[MilCom] InterSquad Radio Usage?

[Ken]

Again, I've got to wonder who's using those ICOM Intersquad Radios now?

As you know, ISR radio equipment operates NFM mode on 14 channels in the 
396.875 to 399.975 frequency range.

For specific channel # & frequency assignments see:
 http://www.freqofnature.com/index.php?m=Common&p=Intra-Squad%20Radio
OR http://www.monitoringtimes.com/html/mtairshow06.pdf

One source has indicated to me that ICOM redesigned the look of the radio 
(no longer the folding down antenna) so visually you may not be able to 
distinuish it from an FRS radio without close examination OR actually 
monitoring the frequencies for activity.

I would have thought that prime users of this radio system would have been 
ROTC, Recruiters, & various military training activities, & local 
administrative/warehouse type activites.  We also know that Civil Air Patrol 
is a large users of these units.

The Air Force allows FRS radios to be used for certain 
administrative/warehouse type activities.  See 
http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/pubfiles/af/33/afi33-118/afi33-118.pdf 
paragraph 4.10.10 for specifics.  Also see paragraph 4.11 for Inter-Squad 
Radio usage policies.

Throughout this year's air show season, it did not appear that ISR equipment 
was being used by military personnel.  Perhaps, much of the usage is in 
warehouse facilities, so depending upon the building structure (e.g. metal & 
brick) may severely limit the 1/2 watt signal strength that is monitorable 
outside the building & probably impossible to monitor.  I know that at one 
warehouse location using FRS radio internally in the building, the signal at 
best can be received about 1/2 mile away.

So consider keeping these frequencies in your scanner & report what you hear 
or don't hear!!! :)

Ken