5.
Special CNR usage.
a. Special operations.
(1) The use of SINCGARS in long-range surveillance units (LSU) is limited. The
requirement for medium to long-range radios precludes using SINCGARS, except in fairly static
deployments. This is primarily due to the transmission characteristics of the VHF band. SINCGARS
radios will mostly be used to provide communications for base operations, internal site control, and
forward line of own troops (FLOT) operations.
(2) HF single sideband radio and UHF single-channel TACSAT are the primary means of
long-range communications for special purpose units. Special Forces teams currently use the AN/PRC-
70, although the AN/PRC-104 is replacing it. The AN/PRC-70 subscriber must contact a SINCGARS
net on its cue frequency, but is fully interoperable with the IHFR. IHFR systems (in the manpack and
vehicular radio system configurations) are replacing older HF radios in ranger battalions and LRSUs.
b. Joint and combined operations.
(1) Early planning and coordination are vital for reliable communications within the
joint/combined areas. Initial planning must be done at the highest level possible to ensure all
contingency missions are included in the planning. Representatives from the host nation, friendly
forces, and subordinate units should be present during coordination meetings to ensure the total
communications plan considers the individual requirements of friendly and subordinate commands.
(2) The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) have overall responsibility for the joint planning of
frequency engineering and management. The joint service special staff for communications and signals
coordinates all joint communications and signal interoperability, establishes total force requirements,
and deconflicts each service's friendly forces' unique requirements. The command, control, and
communications directorate (J6) is responsible for the communications plan within the theater of
operation. In combined commands, the C6 is responsible to the combined commander for
communications planning. The C6 does not come under the control of the JCS, but the steps for
planning are similar in joint/combined arenas. Therefore, wherever a joint staff section performs a
specific planning action, the combined staff usually does the same. To provide responsive
communications, the signal planning section must stay abreast of the tactical and strategic situation
throughout the planning sequence. The joint frequency manager, a member of the J6 staff element,
obtains frequency allocations from the combined frequency manager, who obtains them from the host
nation. In the absence of a combined frequency manager, the joint manager deals directly with the host
nation, usually through embassy channels. After coordination, the J6 generates signal operation
instructions (SOI) and provides units with call signs and frequency assignments for current operations.
SS0133
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