval to transmit the message must be obtained.	Immediately; always less than 30 minutes.	O
PRIORITY PRIORITY PRIORITY	As for IMMEDIATE except that only long ROUTINE messages will be interrupted. Note: Break-in procedure will not normally be employed during the transmission of other formal traffic.	As Soon As Possible; always less than 3 hours.	P

Order of priority of communications

The priority levels described below are derived from Article 44 of the ITU Radio Regulations, Chapter VIII, and were codified as early as the International Telecommunication Convention, Atlantic City, 1947 (but probably much earlier).

Radiotelephony communications priority and precedence designators

Order of priority	Simplify calling procedure	Radiotelephony signal (bold=ITU RR)	Radiotelegraph signal
1	Distress calls, distress messages, and distress traffic	MAYDAY	SOS
2	Urgency messages, including messages preceded by the medical transports signal.	PAN, PAN or PAN, PAN MEDICAL	XXX
3	Communications relating to direction finding		QSH, QTF
4	Safety information	SÉCURITÉ	TTT
5	Meterological messages		OBS
6	Flight regularity (navigation and safe movement) messages
7	Messages relative to the navigation, movements, and needs of ships
8	Government messages for which priority right has been claimed.	ETAT PRIORITÉ
9	Service messages relating to the working of the radiocommunication service or to radiotelegrams previously transmited
10?	The Urgent designator is limited for use only during wartime conditions, as declared pursuant to section 606 of the Communications Act of 1934. Some regulations authorize charging double the standard radiogram rate.	URGENT
11	All other communications
		ETAT
		ETAT PRIORITÉ NATIONS

Message processing

Add content based on Message Processing section of FM 24-17. see also CAP message form.

16-Line Message Format

Main article: 16-line message format

A 16-line message appears like this when recorded on a typewriter or computer text file:

CALLED_STATION THIS IS CALLING_STATION MESSAGE NUMBER 051
ROUTINE TIME 221855Z APR 2015
FROM ORIGINATION PLAIN LANGUAGE ADDRESS
TO ADDRESSEE RI AND PLAD INFORMATION ADDRESSEE 2 RI AND PLAD
GROUP NO COUNT
BREAK
UNCLASSIFIED THIS IS A TEST MESSAGE
BREAK
OVER

Format Line	Voice Radiogram (ACP-125)
1	line 1 is not used in voice radiograms
2	CALLED_STATION THIS IS CALLING_STATION MESSAGE NUMBER 051
4	line 4 is not used in voice radiograms
5	ROUTINE TIME 221855Z APR 2015
6	FROM ORIGINATION PLAIN LANGUAGE ADDRESS
7	TO TO ADDRESSEE RI AND PLAD
8	INFO INFORMATION ADDRESSEE 1 RI AND PLAD INFORMATION ADDRESSEE 2 RI AND PLAD
9
10
11
12
13	BREAK
14	line 14 is not used in voice radiograms
15	line 15 is not used in voice radiograms
16	OVER

Method of sending: (FM 24-5)

1. Receipt or R method, in which both the transmitting and receiving stations normally may use their transmitters in order to effect delivery of messages, and in which the transmitting station usually requires and obtains a receipt for each message thus transmitted. This is the normal method.
2. Broadcast or F (Fox) method in which several stations are addressed, but are not permitted to receipt to the transmitting station for the messages thus received. (is this "DO NOT ANSWER"?)
3. Intercept or I method in which, by prearrangement, messages intended for a silent station are exchanged between two regularly operating stations.
4. Executive (IX) method, which is used for messages which require the execute sign to indicate the instant of execution.

Should there be a need to convert a radiogram transmitted by voice to another communications method, the procedures are described in these publicly accessible documents:

• ACP-124 (messages relayed by telegraphy)
• ACP-125 defines the format of messages relayed by voice
• ACP-126 defines the format of messages relayed by radio teletype
• ACP-127 defines the format of messages relayed by automated tape

Full instructions for composing 16-line format messages can be found in:

• Send a message in 16 Line Format
• DA PAM 25-7 Joint User Handbook for Message Text Formats (JUH-MTF). 01 Jul 1989
• AR 105-31 Message Preparation
• FM 101-5-2 U.S. Army Report and Message Formats

Research documents for message handling procedures

• CAP R100-1, paragraph 7.6. contains requirements for station logs
• CAP R100-3

Tools needed

• Received stamp—The received stamp indicates in permanent type the message center designation; in movable type, the month, date, and year; it also provides for time entry by clock operated stamp.
• Serial number stamp—This is an automatic numbering stamp.

