Tactical Communications Technical Glossary Part I

1. Tactical Radio RF Fundamentals

HF – High Frequency (3–30 MHz)

Definition: HF relies on skywave/ionospheric propagation, allowing signals to travel hundreds to thousands of kilometers without any repeater, satellite, or infrastructure. Ideal for very-long-range, infrastructure-free communication in harsh environments.

VHF – Very High Frequency (30–300 MHz)

Definition: In tactical radio operations, VHF typically denotes the 30–88 MHz combat band, which is optimized for squad/platoon ground communications and offers reliable performance in line-of-sight communications.

UHF – Ultra High Frequency (300 MHz–3 GHz)

Definition: UHF provides short-range, high-bandwidth communication with reliable performance in urban, indoor, and vehicular environments. Used for special operations, UAV video/data links, and high-capacity tactical radios.

For more information on communication frequencies, please refer to our blog article, "Understanding UHF, VHF, and HF Radio: Key Differences and Applications."

Bandwidth

Definition: The width of the frequency channel that determines how much information a radio can transmit. Larger bandwidth = higher data throughput. Determines whether a system supports voice-only narrowband or video/data wideband operations.

Narrowband

Definition: Small channel bandwidth optimized for voice and low-rate data, ensuring maximum range and highest link reliability even under congestion or interference.

Wideband

Definition: Uses broader channels to support video, sensor feeds, situational awareness (SA) data, and high-rate communication.

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LOS – Line of Sight

Definition: For direct-path radio propagation, an unobstructed between the transmitter and receiver to avoid signal degradation.

NLOS – Non-Line of Sight

Definition: Communication through reflections, diffraction, relays, or HF skywave, enabling coverage when direct path is obstructed by terrain or structures.

2. Tactical Radio Types Factors

Handheld Radio

Definition: Compact, lightweight radios (typically <1 kg) used by individual soldiers for short-range, squad-level secure voice/data communication.

Manpack Radio

Definition: High-power backpack radios supporting extended range, higher output power, and multiple advanced waveforms. Usually weighs 5–15 kg with batteries.

Vehicular Radio

Definition: High-power mounted radios integrated into armored vehicles, command trucks, APCs, and IFVs with vehicle power supply and external antenna systems.

Base Station

Definition:  Fixed or semi-mobile radios deployed in command posts, providing high-power C2 communication with enhanced antenna systems and power supplies.

Soldier Radio

Individual military radios providing secure PTT (Push-to-Talk) voice, short-range data, and squad networking capabilities for dismounted warfighters.

Squad Radio

Definition: Lightweight transceiver (typically <500 g) for rapid, reliable, encrypted communication within a squad (8–12 soldiers) and between squad–platoon levels.

Maritime Radio

Definition: Radios designed for shipboard, coastal, and amphibious operations with anti-corrosion (salt spray resistant), water-resistant enclosures, and long-range HF/VHF maritime band capability.

Repeater / Relay

Definition: A device or radio configured to extend coverage by receiving and retransmitting radio signals on the same or different frequencies.

SINCGARS – Single-Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System

Definition: U.S. standard VHF combat radio system (30–88 MHz) supporting secure voice, frequency hopping (ECCM), and battlefield interoperability. Developed in the 1980s but still widely deployed.

3. Tactical Radio Communication Waveforms

Analog Waveform

Definition: Traditional FM (Frequency Modulation) or AM (Amplitude Modulation) modes used in legacy radio systems with continuous wave transmission.

Digital Waveform

Definition: Encodes information as digital packets (binary data) for better security, error correction, spectrum efficiency, and networking capabilities.

Frequency Hopping Waveform

A spread spectrum technique that rapidly changes transmission frequency (typically 100+ hops per second) according to a pseudo-random sequence to avoid interception and jamming.

ECCM Waveform

Definition: Electronic Counter-Counter Measures waveforms specifically designed to maintain communication under jamming, spoofing, or electronic attack conditions.

Adaptive Waveform

Definition:  Software-defined radio (SDR) waveform capable of real-time adjustments to modulation, coding, power, and routing based on channel conditions, interference, or mission needs.

Wideband Networking Waveform

Definition: High-capacity networking waveform capable of IP routing, video transport, sensor data relay, and multi-hop communication. Typically supports 1 Mbps to 10+ Mbps throughput.

Tactical Mesh Waveform

Definition: Multi-hop distributed waveform enabling radios to form ad hoc mesh networks without centralized infrastructure, where each node acts as both endpoint and relay.

Self-Healing Networking

Definition: Network capability for automatic rerouting of traffic when a node is blocked, jammed, destroyed, or offline, without manual intervention.

4. Tactical Communication Networking & C2 Capabilities

Tactical Mesh Networking

Definition: Decentralized, resilient communication architecture without fixed infrastructure, where multiple nodes form an interconnected network with automatic routing.

MANET – Mobile Ad-hoc Network

Definition: Dynamic, self-forming and self-healing network supporting mobile warfighters without requiring fixed infrastructure. Nodes can join, leave, and move freely.

C2 Network – Command & Control

Definition: The communications framework connecting commanders with frontline units, enabling the exercise of authority and direction by commanders over assigned forces.

C4I

Definition: Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence – the integrated systems and capabilities that enable military decision-making and operations.

Situational Awareness (SA)

Definition: Real-time understanding of friendly forces, enemy disposition, terrain, and environmental factors essential for tactical decision-making.

Blue Force Tracking (BFT)

Definition: GPS-based system that provides real-time location and identification of friendly (blue) forces on a digital map display.

Latency

Definition: The time delay between transmission and reception of a signal, measured in milliseconds. Critical in time-sensitive C2 links and real-time applications.

JINTACCS

Definition: Joint Interoperability of Tactical Command and Control Systems – the doctrine and standards ensuring different tactical C2 systems can communicate effectively.

MDI – Mission Data Integration

Definition: The process and systems ensuring mission-critical data consistency, synchronization, and accessibility across distributed C4I platforms.