[FedCom] ISR traffice this weekend -- NONE

[fedcom@mailman.qth.net]

<< They were orginally meant strictly for the US Marine Corps & than a 
decision was made to put it on a GSA schedule which would allow any federal 
or military department to buy the radios. Also Civil Air Patrol jumped into 
the act.

There was a big hoopla over at CAP regarding the use of "civilian" 
frequencies. One of the head honchos prohibited them from using civilian and 
non type-accepted radios (effectively barring them from using modified ham 
gear, which most of their 143 & 148MHz equipment is), so they had to find 
something else.


<< A federal agency could go out and buy some regular FRS radios with voice 
privacy (speech inversion) & be in better shape than with these units.

Agreed. Wholeheartedly!


<< I really don't understand why the USMC would every buy a radio that can't 
allow some sort of encryption/privacy (e.g. speech inversion) 

The intended operation of the radios is for short-range use. If an enemy is 
using SIGINT/COMINT techniques & hears activity, he will know our troops are 
CLOSE.
This has been a big concern. Many feel we do not need to add to the radio 
signature of our military. When everybody's got a radio, everyone wants to 
talk. Only the most diciplined folks can stay off the PTT switch until 
absolutely necessary.

A good comparison would be equipping your local police with portable radios. 
Radio traffic will increase. Obviously, every police officer having a radio 
is a safety issue & a good thing. In the military's case however, you can see 
the problems this might cause. On the other hand, command & control should be 
easier prior to enemy contact.

Since anyone with a GSA "catalog" can order these, the channels may bear 
watching in the future.