Forms Needed

• W. D., S. C. Form No. 159 Number sheet (has space for 100 messages)
• W. D., S. C. Form No. 160 Delivery lists (has space for seven messages)
• W. D., S. C. Form No. 158 Route delivery list (has space for 19 messages)
• Message Envelope M-40
• Receipt form
• Unit journal page 290 of FM 24-5 used by signal units of orgs smaller than a division.
• Signal communications established to each location chart
• The signal comms by location chart and Form No. 159 may be combined into a message center log.
• From FM 24-5
  • Form No. 158: Route delivery list (space for 19 messages)
  • Form No. 159: Number sheet (space for 100 messages)
  • Form No. 160: Delivery lists (space for 7 messages)
  • Message Envelope M-40
  • Receipt form
  • Unit journal (page 290) used by signal units of orgs smaller than a division
  • Signal communications established to each location chart
  • The signal comms by location chart and Form No. 159 may be combined into a message center log
• From FM 24-17 1977 version
  • DA Form 4215 Duty Officer's Record of Communication Center Operations
  • DA Form 3940, Unit Assignment
  • DA Form 4180 Message Number Sheet
  • DA Form 4011 Telecommunications Center Delivery List
  • DA Form 4010 Message Distribution Register
  • DD Form 173 Joint Message Form
  • DA Form 4004 Message Book (formerly DA Form 11-170, Message Book M-210-B)
  • DA Form 4016 Telecommunications Center Originating Message Register
  • DA Form 4012 Terminating Message Number Sheet
  • DA Form 3921 Communications Center Service Message
  • DA Form 2655 Message Action Request
  • DA Form 1392 Data Message Form
  • DA Form 3940 Unit Assignment (all personnel shift assignments)
  • DA Form 2150-R Communication Status Log
  • DA Form 4012 Terminating Message Number Sheet
  • Message Center Log=4180 and 2150-R combined?

Research documents

• FM 24-5 (message center procedures)
• FM 24-9 Combined United States-British Radiotelephone (R/T) Procedure
• FM 24-16 Communications-Electronics Operations, Orders, Records, and Reports
• FM 24-17 Tactical Communications Center Operations
• TM 11-450 (training specifications for signal specialists)
• FM 24-56 (operating regulations)
• FM 101-5 or orders, records, and reports
• FM 11-5 for orders, records, and reports
• TM 11-490-2 Army Communications Facilities Telecommunications Center Operating Procedures
• AR 105-10 Communications Economy and Discipline
• AR 105-15 signal communications command
• AR 105-22 Telecommunications Requirements Planning, Developing, and Processing.
• AR 105-31 Message Preparation
• AR 105-34 Reduction and Control of Telecommunications Traffic in an Emergency (MINIMIZE)
• AR 310-50 Authorized Abbreviations and Brevity Codes
• AR 340-18-1 The Army Functional Files System: General Provisions

another list

Messages are handled (received, transmitted, and delivered) by a Message center, the operations of which have variously been defined in:

• FM 24-1 Tactical Communications Doctrine
• FM 24-5 (message center procedures)
• FM 24-6 Radio Operator's Manual (radiotelegraph only?)
• FM 24-8 Combined Teletypewriter (Teleprinter) Procedure
• FM 24-9 Combined United States-British Radiotelephone (R/T) Procedure (CCBP 3-2?)
• FM 24-10 Joint Army and Navy Radio Procedure
• FM 24-10 Combined Radiotelegraph (WT) Procedure
• FM 24-11 Combined Operating Signals
• FM 24-12 (Army Extract of Combined Operating Signals (from FM 24-11)
• FM 24-13 Air Extract of Combined Operating Signals (from FM 24-11)
• FM 24-16 Communications-Electronics Operations, Orders, Records, and Reports
• FM 24-17 Tactical Communications Center Operations
• FM 24-18 Radio Communication http://www.90thidpg.us/Research/Original/TableauNr2/Resources/FM_24-18_Radio_Communication.pdf
• TM 11-450 (training specifications for signal specialists)
• TM 11-459 morse code training
• FM 24-56 (operating regulations)
• TM 11-454 The Radio Operator
• TM 11-455 Radio Fundamentals
• FM 101-5 and FM 11-5 for orders, records, and reports
• TM 11-490-2 Army Communications Facilities Telecommunications Center Operating Procedures
• AR 105-10 Communications Economy and Discipline
• AR 105-15 signal communications command
• AR 105-22 Telecommunications Requirements Planning, Developing, and Processing.
• AR 105-31 Message Preparation
• AR 105-34 Reduction and Control of Telecommunications Traffic in an Emergency (MINIMIZE)
• AR 310-50 Authorized Abbreviations and Brevity Codes
• AR 340-18-1 The Army Functional Files System: General Provisions

Military block printing

When writing anything on paper related to communications, you should use the specific hand lettering form known as military block printing. This form originated during or before World War II, but is still published in U.S. Government publications in the 21st Century.

These letter forms must be used on all message forms and station logs, to ensure that all radio operators can easily read all record communications. Even if you think all the other radio operators you work with can read your handwriting, these forms must be used so that anyone inside or outside the organization can read the communications records during After-Action Reviews.

