1. DHS Component Radio Interoperability Training
IS-0951
DHS Component Radio Interoperability Training

2. Welcome to IS-0951 DHS Component Radio Interoperability Training
Welcome to IS-0951 DHS Component Radio Interoperability Training. This training is based on information contained in the DHS Joint Wireless Program Communications Interoperability Policy #TB The training establishes a common plan for interoperability and radio programming across DHS agencies.

3. Course Objectives:
Explain the capabilities of land mobile radios and radio systems
Determine which interoperability channels are programmed into DHS radios
Locate interoperability channels on portable and mobile radios
Identify when and how to use interoperability channels in an operational environment

4. Units: 1: Radio basics 2: Interoperability

5. Unit 1 objectives:
Explain common terminology relating to radio equipment and systems.
Identify which radio frequency bands DHS agencies utilize and how this relates to interoperability with other agencies.
Explain common radio system functions and how they impact ability to communicate effectively.

6. Unit 1 objectives:
Explain basic radio functions and operation in order to increase proficiency when using portable and mobile radio equipment.
Identify how and when to use or update encryption capabilities with DHS land mobile radio equipment.

7. Importance of the radio:
Users should be as proficient with their radio as they are with their other critical life-safety equipment. Radios are a critical communications lifeline during times when help is needed.
Personnel should contact their agency’s designated communications technical personnel to obtain agency-specific radio information.

8. Terminology:
Encryption – Methodology that encodes a voice or data message to protect its content from unauthorized reception.
(In the) Clear – Unencrypted radio transmissions that can be heard by all persons who can monitor the frequency, including those with radio scanners and smartphone apps.

9. Terminology:
Hailing Channel (aka Calling Channel) – Channels designated for the purpose of making initial contact when approaching or arriving at an event. May or may not be monitored by dispatchers or other personnel.
Keyloader – Device which physically connects to a radio to allow the manual downloading of encryption keys.

10. Terminology:
Over-the-Air-Rekeying (OTAR) – Method to transmit encryption keys over the radio system. Encryption keys are received by the radio, and (normally) automatically updated.
Push-To-Talk (PTT) – Refers to the microphone button which is pushed to transmit and released to receive transmissions.

11. Terminology:
Soft Key – Buttons on a radio controlling various functions programmed into the radio. Often found directly adjacent to the display denoting the button’s function.
Strapped – Encryption is permanently attached to a channel and is always on, cannot be controlled by the user.

12. Why use radios?
When used properly, radios are a life-safety tool that provide the following:
Effective interoperable communications among agencies when managing unplanned events, planned events, or day-to-day operations
Ease of use, especially during times of distress. (Select the correct channel and use the push-to-talk button to broadcast a message)
Durability and ruggedness that exceeds other non public safety grade communications devices
Reliable means of communications without competition from the general public when cellular networks become congested

13. Real World Application – Boston Marathon:

14. Real World Application – Boston Marathon:
Explosive device detonates during a large-scale planned event in an urban area causing chaos and multiple casualties
Cellular network overloaded
Public safety agencies overwhelmed

15. Real World Application – Boston Marathon:
If a radio operator is on the scene with a radio, they should be able to immediately accomplish the following:
Broadcast or receive critical information such as suspect location/descriptions to users across all federal, state, and local agencies
Request medical/EMS response
Provide information on potential secondary devices, area closures, etc.

16. Radio Types: Handheld Mobile Dispatch

17. Bands as used in public service:
HF (3-30MHz)
VHF Low (30-50MHz)
VHF High ( MHz)
UHF ( MHz & MHz)
700 ( MHz)
800 ( MHz & MHz)

18. Types of radio systems used in public service:
Conventional
Conventional radios operate on fixed channels and each user group is permanently assigned a fixed frequency or a set of frequencies

19. Types of radio systems used in public service:
Trunked
When operating on a trunked radio system, users will hear a “talk permit tone” after keying the mic, and must pause briefly before speaking

20. Types of radio systems used in public service:
Analog
Gradual deterioration with increasing static or noise as a user moves out of range

21. Types of radio systems used in public service:
Digital
Very sharp drop-off when a user moves out of range
User may hear some digital sounds like “blips and bleeps”, then other user will suddenly disappear

22. Types of radio systems used in public service:

23. Types of radio systems used in public service:
Simplex vs repeater
In public service comms, simplex operations are considered “off net”. Used sometimes for local tactical operations, but not like in amateur radio.
Channel names often identify:
DHSNET & DHS-RPT are repeater channels
DHSTAC & DHS-SIM are simplex channels

24. Coverage range:
As amateur radio operators, we will have a better handle on a radio’s coverage than most public officers, except where they have learned the limits by experience.

