Tactical Radio Operations with Grey Fox

Space is limited - please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986099818020

Join Grey Fox to learn to use COTS handheld radios for real-world tactical comms, terrain, and command & control for all skill levels.

In a fast-moving situation, the team that can communicate wins. This workshop makes sure that team is yours. When the network goes down and the phones go dark, the operator with an inexpensive radio and the right knowledge owns the field.

When communications fail, missions fail. Whether you're a cybersecurity professional thinking through the full threat landscape, a red team operator needing off-grid coordination, or a radio enthusiast who wants to put their hobby to practical use, understanding tactical radio operations can be the difference between effective action and complete breakdown. Most people assume that meaningful field communications require expensive, specialized equipment and years of training, but the reality is that a $30 handheld radio, used correctly, can be a powerful and reliable tool. This workshop strips away the complexity and gets you to functional competency fast, grounding you in the real-world principles that professionals use when the stakes are high and the timeline is short.

Simple, inexpensive, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) handheld radios fill the gap for fast application during short-notice tactical situations. The Baofeng UV-5R is a good example of the radio type discussed. Discussions will include a foundational handheld radio walk-through, basic operations using voice capabilities, command and control techniques, terrain and weather factors, communications security (COMSEC) best practices, operations security (OPSEC) and intelligence/counterintelligence considerations. This workshop is designed for newcomers and those with some experience using any type of 2-way radio.

The following topics will be covered:

• Familiarisation with common handheld radio functions
• RF characteristics for those in a hurry
• OPSEC and COMSEC basics
• Focus on FM voice (and why digital is avoided)

FAQs

Do I need to already know anything about radios to attend?
No. This workshop is designed for beginners as well as people who have some experience with handheld or two-way radios. The goal is to get you functional quickly and give you a practical foundation.

Do I need to bring my own radio?
Bringing your own handheld radio is helpful if you have one, but it is not required unless the event listing says otherwise. The class is built to be useful whether you already own equipment or are still deciding what to buy.

What kind of radios does the class focus on?
The workshop focuses on simple, inexpensive commercial off-the-shelf handheld radios. The emphasis is on practical field use, not expensive specialty systems. The Baofeng UV-5R is a good example of the radio type discussed.

Will this cover digital radio modes?
The main focus is FM voice communications. The class also explains why voice is often preferred in short-notice tactical situations and why digital is sometimes intentionally avoided.

Is this an amateur radio licensing class?
No. This is not a ham exam prep class. It is a practical operations workshop focused on real-world radio use, communication discipline, terrain, security considerations, and effective field coordination.

Will communications security and privacy be discussed?
Yes. The class includes OPSEC and COMSEC basics, along with realistic guidance on what radios can and cannot do securely.

Is this relevant for cybersecurity people, or just radio hobbyists?
It is very relevant for cybersecurity practitioners, especially those thinking about resilience, off-grid coordination, operational continuity, and communications in degraded environments. It is also a strong fit for preparedness-minded radio users.