Allied Communication Procedures

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Allied Communication Procedures is the set of manuals and supplements published by the Combined Communications Electronics Board that prescribe the methods and standards to be used while conducting visual, audible, radiotelegraph, and radiotelephone communications within NATO member nations. These procedures relate to procedure words, radiotelephony procedure, Allied Military phonetic spelling alphabets, plain language radio checks, the 16-line message format (radiogram), and others.

Current procedures

Throughout the Cold War, the list of procedures was extensive (see Combined Communications Electronics Board#Allied Communications Publications), but has been pared down to simplify the training required of communications personnel and others who must know the procedures. [1]

Current Allied Communication Publications
Short NameRevisionTitleFirst PublishedDate of Current VersionStatusDescription
ACP 113AJCall Sign Book for Ships [2] 2017-12-13PublishedContains lists of: International Call Signs and hull numbers for ships; two letter Tactical Air Navigation; and Task Forces and their allocations.
ACP 120OriginalCommon Security Protocol (CSP)1998FrozenDescribes additional functionality to the CCITT X.400 Recommendations (either 1984, 1988, or 1992) that permit any type of message (including interpersonal messages) to be sent and received securely.
ACP 121ICommunication Instructions General [2] 2010-10PublishedProvides general information and guidance on military communications matters to: promote an understanding of the concepts and capabilities; facilitate their use; and explain signal message composition.
ACP 122GInformation Assurance for Allied Communications and Information Systems [2] 2015-02PublishedEstablish a risk acceptance framework to facilitate the interconnection and interoperation of CIS between the Combined Communications-Electronics Board (CCEB) nations, and, where necessary, to support the development of Allied IA agreements.
ACP 123BACP 123 Common Messaging Strategy and Procedures [3] 2014-03Unknown
ACP 125 G [4] Communications Instructions—Radiotelephone Procedures2016-11-29PublishedTo prescribe the voice procedure for use by the armed forces of Allied nations on secure and non-secure tactical voice nets. Its purpose is to provide a standardized way of passing speech and data traffic as securely as possible.
ACP 126C [5] Communications Instructions: Teletypewriter (Teleprinter) Procedures1989-05Withdrawn 2016-10-20ACP 126(C) is now withdrawn from publication. This copy is retained for reference only. JAFPUB 2016-49 refers.
ACP 127G [6] Communications Instructions—Tape Relay Procedures1988-11FrozenThe purpose of this publication is to prescribe the procedure to be employed for the handling of messages by manual, semiautomatic or fully automatic relay systems, referred to collectively as TAPE RELAY.
ACP 128BAllied Telecommunications Record System (ALTERS) Operating Procedures [7] 2016-04PublishedThis publication prescribes the operating procedures and practices applicable to the ALLIED TELECOMMUNICATIONS RECORD SYSTEM (ALTERS) and to other record communications networks as specifically authorized by respective controlling authorities.
ACP 130A [8] Communications Instructions—Signalling Procedures in the Visual Medium2005-07PublishedThe procedures prescribed herein are designed to provide a concise and definite language whereby visual communications in all mediums may be conducted accurately and rapidly.
ACP 131F [9] Communications Instructions: Operating Signals2009-04PublishedThe purpose of this publication is to list operating signals and provide instructions for their use.
ACP 133DCommon Directory Services and Procedures [10] 2014-09PublishedTo define the Directory services, architecture(s), protocols, schema, policies, and procedures to support Allied communications, including Military Message Handling System (MMHS) services based on ACP 123, in both the strategic and tactical environments.
ACP 133 SUPP-1ACommunications Instructions: Common Directory Services and Procedures Supplement2009-07PublishedProvides the Directory schema definition for ACP 133.
ACP 135F [11] Communications Instructions: Distress and Rescue Procedures2003-07FrozenThe procedures in this Chapter are in accordance with ITU radio regulations and are obligatory in the Maritime Mobile Service and for communications between aircraft stations and stations of the Maritime Mobile Service
ACP 137APegasus Directory Services Technical Architecture2016-04PublishedSpecifies a DS architecture and defines protocols for the exchange of directory information over networks. ACP 137 is required to meet the needs of evolving Pegasus collaborative services.
