PILLAR · 1 OF 19CommunicationsWhen the cell network fails, you need a plan. Radio services, planning frameworks, and operational discipline — from your first handheld to a working family communications plan.
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FOUR WAYS INTO THIS PILLAR
TrainingBuild the skill
Earn the license, learn the modes, run the drills.
PlanningThink it through
Frameworks for designing your comms before you need them.
KnowledgeReference content
Deep reference on services, modes, networks, and discipline.
SuppliesGear and products
What to buy. FFTP products that support this pillar.
Browse all knowledge97 articles, organized by topic.
Amateur (HAM) Radio26 articles
A User’s User Manual for Baofeng RadiosAllStarLinkAmateur (HAM) RadioAmateur Radio Learning ResourcesAmateur Radio Satellites (AMSAT)Analog vs Digital Voice: A Preparedness-Focused ComparisonAre You Expired?ARES, RACES, ACS and AUXCOMMBaofeng/BTECH Radios Quick GuideD-STARDMRDMR ProgrammingEchoLink and IRLPFinding a Ham ExamGetting Into Ham Radio – VideoHAM Exam AccommodationHam Radio Beyond Line-of-SightHAM VoIPHow to Obtain Your Amateur Radio LicenseLinked Analog RepeatersManually Programming a Baofeng Radio – VideoNXDNP25Short Wave ScanningWhy You Should Upgrade to a General Ham LicenseYaesu System Fusion & WIRES-X
Personal radio services6 articles
Networks & digital modes19 articles
Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)Citizen Band (CB) RadioCommunications & Emissions Training FrameworkDigital Mobile Radio (DMR) NetworksDMR UPDATESLTE – Radio over LTE (cellular)LTE Radio ComparisonMarine CommunicationsMeshtastic for Preparedness and DisastersMMDVM HotspotNVIS in Amateur RadioPersonal Satellite CommunicationsRemote Area Emergency Communication DevicesSatellite CommunicationsSatellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup (SMART)The 60-Meter Band (5 MHz)The Commercial EyeUnderstanding the 60-Meter BandWhich Beacon Should You Carry?
Government continuity programs15 articles
America’s Secret EyesAuxiliary Communications (AUXCOMM)Civil Air Patrol CommunicationsCommunications Continuity Programs and CapabilitiesGovernment Communications Continuity ProgramsGovernment Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) and Wireless Priority Service (WPS)Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS)National Emergency Communications Network (NECN)National Interoperable FrequenciesNational Warning System (NAWAS)State Emergency Capability Using Radio Effectively (Operation SECURE)The FEMA National Net (FNARS)The High Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS)The SHARES ProgramU.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Communications
Communications discipline & security12 articles
Authentication Protocols & DRYAD-Style CodebooksBook CypherCommunications & Emissions DisciplineCommunications Security (COMSEC)Covert SignalsCryptographic Security (CRYPTOSEC)Decrypting One Time Pad MessageEmissions Control (EMCON)One-Time Pads (OTP) Training (video)One-Time Pads (video)Transmission Discipline (TRANSDISC)Transmission Security (TRANSEC)
Wired & field telephony4 articles
Comms planning & operations8 articles
Decision tools & starter guides7 articles
Communications OptionsCommunications ResilienceHow Communications Fail: And Why Prepared Groups Plan for SilencePreparedness Communications: Choosing Radios and Planning for FailureStarter Radio Paths by Preparedness ScenarioWhat Radio Should I Get for Preparedness?When Cell Service Fails: What Still Works and How Networks Are Restored