Probably the second biggest pushback I get is: Look, I’m not into radio, so why do I need a comms plan? Well, imagine you didn’t have an advanced microcomputer that you carried with you everywhere for instant communications and information? What if you walked down to the river for water, leaving your family at home, and they were attacked – wouldn’t you want them to be able to call you? What if, during that same trip, you fell down and broke your leg? What if you just want to know what is happening around you?
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance
Proverbs 1:5
First, let me start off by saying that no, you don’t NEED to go out and get an amateur radio license. It can be incredibly helpful and there are a lot of great folks in amateur radio, but not everyone needs that license. Having SOMEONE or a COUPLE OF PEOPLE on your team or in your circle who are is incredibly helpful. Those guys can make your long-range contacts to gather information and network. Also, as always, I’ll point out that no one needs a license to receive, and there are several groups who will be sending out news and updates via digital modes that will be like getting printed news reports for you to receive.
What you WILL need is some sort of local, short-range communications. Even if you are out in your backyard and someone in the front yard needs you, a radio is more convenient and quieter than shouting. The same goes for reaching the neighbors or even a few miles out. You need to develop a plan to have daily check-in networks once things go bad. No one is coming to save you; you need to look out for each other.
During the Rhodesian War, they used the “Agric-Alert” system to protect rural farms. All the farms in each area were issued HF radios and they conducted check-ins each night, where everyone’s safety was checked and any information was shared on farm attacks or suspicious groups in the area. Each morning, every farm checked in again, and if anyone was missing, the local farmers banded together and sent a patrol to check on that farm. You need a similar plan.
On the individual farms, the adults and teens each carried a handheld CB (it was the 80s) for their own protection on the farm to call each other for help. We can adapt that to the modern world and use FRS/MURS radios, which are license-free. With MURS, you can install antennas of any height and can send data, which includes both text messages and photos.
With a GMRS License, you can use more power on the FRS frequencies (up to 50 watts) which gives you a more regional radio system. If you can add a solar powered repeater the mix, you’ll extend everyone’s range. The cool thing about having a GMRS license is that GMRS radios at higher power can be heard by lower-powered FRS radios, allowing you to broadcast alerts to your unlicensed friends. Of course, this assumes you’re still playing by the rules at that point.
CB, while Sad Hams will tell you it is dead, makes a great medium for a regional network. With a proper 108-inch antenna mounted high on a building, you can get a pretty big range improvement, especially if you use Single-Sideband (SSB) modes. Millions of CB radios are sitting in basements, attics, and garages, and once the grid goes down, people will get them out, seeking any kind of connection to the outside world. They are also the most readily available radios, being found at truck stops all over.
Think about it in our current world: Truck drivers are literally patrolling every roadway in America (and the world) equipped with CB radios and they inform each other of what they are seeing. Being able to listen in on that today is an amazing intelligence gathering source. I’ve been on the road and experienced a backup and all you have to do is ask over the CB if anyone knows what’s going on. Several drivers will answer with an update on the situation and offering the best alternate routes. It’s a superpower and it’s overlooked. Every time I mention it, knowledgeable hams agree and sad hams chuckle, laughing at the idea. Hey, I’m not in the radio business, I’m in the information and security business, so I’ll take every tool I can get.
So, even if you aren’t a “radio guy”, you need some type of communications plan for:
- Short range intra-team communications (UHF – FRS/GMRS)
- Mid range inter-team communications (VHF – MURS)
- Long range information gathering (HF/CB radio)
Just having these three soldified puts you ahead of the game.
A great way to learn how to develop and use this plan is to take NC Scout’s RTO, Advanced RTO, and SIGINT Courses. These give you a solid foundation. Click the link for dates and registration. While he is running the Montana course, I’ll be installing some communications plan solutions at our Montana Training Site at Camp Ponderosa. We’ll have HF, VHF, UHF, and CB solutions to enable us to remain connected even if the grid goes down.
On a related note, get out to classes and meet each other in real life. We recently held a Stop The Bleed class and had a great time meeting each other in real life. It gives you a touchbase and restores human connections, we need that. If we’re going to survive, we need to know each other in real life.
Registration is still open for my Montana Fieldcraft course. Watch here for more dates all over. Pick up some patches, books, or t-shirts while you’re here.
I’ll be reviewing H John Poole’s newest book, Battledrills for Chinese Mobile Warfare over at tacticalwisdom.locals.com, so become a monthly supporter over there. You can also make a donation here (I’m seeking donations for night vision, LOL).
Donation – February 2024
Donation to support website.