ACP 142AA Protocol for Reliable Multicast in Bandwidth Constrained and Delayed Acknowledgement (EMCON) Environments [10] 2008-10PublishedSpecify and standardise the P_MUL protocol.
ACP 145AInterim Implementation Guide for ACP 123/STANAG 4406 Messaging Services Between Nations [10] 2008-09PublishedProvide a consolidated reference of all policy, procedures, standards and agreements required for the implementation of the agreed ACP 123/STANAG 4406 architecture between Nations.
ACP 160EIFF Operational Procedures [10] 2014-09PublishedProvide a foundation for establishing detailed Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) operational policies and procedures that reside in national, regional and allied supplements.
ACP 167KGlossary of Communications-Electronics Terms [12] 2016-03PublishedTo list and define terms essential to: communication between allies; enhance interoperability; provide definition of common terms; & primary source reference for terminology.
ACP 185APublic Key Infrastructure (PKI) Cross-Certification Between Combined Communications-Electronics Board (CCEB) Nations2016-04PublishedEstablishes the framework for PKI interoperability to facilitate the cross-certification of CCEB National Defence/Defence Public Key (NDPKI).
ACP 190DGuide to Electromagnetic Spectrum Management in Military Operations [10] 2013-02PublishedProvides guidance n the organization required and the responsibilities of staff engaged in planning, coordinating, and managing access to the Electromagnetic Spectrum in military operations.
ACP 193A [13] Ground Routing Protocol for use with Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) Capable HF Radios2009-10PublishedDefines a text message format for use with automated HF (high frequency, i.e. 1.5-30 MHz) communication systems when automated routing of communication links over ground networks is required. The formatted routing message shall be known as the HF-GRP.
ACP 194OriginalPolicy for the Coordination of Military Electromagnetic Spectrum Allocations and Assignments Between Cooperating Nations [10] 2011-06PublishedNations, or coalitions of nations, are responsible for reviewing and coordinating the allocation and assignment of frequencies at the military-strategic level to satisfy their joint and combined military requirements.
ACP 198OInstructions for the Life Cycle Management of Allied Communications Publications (ACPs) [10] 2017-10-19PublishedThe purpose of this instruction is to prescribe policy and procedures for the preparation and life cycle management of Allied Communications Publications (ACPs).
ACP 200.V1DMaritime and Mobile Tacticalwide Area networking (MTWAN) in the Maritime Environment: Operating Guidance [10] 2013-07PublishedThis publication provides guidance as to the procedures, applications, infrastructure and data attributes required for tactical Mobile IP networking in a maritime environment
ACP 200.V2DMaritime and Mobile Tactical Wide Area Networking (MTWAN): Tactical Guidance [10] 2015-03PublishedACP 200(D) Vol II provides the Communications Specialist and Support Engineers on how to technically provide MTWAN.
ACP 201ACommunications Instructions Internet Protocol (IP) Services2017-04PublishedTo meet and sustain warfighters‘ messaging requirement, an operational construct that effectively and efficiently employs all available information tools.
ACP 220BMultinational Videoconferencing Services [10] 2013-03PublishedThis ACP supports the Combined Joint Multilateral Master Military Information Exchange Memorandum of Understanding (CJM3IEM). These documents communicate all necessary interoperability standards, procedures, security instructions, and related info.
ACP 230APegasus Service Operations Management Framework (PSOM)2018-03-21PublishedThe purpose of Pegasus service operations management is to coordinate and to carry out the activities and processes required to deliver and manage services to the end user.

Related Research Articles

A radio net is three or more radio stations communicating with each other on a common channel or frequency. A net is essentially a moderated conference call conducted over two-way radio, typically in half-duplex operating conditions. The use of half-duplex operation requires a very particular set of operating procedures to be followed in order to avoid inefficiencies and chaos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NATO phonetic alphabet</span> Most widely used spelling alphabet

The (International) Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet, commonly known as the NATO phonetic alphabet, is the most widely used set of clear code words for communicating the letters of the Roman alphabet. Technically a radiotelephonic spelling alphabet, it goes by various names, including NATO spelling alphabet, ICAO phonetic alphabet and ICAO spelling alphabet. The ITU phonetic alphabet and figure code is a rarely used variant that differs in the code words for digits.

