This example is a service message inviting attention
(ZUI) to a previous service message with a reference
number of 0245. Occasionally, you will see the
acronym COSIR in a service message text, which means
Cite Our Service in Reply. Authorized operating
signals are used to the greatest extent possible in service
messages, but clarity must not be sacrificed for brevity.
The security classification is the first word of all
service message text. This is followed by the
abbreviation SVC. If the service message requires
special handling, the special-handling designator
follows the security classification. For example:
A service message may quote the textual content of
a classified message or refer to the classified message
in a manner that reveals textual content. In this case,
the service message must be assigned the same
classification as the classified message being serviced.
You can find detailed information on service messages
in Automatic Digital Network (AUTODIN) Operating
Procedures, JANAP 128.
Tracer Messages
Tracer messages are special types of service
message. Tracers are sent to determine the reason for
excessive delay or nondelivery of a message previously
sent. Normally, tracer requests are initiated by a
message originator or addressee. However, a situation
may dictate that tracer action be initiated by the
originating communications station, the relay station,
or the communications station of the addressee.
Tracer action continues on a station-to-station basis
until the cause of delay has been determined. Upon
receipt of a tracer, a station should examine its records
for the time of receipt and transmission of the message
being traced. This information is compiled and
transmitted with the tracer action to the preceding
station(s) and to the station that originated the tracer.
The station that caused the delay or nondelivery must
cite the reason and provide a summary of corrective
action in the report.
Tracer action requests must be initiated as soon as
the discrepancy is discovered. Action must be initiated
no later than 4 days after the original time of
transmission for a tactical addressee. For nontactical
addressees, action must be initiated no later than 30 days
from the original time of transmission. In-station
records, files, logs, and tapes must be retained beyond
the required retention limit if tracer action is in progress
prior to the expiration date. You can find detailed
information concerning tracer action in JANAP 128.
Termination Request Messages
Ships send termination request messages to
establish circuits
w i t h a N C T A M S or
NAVCOMTELSTA on a limited or full-time basis. A
termination request message must be sent to the
cognizant NCTAMS at least 48 hours prior to activating
the requested termination. If the ship has a requirement
for a full-time termination, it will be assigned a routing
indicator by the cognizant NCTAMS. NTP 4 contains
detailed information pertaining to termination requests
and formats.
Communications Guard Shift Messages
Communications guard shift (COMMSHIFT)
messages are required when a command shifts its guard
from one broadcast or servicing communications center
to another. When possible, the shift takes effect at
0001Z of the new radio day. When broadcasts are
shifted, an overlap period before and after the effective
time is observed to ensure continuity of traffic. The
command guards both broadcasts during the overlap
period.
COMMSHIFT messages are sent to the NCTAMS
of the communication areas from which the old and the
new broadcasts originate. COMMSHIFT messages are
necessary because of operational considerations or
changes in the deployment schedule of a ship. These
messages are necessary when a command needs to
effect a shift at a time other than that indicated by its
movement report. Detailed information concerning
communications guard shift messages and formats is
contained in NTP 4.
Broadcast Screen Requests
Broadcast screen requests (BSRs) are service
messages to request the rerun (ZDK) of missed or
garbled messages. BSRs are sent to the Broadcast
Keying Station (BKS) or to the designated broadcast
screen ship that is responsible for the broadcast channel.
NTP 4 provides detailed information and prescribes
proper format for drafting a BSR.
COMMSPOT Reports
COMMSPOT reports are used to advise of any
situation that might cause significant disruption of
2-24