Version 1.1

Digital Resilience & Contingency Comms

Learn how to keep communication flowing even when networks fail, using mesh, LoRa, radios, and offline tools to maintain team coordination.

18 min readΒ·Qualified Lesson

πŸ“‘ Digital Resilience & Contingency Comms

Tech & Comms Track
Direct Action & Protective Roles

Info

Assume networks will fail. Your contingency plan should be as rehearsed as your primary comms.

Dispatch and field teams often rely on Signal, phones, and live updates.
During large actions, state suppression, or disasters, these can fail.
This course teaches fallback systems β€” mesh, LoRa, radios, and offline protocols β€” to keep pods connected and safe.


Enhanced Comms Framework

1. Mesh Networking (Local Survival)

Recommended tools:

  • Bridgefy (Android/iOS, Bluetooth mesh)
  • Briar (Android, offline P2P via WiFi or Bluetooth)
  • Serval Mesh (legacy but stable for basic text)

Deployment tips:

  • Use roles, not names as usernames (e.g., "Medic1", "Dispatch3").
  • Pre-load devices with offline maps (Organic Maps).
  • Test all chats with airplane mode ON to confirm offline functionality.

2. LoRa (Long-Range Text Relays)

Starter kit:

  • ~$250 for Meshtastic + T-Beam (1km urban, up to 10km rural).
  • Always enable AES-128 encryption, even for benign messages.

Message format (keep short):

[PRIORITY] [LOCATION] [ACTION]
"URGENT – 5th/Broadway – Need extraction"
"INFO – Water at SE park entrance"


3. Radio Hybrid Protocols

When networks fail completely:

  • Switch to pre-set VHF/UHF channels immediately.
  • Use numbered codes for common needs:
    "Charlie 4" = Medical backup
    "Foxtrot 1" = Move to fallback location
  • Hold 30-minute check-ins for accountability.

Warning

Never rely on a single tech operator. Train at least 3 people per pod on every comms tool.


Comms Fallback Drill (Monthly Practice)

Steps for pod drills:

  1. Kill all internet and cellular on devices.
  2. Deploy:
    • 1 LoRa node at rally point
    • 2 mesh-enabled phones as relays
  3. Transmit:
    • GPS coordinates of supply cache β†’ confirm receipt
    • Simulated emergency request ("Medic to NW corner")

Comms Hierarchy for Blackouts

DurationToolsMessage Limits
0–2 hrsMesh apps + hand signalsCritical updates only
2–6 hrsLoRa + encrypted radiosScheduled check-ins & updates
6+ hrsRunners + dead dropsPre-arranged coded locations

Essential Gear Checklist

  • 2+ LoRa nodes per 10 people (with extra batteries).
  • Faraday bags for backup phones (protection from seizure or EMP).
  • Printed, laminated frequency charts and code sheets.
  • Multi-type charging cables (USB-C, MicroUSB, Lightning).

Security Audit Questions

Radios:

  • Are privacy codes and encryption active?
  • Is your FCC license up-to-date if legally required?

Mesh:

  • Are devices set to non-discoverable post-setup?
  • Is chat history cleared after every action?

OpSec:

  • Are LoRa antennas and devices concealed (in packs or jackets)?
  • Are all radio checks coded? (Never say "testing 1-2-3".)

Final Checklist (Enhanced)

  • Conducted 3+ blackout drills with your pod.
  • Established analog fallbacks (semaphore, chalk marks, paper maps).
  • Pre-loaded offline guides (KYR, medic, and crisis docs).
  • Can troubleshoot and replace failed LoRa nodes in the field.

Success

Remember: The best backup system is the one your pod has actually practiced under stress.

πŸ“˜ Knowledge Check

What is the primary reason pods must train with contingency comms like mesh, LoRa, and radios?

Mesh networking apps like Bridgefy and Briar can function without internet or cell service when properly configured.

Which practices improve mesh network deployment?

For LoRa/Meshtastic use, what is the recommended security measure for even benign messages?

Each pod should train only one tech operator on contingency comms tools to keep roles specialized.

What is the correct message format for LoRa texts to keep them efficient?

What are standard radio fallback practices when networks are fully down?

During a 6+ hour network blackout, which fallback method is recommended?

Carrying laminated frequency charts and code sheets is part of the recommended gear checklist.

Which security steps should pods include in their contingency comms audit?


🚫 You must register and log in to mark this lesson as qualified. Registering helps us track progress, verify training, and build trust across our network.

You can use your Dispatch login here if you already created an account there. Likewise, creating an account here will let you use the same credentials on Dispatch.

Complete and pass the quiz above to unlock this button. You’ll need at least 80% correct.