MCRP 12-10B.1, page 131

underground protected cable which connect and control telephones and computer networks. Public service radio nets, (including police, fire, civil defense, and taxi) compete with existing communication systems. To communicate on an effective, continuous basis in the urban environment, commanders must minimize communication limitations imposed by this environment and maximize the advantage of existing civil communications capabilities. b. Radio. Manmade structures will decrease the effectiveness of VHF radio communications. The physical locations of radios are critical for effective communications. Some specific locations to avoid include powerlines, underground areas, and steel bridges. Very high frequency (VHF) radios provide the primary communication capability at the battalion level. It is imperative that these radios be employed as effectively as possible. Communicators can use the following techniques to enhance VHF communications equipment: Relocation of VHF radios to overcome phase cancellation due to numerous dead spots Use of the higher end (50 - 75 MHz) of the available frequency spectrum Use of retransmission facilities to improve the reliability of communications Use of radio remotes. Use of field expedient antennas. In setting up retransmission stations, antennas should be camouflaged to blend in with urban surroundings and to prevent them from being targeted by enemy fires. Antennas can be concealed by such objects as water towers and steeples. In larger cities with many tall buildings, it may be necessary to construct a terrain profile of the area of operations. A communications plateau can be deduced by calculating the average height of the structures in a zone. Operation of antennas above the median line of this plateau will result in better wave propagation and aid in retransmission. c. Wire Communications. Wire may be used extensively in urban environments. It offers two primary advantages over radio communications: It is not susceptible to interference and absorption suffered by radio systems. Security of the overall system is greater because wire systems are essentially point-to-point. Maximum use should be made of existing facilities for concealment. Sewers, subway tunnels, cable stairwells, elevator shafts, intact buildings, and pole lines offer ideal concealment for MCWP 3-35 .3 4-18