CHAPTER 11
ORGANIC COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
system and for its efficient operation as a part of the next
Communication is the voice of command. Without
higher unit's system. Each commander exercises tactical
the equipment to provide rapid, reliable, secure, and
and technical supervision over the communication
efficient tactical communications, a commander in the
system of all the units of the command.
field cannot effectively exercise command and control
of his forces, call in available fire support, or maintain
adequate channels of logistics. In battle, poor
RESPONSIBILITIES
communications cost lives. On a construction project,
inefficient communications cost time, money, and
Every Seabee is responsible for good com-
material; however, even the most advanced and
munications. The importance of passing the word
sophisticated communication system is of little
cannot be overemphasized. Knowing what is happening
consequence in the hands of untrained personnel. Either
and what is expected aids us in achieving a successful
by design or through necessity, any one of us, as
mission. You must develop good, two-way com-
Seabees, could be called upon to use the battalion's
munications both up and down the chain of command if
tactical communications equipment in an emergency;
you are to stay alive in combat. The responsibility for
therefore, familiarize yourself with the communications
communication among units is subject to the following
systems in this chapter. Know what each system does,
general rules:
how it works, and when and whereto use it. The intent
The higher unit is responsible for establishing
of this chapter is to do just that. Do not be a liability to
communication with the next lower unit and
your shipmates. A well-rounded understanding of
attached units.
communications by all hands greatly upgrades the
overall operational efficiency of the battalion.
A unit supporting another unit establishes
two-way communication with that unit.
MEANS OF COMMUNICATION
Lateral communication between adjacent units is
established and maintained by the unit on the left
The most common means of communication is
to the unit on the right, unless directed otherwise
simply speaking to one anothervoice communication.
by higher authority.
When you need to communicate over longer distances,
Although one unit is specifically charged with
your voice is transmitted and received by electrical
means, such as radio or telephone. Other means of
establishing and maintaining communications
with another unit, only through the mutual efforts
communicating by sound are by whistles, sirens, horns,
of all the members of each unit can continual
gunfire, and so forth. Messages may also be
communicated through visual means (hand signals,
communications be maintained.
smoke, and flags) and in writing (orders, messages, and
The company commander is responsible for the
reports). Each of these means of communication are
installation, operation, and maintenance of the
discussed in this chapter.
company communications system and for its
Effective communication is essential for control of
efficient operation as part of the battalion system.
the company and its elements. The company uses a
Instructions about all communications are found
combination of radio, wire, messenger, visual, and
in the operation orders.
sound communications to provide as many ways to
transmit messages as conditions permit. Radio is the
COMMUNICATIONS
primary means of communication in all tactical,
on-the-move operations. Communications (COMM)
Radio and messengers are the primary means of
wire is the primary system used during a static defense.
communication for offensive combat and for other
operations involving rapid or extensive movement.
Each commander is responsible for the installation,
These methods may be supplemented by visual and
operation, and maintenance of his unit's communication
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