The Q-code is a standardised collection of three-letter codes that each start with the letter "Q". It is an operating signal initially developed for commercial radiotelegraph communication and later adopted by other radio services, especially amateur radio. To distinguish the use of a Q-code transmitted as a question from the same Q-code transmitted as a statement, operators either prefixed it with the military network question marker "INT" or suffixed it with the standard Morse question mark UD.

Mayday is an emergency procedure word used internationally as a distress signal in voice-procedure radio communications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Allied military phonetic spelling alphabets</span> Word lists used in military radio communication

The Allied military phonetic spelling alphabets prescribed the words that are used to represent each letter of the alphabet, when spelling other words out loud, letter-by-letter, and how the spelling words should be pronounced for use by the Allies of World War II. They are not a "phonetic alphabet" in the sense in which that term is used in phonetics, i.e. they are not a system for transcribing speech sounds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radiotelephone</span> Communications system for transmission of speech over radio

A radiotelephone, abbreviated RT, is a radio communication system for conducting a conversation; radiotelephony means telephony by radio. It is in contrast to radiotelegraphy, which is radio transmission of telegrams (messages), or television, transmission of moving pictures and sound. The term is related to radio broadcasting, which transmit audio one way to listeners. Radiotelephony refers specifically to two-way radio systems for bidirectional person-to-person voice communication between separated users, such as CB radio or marine radio. In spite of the name, radiotelephony systems are not necessarily connected to or have anything to do with the telephone network, and in some radio services, including GMRS, interconnection is prohibited.

A signal strength and readability report is a standardized format for reporting the strength of the radio signal and the readability (quality) of the radiotelephone (voice) or radiotelegraph signal transmitted by another station as received at the reporting station's location and by their radio station equipment. These report formats are usually designed for only one communications mode or the other, although a few are used for both telegraph and voice communications. All but one of these signal report formats involve the transmission of numbers.

Radiotelephony procedure includes various techniques used to clarify, simplify and standardize spoken communications over two-way radios, in use by the armed forces, in civil aviation, police and fire dispatching systems, citizens' band radio (CB), and amateur radio.

The Combined Communications-Electronics Board (CCEB) is a five-nation joint military communications-electronics (C-E) organisation whose mission is the coordination of any military C-E matter that is referred to it by a member nation. The member nations of the CCEB are Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The CCEB is the Sponsoring Authority for all Allied Communications Publications (ACPs). ACPs are raised and issued under common agreement between the member nations. The CCEB Board consists of a senior Command, Control, Communications and Computer (C4) representative from each of the member nations.

ACP-131 is the controlling publication for the listing of Q codes and Z codes. It is published by the Combined Communications Electronics Board (CCEB) countries, and revised from time to time. When the meanings of the codes contained in ACP-131 are translated into various languages, the codes provide a means of communicating between ships of various nations, such as during a NATO exercise, when a common language is not in effect.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prosigns for Morse code</span> Predefined shorthand signals

Procedural signs or prosigns are shorthand signals used in Morse code radio telegraphy procedure, for the purpose of simplifying and standardizing radio communication protocol. They are separate from Morse code abbreviations, which consist mainly of brevity codes that convey messages to other parties with greater speed and accuracy.

A radiogram is a formal written message transmitted by radio. Also known as a radio telegram or radio telegraphic message, radiograms use a standardized message format, form and radiotelephone and/or radiotelegraph transmission procedures. These procedures typically provide a means of transmitting the content of the messages without including the names of the various headers and message sections, so as to minimize the time needed to transmit messages over limited and/or congested radio channels. Various formats have been used historically by maritime radio services, military organizations, and Amateur Radio organizations.

