Over the years the complexity in communications has made it difficult for firefighters and command staff to maintain safe and effective communications. In this course we will take an informational and interactive approach to communications in the fire service today. Starting with a basic communications historical background, reviewing communications failures to the hi-tech and low-tech equipment used today. We will create a basic understanding of radio and antenna theory, differences between Analog and P25 Digital, radio and repeater systems and what a “Tone Guard” is. We will cover the ICS 205 Incident Communications Plan and its importance. We will cover what NIICD is, and basic radio etiquette on incidents.  We will increase our understanding as to “why can’t they hear me”.  Some basic radio maintenance and troubleshooting procedures, along with hands-on skills and field testing will be done. Programming issues will be covered however, this is not meant as a "how to program radios" course. This course will be non-radio brand specific, so all radios are welcome.