PROTECTION OF COMMUNICATIONS Enemy   interception   and   disruption   of communications  are  of  primary  concern  to  any communications   planner.   Every   facet   of communications  facilities,  methods,  and  procedures needs to be examined in terms of security, vulnerability to deception, and the electronic protection (EP) required for maximum protection. Communications Security Security is the safeguarding of information. As it pertains  to  communications,  security  is  usually  referred to  in  terms  of  communications  security  (COMSEC)  and signal security (SIGSEC). Security will be discussed in more   depth   in   chapter   3.   Various   devices   and procedures are used to increase security, including: l l l l l l Authentication— A security measure designed to  protect  communications  systems  against acceptance of false transmissions or simulations by establishing the validity of a transmission, message, or originator. Codes—  Any system of communication in which arbitrary groups of symbols represent units of plain text. Codes are often used for brevity and/or security. Ciphers—  Any  cryptologic  system  in  which arbitrary symbols or groups of symbols represent units of plain text. Radio  Silence—  A  condition  in  which  all  or certain radio equipment is kept inoperative (frequency  band and/or types of equipment are specified). Monitoring— The act of listening, carrying out surveillance on, and/or recording the emissions of one’s own or allied forces for the purpose of maintaining  and  improving  procedural  standards and  Security. Identification  Friend  or  Foe  (IFF)—  A system using  electromagnetic  transmissions  to  which equipment   carried   by   friendly   forces automatically   responds.   For   example,   by emitting predetermined IFF pulses, friendly forces  can  distinguish  themselves  from  enemy forces. Communications Deception Communications deception, part of the field of tactical  deception,  is  the  use  of  devices,  operations,  and techniques with the intent of confusing or misleading the user of a communications link or a navigation system. EA and EP Electronic  attack  (EA)  is  that  division  of  electronic warfare  (EW)  involving  actions  taken  to  prevent  or reduce an enemy’s effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum.  Enemy  EA  concerns  the  communications planner because overcoming enemy jamming and deception  imposes  certain  restrictions  on  general communications operations procedures. Electronic protection (EP) is that division of EW involving  actions  taken  to  ensure  friendly  effective  use of the electromagnetic spectrum despite an enemy’s use of electronic warfare. The planner must be aware of EP capabilities   available. THE COMMUNICATIONS PLAN The   communications   plan   satisfies   the communications  requirements  of  an  operation.  It specifies circuits, channels, and facilities to be used and stipulates   the   policies   and   procedures   that   are applicable. The plan is, in effect, an assignment of communications tasks to be performed by subordinate commanders or by supporting commands. The  planner  first  establishes  requirements  for communications and then determines the best means for satisfying them. This process may reveal shortages or inadequacies in what is available. If inadequacies are identified, it may become necessary to share circuits or facilities,   as   well   as   merging   or   consolidating requirements. All possibilities should be considered to support valid operational requirements. In planning communications, the planner must evaluate such factors as the performance, capabilities, and  capacities  of  systems,  facilities,  and  personnel. These factors are merely guides and averages. They represent the sum result of experience in previous similar situations, and are considered only after any local  factors  are  determined.  These  factors  change  from time  to  time  and  must  all  be  available  for  final determination of communications requirements. 2-28