Communication/Electronics
- Message Center.
All message center traffic was transmitted, received, and reproduced by the 4th Marines Regiment during the month. Administrative message pick-ups were made each morning for the first two weeks of the month and increased to three times each day when it became apparent that one pick-up was not sufficiently responsive to the operational needs of the Battalion. Authentication tables were distributed and utilized as required.
- Radio.
Voice radio communications provided the primary means of control for the various elements of the Battalion. All frequencies and call signs were listed in a Communications Operating Instructions (COI) which was prepared by the communication center and distributed to each unit commander. The KAC QAL 512 and KAC PZ-4 were utilized for encrypting and decrypting tactical traffic on all radio nets. The AN/PRC-88 continued to be effectively utilized on the Platoon/Squad level in tactical operations.
- Covered circuits.
An additional AN/PRC-77 was used in conjunction with a KY-38 to facilitate transmission of classified traffic without the time-consuming use of encrypting and decrypting devices.
- Wire.
A fourth SB-22 switchboard was installed for use in the Battalion rear area at VCB.
- Maintenance.
The maintenance section conducted its normal maintenance and repair work for the Battalion and realigned the AN/PRC-88’s and set new frequencies on them. The total equipment placed on deadline and repaired is as follows:
Items D/L Repaired
AN/PRC-25 24 19
AN/PRC-88 2 0
AN/PRC-47 4 2
SB-22/PT 1 1
AN/GRA-39 1 0
AN/RPS-6 3 0
AN/PP-4567 2 0
Repair parts shortages for this period were almost nonexistent, with the exception of the handset, receiver element, FSN 5965-933-6897.
This page last corrected 4 September 2011