When asked what makes the US military so mighty, the first answer might be to point to its weaponry. But the unsung heroes of the most powerful military in the world are often in less flashy things, such as logistics. And the military would be nothing without this valuable tool: two-way radio communication.

From emergency management to tactical operations, radio communications are vital. It doesn’t matter how many smart missiles or highly-trained Marines you have if they cannot collaborate. A tactically superior force is one that uses radio traffic well.

Keep reading as we discuss how tactical operations benefit from radio communications.

Two-Way Radio Communication Uses Modern Standards like Encryption

Encryption is invaluable in our digital world. Encryption makes it impossible for those that would do us harm to listen in on our channels of communication. It is a standard used in messaging services, cloud backups, and computers.

Encryption is so effective that not even hackers can break it. It would take the power of a quantum computer to decrypt it without the right key. That makes it virtually impossible for anyone with bad intentions to compromise your communications.

Fortunately, radios can use this technology too. Modern radios include an encryption button to mask communications. This isn’t a luxury feature either, it comes in the base models of the best radios.

For a tactical operation, this is a game changer. There is no risk of anyone else getting wind of an operation. Whether those are enemies or unsuspecting civilians, your actions remain quiet.

It Enables Tactical Operations Where Other Signals Are Weak

Ever tried to make a call in the middle of the desert, only to have your call drop? In many situations, regular cell service or cell tower data is inaccessible. Without something expensive and finicky like a satellite phone, your communication grinds to a halt.

First responders rely on radio communications even way out in the boondocks. Powerful transmitters allow them to communicate efficiently over any topography. Mountains, foliage, and human-made structures no longer pose a barrier.

High-power radios can reach professionals from miles away. No matter how spread out tactical operations leave your units, they can correspond as necessary.

This makes radio both an excellent primary and backup option. You can use it as your main communication option, or as a solid secondary. Reliable redundancy is very important in life-and-death situations.

It Uses Radio Channels to Divide Teams

Radios may seem like ancient technology to some. However, they remain essential tools in the repertoire of professionals for a reason. Though they don’t have as many features as data-enabled smartphones, they have the ones you need most.

Radio channels make it very easy to divide up radio traffic. One team can be on one channel, and another team on another. Leaders can have their own encrypted channels to share communication.

This makes it very easy to divide traffic on the fly without leading to crosstalk. There’s no risk of people talking over each other in an emergency situation.

It Uses GPS Technology to Manage Your Forces

Emergency management can get dicey. Professionals must often place themselves in risky situations, just as those they intend to rescue. In some rare occasions, these professionals get incapacitated like the people they are trying to rescue.

This can lead to situations where people may fail to respond. Without knowing why they are not responding, you may assume the worst. This can complicate your efforts if there is a misunderstanding.

Thanks to GPS integration in modern radios, leaders can keep track of their people. Even if someone is not responding, the GPS signal can transmit. You can locate them and get a better read of the situation.

It’s Often Far More Rugged Than Alternative Options

Modern communication technologies all suffer from the same problem: they are fragile. Tactical operations tend to get very rough and tumble. Equipment experiences abuse just doing regular everyday operations.

Radios are far more rugged than any other communication technology. Manufacturers design them to withstand incredible amounts of shock. They often include waterproofing and other methods of protection.

Modern radios use gorilla glass displays and other modern materials to stay as rugged as possible. The result is a radio that can last through even the harshest storms.

It’s Best for Protracted Operations

Sometimes, tactical operations can drag on for many hours. That’s just the nature of the thing. But using modern technology like smartphones limits your options.

In addition to being fragile, modern communication technologies tend to have insufficient batteries. This isn’t just because lithium-ion batteries discharge very quickly. It’s because these modern smartphones require significantly more power draw than any comparable radio.

The simplicity of radios is often their advantage. They require far less power than a smartphone. They don’t run a heavy operating system with background apps that drain the battery even when you aren’t using it.

This means that radio systems can go for as long as you can. Those who live in remote areas, such as miners and forest service, rely on long-lasting batteries to go about their work.

Radio is the sort of tool that can pull off multiple jobs without a recharge.

Get Your Radio Supplies from King Radios

Two-way radio communication is vital for everyone from first responders to military servicemen. They can improve your tactical operations by keeping communication secure, improving communication in tricky terrain, and lasting as long as your workers do. Radios may be old technology, but they continue to be far more reliable than anything that has come after.

King Radios supplies the best radio communication equipment for professionals in all capacities. Check out our tactical repeaters and other military-specific gear for your team.