VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
4161 SEARCH AND ATTACK UNIT (SAU) COMMUNICATIONS
On dispatch of a SAU, responsibility for its communication requirements is transferred from the
OTC to the SAU commander. In general, the existing ASW circuits will continue to be manned by the
SAU, with the remainder shifting to an alternative ASW control frequency (Procedure ALPHA, see ACP
176) or screen tactical frequency (Procedure BRAVO). Careful thought must be given to the emission
policy adopted by the SAU commander to avoid alerting hostile units to the existence, composition, or
position of the SAU, and to this end use should be made of standard tabulated messages, such as the ASW
Action Table in ATP 1, Vol. II. Single-Letter Maneuvering Signals may be used for SAU action.
4162 — 4169 SPARE
4170 SUBMARINE COMMUNICATIONS
Communications with submarines differ significantly from those with other force assets and present
the most significant challenge in effecting mission coordination and tasking. Keys to success are reliable
long-range communications between the task group and the SUBOPAUTH and dependable, redundant,
on-scene tactical circuits for the exchange of intelligence; command, control, and coordinating
information; and targeting data with assigned submarines. Planners and commanders must be familiar
with the submarine communication procedures and capabilities that are addressed in detail in ATP 18.
4171 BASIC CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDELINES
a. Tradeoffs between covertness and coordination will be necessary when conducting coordinated
operations. Planning should recognize that communication delays are often a necessary adjunct to
submarine operations. Additionally, an inverse relationship exists between the time a submarine spends in
a communications posture (depth and speed limited) and mission effectiveness, when the submarines
tasking requires it to operate at high speed or below communications depth for extended periods of time.
Historically, the submarine operational broadcast controlled by the SUBOPAUTH is the most reliable
means of providing coordination, tasking, and intelligence information to submarines. This method is
often slower than tactical communications, however, and provision must be made for the rapid, on-scene
exchange of intelligence and coordinating information as required by the tactical situation.
b. Brevity. As a rule, communications with submarines should be brief.
NOT RELEASABLE
4-12 Erratum to CHANGE 1