a. Single-channel radio planning considerations. Table 3-1 lists planning considerations for
single-channel radio operations. Some key considerations are discussed below. Additional information
is in Chapter 4 of FM 24-16, Communications-Electronics Operations Orders, Records and Reports,
and Chapter 4 of FM 24-18, Tactical Single Channel Radio Communications Techniques.
Table 3-1. Single-Channel Radio Planning Considerations
(1) The signal officer in a CSS unit faces communication demands unique to that unit.
Support vehicles on the road must maintain voice communications to ensure the mission is completed in
a timely and thorough manner. The signal officer must know the availability and operational status of
radios, and coordinate maintenance requirements.
(2) Terrain characteristics and weather conditions must be considered because of their effect
on signal operations. In reconnoitering for command post sites, you must think of the terrain in terms of
radio propagation. The CSS unit operations officer will look for areas that facilitate the mission, such as
air strips, rail heads and some built up areas, depending on mission, enemy, terrain, troops, and time
available (METT-T). However, no site will serve the purpose if it is unsuitable because of buildings or
hills that mask the signal. Thunderstorms can negatively affect radio communications, and vehicles on
the road are often out-of-touch as atmospheric electrical activity disrupts the signal.
(3) As in all units, the CSS elements command and control through the effective use
of radio. The net control station (NCS) maintains order in the net, and this responsibility
SS0124
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