Match how much you transmit to the threat. Every transmission announces "I am here" — four postures, from routine traffic to full radio blackout.
Every time you key up you are broadcasting a beacon that says I am here, and roughly in this direction. With inexpensive gear anyone can take a bearing on your signal; with two receivers they can fix your position. EMCON is simply deciding, ahead of time, how much of that risk the situation justifies.
| Condition | Posture |
|---|---|
| 1 — Routine | Any and all transmissions authorized. Permissive environment. |
| 2 — Essential | Mission-critical & emergency only; emitters off except when in use. The default once it’s gotten serious. |
| 3 — Silence | No voice — text / burst only, HF / NVIS ideal, short scheduled windows to limit direction-finding. |
| 4 — Blackout | Everything off, batteries out. Occupation or active enemy collection. |
Set and brief the condition before you need it, so nobody has to make the call — or break silence to announce it — in the moment.
