5 FAH-2 H-720
HIGH FREQUENCY (HF)
(CT:TEL-60; 07-26-2017)
(Office of Origin: IRM/FO/ITI/LWS/RPB)
5 FAH-2 H-721 High-Frequency BROADCAST
RANGE
(CT:TEL-12; 03-08-2005)
The high-frequency (HF) networks provide long-distance
communication links to officials traveling in country, to Department missions
in neighboring countries, and to military aircraft or ships in the vicinity.
5 FAH-2 H-722 NET OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
(CT:TEL-60; 07-26-2017)
The Radio Programs Branch
(IRM/FO/ITI/LWS/RPB) drafts and distributes net operating instructions
(NOIs) for operating and programming HF-radio equipment used in a defined
network within the regional information management centers (RIMCs) geographic
area of responsibility. NOIs contain, but are not limited to, the following
information:
(1) Primary and secondary frequencies for establishing
contact with other Department missions;
(2) Department Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
call signs for Department network participants;
(3) Network configuration information; and
(4) Instructions for conducting official tests.
Specific information in the NOI will vary according to
geographic location.
5 FAH-2 H-723 OPERATIONAL TESTING
(CT:TEL-60; 07-26-2017)
a. To ensure the operational readiness of all HF
equipment and the competence of IRM radio operators, IRM personnel must test
HF-radio equipment weekly and officially record the results as directed in the
NOI. Consult the RIMC if equipment fails or if personnel require additional
training. Information programs center (IPC) personnel should maintain
documentation of the testing schedule and unique post circumstances affecting
radio operations.
b. Those Department organizations that have off-site HF
equipment or HF-mobile radios must test them on a monthly basis.
5 FAH-2 H-724 NETWORK CONTROL STATION
(CT:TEL-60; 07-26-2017)
The RIMC designates one IPC to act as the network control
station for other designated posts within contact range. The network control
performs the following tasks:
(1) Monitors network frequencies for radio communiqus
from the RIMC, other posts, or military activities;
(2) Acts as radio relay to establish contact between
other posts in the network;
(3) Coordinates weekly tests with posts within its
network;
(4) Reports results of weekly tests on the HF reporting
SharePoint site; and
(5) Provides phone-patch support as required during
emergency.
5 FAH-2 H-725 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
(CT:TEL-60; 07-26-2017)
a. The information programs center (IPC) at the network
control station records the receive signal quality at network control and each
subscriber station and posts the results to the HF reporting SharePoint page. Any
reporting that references degraded station or network capabilities (broken
radios, defective antennas, lack of staffing, etc.) must be sent via a separate
telegram that is Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU). The telegram should explain
if any post was not able to respond and what actions were taken to attempt
radio contact.
b. Address the telegram to the Sec State Wash DC, the
RIMC, and network participants. The action addressees will most often be Department
for IRM/FO/ITI/LWS/RPB and the RIMC but
other addressees may be asked to take action to correct deficiencies discovered
during the test. Include passing instructions for Department for IRM/FO/ITI/LWS/RPB, IRM/FO/ITI, POST FOR IPC, and the regional bureau. List
ACOA first on the TAGS line followed by KRIM, AMTC, KRIM, and KWIR.
5 FAH-2 H-726 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION CALL SIGNS
(CT:TEL-60; 07-26-2017)
a. Call signs assigned to Department of State stations
by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may not be reassigned laterally
in the field without prior approval by IRM/FO/ITI/LWS/RPB.
b. Using an FCC call sign in a spectrum assigned to the
Amateur Radio Services or acknowledging a request for reception confirmations
(QSLs) from amateur or short-wave radio operators is prohibited.
5 FAH-2 H-727 THROUGH H-729 UNASSIGNED