tactical communications. These reports are submitted
by all ships and nonterminated units when unusual
communications difficulties are encountered.
COMMSPOT reports must be submitted as soon as
unusual communications difficulties are experienced to
minimize further deterioration of the communications
situation.
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER FILES
Every message handled by a ship or
communications station is placed in one or more files.
Some files are maintained by all ships and stations.
Other files are optional and are maintained only to fill
the needs of a particular ship or station.
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
MASTER FILE
The communications center master file is the heart
of the filing system. This file contains a copy or filler
of every message sent or received by your command.
Messages or fillers must be filed in DTG order to
facilitate speed in locating messages. Those messages
not having DTGs should be filed behind messages of
the same date. Separate incoming and outgoing
communications center master files maybe maintained.
CRYPTOCENTER FILE
The cryptocenter file contains a copy of each Top
Secret, SPECAT (less SIOP-ESI), and messages
designated for special privacy, regardless of
classification. Tight Control (TICON) and NATO
messages must have their own files. Fillers for
messages in this file must be placed in the master station
file.
SPECAT SIOP-ESI FILE
The SPECAT SIOP-ESI file contains the master
copy of all SIOP-ESI messages received by the
communications center. Fillers for these messages
must be placed in the master station and cryptocenter
files.
BROADCAST FILE
The broadcast file contains a copy or filler of each
message transmitted or received by the broadcast
method. This file must be stored in accordance with the
highest classification of the information contained. Top
Secret and SPECAT messages addressed to the
command must be filed in their appropriate files and a
filler for these messages placed in the broadcast file.
STATION FILE
The station file is divided into two parts:
communications center master file and visual station
file. With the exception of broadcast messages, the
master file contains the circuit or “as is” copy, including
any message endorsements, of all messages
transmitted, received, or relayed by the
communications center. Narrative visual messages or
fillers must be filed in the communications center
master file.
GENERAL MESSAGE FILE
The general message file contains copies of all
effective general messages that require retention based
on the communications center’s current guard list. This
file is subdivided by general message title (such as
ALNAV, ALCOM, NAVOP), and messages are filed in
serial number order instead of DTG order. An example
of a general message serial number is ALNAV 10/96.
This indicates that it is the 10th ALNAV sent in 1996.
The individual file is marked with the classification
of the highest classified message contained therein.
The classified files may be segregated by security
classification if desired. If a general message is
canceled during the current year, the message may be
destroyed, but a filler must be placed in the file to
identify and indicate the disposition of all current-year
general messages.
FACSIMILE FILE
The facsimile file contains a copy of all
transmissions processed by facsimile equipment. A
filler for all facsimile messages must be placed in the
communications center master file.
COMMERCIAL TRAFFIC FILE
The commercial traffic file contains messages sent
by commercial systems in accordance with Fleet
Communications (U), NTP 4. This file is maintained
by the commercial traffic clerk.
EMBARKED COMMAND FILE
The embarked command file is maintained by the
embarked commander’s staff. When embarked
commanders depart their flagships, they may require
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