25. Public radio functions:
Zone selector: Channel grouping
Channel selector
PTT
Home button
Orange (emergency call) button

26. Zone selector: Press the Soft Button under “ZONE.”
If “ZONE” doesn’t appear on the radio display screen, press the right or left arrows until it does.
Press the arrows to toggle through the zones until the desired zone is identified.
Press the HOME button or the SEL soft button to select the desired zone.
Video: Slide 19,20

27. Encryption:
Public service radios may encrypt voice traffic. Amateur radios may not.
Data files containing encryption must be transmitted only on public service frequencies. This includes password protected Office files.
Data files compressed with ZIP, 7z, or RAR not otherwise encrypted may be sent over amateur radio frequencies.

28. Encryption:
Using amateur radio as a general internet patch is also not allowed, because most internet traffic is now encrypted.

29. Encryption:
Encryption encodes a voice or data message to protect its content from unauthorized reception
Using encryption does not decrease range or coverage area
Radios use “encryption keys” which are loaded by attaching a device called a “Keyloader” to the radio, or through “Over the Air Rekeying” (OTAR)
Sensitive, but unclassified information, may be transmitted over encrypted channels

30. Encryption:
To participate in an encrypted conversation, all radios must use the same encryption key
When encryption is required, interoperability with other agencies requires coordination to ensure commonality and to prevent any sensitive radio communications from being transmitted in the “clear”

31. Encryption: ◯ = Clear ∅ = Encrypted
∅ - Icon will appear on radio display when turned on
The icon will flash when receiving an encrypted transmission
In some cases, users must use a switch to turn encryption on and off. In other cases, encryption is permanently attached (“strapped”) to a channel and cannot be controlled by the user.

32. Encryption:

33. Encryption:

34. Encryption:

35. Knowledge Check (True or False):
Mobile radios transmit with greater power and may offer greater coverage compared to portable radios.
To communicate directly from one radio user to another (without additional equipment), both radios must be on a channel using the same frequency.

36. Knowledge Check (True or False):
Mobile radios transmit with greater power and may offer greater coverage compared to portable radios. [True]
To communicate directly from one radio user to another (without additional equipment), both radios must be on a channel using the same frequency. [True]

37. Knowledge Check (True or False):
A simplex channel has greater range than a repeater channel.
If you are not in range of a repeater, you should attempt to use a Simplex Channel.

38. Knowledge Check (True or False):
A simplex channel has greater range than a repeater channel. [False]
If you are not in range of a repeater, you should attempt to use a Simplex Channel. [True]

39. Part 1 Summary
Explain common terminology relating to radio equipment and systems.
Identify which radio frequency bands DHS agencies utilize and how this relates to interoperability with other agencies.

40. Part 1 Summary
Explain common radio system functions and how they impact ability to communicate effectively.
Explain basic radio functions and operation in order to increase proficiency when using portable and mobile radio equipment.
Identify how and when to use or update encryption capabilities with DHS land mobile radio equipment.

41. Unit 2 objectives:
Explain the concept of communications interoperability
Identify the DHS common interoperability channels programmed into mobile or portable radio equipment
Navigate to and locate the DHS common interoperability channels programmed into mobile or portable radio equipment

42. Unit 2 objectives:
Identify the different types of interoperability channels programmed into mobile or portable radio equipment
Differentiate between repeater and simplex channels
Apply the steps necessary to establish radio communications during planned or unplanned events

43. Operability:
The ability to establish and sustain communications in support of day-to-day mission operations.

44. Interoperability:
The ability to communicate among jurisdictions, disciplines, and levels of government, using a variety of frequency bands, as needed and as authorized.

45. Interoperability:
Interoperability is not the ability for everyone to talk to everyone else.
Think about our shared 60m allocation with MARS. That’s what interop is about.

46. National Interoperability Field Operations Guide:
Federal Incident Response (IR) Zones IO-3 and 4
Federal Law Enforecement (LE) Zones IO-5 and 6
Non-Fed VTAC Zone IO-7, UTAC Zone IO-8
Non-Fed 700MHz, 800MHz
DOJ 25 Cities Project

47. Obstacles to Interoperability:
Lack of awareness or familiarity with interoperability channels programmed in radios
Only certain people are familiar with the appropriate process to establish interoperability
Communications personnel not involved in planning process

48. Obstacles to Interoperability:
Failure to select the most effective interoperability solution to support the operational requirements of an event or incident
Lack of on-going radio training, followed by limited opportunity to practice using interoperability channels on a regular basis

49. Communications Support:
Part of NIMS/ICS
Falls under Logistics
Supervised by Communications Unit Leader (COML).

50. Legal Support:
In accordance with DHS Communications Interoperability Directive , radios across all DHS components will be programmed with a common standard interoperability template.
Interoperability channels will be programmed into specific “Interoperability Zones” in radios, separate from other agency-specific channels.

