c. The administrative/logistics net is used to pass personnel and supply information. The traffic
on this net does not have the same immediate tactical importance as that on the command and operations
net and the intelligence net used at brigade and battalion levels.
d. The fire direction net is the highest priority net in the field artillery firing units. The net is
used for exchanging technical or firing data.
e. The HF voice net (AM) is used as a backup to the command and operations (FM) and the
intelligence nets.
f. The GP RATT net passes hard copy radio teletypewriter traffic between HQ elements. It is
not used to send lengthy or time-sensitive information due to the slow processing and handling time
required to send messages.
3.
Wire Communications.
a. Wire, one of the most dependable communications means, can be used in most terrain and
tactical situations. Wire includes the use of field wire, wire-laying and recovery equipment, cable,
battery-operated and sound-powered telephones, switchboards, teletypewriters, multiplexes, and other
associated or terminating equipment. It affords person-to-person conversation, with break-in operation
(capability of interrupting the conversation). Wire is more secure than radio, but the security of
classified information is never assured when it is transmitted over wire circuits; classified information
should be discussed only over security-approved wire systems. The decision to establish wire
communications depends on the need, the time required and available to install and use, and the
capability to maintain. The supply of wire on hand, the expected resupply, and future needs must also
be considered.
b. The range of wire communications varies, depending on the weather and the condition of the
wire (for example, wet weather, poor splices, and damaged insulation). The range of wire circuits may
be extended by the use of attended or unattended repeaters. For planning purposes, the range of field
wire circuits using the battery-operated telephone is 22.2 to 35.4 kilometers (14 to 22 miles). The range
is reduced to 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) using sound-powered telephones.
c. It takes longer to install wire than any other means of communications. The time required
depends mainly on the length of wire line and the method of laying it (ground vehicle, air vehicle, or
manpack). In estimating the time required, the number of personnel available, their training, the type
terrain, routes, weather, and visibility must be considered.
d. Wire is tactically employed to connect closely located activities, such as within command
posts and between radio relay terminals and switching centrals. Long-haul wire circuits (trunks)
between signal nodes and HQ are installed to backup radio and radio lay
SS0120
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