VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
CHAPTER 4
Communications
SECTION I — TACTICAL COMPLANS
4100 SCOPE
This chapter sets forth in broad terms the tactical aspects of communications, including data links,
and establishes measures necessary for their protection. Detailed communications doctrine,
communications plans (COMPLANs), and descriptions of specific circuits are contained in ACP 176 and
NATO Supplements. The use of certain nets, as they affect the principal areas of warfare, is described
below. See also Chapter 5, Electronic and Acoustic Warfare (EAW), and APP 1, Maritime Voice
Reporting Procedures.
4110 COMMUNICATION PLAN (COMPLAN) DESIGN
COMPLANs should be designed using the following guidelines:
a. Reduction to a minimum of the number of circuits to be guarded by ships. This is the principle of
the electronic protective measures/reduced tactical COMPLAN (EPM/RTC), an example of which is in
Figure 4-1. An RTC can be devised by combining circuits with similar procedures in order to reduce the
total number of nets in accordance with ACP 176. For small forces with limited communication
equipment, an RTC should be considered. The OTC must ensure that adequate instructions are issued
beforehand so that the COMPLAN is easy to interpret.
b. The use of MF/HF transmissions should be minimized to reduce the probability of fixing high
value units by the enemy. This involves the maximum use of satellite communications (SATCOM), using
AUTOCAT/MIDDLEMAN and ship-to-ship UHF relay.
c. Where the incorporation of MF/HF frequencies is unavoidable, use should be made of limited
range intercept (LRI) techniques.
d. Key circuits should be provided with frequency diversity, preferably in more than one band
(cross-band working). Since equipment and frequencies are bound to be in short supply, priority should be
given to those circuits most needed to coordinate force defense, particularly antiship missile defense
(ASMD).
e. Vital UHF circuits and alternates should have a frequency separation of at least 30 MHz
(preferably 40 MHz) to reduce effectiveness of disruptive jamming. To prevent mutual interference, a
frequency separation of 1 to 5 MHz is necessary. Minimum separation depends upon equipment fitted in
units.
f. Make maximum use of cryptographic protection on circuits to minimize the requirement for
low-grade codes and authentication.
g. Take account of special requirements for specific circuits as follows:
(1) Antijam Coordination Net — A line-of-sight net which ideally should be secure voice or out of
band (e.g., VHF (IMM) or VHF (Aeronautical)). It is used for passing vital information when under
ECM attack, alerting the force to imitative deception by a GINGERBREAD call, and the execution of
countermeasures.
4-1 ORIGINAL