CHAPTER III 



ADAPTING COMMUNICATION METHODS TO SPECIALIZED FOREST 



PROTECTION 



Section 17 Speed and Certainty in Communication Essential 



The units that compose a specialized force have already been described. Prac- 

 tically all of these units must be equipped to communicate with each other in order 

 to operate efficiently. Some of them are wholly useless without rapid and reliable 

 means of communication at all times; on the other hand the more -nearly perfect 

 the system of intercommunication between all the various units can be made, the 

 more efficient will be the protection under given conditions. Centralization of direc- 

 tion is only workable when the central directing intelligence is in constant touch 

 with the many scattered units of the field force. How far centralization can be carried 

 advantageously will perhaps be a matter for discussion, but there can be no question 

 that any change from a method that reposes all responsibility in the lowest member 

 of the staff must be accompanied by development of means for keeping the field units 

 ill constant direct communication with the supervising staff. Also, any specializa- 

 tion of function as, for instance, the employment of permanent lookout men to detect 

 fires, necessarily involves the provision of means whereby these men can quickly and 

 surely transmit to the suppression forces information with regard to fires located. 

 This must -not necessitate the lookout man leaving his station and, to be more efficient 

 than the old style patrol method, it is essential that the lookout men transmit the news 

 of all fires located in less time, in all cases, than the average time for detection and 

 location required by the patrol. 'Speed and certainty in the method employed are, 

 therefore, fundamental necessities. 



Section 18 Method must be Adapted to Conditions of Use 



It will be apparent from the discussion of the methods of transmitting intelligence 

 that there is a very wide range in the capabilities of the many forms of signals 

 employed and that a choice of type for a given use must be governed by the require- 

 ments of that use and the characteristics of the signalling methods themselves. The 

 latter are of the most varied description. Some can be used only in daylight, others 

 only in full sunlight, while many can be employed only at night. Atmospheric condi- 

 tions have a considerable influence on the range of all types of non-electrical visual 

 signals, on some audible signals, and also to a less extent on electrical systems. 

 Possible ranges, with different methods under given conditions, vary from a few 

 hundred yards up to hundreds of miles. Possible speed of transmission of given 

 messages under given conditions likewise shows a wide range. Various degrees of 

 skill and training in the operation of different systems are required and the ease with 

 which skill is acquired varies. The apparatus required shows great diversity in cost, 

 complexity, portability, ease of manipulation, and ability to stand rough usage. The 

 variations in cost and difficulties of installation and maintenance are equally wide. 



On the other hand, there is to be considered the requirements of the service 

 demanded by a forest-protection staff. In order that this may be understood it is 

 well to have clearly in mind the principal units of a specialized staff. 



Section 19 Control Units Requiring Intercommunication Facilities 



From the location, function, and methods of operation of these various units 

 it is possible to arrive at a general idea of their requirements in the way of means 

 of communication. The principal units involved are: 



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