Army Techniques Publication ATP 6-02.53 Techniques for Tactical Radio Operations February 2020

This United States Army manual, Army Techniques Publication ATP 6-02.53 Techniques for Tactical Radio Operations February 2020, is the primary doctrine publication for tactical radios and tactical radio networks. This publication describes the non-prescriptive methods to perform missions, functions, and tasks for the employment of tactical radio networks to support every warfighting function and enable command and control of Army forces.

This publication includes doctrine on new communications and networking capabilities. It addresses the employment of interdependent and interoperable enterprise and tactical systems in the tactical network. This publication supports the Army’s goal to provide an integrated network that is interoperable across all mission environments during all phases of operations. This publication implements North Atlantic Treaty Organization standardization agreement 4538, Technical Standards for an Automatic Radio Control System for High Frequency Communication Links.

The principal audience for ATP 6-02.53 is commanders, staffs, supervisors, planners, radio operators, signal Soldiers, and other personnel responsible for operating tactical radios or employing tactical radio networks across multiple domains, at all echelons. ATP 6-02.53 is a standard reference for tactical radios. It provides system planners with guidance and steps for network planning, interoperability considerations, and equipment capabilities.

ATP 6-02.53 uses joint terms where applicable. Selected joint and Army terms and definitions appear in both glossary and the document. Terms for which ATP 6-02.53 is the proponent publication (the authority) are italicized in the text and marked with an asterisk (*) in the glossary. Terms and definitions for which ATP 6-02.53 is the proponent publication are boldfaced in the text. For other definitions shown in the text, the term is italicized and the number of the proponent publication follows the definition.

ATP 6-02.53 applies to the Regular Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.