COMMUNICATIONS OPTIONS TRAINING

PHONETIC ALPHABET

A phonetic alphabet is a system of symbols or code words used to represent letters or sounds clearly in speech, ensuring accurate communication. In our classes, we focus on the NATO phonetic alphabet.

SEMAPHORE

Semaphore is a way to send messages using two flags. Each position your arms move to represents a different letter. It’s like using your body to spell out words from far away—no phones, no walkie-talkies, just signals and skill! 

MORSE CODE

Morse code is a method of encoding text characters as sequences of short and long signals, called dots and dashes, for communication across sound, light, or electrical signals.

PHONETIC ALPHABET

When communicating, instead of saying a letter directly, you would use the corresponding code word. For example, to spell "DOG," you would say "Delta Oscar Golf." This method helps prevent misunderstandings that can occur due to poor reception or accents. How many times have you had to overpronounce saying the letter "N" to stop it being confused with "M"? ...or the letter "D" to stop it being confused with "P" or "T"? Using the NATO phonetic alphabet, that frustration ends. The NATO phonetic alphabet is all about speech clarity and pronunciation.

SEMAPHORE

You hold one flag in each hand and move your arms into different angles to show each letter of the alphabet. A buddy watches and writes down the message—or sends one back! Semaphore is all about focus, memory, and teamwork. 

MORSE CODE

In sound we use beeps or tones, where dots and dashes are represented by short and long sounds, respectively. Flashing lights can also convey Morse code, with short flashes representing dots and longer flashes representing dashes. In radio communication, Morse code is sent as on-off keying of the radio signal, where the presence of the signal indicates a dot or dash. Morse code, like Semaphore, is all about focus, memory, and teamwork.

It’s fun, useful, and connects you to real naval history. You’ll learn to communicate without speaking, improve your coordination, and feel confident using a cool skill few people know. Plus—it all looks and sounds awesome in action!