[MilCom] AF FRS Radio VS Inter Squad Radio Usage

[Ken]

Source:  http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/pubs/publist.asp?puborg=AF&series=33
Interestingly AFI 33-118 "Electromagnetic Spectrum Mangement" authorizes AF 
use of FRS radios for the following:

1.  To communicate with non-government users during AF supported or 
sponsored activities e.g. scouts, Special Olympics, youth 
activities/sporting events, civil disasters, funeral details for deceased 
military veterans, etc.

2.  May be used for administrative purposes when communicating in 
warehouses, commissaries, base exchanges, billeting areas, work crews, etc.

3.  May also be used on AF installations where the public is permitted 
entrance & in family housing areas.

FRS use is prohibited for classified, unclassified but sensitive, command & 
control, squadron operational, aircraft/flight line maintenance, fire crash, 
explosive ordinance disposal, security forces, emergency disaster response, 
tactical or training operations, and/or medical communcations.

As a side note the following Inter Squad Radio (ISR) (military FRS radio) 
(380-399.975).  Recommended over commercial FRS radio for use.  May be used 
to transmit information determined by the Designated Approving Authority to 
be publically releaseable.  Unless appropriately encrypted ISR cannot be 
used to transmit classified, sensitive, command & control, fire/crash, 
security, and/or emergency response/medical communications.

So it looks like ISR (unencrypted) CAN BE USED for squadron operational, 
aircraft/flight line maintenance, & tactical or training operations as well 
as what is permissible for FRS use.

Overall we haven't seen very many reports regarding monitoring military 
ISR/FRS communications.  Probably due to it's 1/2 watt limitation which 
would limit range to approximately 1 mile or much less (e.g. if used in 
buildings).

Ken
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