Users of AN/PRC-152 and AN/PRC-163

• A. Pilots and Aircrew only
• B. Submarine crews
• C. TACP or JTAC, Combat Controllers, SOCOM, EOD, and SFS
• D. Civilian contractors

Answer: (C)

These handheld radios are built for ground operators who must reliably coordinate with aircraft and other forces in demanding, sometimes denied, environments. TACP or JTACs, Combat Controllers, SOCOM, EOD, and Special Forces rely on them to communicate air requests, target details, and clearance for fire missions, as well as to coordinate multi-asset operations on the ground. The gear provides multi-band, secure, interoperable voice and data links that work with aircraft and other units, which is essential for the joint tasks these operators perform during close air support, reconnaissance, and direct-action missions.

Pilots and aircrew typically rely on aircraft-based or air-to-ground systems rather than portable handheld radios; submarine crews use undersea-specific comms not standard in these handsets; civilian contractors are not the primary official users of this military equipment.