Naval Operational Procedures and Terminology
Curtain Positions and Reporting
In entry/exit areas, the optimal curtain position is typically in the center, specifically sectors X or a point on line X-O.
Current Status Reporting
YY designates the current status of the recipient. In an exit curtain, the leader at point O should form the curtain up.
“Current Status” (YY) refers to the recipient’s current status.
QRS Grid Submission
When submitting a QRS grid, include the letter and scale, QRS identifier, top left corner, and period.
Standard Positions and References
The standard QQ position refers to the center front of the convoy, or when not in circular formation, the thickest part of the convoy.
The benchmarks used for port entry/exit through a channel are points A, X, O, and Y.
SS is not a standard reference position.
Standardized Indicator Meanings
The meanings of the following Standardized Indicators are: QQ, TT, XX, YY, ZZ.
Operational Control and Terminology
OTC stands for Officer in Tactical Command, the senior officer with operational command authority.
A WHITE message reports on own forces and neutral entities.
Delay Situation Reporting
Four ways to report a delay situation include distance from a point using latitude/longitude, two key points, a standard situation, and distinctive own force markings.
Check-Sum Digits
Check-sum digits prevent confusion from transmission errors and provide control code sums.
Task Force Organization
A Task Force (TASK GROUP) can be subdivided into a maximum of 99 operational units (TASK UNIT).
In the order of operations, the ship designated 58.41.49.12 belongs to operating unit 58.41.49.
When a force incorporates another force long-term or permanently, the incorporated force adopts the operational organization number of the incorporating force.
Tactical Control
Tactical control is the detailed local guidance and control of movements/maneuvers needed to complete assigned missions/tasks.
Commanders at various organizational levels can delegate tasks to subordinate components.
Changes in operational control can be based on geographical limits or timeframes.
Force Organization Types
Types of force organization include operative, type, and war.
The major operating element No. 5, Unit # 10, of Group No. 7, of Task Force No. 78 would be designated CTE 78.07.10.05.
Organization by Type
“Organization by type” refers to organizing units of the same type (fleet, flotilla, group, squadron, etc.) for national administration and logistics.
Operating Unit Listing
Operating units are listed by adding a number from 01 to 99 to the Task Force number they belong to.
Administrative Control
Total Command includes administrative control responsibility.
CHOP stands for Change of Operational Control.
OTC is the oldest operational organization official with authority to assume tactical command.
The SAU commander exercises tactical control over units within the SAU.
A subordinate unit, when delegated control by the OTC, must keep the OTC informed. The OTC retains the right to take command or veto actions.
Maritime Warfare
The three main types of maritime warfare are anti-submarine, anti-aircraft, and anti-surface.
Anti-Aircraft Warfare Command
The OTC, as the naval force commander, can delegate some anti-aircraft warfare control functions, especially when operating with smaller forces.
CWC is the guard delegated authority by the OTC, with total control of defense forces.
AC coordinates friendly aircraft movement within the FACA.
EWC advises the OTC on using the acoustic electromagnetic spectrum.
HEC sets helicopter flight hours for escort forces.
AREC distributes aircraft resources for carrier forces.
SC exercises tactical control of units within the inner curtain, coordinating with submarines directly supporting the force.
Standard Situation Reporting
In standard situations, “TT” indicates the sender’s current situation.
An example of a valid situation report is “16-240 Hercules Tower”.
“YY” indicates the recipient’s current situation in a standard situation message.
Grid and Position Terminology
The “GCC” or “XY” grid quadrants are labeled clockwise from Northeast: RED, WHITE, BLUE, and GREEN.
The PIM (Position of Intended Movement) includes location, time, course, and speed.
The first two letters (or the letters of the first division) of the GeoRef can be omitted if there’s no ambiguity.
The QRS grid is used for quick tactical position exchange and information sharing between operating units in coastal waters.
The size of a QRS grid frame depends on the chart scale.
“Range” is measured in hundreds of yards (used for distances under 10,000 yards), while “distance” is measured in miles.