Four Emergency Action Messages | Anyone can hear these coded US transmissions on shortwave!

In this video, I explore the intriguing world of the High Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS), the worldwide HF network used by the United States Air Force for long-range communication. HFGCS operates through a network of 13 ground stations located near U.S. air bases across the globe, all remotely controlled from the Network Control Station at Andrews Air Force Base. One of the most commonly heard transmissions on this system is the Emergency Action Message (EAM) — encrypted alphanumeric messages that typically consist of around 30 characters and are broadcast in a very distinctive voice procedure. In this video, targeting newcomers to the SW hobby, I explain how these EAMS work and how you can hear them. You don’t need expensive equipment — just patience, and a bit of knowledge about where to listen. 🔐 What Is an Emergency Action Message? EAMs are encrypted messages used by the US military to communicate with nuclear-capable forces, including: ✈️ Strategic bombers 🚀 Ballistic missile submarines 🛰️ Other assets under USSTRATCOM and National Command Authority They are designed to carry critical orders or force readiness directives, including—at least in theory—nuclear launch instructions. 📻 Structure of a Typical EAM Broadcast (Procedure sourced from priyom.org — CC-BY-NC 4.00. The exact format below is what you will hear in this recording, four times over): "All stations, all stations, this is [callsign], [callsign]." (If addressed to a specific unit — e.g. "For [callsign]," repeated twice) First six characters of the coded message + "Stand by," x3 "Message follows." (Or "Message of [number] characters follows") Full encrypted 30-character alphanumeric string "I say again." Message repeated in full "This is [callsign], out." (Or "more to follow, stand by") 📶 Frequencies to Listen For EAMs You can easily catch these yourself — just tune to any of these USB shortwave frequencies and wait: 4724 kHz USB 8992 kHz USB 11175 kHz USB 15016 kHz USB There are no scheduled times — sometimes you wait seconds, sometimes much longer. 00:00 How and where to hear US Emergency Action Messages 03:11 EAM on 15016 kHz USB 04:39 Extradite out; waiting for next message 09:20 Second EAM on 15016 kHz USB 11:00 Changing to 8992 kHz USB 12:12 Waiting for another message, just static 13:08 Third EAM heard in same session, 8992 kHz USB 16:17 Start of EAM, then "disregard this transmission!" (usual when there is a mistake) 17:43 Fourth EAM in 20 minutes #shortwave #swl #dxing #code #hfgcs #eam #militaryradio #shortwavelistening #radiomonitoring #hfcommunications #ssbradio #numbersstations #radiodx #utilitydx