Procedure words are words or phrases limited to radio telephone procedure used to facilitate communication by conveying information in a condensed standard verbal format. Prowords are voice versions of the much older procedural signs for Morse code which were first developed in the 1860s for Morse telegraphy, and their meaning is identical.

APRS Calling is a manual procedure for calling stations on the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) to initiate communications on another frequency, or possibly by other means. It is inspired by Digital Selective Calling, a part of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System. It also builds on existing digital procedures inherited from morse code and radioteletype operation. ITU Q codes are used in conjunction with APRS text messages to implement APRS calling. APRS calling is intended to complement monitoring voice calling frequencies.

A plain-language radio check is the means of requesting and giving a signal strength and readability report for radiotelephony (voice) communications, and is the direct equivalent to the QSA and QRK code used to give the same report in radiotelegraph communications. SINPEMFO code is the voice signal reporting format developed by the ITU in 1959, but sees little use outside of shortwave listeners.

16-line message format, or Basic Message Format, is the standard military radiogram format for the manner in which a paper message form is transcribed through voice, Morse code, or TTY transmission formats. The overall structure of the message has three parts: HEADING, TEXT, and ENDING. This heading is further divided into procedure, preamble, address, and prefix. Each format line contains pre-defined content. An actual message may have fewer than 16 actual lines, or far more than 16, because some lines are skipped in some delivery methods, and a long message may have a TEXT portion that is longer than 16 lines by itself.

The QSA code and QRK code are interrelated and complementary signal reporting codes for use in wireless telegraphy. An enhanced format, SINPO code, was published in the ITU Radio Regulations, Geneva, 1959, but is longer and unwieldy for use in the fast pace of Morse code communications.

ACP 125 is the short name for Allied Communications Publication 125: Communications Instructions—Radiotelephone Procedures, developed and published by the Combined Communications Electronics Board, for use by the Five Eyes nations and the rest of NATO. According to the latest version,

"The aim of ACP 125 is to prescribe the voice procedure for use by the armed forces of Allied nations on secure and non-secure tactical voice nets. Its purpose is to provide a standardized way of passing speech and data traffic as securely as possible consistent with accuracy, speed and the needs of command and control."

Time synchronization over radio is the procedure used for time transfer performed by humans over two-way radio circuits, including voice, telegraph, and teletype.

Allied Communications Publications are documents developed by the Combined Communications-Electronics Board and NATO, which define the procedures for communicating in computer messaging, radiotelephony, radiotelegraph, radioteletype (RATT), air-to-ground signalling, and other forms of communications used by the armed forces of the five CCEB member countries and/or NATO.

References

  1. ↑ "CCEB Public Documents: Allied Communication Publications".[ permanent dead link ]
  2. 1 2 3 "SGM-627-56: Allied Communications Publications (ACPs)" (PDF).
  3. ↑ "ACP 123 (B) Common Messaging Strategy and Procedures". 2009. CiteSeerX   10.1.1.470.2950 .
  4. ↑ "Communications Instructions: Radiotelephone Procedures ACP125 (G)" (PDF). 28 November 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 February 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  5. ↑ "ACP126 (C): Communications Instructions: Teletypewriter (Teleprinter) Procedures" (PDF).
  6. ↑ "COMMUNICATIONS INSTRUCTIONS TAPE RELAY PROCEDURES ACP127 (G)" (PDF).
  7. ↑ "Allied Telecommunications Record System (ALTERS) Operating Procedures" (PDF).
  8. ↑ "ACP 130(A) Communications Instructions Signalling Procedures in the Visual Medium" (PDF).
  9. ↑ "Communications Instructions - Operating Signals" (PDF).
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Communication Instructions - General - ACP 121(H)" (PDF). April 2007.
  11. ↑ "ACP 135(F) Communications Instructions Distress and Rescue Procedures" (PDF). Combined Communications-Electronics Board (CCEB). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-06-28. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  12. ↑ "Glossary of Communications-Electronic Terms" (PDF).
  13. ↑ "A Ground Routing Protocol (GRP) for use with Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) Capable HF Radios" (PDF).
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