General Quarters - Communication Challenges During General Quarters

Communication Challenges During General Quarters

Voice communication being the first choice in transmitting orders, the noise and confusion of battle or an emergency situation may restrict its use and effectiveness. Modern-day ships have radio, electronic, light systems, telephone and computer-based technology that greatly enhance communication, but there is also the possibility that any or all of them could be damaged, disabled, out of commission, unavailable or blocked due to the exact battle condition or emergency at hand. Likewise, noise, enemy jamming, enemy interference, electronic pulses emitted by certain types of munitions, and other liabilities hamper communication. Darkness, heavy smoke, fire and lack of line-of-sight prevent it, but in situations of clear or adequate visibility, and when crewmembers can see each other, hand signals are effective, and flashlights are options, too. Whistles and Morse code (tapping) are other audible options, and can be used in innovative and imaginative ways.

Coordination with other friendly ships in the immediate vicinity, friendly aircraft in the immediate vicinity, with higher command, and with shore-based units must be done, especially in the event of enemy attack or a devastating storm at sea. When operationally prudent, the ship's location at the start of GQ should be transmitted to higher headquarters, other friendly ships and aircraft, in the event that communication or visual contact is lost. Usually, if one ship in close proximity to other friendly ships goes to GQ, all of the others will do the same, for the same threat may exist for them all.

Read more about this topic:  General Quarters

Famous quotes containing the words challenges, general and/or quarters:

    A powerful idea communicates some of its strength to him who challenges it.
    Marcel Proust (1871–1922)

    Towards him they bend
    With awful reverence prone; and as a God
    Extoll him equal to the highest in Heav’n:
    Nor fail’d they to express how much they prais’d,
    That for the general safety he despis’d
    His own: for neither do the Spirits damn’d
    Loose all thir vertue; lest bad men should boast
    Thir specious deeds on earth, which glory excites,
    Or close ambition varnisht o’er with zeal.
    John Milton (1608–1674)

    He stood, and heard the steeple
    Sprinkle the quarters on the morning town.
    One, two, three, four, to market-place and people
    It tossed them down.
    —A.E. (Alfred Edward)