Chapter 11-1 – Means of Communications
Each of the several means of communication has its own advantages and disadvantages (Table 11-1, page 11-2).
MESSENGERS
ADVANTAGES
Messengers are the most secure means of communication.
Messengers can hand carry large maps with overlays.
Messengers can deliver supplies along with messages.
Messengers are flexible (can travel long/short distances by foot or vehicle).
DISADVANTAGES
Messengers are slow, especially if traveling on foot for a long distance.
Messengers might be unavailable, depending on manpower requirements (size of element delivering message).
Messengers can be captured by enemy.
WIRE
ADVANTAGES
Wire reduces radio net traffic.
Wire reduces electromagnetic signature.
Wire is secure and direct.
Wire can be interfaced with a radio.
DISADVANTAGES
Wire has to be carried (lots of it).
Wire must be guarded.
Wire is time consuming.
Table 11-1. Comparison of communication methods.
Method | Ad | vantages | Di | sadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Messengers | • • • • | Messengers are the most secure means of communication. Messengers can hand carry large maps with overlays. Messengers can deliver supplies along with messages. Messengers are flexible (can travel long/short distances by foot or vehicle). | • • • | Messengers are slow, especially if traveling on foot for a long distance. Messengers might be unavailable, depending on manpower requirements (size of element delivering message). Messengers can be captured by enemy. |
Wire | • • • • | Wire reduces radio net traffic. Wire reduces electromagnetic signature. Wire is secure and direct. Wire can be interfaced with a radio. | • • • | Wire has to be carried (lots of it). Wire must be guarded. Wire is time consuming. |
Visual Signals | • • • • | Visual signals aid in identifying friendly forces. Visual signals allow transmittal of prearranged messages. Visual signals are fast. Visual signals provide immediate feedback. | • • • | Visual signals can be confusing. Visual signals are visible from far away. The enemy might see them, too. |
Sound | • • • • • | Sound can be used to attract attention. Sound can be used to transmit prearranged messages. Sound can be used to spread alarms. Everyone can hear it at once. Sound provides immediate feedback. | • • | The enemy hears it also. Sound gives away your position. |
Radio | • • • • | Radios are the most frequently used means of communication. Radios are fast. Radios are light. Radios can be interfaced with telephone wire. | • • • | Radio is the least secure means of communication. Radios require batteries. Radios must be guarded or monitored. |
VISUAL SIGNALS
ADVANTAGES
Visual signals aid in identifying friendly forces.
Visual signals allow transmittal of prearranged messages.
Visual signals are fast.
Visual signals provide immediate feedback.
Visual signals are visible from far away.
DISADVANTAGES
Visual signals can be confusing.
The enemy might see them, too.
SOUND
ADVANTAGES
Sound can be used to attract attention.
Sound can be used to transmit prearranged messages.
Sound can be used to spread alarms.
Everyone can hear it at once.
Sound provides immediate feedback.
DISADVANTAGES
The enemy hears it also.
Sound gives away your position.
RADIO
ADVANTAGES
Radios are the most frequently used means of communication.
Radios are fast.
Radios are light.
Radios can be interfaced with telephone wire.
DISADVANTAGES
Radio is the least secure means of communication.
Radios require batteries.
Radios must be guarded or monitored.