Start here: Tactical communication is short, immediate operational traffic used to coordinate current activity; it should use the assigned channel and plain language and must not replace formal documentation when a record is required.
Picture the operating situation
“Move the supply vehicle to Gate 2” may be appropriate tactical traffic. A resource order, patient record, policy decision, or situation report may require a formal form and routing path instead.
Use this sequence
- Use the assigned channel and identify the intended station or function.
- State the needed action or information briefly.
- Repeat critical locations, quantities, or times when required.
- Move longer or sensitive traffic to the directed channel or method.
- Create the formal record when the communication plan requires one.
Common ways the plan fails
- Using ten-codes or private shorthand where plain language is required.
- Sending sensitive information on an open amateur channel.
- Allowing tactical traffic to overwhelm priority or formal traffic.
Operating boundary:
Follow current license conditions, land or facility rules, the active communication plan, and the responsible organization’s directions. Keep antennas and supports away from power lines and uncontrolled public access. Do not self-deploy to an incident.
Primary source
Rules and response doctrine change. Confirm the current requirement at FEMA NIMS and ICS toolkit before relying on this guide.