The graphics used to teach hand lettering have changed over the years, and include at least these variations.

Message precedence

Main article: Message precedence

Without any indication of precedence, messages are handled in whatever order the net control station specifies. Any station that needs to have a message sent ahead of other messages will use one of the precedence procedure words (FLASH, IMMEDIATE, or PRIORITY), both as a break-in procedure (interrupting the current voice communications), and in the header of the message, so that it will be delivered quickly by every radio operator that handles the message. Each of these prowords has a defined time period in which the message must be handled.

Proword	Handling Time	Explanation	Prosign/ OPSIG
FLASH	Immediately; always less than 10 minutes.	is reserved for operational messages of extreme urgency. Brevity is mandatory. FLASH messages are to be handled as fast as humanly possible, ahead of all other messages, with in-station handling time not to exceed 10 minutes. Messages of lower precedence are interrupted on all circuits involved until the handling of FLASH messages is completed.	Z
IMMEDIATE	Immediately; always less than 30 minutes.	Reserved for messages relating to situations gravely affecting the safety of the population. It requires immediate delivery. Examples include reports of widespread civil disturbance, reports or warning of grave natural disaster, and requests for or directions concerning search and rescue operations.	O
PRIORITY	As Soon As Possible; always less than 3 hours.	Reserved for all traffic requiring expeditious action by the addressee or for conducting operations in progress when ROUTINE precedence will not suffice. PRIORITY precedence messages are processed, transmitted, and delivered in the order received and ahead of all messages of ROUTINE precedence. Examples include requests for supplies or equipment during the conduct of an operation, time-critical items requiring quick response, and situation reports.	P
ROUTINE	As soon as traffic flow allows; or within 6 hours; always by the beginning of the next day.	Used for all types of message traffic justifying transmission by rapid means, but not of sufficient urgency to require higher precedence. ROUTINE precedence messages are delivered in the order received and after all messages of higher precedence. Examples include any message that requires the documentation of its transmission or delivery; messages concerning normal operations, programs, or projects; and periodic or consolidated reports.	R

Message-handling procedure words

Below is a partial list of the message-handling procedure words from ACP 125(G), focusing on those used to establish and end message communications.

Proword	Explanation	Prosign/ OPSIG
MESSAGE	A message which requires recording is about to follow. (Transmitted immediately after the call. This proword is not used on nets primarily employed for conveying messages. It is intended for use when messages are passed on tactical or reporting nets.)	ZBO (military) MSG (civilian)
FORMAL MESSAGE	I wish to transmit a plaindress format message to you
LONG MESSAGE	A long message is about to follow, stations with higher precedence traffic should break-in
NUMBER	Station serial number.	NR
SEND	I am standing by to receive (or continue to receive) your message	K
SEND YOUR	I am ready to receive your message, report, etc. (Used only in reply to the offer of a message, etc., on tactical or reporting nets.)	QRV
RELAY (TO)	Transmit this message to all addressees (or addressees immediately following this proword). The address component is mandatory when this proword is used.	T or ZOF
READ BACK	Repeat this entire transmission back to me exactly as received	G
DO NOT ANSWER	Stations called are not to answer this call, receipt for this message, or otherwise transmit in connection with this transmission. When this proword is employed, the transmission shall be ended with the proword OUT.	F
WORDS TWICE	Communication is difficult. Transmit each phrase (or each code group) twice. (This proword may be used as an order, request, or as information.)	QSZ
FLASH	Precedence FLASH	Z
IMMEDIATE	Precedence IMMEDIATE	O
PRIORITY	Precedence PRIORITY	P
ROUTINE	Precedence ROUTINE.	R
TIME	That which immediately follows is the time or datetime group of the message	QTR
FROM	The originator of this message is indicated by the address designator immediately following	FM
TO	The addressee immediately following are addressed for action	TO
--TO--	The portion of the message to which I have reference is all that which appears between the groups ... and ...	consider for removal
INFO	The addressees immediately following are addressed for information.	INFO
EXEMPT	The station(s) immediately following is (are) exempted from the collective call or from collective address	XMT
NUMBER	Station serial number. A sequential number for each sending station starting at 1 and increased by 1 for each message sent, then reset to 1 at the start of each 24 hour period.	NR
GROUPS	This message contains the number of groups indicated by the numeral following.	GR
GROUP NO COUNT	The groups in this message have not been counted.	GRNC
BREAK	I hereby indicate the separation of the text from other portions of the message	BT
SERVICE	The message that follows is a SERVICE message	SVC
WAIT	I must pause for a few seconds	AS
CORRECTION	An error has been made in this transmission. Transmission will continue with the last word correctly transmitted. An error has been made in this transmission (or message indicated). The correct version is…… That which follows is a corrected version in answer to your request for verification"	EEEEEEEE C C
MORE TO FOLLOW	Transmitting station has additional traffic for the receiving station.	B
RELAY THROUGH	Relay your message through call sign………	ZOK
RELAY THROUGH	Relay your message through call sign………	ZOK
THROUGH ME	Relay your message through me	ZOE
NO PLAY	During exercises the words NO PLAY are used to distinguish real activity from messages concerned with exercise play e.g. a real emergency or real casualty. The first words of any message is to contain the words exercise (nickname e.g.Red Flag) NO PLAY
I READ BACK	The following is my response to your instructions to read back	IRB
CALL SIGN (FOLLOWS)	The group that follows is a call sign	PT
FIGURES	Numerals or numbers follow.
GRID	The portion following is a grid reference.	GR
ACKNOWLEDGE (ACK)	An instruction to the addressee that the message must be acknowledged	ACK ZEV (military) QSL (civilian)
I ACKNOWLEDGE	The addressee confirms receipt and understanding of your message	ZEV or QSL ACK
ADDRESS GROUP	The group that follows is an address group (p238)
ALL AFTER	The portion of the message to which I have reference is all that follows……………	AA
ALL BEFORE	The portion of the message to which I have reference is all that precedes…………..	AB
DISREGARD THIS TRANSMISSION—OUT	This transmission is in error, disregard it. (This proword shall not be used to cancel any message that has been completely transmitted and receipted.	EEEEEEEE AR
CANCEL	Previously transmitted message ... is cancelled in its entirety
CHECK GROUPS	The group count of the message you have sent to me does not match whta I have received (followed by the number of groups received)
NEGAT	Cancel message(s) sent by the Delayed Executive Method. (NEGAT may be used to cancel a single message or a group of messages awaiting execution.)	NEGAT
VERIFY	Verify entire message (or portion indicated) with the originator and send correct version. (To be used only at the discretion of, or by, the addressee to which the questioned message was directed.)	J
I VERIFY	That which follows has been verified at your request and is repeated. (To be used only as a reply to VERIFY.)	J (was C?)

