VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
6364 — 6369 SPARE
6370 SECURITY AND EMCON CONSIDERATIONS
a. Speed of Transmission Versus Security. The conflict between the need to transmit an
enemy report quickly and the need for security has to be considered on each occasion of making an enemy
report. The solution will depend on the particular circumstances at the time, unless on-line encryption
facilities are available. If the enemy is aware that he has been detected, and especially if he is able to inflict
early damage, speed of transmission will be the more important factor. However, it must be realized that
enemy reports which are not encrypted may, if intercepted, be valuable to the enemy.
b. Effect of Over-Emphasizing Security. It is important that security classifications are not
imposed unnecessarily. Due consideration should be given to the availability of on-line encryption
facilities and to type of units concerned with the reports.
c. Reporting Procedures During Restricted EMCON. Modifications to reporting
procedures should be anticipated when the force is operating under restrictive EMCON conditions. In
particular, the OTC must specify which reports are to be made when the OTC and/or warfare commander’s
flagships are in EMCON and when the entire force is EMCON (e.g., when only the OTC’s flagship is in
EMCON for purposes of operational/communications deception); the OTC may require continued
reporting by warfare commanders and units, but will not acknowledge receipt or will acknowledge receipt
via another circuit. If required by EMCON, RAID reporting responsibility may be passed to the E2C,
AWACS, or MPA. Reports, other than initial raid reports, would normally be terminated in this situation.
d. Breaking Radio Silence. Enemy reporting is one of the occasions when radio silence may be
broken. This subject is described in more detail in Chapter 5.
6-29 ORIGINAL