It creates bad decisions

• People move without telling anyone and become impossible to find.
• Two rescue attempts happen at once, wasting time and fuel.
• Stress causes shortcuts: no notes, no route plan, no time checks.

It breaks teamwork

• Small problems turn into arguments when no one knows the plan.
• Groups split, then drift farther apart with every wrong assumption.
• Security suffers when nobody knows who is where.

Rule 1: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan

Do not rush. The fastest way to stay lost is to move with no plan.

• Stop moving for 60 seconds.
• Check time, location, hazards, and who is missing.
• Decide the next action before you take it.

Rule 2: Default to the SOP

In a real event, you will not rise to the occasion. You will fall to your training.

• If comms fail, do not improvise. Run the checklist.
• If separated, follow the regroup plan, not feelings.
• If you must move, leave a clear note and a time stamp.

Rule 3: Time blocks beat hope

Use scheduled check-ins. Guessing wastes time and drains batteries.

• Pick a check-in rhythm and stick to it.
• Listen longer than you transmit.
• Reduce chatter. Short, clear messages only.

Pick 3 levels

• RP1 Nearby: within 5 minutes on foot.
• RP2 Area: within 20 to 30 minutes on foot.
• RP3 Out-of-area: a safe location outside the neighborhood.

Rally point rules

• Easy to describe. Hard to confuse with something else.
• Safe approach routes from multiple directions.
• Avoid obvious choke points and high-traffic hazards.
• Have a time limit: do not wait forever. Move by the plan.

Radio or voice script (10 seconds)

Say: "This is [NAME]. Time [TIME]. Location [WHERE]. Status [OK/INJURED]. Moving to [DEST]. Next check-in [TIME]."

Text message script

Send: "[NAME] [TIME] [WHERE] [OK/INJ]. Going [DEST]. Check-in [TIME]."

Written note template

Write: "We were here at [TIME]. Going to [DEST] via [ROUTE]. People: [LIST]. Next check-in at [TIME]. If no contact by [TIME], go to [RP2/RP3]."

Personal lost comms checklist

• Stop and breathe. Do not run on panic.
• Check battery and power settings.
• Verify volume, airplane mode, and do-not-disturb.
• Try text before repeated calls.
• Switch to backup method at the trigger time.
• Do not wander. Commit to the plan.

Family or group leader checklist

• Headcount now. Identify who is missing and last known location.
• Assign roles: caller, listener, note-taker, security.
• Start the check-in cycle and log attempts (time and method).
• Decide the escalation time to RP1, RP2, then RP3.
• If sending a runner, use pairs if possible and set return time.

Runner checklist (last resort)

• Take water, light, and a way to leave notes.
• Carry the written message and repeat it back before leaving.
• Use a simple route. Avoid unnecessary detours.
• Time limit: if no contact by [TIME], return to start point.

Drill 1: The 5-minute silence

• Everyone turns off phones for 5 minutes.
• Each person writes the SOP from memory on a note card.
• Compare to the official SOP and fix gaps.

Drill 2: Check-in windows

• Set three check-in times (example: top of the hour, plus 20, plus 40).
• Practice listening first, then transmitting one short script.
• Log attempts. Verify everyone understands the rhythm.

Drill 3: Rally point walk

• Walk to RP1 and RP2 together.
• Time the route in daylight and note hazards.
• Decide where a note would be left if you arrive first.

Drill 4: Note and move

• One person leaves a note with time, destination, route, and next check-in.
• Everyone else must find the note and interpret it correctly.
• Repeat until the note is always clear on the first read.

Drill 5: Controlled separation

• In a safe area, create a brief, planned separation.
• Practice executing the SOP and regroup at RP1.
• Debrief: what caused confusion and how to simplify.

Battery-killer behavior

• Constant calling or repeated redial loops.
• Leaving screens on and brightness maxed.
• Scanning channels nonstop instead of using a schedule.

Movement without a trail

• Walking off with no note and no time stamp.
• Changing rally points mid-event.
• Sending multiple runners with different instructions.

Too much talking

• Long messages that get cut off or misunderstood.
• No location details, just "I am over here."
• No next step or next check-in time.

The 30-second reset

1. Stop moving.
2. Check time and headcount.
3. Battery discipline.
4. Switch method by the ladder.
5. Check-in on schedule. Listen first.

Escalation triggers

• No contact after 3 scheduled check-ins: move to RP1 plan.
• No contact after RP1 time limit: move to RP2 plan.
• Conditions worsening or safety risk rising: move to RP3 plan.

Note: Use the plan you set before the event. Do not negotiate it mid-crisis.

Minimum info in every message

• Name
• Time
• Location
• Status (OK or injured)
• Destination and next check-in time

Check-in window

A planned time to listen and transmit. Keeps batteries alive and reduces chaos.

Comms ladder

Your ordered list of communication methods from easiest to last resort.

Rally point

A pre-chosen place to regroup when communication fails.

Runner

A person sent to deliver a message physically when other methods fail.