Message box files

Radiogram Received Message Box File

When handling messages at a communications center, it is imperative that proper filing systems for both incoming and outgoing messages is used. Two separate, and differently designed filing boxes are needed:

• Received
  • 24-slot file (one for each hour) for received messages. Such as the Fellowes 25041 Literature Organizer.
• Outgoing
  • Live file—The live file consists of a duplicate copy of each outgoing message which has been sent for transmission but for which a receipt has not yet been obtained.
  • Dead file—The dead file consists of the duplicate copies of all receipted outgoing messages; completed receipt forms; and the receipted duplicate clear text copies of all incoming messages received by means other than special messenger. The dead file is disposed of daily or oftener as directed by the unit communication officer. It is turned over to the communications unit supervisor at frequent intervals so that messages may be included in the unit journal.
  • Multiple-slots for the original of completed outgoing messages. One for each destination messages are to be delivered to, plus a file marked "From miscellaneous" and another file marked "To miscellaneous".
• Detailed procedures and instructions for the routine operation of message centers, and information as to the authority of commanders to depart from prescribed procedures, are given in FM 24-5 (or FM 24-17, when published). See paragraph 67 for a discussion of signal centers.

Temp section

CAPR 100-1, paragraph 7.6. contains requirements for station logs:

7.6.1. For stations that maintain logs, the logs will show hours of operation, frequency designators or channels used, local message number and the message number from the sending station, time, stations with which communications were held, and the name of the operator on duty. Logs must use channel designators and not identify actual frequencies. The log shall be kept in an orderly manner and in such detail that required data is readily available.

7.6.2. As appropriate to the mission and requirements for interagency coordination, time entries may be recorded using either UTC time or local time (24 hour clock at the Incident Command Post location).

7.6.3. Logs must constitute a true and accurate record of communications activity. Written logs shall be maintained in ink. Logs kept on computer should be printed for storage, or backed up in a safe location for the required retention period. WMIRS radio logs comply with the requirements of this paragraph. Authorized mission personnel who have justification may correct invalid or incorrect entries.

CAPF 110 Air/Ground or Point to Point Log

https://books.google.com/books?id=uld2GArSYBIC&pg=PA34&lpg=PA34&dq=%22DA+FORM+2150-R%22&source=bl&ots=__sZUme9d0&sig=E7Oxvrcnuo72nJuMY5-wHty49SY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjk07yt9aXZAhXM0J8KHStBDu8Q6AEIMjAB#v=onepage&q=%22DA%20FORM%202150-R%22&f=false

See also

• ITU Radio Regulations
• Voice procedure
• Five Ws
• 5 Whys
• Brevity code
• Operating signals
• ACP-125 procedure words
• Net operation
• 16-line message format
• Radiogram (message)