PACE Communication Plans

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Introduction

A PACE plan ensures that you will always have a way to communicate with your people. If you're reading this, you probably already know why that matters.


What is PACE?

PACE is a framework for planning redundant communications. It stands for:

Primary: Your main, go-to communication method. The one you use every day.
Alternate: A backup that's nearly as capable as your primary, but uses different infrastructure.
Contingency: A more limited option for when both primary and alternate fail.
Emergency: The last resort. May be slow, low-tech, or inconvenient — but it works when nothing else does.

Key PACE Principles

Independence: Each tier should rely on different infrastructure. If your primary and alternate both need cell towers, you really only have three tiers.
Training: Your whole group must know how to use all four methods.
Practice: And do so regularly. The worst time to learn is during an emergency.
Triggers: Define when to shift from one tier to the next. Don't wait too long!

Real-World PACE Examples

PACE plans vary depending on context, resources, and threat model. Here's how different groups implement theirs.

Military

The U.S. military developed the PACE framework. An infantry squad might use:

P: Encrypted tactical radio

A: Satellite communication when radio is jammed or out of range

C: Field telephone with wire

E: Visual signals (flares, mirror, smoke) or physical runners


FEMA

CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) recommends PACE planning for all emergency operations.

P: Landline telephone network

A: Cell networks and mobile command centers

C: Amateur (Ham) radio through ARES/RACES volunteers

E: Physical messengers, vehicle-based couriers, or satellite phones


Prepper Family

A family preparing for natural disasters or grid-down scenarios might plan the following. (See Fortune Favors the Prepared and Ready Radio for more.)

P: Cell phones with a group Signal thread

A: GMRS or Ham radios with pre-programmed channels

C: Meshtastic / Meshscore devices

E: A set meeting location with a place to leave notes


Search and Rescue Teams

Wilderness SAR operations often use layered communication.

P: UHF/VHF tactical radios on team frequency

A: Cell phone (when in coverage areas)

C: Satellite messenger (i.e. Garmin inReach, SPOT X) for remote areas

E: Whistle signals, ground-to-air panels, or returning to base camp in person


Humanitarian Aid Organizations

NGOs operating in conflict zones or disaster areas often rely on layered systems. (e.g. some use Barrett HF radios)

P: Organizational cell phones on local networks

A: HF radio connecting field offices to headquarters

C: Satellite phones

E: Vehicle dispatch with written messages, or coordinating with partner orgs


PACE Planning for Activists

Here's a hypothetical PACE plan designed for activist groups coordinating mutual aid, protests, or community defense. Adjust based on your group's resources and threat model.


Activist PACE Plan

Primary: Signal Messenger


Alternate: GMRS Radios


Contingency: Meshtastic / Meshscore


Emergency: Physical Meetup Point

Triggers to Shift Tiers

Define clear triggers so your group knows when to switch to the next tier. Otherwise some members may be relying on methods others have stopped using. Here are some examples of triggers:


Activist PACE Plan with Triggers

Primary: Signal

Switch to alternate if Signal is unavailable for 15 minutes during an active event.

Alternate: GMRS Radios

Switch to contingency if GMRS is congested, jammed, or monitored by hostile actors -- or if there is a need for encrypted comms.

Contingency: Meshtastic / Meshscore

Switch to emergency if mesh networks are down, or if devices are lost, confiscated, or destroyed.

Emergency: Physical Meetup Point

Check once an hour to see if other methods are available again.

Tips for Building Your PACE Plan

1. Know Your Threat Model

What are you planning for? A protest where cell service gets overloaded? A natural disaster that takes out power for days? Bad actors actively monitoring communications? Your answers shape which methods belong in each tier.


2. Ensure True Independence

Each tier should rely on different infrastructure. If your primary and alternate both need cell towers, you really only have three tiers. Good independence looks like:


3. Keep It Simple

The best plan is one people will actually follow. If your contingency method requires a 20-step setup process, it will fail under stress. Choose methods your group can realistically learn and execute.


4. Document and Distribute

Write your PACE plan down. Put it on a laminated card. Make sure everyone has a copy. Include:


5. Practice Regularly

Schedule regular drills where you deliberately use your backup methods. Some ways to practice:


Sample Drill Schedule

PACE Plan Checklist

Use this checklist to verify your plan is solid:

☐ Each tier uses different infrastructure (cell, radio, mesh, physical)
☐ Triggers for tier shifts are clearly defined
☐ Everyone in the group knows all four methods
☐ Everyone has the necessary equipment for all four methods
☐ Frequencies/channels/addresses are documented and shared
☐ Batteries and equipment have been checked recently
☐ Plan has been tested in the last 90 days


Conclusion

A PACE plan is only as good as your commitment to practicing it. The methods you choose matter less than your group's ability to actually use them under pressure. Start simple, drill regularly, and refine as you learn what works for your community.