AUSTRALIAN RATEL | Procedures
- D. M. Wright
- May 13
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
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THINGS TO KNOW
Be aware of what you say. Radio traffic can be logged. All military networks are logged. Publicly accessible frequencies can be heard for kilometres, even across states and countries.
Messages are to be brief and concise. Messages should not exceed 30 seconds when conveying information. Messages should ideally be kept to less than 5 seconds. Long messages can be broken up with the proword 'MORE TO FOLLOW' and the receiving callsign replying 'ROGER'.
Do not use 'OVER AND OUT'. Use one or the other. Not both. One means to stop your conversation. The other means to keep talking.
If you open the transmission dialogue between you and another callsign, it is you who will end it with 'OUT' at the completion of your back-and-forth. Vice-versa, if someone calls you, you are never to end it with 'OUT', but must say 'OVER' - even if your dialogue has been completed - and allow them to say 'OUT.'
NEVER use 'REPEAT' to ask a callsign to say something again. Always use 'SAY AGAIN'. 'REPEAT' is only used to ask artillery to fire again.
Do not say 'THAT' ever. No 'ROGER THAT'. Only 'ROGER'.
Do not say 'COPY'. Nor 'COPY THAT'. Only 'YES', 'CORRECT', 'ROGER' (I understand) or 'WILCO' (I understand and will do what you ask).
Do not say 'AFFIRMATIVE' and 'NEGATIVE'. Only 'YES' and 'NO', or 'CORRECT', 'ROGER' or 'WILCO'.
Do not say 'DO YOU READ ME?' Only use transmission openers, e.g. 'ALPHA ONE, THIS IS BRAVO SIX, OVER' and wait 5 seconds. Then say it again. If they do not answer after your second attempt, you end the transmission by saying 'ALPHA ONE, THIS IS BRAVO SIX, NOTHING HEARD, OUT.'
Do not say 'COME IN', e.g. 'ALPHA ONE, THIS IS BRAVO SIX, COME IN, OVER.' Only use transmission openers, e.g. 'ALPHA ONE, THIS IS BRAVO SIX, OVER.' You've made your point that you want to talk. Don't waste radio time with superfluous words.
Do not use names or ranks over the radio. Use appointed titles or callsigns, even for amateur RATEL.
Use the NATO phonetic alphabet and numerals. Spell and pronounce them correctly.
Hold down the radio pressel switch for two to three seconds before and after a transmission to ensure the entire message is transmitted. Radios require a moment after pressing the switch before it transmits anything.
If unable to make contact, move several metres to a new location and/or higher ground. If communications are not loud and clear, use the Antenna Long in preference to the Antenna Short.
Maintain battery conservation and discipline. Higher volume uses more battery power.
Use only the frequencies allocated.
If necessary, relay through another substation.
ALWAYS use correct RATEL procedure.
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