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Tactical Wisdom 
Coms are absolutely necessary. However having said that, I need to add that although CB Radio may be helpful, of all forms of communications, it is the worst for security. Back in the CB heydays during the 1970’s every yahoo had one and it got to the point where you could not carry on a conversation without some heckler jumping in and disrupting it. It’s why CB faded away. So if you want to incorporate CB in your coms plan, have a plan in place to jump to another frequency without saying so. For example, you could say Condition bravo, and no team member would acknowledge that command and automatically switch to a predetermined frequency. It will probably be discovered, but it might take a few minutes and hopefully your team will be done with this com session. I would recommend you have several pre-planned Condition frequencies. NEVER acknowledge a heckler and act if they aren’t there. I was once told if you stick a pin in the coax through the outer braid and into the center conductor it will destroy the radio. Snip off the pin sticking out and they’ll never know what happened. Not saying I would ever do anything like that….
I look forward to your emails! Thanks!
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You can defeat this by using an FM CB. It’s now legal, and most don’t have it.
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Excellent article. If your only plan is to use a cell phone, you’re wrong…probably dead wrong.
CB for all it’s alleged faults is one of the better options for the average person. It has much more capability than many realize and can be made much more secure with the right operating practice.
If you intend to run FM, stay off the sideband frequencies.
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VHF Marine Band, The Forgotten Option
While it is not permitted by the FCC to operate VHF Marine Band indland, for a WROL world, or during an emergency, it would be appropriate, and a good choice that is mostly over looked. MURS is a good choice, yet preprogrammed transcievers are limited to 2 watts, and are narrow banded. MURS is a good choice for a security operation, however, there is a better choice.
The VHF Marine mobile transcievers have a maximum output of 25 watts, and are wide banded. The purchase price can be less than$150.00. RG8x coaxial cable reduces the cost of installation over LRM400 needed for GMRS. Because it is VHF, and because of the frequencies used, it propagates very well in mountainious regions, and better than GMRS in that type of terrian. The handhelds are typically water resistant or water proof, and are also simple to use.
Because some of the frequencies are licensed for use inland, there might be governmental agencies that could be using a few channels, therefore it is important to sweep the band with a scanner, 156 to 158Mhz, and select 3 channels, a primary, an alternate, and one for a contigency to be used in the event of an emergency. In remote regions, the band is usually entirely unused. One can also use radioreference.com, to see if there any licenses granted to private parties, or government agencies assigned to the VHF Marine Band in your region. It is likely that there is no licensees .
Regardless of the legal issues, the plug and play, and easy to use transcievers could be added to the list of the basic transcievers one should have. I suggest the most important roll is for base station to base station that are outside the range of GMRS, and CB. VHF Marine transcievers that are 25 watt mobiles can have the same propagation charactoritics as the 2 Meter Amateur Band that is well proven to be useful in the mountains, as the signal can bounce.
It will have the additional benefit of being off the beaten path that are the common radio services. There would be a layer of communication security, and less risk of jamming, or competing with other users as occurs on GMRS. Even in my remote part of Montana, two of the GMRS channels are being claimed by a single user as their private channels. They regularly interfere with other users.
Because of the growing popularity in recent years, GMRS will not be much better than CB, in fact I would prefer CB, FM and SSB, over GMRS for longer ranges between base stations. And because of the practical or technical issues that limit CB’s, most users might be better off with VHF Marine. However, if you can afford and can install a full size 1/4 wave ground plan base station CB antenna, such as the proven Antron 99, and operate a more sophisticated and high powered CB such as a converted Radiooddity QT40 or QT60 from Scott’s Radio, you may solve several communications issues with one transciever. Otherwise, expect that most CB’s will be local only.
For the unsophicticated radio operator, jamming, interference in general, and communications security can be less of an issue with VHF Marine transcievers, that are both easy to use, and affordable. Full powered 50 watt GMRS mobile transcievers cost more that VHF Marine mobles. Used as a mobile or base station radio, or primarly for a security operation, it is the best solution for all of the important applications, and issues that we could anticipante during a long term WROL situation.
Tunnel Rabbit out…
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The Anytone 5555 iiN is the same as the QT60 and is incredibly easy to modify.
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HI JD,
Those are good choices for some folks. However, when it comes to transceivers, the simpler the better. Scott’s Radio can convert those radios for those who are not confident that they can do it themselves. I recommend the the QT40 for those who are not comfortable with menu driven platforms. The QT40 is easier to operate, but one can still get into trouble if they are not technically inclined.
For those who are not technically inclined at all, I’d recommend a standard CB (ideally with SSB) with a low powered linear amplifier from Scott’s radio. Your antenna must also be able to handle the additional power and be large enough to hear weak signals from the typically low powered standard CB’s. A 100 watt amp is not necessary. If you can not hear them, then you can not talk to them and a big antenna pulls in the weakest signals.
Do not hook up a just any amplifier to a CB, because you will likely fry the amp. Magic smoke will appear when it is fried. Purchase an amplifier that can accept 1 to 10 watts of input. These are available from Scott’s Radio. He also has some excellent antennas that he can recommend for your particular installation.
