Last Updated on March 30, 2025
Unit 2 Lesson (C): Basic Radio Communication Course
A radio (walkie-talkie) is a portable, hand-held, two-way radio transceiver. It allows multiple users to share a single radio channel; however, only one person can transmit at a time while others listen. Security guards commonly use radio to send and receive critical information quickly and reliably.
Typically, the radio remains in receiving mode. To transmit, press the “push-to-talk” (PTT) button, which disables the receiver and activates the transmitter.
Using radios for communication in security and other industries is legal and standard practice. Radios generally operate on UHF (Ultra High Frequency) or VHF (Very High Frequency). UHF radios are suitable for shorter distances, while VHF radios cover longer distances.
The Radio Communication course highlights the radio as essential equipment for security personnel and law enforcement officers. Mastering radio communication is crucial, emphasizing clarity, accuracy, and adherence to established voice procedures and guidelines.
Best Practices in the Radio Communication Course:
- Radios serve as vital safety and security tools.
- Speak slowly and concisely during communication.
- Always utilize the phonetic alphabet and the 24-hour clock.
- Maintain caution regarding your communication, as others may overhear.
- Think carefully before speaking on the radio.
Voice Procedure in the Radio Communication Course: Voice procedure ensures security, accuracy, and discipline in radio interactions.
DO Rules:
- Think before speaking.
- Communicate clearly and carefully.
- Keep messages brief and precise.
- Use proper radio terminology and codes.
- Select optimal locations for clear transmissions.
DO NOT Rules:
- Avoid interrupting ongoing transmissions unless there’s an emergency.
- Avoid unnecessary use of “radio slang.”
- Never share your personal location or contact details.
- Refrain from personal conversations on the radio.
The RSVP system taught in the Radio Communication course emphasizes clear speech:
- RHYTHM: Allow adequate pauses.
- SPEED: Speak slower than usual.
- VOLUME: Speak directly into the microphone.
- PITCH: Slightly raise your voice pitch compared to normal conversation.
ProWords Essential to the Radio Communication Course: ProWords simplify communication, reducing misunderstandings.
Radio Communication ProWords
- AFFIRMATIVE: Yes
- BREAK, BREAK: Urgent interruption
- EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY: Immediate threat, urgent help required
- FIGURE: Spelling numbers
- GO AHEAD: Ready for your message
- I SPELL: Spelling using the phonetic alphabet
- I SAY AGAIN: Repeating the message
- NEGATIVE: No
- OUT: End of communication
- OVER: Invitation to respond
- ROGER: Message received and understood
- ROGER SO FAR: Partial message confirmation
- SAY AGAIN: Request to repeat entire message
- SAY ALL AFTER: Repeat after a certain word
- SAY ALL BEFORE: Repeat before a certain word
- STANDBY: Wait briefly
- WAIT OVER: Short waiting period
- WAIT OUT: Longer waiting period
- SITREP: Situation report
- CORRECT: Confirm accuracy
- INFO: Information
- I VERIFY: Confirm verification
Phonetic Alphabet Training in the Radio Communication Course: Security guards, military personnel, police, and aviation professionals worldwide use the phonetic alphabet to spell words clearly, preventing misunderstandings.
A – ALPHA, B – BRAVO, C – CHARLIE, D – DELTA, E – ECHO, F – FOXTROT, G – GOLF, H – HOTEL, I – INDIA, J – JULIETTE, K – KILO, L – LIMA, M – MIKE, N – NOVEMBER, O – OSCAR, P – PAPA, Q – QUEBEC, R – ROMEO, S – SIERRA, T – TANGO, U – UNIFORM, V – VICTOR, W – WHISKEY/WATER, X – X-RAY, Y – YANKEE, Z – ZULU
Example:
- DUBAI = DELTA, UNIFORM, BRAVO, ALPHA, INDIA
- RAM = ROMEO, ALPHA, MIKE
For effective radio communication, understanding proper speaking techniques, voice procedures, RSVP methods, ProWords, and the phonetic alphabet is essential, making the Radio Communication course vital training for security professionals.
