967 (BAE Warton) Sqn ATC - Radio Communications and IT

Regular Activities ATC Communicator Badge

ATC Communicator Badge Scheme

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The ATC Communicator Badge scheme allows a cadet to progress along a structure route, proving that they are competant with using radios unsupervised, in our case with VHF radios, and are conversant with the basics of radio and communication principles. The Sqn is also kitted out with an HF radio which will shortly be brought into use for the cadets.

Before the Communicator Badge is awarded, the cadet must first pass 2 compulsory and four optional phases. Some of these phases are formally examined, being part of the First Class and Senior/Staff subjects. The other phases are assessed to the standards expected by the Squadron Communications Officer (SCO) and ultimately by the Wing Radio Officer (WRO). Previous radio experience and exam results can be accredited on entry to the scheme.

The full list of subjects in the scheme are shown below, some subjects have further links you can follow.

ACP 31, Vol 6 - Communications: This subject is compulsory and is part of the First Class cadet exam and hence is the entry point into the Communicator Badge Scheme. Here, the cadets are taught basic radio principles, radio procedures and the Health & Safety aspects of using radios, in particular, the Sqn radios.The cadets will also get some practicle experience using the VHF handheld Maxim SL70s and the Sqn VHF Base Unit.

Full VHF Operator Status: This subject is compulsory and is assessed as the cadets must prove that they are competant to use the radios unsupervised. The most important areas here, besides the Health & Safety aspects, are the use of the phonetic alphabet, prowords (radio procedures), communications security and log keeping.

HF Operator: This subject is available as an option as the Sqn has it's own HF radio equipment as well as the VHF equipment. The objectives here are similar to the VHF Operator but are oriented towards the HF side of radio.

HF Listener: This subject is optional and is now available as an option as the Sqn has obtained some HF radio equipment. An HF aerial has been erected in the form of an 'inverted V' aerial. This option is similar to the HF Operator but no transmissions are required by the cadets. The emphasis here is biased towards log keeping.

Data Communications: This subject is optional but is not currently available at the Sqn.

Internet Usage: This subject is optional and is assessed as the cadet must prove that they are competant with using the internet. Simple exercises will be set so that the cadet can prove that they are competant with using e-mail, FTP programs, search engines and web browser usage. A simple web site will also need to be constructed which may be added to the Squadron web site when they are finished. Help with these exercises will be available through the Sqn Web Master and/or SCO. Additional areas that are also taught include TCP/IP addressing, DNS and the need for firewalls & antivirus protection. The Sqn computer network is used here as a teaching aid giving the cadets valuable experience of modern day problems of using the internet.

ACP 35, Vol 3 - Advanced Radio and Radar: This subject is optional and is part of the Senior/Staff Cadet exams and is currently being taught at the Squadron.

ACP 35, Vol 4 - Satellite Communications: This subject is optional and although it is part of the Senior/Staff Cadet exam system, it is NOT currently taught at the Squadron so it it would have to be learnt as a distance learning unit. Help with this subject is available through the SCO.

Technical Skills : This subject is optional and is assessed. Exercises include wiring up of a 3 pin plug, fitting coaxial cable connectors, use of a multimeter for measuring voltage and current, basic soldering and Health & Safety procedures.

Approved Amateur Radio Activity: This subject is optional and consists of attending an approved Amateur Radio Activity. The SCO is currently arranging places for cadets to attend an Amateur Radio Foundation Course which will fulfill the criteria for this subject. This course leads to the cadets being able to apply for their Amateur Radio Foundation License and own personnal Radio Call Sign for use on the Amateur Radio Bands.