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A Common Man’s Commo Plan
This commo plan is simple, affordable, flexible, and provides redundant capabilities for the least amount of money, and expertise. Any plan should be well rounded, and critical aspects addressed first.
As security will be job 1, and because without comms you can not adequate organize a defense, and because few have a commo plan of any kind, and because most of us can not afford to buy everything we will need immediately, I suggest these low cost and simple to operate transceivers (aka. radios) as a first purchase. I would then immediately buy at least two low cost basic CB’s, and a base station antenna, and magnetic mount antenna for a vehicle. As time and funds permit, we can greatly improve our capabilities with a variety of purchases.
1a.) Baofeng BF-88ST Pro Walkie Talkies with a USB adapter for 12vdc – 3 Pack, $41.00, FRS/GMRS. The lowest power setting is 1/2 watt (see manual).
1b.) Or better yet, the more expensive and capable Midland GXT’s with the 12vdc power option for recharging. Use these on the lowest power settings (1/4 watt=250Mw) perferably on FRS channels 8 to 14 for a security operation. Use other radio services for greater communication security. FRS will be heavily used, and monitored. To preserve tactical surprise, only use this radio service only when other means is not available.
2.) Two standard CB’s, and the best antennas you can afford. A 5 foot tall on a large magnetic mount for vehicle is best, and a 5/8 wave ground plane antenna is best for a base station. Modern handheld CB’s are now more compact, and could be used for security operation. These are typically very short range because of their stubby antennas.
3a.) MURS handheld with a manual hi/lo power setting. Use the 1/2 low power setting for intra team, and the two watt setting for inter team comms. This radio service is not well known, but it will be monitored.
3b.) Or as an alternative or primary for a security operation, VHF Marine Band handhelds that uses somewhat obscure frequencies, and 1 and 5 watt power settings. This radio service will also be monitored, yet not by the public in general, but mostly by savvy Amateur Radio operators.
4.) After your first purchases, if needed for a 20 mile in diameter AO, consider this linear amplifier for your base station or vehicle mounted CB. Antenna height directly translates into longer ranges, however your installation and terrain would likely limit the range of the typcial 3.5 watt CB, making an amplifier necessary.
RM Italy KL203Phttps://www.scottsradios.com/product-page/rm-italy-kl203p
This would be a solid plan that any part there of, can be quickly implemented. There is much more than can be done, but this is the best place to good start. Even Amateur Radio operators should have this capability as there will be a need to inter-operate.
I can talk about radio all day. If you’d like more, visit my Gab page, Tunnel Rabbit 2. Scroll back many pages passed the discussion on ballistics to find more about radio, or simply ask a question. If my internet is up, I will answer it. I do this sort of thing, because without communications, we have nothing. Run out and get some comms today!
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Hello JD,
I forgot to spell check the original submission. I am a lousy speller, so I am now submitting an edited version.
Tunnel Rabbit ( I am the radio guy who is located up on the border of NW Montana. I overhauled my truck motor last summer. If the vehicle were reliable, I would run down there this spring to meet every one. Unfortunately my vehicle is just too worn out to risk the trip.)
——————————
VHF Marine Band, The Forgotten Option
While it is not permitted by the FCC to operate VHF Marine Band inland, for a WROL world, or during an emergency, it would be appropriate, and a good choice that is mostly over looked. MURS is a good choice, yet preprogrammed transceivers are limited to 2 watts, and are narrow banded. MURS is a good choice for a security operation, however, there is a better choice.
The VHF Marine mobile transceivers have a maximum output of 25 watts, and are wide banded. The purchase price can be less than$150.00. RG8x coaxial cable reduces the cost of installation over LRM400 needed for GMRS. Because it is VHF, and because of the frequencies used, it propagates very well in mountainous regions, and better than GMRS in that type of terrain. The handhelds are typically water resistant or water proof, and are also simple to use.
Because some of the frequencies are licensed for use inland, there might be governmental agencies that could be using a few channels, therefore it is important to sweep the band with a scanner, 156 to 158Mhz, and select 3 channels, a primary, an alternate, and one for a contigency to be used in the event of an emergency. In remote regions, the band is usually entirely unused. One can also use radioreference.com, to see if there any licenses granted to private parties, or government agencies assigned to the VHF Marine Band in your region. It is likely that there is no licensees .
Regardless of the legal issues, the plug and play, and easy to use transceivers could be added to the list of the basic transceivers one should have. I suggest the most important roll is for base station to base station that are outside the range of GMRS, and CB. VHF Marine transceivers that are 25 watt mobiles can have the same propagation characteristics as the 2 Meter Amateur Band that is well proven to be useful in the mountains, as the signal can bounce.
It will have the additional benefit of being off the beaten path that are the common radio services. There would be a layer of communication security, and less risk of jamming, or competing with other users as occurs on GMRS. Even in my remote part of Montana, two of the GMRS channels are being claimed by a single user as their private channels. They regularly interfere with other users.
Because of the growing popularity in recent years, GMRS will not be much better than CB, in fact I would prefer CB, FM and SSB, over GMRS for longer ranges between base stations. And because of the practical or technical issues that limit CB’s, most users might be better off with VHF Marine. However, if you can afford and can install a full size 1/4 wave ground plan base station CB antenna, such as the proven Antron 99, and operate a more sophisticated and high powered CB such as a converted Radiooddity QT40 or QT60 from Scott’s Radio, you may solve several communications issues with one transceiver. Otherwise, expect that most CB’s will be local only.
For the unsophisticated radio operator, jamming, interference in general, and communications security can be less of an issue with VHF Marine transceivers, that are both easy to use, and affordable. Full powered 50 watt GMRS mobile transceivers cost more that VHF Marine mobiles. Used as a mobile or base station radio, or primary for a security operation, it is the best solution for all of the important applications, and issues that we could anticipated during a long term WROL situation.
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While I’m up there this spring, we may have to try a long range CB test.
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Hi JD,
It would be worth trying. If that does not work, then we should go to 80 meters on a NVIS antenna. I have a low powered CB with SSB at the moment. I hope to convert my Kenwood 830 to switch between 10 meters and 11 meters (CB, SSB). While this puts out 100 watts on SSB, CB is limited by the curvature of the earth, and the hieght of the antenna. Skip is unreliable, but we might get lucky. If you have, or can get an full powered HF set, such as a Yeasu 857, you can use a NVIS antenna to talk to a region that is 200 to 500 miles in diameter without the use of repeaters. This is most likely to be successful at the ranges we are considering. For more local ranges, ideally, you should also have a low powered (QRP) such as Yeasu 817, or one of the less expensive Chinese sets that has 40 and 80 meters. 160 meters would also be desirable, but most of inexpensive rigs do not have that .
Using low powered HF (5 watts) with short skip (NVIS) defeats the best radio direction finding efforts, and greatly improves COMSEC. Adding a digital mode (FLdigi) greatly increases COMSEC as well when used with HF, or VHF/UHF. Ask NC Scout about the latest low powered (QRP) and simple to use full powered HF sets that he would recommend. I’d love to buy a QRP set myself, yet I am broke, and unlikely able to afford another radio for the forseeable future.
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I already have one from NC Scout.
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Okay, we are good to go. Hopefully it is a full powered rig. It can be powered down after contact is made. When it’s time, set up a 80 meter dipole that is no lower than 6 feet, and no higher than 10 as that should be good enough. 40 meter is easier, but conditions right now favor 80. Use 12ga insulated copper wire as copper can break under the strain, or WD-1a field phone wire that is steel and much stronger.
As a fellow believer in field phones, I will use WD-1a. Standard coaxial cable, 50 ohm, RG58, or better yet, RG8x is best as it handles the power better and is overall a much higher in quality than the junky RG58 available today. Buy a 500 foot roll. Make, or buy a Corbra head. If you decide to use this antenna for horizontally polarized CB SSB, it can be temporarily cut, or a second dipole cut for CB can be attached to the same Cobra head for testing, and permanently used as such. This means you get to do additional testing with less time and effort involved. It would be an opportunity to use a horizontally polarized antenna. Vertically polarized antennas will receive horizontally polarized RF with between 10 to 20 Dbd less strength (attenuated) signal. A horizontally polarized antenna tends to have greater range in some terrain, and improves COMSEC.
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Listen, I am aware of how to operate a radio. I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I know what I’m doing.
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Please accept my apology. No insult was intended. I was indeed excited by the prospect of the test. I spent nearly 15 years attempting to get my local buddies into NVIS, but no takers, but we will use it locally nevertheless. Very few persons know anything about NVIS propagation, including most General Class Hams, so I included some details just in case, in perparation for the test, and for general consumption. I was under the impression by your own words that you were not a radio man, and only sought to be helpful. I stand corrected. NC Scout is apparently a good teacher. Too bad I could not afford to take one of his classes. It took me years to learn on my own. Good Luck and God Bless…
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No worries, but let me just say, once again, that you don’t have to be a ham to know how to use the radio, brother. Permission slips don’t convey knowledge.
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Lol, I never said I was a Ham. I am no NC Scout, but I do have 40 years of experience as apart of my prior profession, and more air time than most. Most hams have zero knowlegable about tactical radio communications, or even the basic skills needed to be a radio man. I am often called to fix their stuff. No indeed, a license to drive, does not mean that a person can actually drive.
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