Military ATC References?

[Vedexent]

I was listening to some of the radio scanner recordings from just outside NNTR.

 

I've also gotten interested in cooperative squadron missions which use human ATC/AWACS through something like LOTATC.

 

It's clear from the recordings that there's a definite set of brevity codes and protocols used for these communications.

 

Can anyone recommend any references for these communication protocols?

 

Thank you,

[MegOhm_SD]

Brevity Codes

 

Here you go. An easy search...See attachment and Links. :pilotfly:

The attached .pdf should be what you are looking for.

 

Don't know about the Comms protocol...I'm sure it's "out there"

 

Also: https://publicintelligence.net/restricted-u-s-military-multi-service-brevity-codes-manual/

 

http://fas.org/man/dod-101/usaf/docs/mcm3-1-a1.htm

 

 

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/101-5-1/f545-ae.htm

MTTP-Brevity.pdf

Edited March 17, 2016 by MegOhm_SD

[Vedexent]

I appreciate the effort.

 

You're right that the brevity codes are an easy search; those I'm familiar with.

 

It's the protocols for informing and directing elements that AWACs is using that I'm interested it. What is "Magic" doing? :)

 

I guess I'm wondering if there's documentation / training on forward air control, or even theater wide air operations control.

 

I don't expect there's a handy modern US Military (or any modern military) manual on the topic, ready for download in PDF format :)

 

But since there are squads/events using human ATC and AWACS, I'm wondering if they're using actual military procedures (even if they're out of date - and if so, what's their reference) - or whether they're making up what seems correct for the situation.

[DUSTY]

Hey Vedexent.

 

Unfortunately there aren't really any all-encompassing references for 'Military ATC' to be found on the web. This is a pretty complex topic you've gotten yourself into and I can empathise with you as many years ago I set out to teach myself about this topic for the virtual squadron I was with. Man oh man did I open a can of worms!

 

You mention a few different concepts in your posts but because you asked 'What is Magic doing' I'm going to assume you're interested in the role of Command and Control (C2) assets like AWACS/AEW&C and not Air Traffic Control in the sense of controlling aircraft around airfields and in civil controlled airspace. Also you mention 'Forward Air Control' which typically (but not always) refers to air-to-ground weapons employment for CAS missions.

 

Air Traffic Control or ATC is a different subject but is equally as complex. It's very achievable within DCS with tools like LotATC but depending on how realistic you want to be it's probably a topic for another time.

 

It's clear from the recordings that there's a definite set of brevity codes and protocols used for these communications.

The best thing I can think to show you are two documents I wrote back in 2011. I'm hesitant to share these because since then I've learned so much more on the subject and they're very rudimentary. They are however aimed at people who are completely new to the concept of military aviation C2 so I'll attach them anyway. I apologise for the fact that the format of the documents is not brilliant - I haven't looked at these for ages and I'm cringing at some of the language I used.

 

The first .pdf is a Communications SOP document that was for all aircrew. The second was a powerpoint document designed to compliment a verbal briefing for those wanting to become controllers.

 

Please also note that these documents were aimed at a different sim platform to DCS. As a result there is the odd reference to something that is not relevant to DCS. Please ask me any questions on the documents as I'd be happy to clarify. If you want to link us to the specific recordings you were listening to I'd also be able to decipher for you if you're curious.

AFPD 2-11 - AEW&C COMMS SOP.pdf

Controller Briefing Slides.pdf

[Vedexent]

Thank you very much :)

 

Yes, I guess my interest is a bit broad, quickly ballooning from the ATC (which, isn't THAT different from Civilian ATC), to the whole "how do you conduct air operations command and control?".

 

Like I said, I certainly don't expect there's current data anywhere, but I thought it might be a remote possibility that there's some historical documentation - perhaps from WWII or Korean war.

 

Not sure if this would have any real application in DCS however - I think that combat flight sims are a niche hobby - and those interested in that level of simulation are a niche inside combat flight sims.

 

Still - from an intellectual curiosity aspect, it's fascinating :)