51. VHF (agencies):
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
United States Coast Guard (USCG)
United States Secret Service (USSS)

52. VHF (agencies):
If you have a VHF radio, you should know how to find the DHS common interoperability channels: DHSNET and DHSTAC
Once your radio is reprogrammed with the new DHS common template, the 16 interoperability channels in Zone IO1 will appear as shown in the table in the following screen.

53. VHF (agencies):
If the radio has not yet been reprogrammed with the new DHS template, then the common channels may be in other existing zones within your radio.

54. Zone IO-1:
DHS Common repeater and simplex channels (DHSNET & DHSTAC) are used for interoperability among DHS components
IR (Incident Response) Channels: Interoperability among all federal agencies, and may also be accessed by state and local agencies

55. Zone IO-1:
LE (Law Enforcement) Channels: Interoperability among all federal law enforcement agencies, and may also be accessed by state and local law enforcement

56. UHF (agencies):
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Federal Protective Service (FPS)

57. UHF (agencies):
If you have a UHF radio, you should know how to find the DHS common interoperability channels: DHS-RPT and DHS-SIM
Once your radio is reprogrammed with the new DHS common template, the 16 interoperability channels in Zone IO2 will appear as shown in the table in the following screen.

58. Zone IO-2: https://emilms.fema.gov/IS0951/groups/180.html

59. Alternate Forms of Communication:
When radios are not available, or cannot be used reliably to establish interoperability, agencies should consider alternative methods of communications, such as:
Assigning a representative to an incident facility (e.g., Command Post, Coordination Center, etc.)
Combining or grouping personnel from different agencies with a designated means of communications

60. Selecting the Correct Channel:
There are several things to consider when selecting the appropriate interoperability channel (mostly common sense for hams):
Know which interoperability channels are programmed into the radio and how to locate them
Use of interoperability channels should be part of a pre-established or coordinated plan

61. Selecting the Correct Channel:
An operator should be given instructions regarding which zone and channel to use
When using “repeater” channels, an operator must be in range of an active repeater, otherwise NO ONE will hear you

62. Selecting the Correct Channel:
Simplex channels may be used for short distance, off-network communications, as long as you are in range of other users on the same channel.

63. Radio Communications Workflow:
Use the channel designated for the incident or event.
Use the channel you last had reliable communication.
Use encryption first, then without.
If VHF, use the DHSTAC channel.
If UHF, use the DHS-SIM channel.

64. Radio Communications Workflow: Try the calling channels.
VHF: Channel IR5
UHF: Channel IR15
Try communications via any other means necessary.
If radio communications are unsuccessful, report to the nearest command post location or equivalent.

65. Knowledge Check (True or False):
Interoperability means everyone is able to talk to everyone else.

66. Knowledge Check (True or False):
Interoperability means everyone is able to talk to everyone else. [False]

67. Knowledge Check (Multiple Choice):
The DHS Common Simplex channel is _____ for VHF and _____ for UHF.
DHSTAC, DHS-SIM
Multi-talk 1, Multi-talk 2
VHF Interagency 1, UHF Interagency 2
V-op 1, U-op 2

68. Knowledge Check (Multiple Choice):
The DHS Common Simplex channel is _____ for VHF and _____ for UHF. [A]
DHSTAC, DHS-SIM
Multi-talk 1, Multi-talk 2
VHF Interagency 1, UHF Interagency 2
V-op 1, U-op 2

69. Knowledge Check (Multiple Choice):
When responding to an incident or pre-planned event, you should first….?
Use the appropriate DHS common channel to determine if there have been any changes.
Use the channel designated for the event; then the last channel where you had reliable communications.
Telephone the command center to report in.
Use the appropriate DHS Calling Channel.

70. Knowledge Check (Multiple Choice):
When all attempts to use radio communications to report in at an incident/event have failed, you should.
Phone your supervisor
Report to your assigned area and wait to be contacted
Report to the command post or its equivalent
Continue to attempt to make radio contact until you receive a response

71. Knowledge Check (Multiple Choice):
When all attempts to use radio communications to report in at an incident/event have failed, you should. [C]
Phone your supervisor
Report to your assigned area and wait to be contacted
Report to the command post or its equivalent
Continue to attempt to make radio contact until you receive a response

72. Course Summary
Seek opportunities to maintain skill level and proficiency with radio equipment.
Participate in exercises with other federal, state, local, etc. agencies
Include designated communications technical personnel as early as possible in the planning process for all classes of operations.

73. To receive credit for IS-0951:
You need a Student ID. Register at
Answer at least 75% of the questions correctly: