Who remembers the TA-312 field phone? I was ADA and it was a must! What are your stories?

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 21:33:51 -0400

The TA -312 Field Phone (LEGENDARY) WE CALLED THE BATTERIES BA 30S

The analog, 2-wire, battery operated TA-312/PT replaced and will interoperate with the World War II and Korean War EE-8 field phone. The rugged and reliable TA-312 was used from the 1950s through the 1980s before being superceded by the TA-838 analog field phone. TA-312's continue in use throughout the U.S. forces as well as many allied countries.

The TA-312/PT is a two-wire, battery operated field telephone. It has a
range of 38 km using WD-1 wire, and was a successor to the EE-8 field
phone used during World War II and Korea. Primarily used from 1950-
1990, it was replaced by the TA-838. It's typically stored in a canvas
bag. An optional TA-955 dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) adapter
allows push button operational interface with automatic analog switches.
To install the TA-312 telephone:
* Strip away one-half inch of insulation from each strand of the WD-1
wire line.
* Depress the spring-loaded line binding posts and insert one strand of
the wire into each post. It doesn't matter which one goes where.
* Adjust buzzer volume control knob to LOUD.
* Turn the INT-EXT switch to INT (Internal). The TA-312 has the
capability of either using the standard H-60/PT handset (INT) or an
external H-144/U headset (EXT).
* Turn the circuit selector switch to LB. (Local battery).
The TA-312
http://www.personal.psu.edu/wmc12/telephones/TA-312.html[6/25/2014 10:03:37 PM]
* Insert the two BA-30 batteries into the battery compartment (one up
and one down). Two D-Call batteries work just as well.
* Seat the handset firmly in the retaining cradle.
* Turn the handcrank rapidly a few turns. Remove the handset from the
retaining cradle and wait for the other operator to answer.
* Depress the push-to-talk switch to talk. Release the push-to-talk
switch to listen.
The Technical Manual used for the TA-312 is TM 11-5805-201-12.

Response by SFC Lamont Womack made Jun 25 at 2014 9:44 PM

SFC Lamont Womack — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 21:44:48 -0400

Wow! You took it back with this one. Lol! I remember running the lines for these things all over the place when I was in the field. We had to check the lines every morning. Good times!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2014 9:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 21:50:43 -0400

Didn't we just get rid of these last year?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2014 9:52 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 21:52:18 -0400

SFC Davis,

Are these being phased out? We have some in my company, and I was just talking to one of the guys in my shop last week about setting up a pair while I'm at JRTC.

I had no idea that these phones are so old. My AIT class learned about them in January 2012, so I just assumed they came with our new systems.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jun 25 at 2014 11:53 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 23:53:13 -0400

I like cutting the line in the middle of the night, then watching someone get in trouble for sleeping and not answering. When the entire time it wasn't ringing. Oh the good ole days.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2014 12:57 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 00:57:46 -0400

UGHHH!!! I remember these from the early 90s. The funny thing is my current unit has a bunch of them, which we have been directed to turn in based on the COPA listing. Double ughhh!!! Oh, let's add in the good ole TA-1s too.

Response by SFC Rich Carey made Jun 26 at 2014 6:57 AM

SFC Rich Carey — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 06:57:08 -0400

Awesome.... I remember asking someone to hold the wires so we can see if the phone was good, oh look the phone is good.... I understand it was good for fishing too.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 26 at 2014 7:01 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 07:01:58 -0400

Remember those well!! I agree with SFC Rich Carey , they were great to use to shock unsuspecting victims! LOL!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 26 at 2014 8:25 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 08:25:18 -0400

An oldie but a goodie!

Response by MSG Martin C. made Jun 26 at 2014 9:45 AM

MSG Martin C. — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 09:45:55 -0400

My original MOS is is Cable Dawg 25L so we had this things all over the place. During one of my FTX is FT Huachuca when I was a young PFC or SPC can't really remember we hook the 1SG 3-12 to the M8 Alarm (NBC) so whenever he would ring his orderly room he was really activating the alarm and everyone would run arround getting on their MOP gear..... I pulled this prank on every 1SG and Commander I ever had during my early years in the service needles to say I became the push up King....... I pass this knowledge to my privates but eventually the Army took all the 3 -12 away.....

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jun 27 at 2014 2:28 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 02:28:01 -0400

We just used these during rotation at Hohenfels.

For those studying for the board, here's what the acronym means:

TA-312
Telephone Apparatus with three power supplies: 1 crank & two batteries (installed inverted)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 12:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 12:50:30 -0400

Here's a memory. Our platoon just got a brand new PSG, who sat behind an MPI desk for years and totally lacking in field craft. I mean he wanted someone to bring an iron/ironing board to the field, in Grafenwoehr, so we could have press/starched uniforms. I was a PFC at the time. Now keep in mind all the sqd/tm ldrs and most everyone else in my PLT deployed to Desert Storm, this PSG found himself in a cushy desk job.

So we're in our positions, range cards, everything is set, our sq ldrs have already come out and check us out, we're good to go. Here comes the PSG, to our position asking us the usual questions, 'what's the mission, what's our job, max effective range of our weapons' etc etc. Meanwhile I'm noticing he's got this object he's twirling in his hand and notice it's a arty simulator. I looked at him and said "Sergeant, you might not want to play with that, it can go off with a good static discharge", oh it's a dud he's says.

I even overheard my sqd ldr tell him to put it down as well. What has everyone been told about UXO in the field, don't touch it right? So we all get called in for a mission recap, we're all sitting around eating our MREs, my sqd ldr looks at me and nods his head and I already knew what he wanted me to do right as the PSG was giving his saftey brief for the next training mission, so I got the sim wired it to the TA-312, took it out 50 yds and waited for the nod from my sqd leader.

Was I wrong to handle the simulator, yes, but I was going to get a lot of satisfaction. So on the signal I wound up the magneto and BOOM. PSG freaked got up and started yelling "contact 100 yds to my 3 o'clock", the sqd ldrs quickly calmed him down. He wanted to know what was that hell was going on. My sqd ldr proceed to tell him "that was the ground burst simulator M115A2 you said was a dud." After he calmed down, sort of, he wanted me counseled, was going to recommend me for Art 15, matter a fact he wanted the whole platoon under investigation. But that's another story.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 1:54 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 13:54:01 -0400

I'm not from that time, but thank God for the advance in technology.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2014 11:29 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 11:29:25 -0400

Oh yes I remember this phone...matter of fact I still have it on my hand receipt and on top of that we still use it on field exercises!!!

Response by SFC Wayne Robinson made Jun 28 at 2014 3:11 PM

SFC Wayne Robinson — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 15:11:39 -0400

I still use the TA-312 PT at Military function. i use it to show kids and adults how we used to communicate in the 60s thru the 80s. They get a kick out of talking on the phones. Right now i have 7 working phones and and one spare.
i wouldn't trade them for the world. We used to set them up in the military for OPs .
Good conversation pieces.

Response by COL Roxanne Arndt made Jul 2 at 2014 4:06 PM

COL Roxanne Arndt — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 16:06:53 -0400

I was part of a MASH unit and then a CSH, we used these phones in the hospital. It was a challenge to string the wire between all the sections while we were setting up. Then of course there was the person who had to man the switchboard. I was so glad when we finally got 'real' phones!! Thank goodness for our comma team and the signal unit!

Response by SSG William Sutter made Jul 4 at 2014 3:39 AM

SSG William Sutter — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 03:39:05 -0400

I still remember the old SB22 Switchboards that they connected too. I am too happy to not have them anymore.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2014 3:13 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 15:13:14 -0400

I remember using that in 2003 OIF 1 with 1st Armored Division. One of those for the whole BDE, it took me an hour just to get connected back home. Sometimes it didn't it connect. Well it was free so I can't complain. It beats using those Iraqi cell for $3 per min (back in 03) that was a lot.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 4 at 2014 3:56 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 15:56:19 -0400

SFC Davis, I do remember those and thanks for reminding me. I need to joke with the younger generation of Soldiers have them go to commo and ask for some TA-312s for field prep. If we ever have a situation where we have an EM pulse from the enemy destroys our modern methods of communication we will have to break out the ol' TA-312s for short distance communication.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2014 10:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 22:38:48 -0400

I remember those things in the early 90's and I must say, as a private we used those phones for more than just communication lol. Those soldiers who have executed tasks with that phone that it was not intended for, will know exactly what I am talking about.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Jul 4 at 2014 11:31 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 23:31:28 -0400

The PRC-77.

Response by PFC William Jacobs made Jul 5 at 2014 8:03 AM

PFC William Jacobs — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 08:03:02 -0400

36 h/g, what about a tech 7 van, or an a/e or xy switch

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jul 5 at 2014 3:11 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 15:11:32 -0400

My first assignment at Ft. Ord, 77-78 was with the C&E shop. This was a DS/GS 3rd shop for repair. When there was no work in my primary MOS, I would train and work on repairing TA312s, squad radios, RTT22Bs, rat rigs, radios like the AN/GRC 106s, 522 modems, along side the teletype, radar, and other radio repairers. It was a busy shop, but for me, it was either working on C&E equipment or get put on detail. We had the WWII barracks, so top had his list of weed pullers, rock painters and other odd jobs to be done.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 7 at 2014 2:14 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 14:14:24 -0500

And her cousin the TA-1.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Nov 9 at 2014 10:55 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 22:55:40 -0500

WD-1, which had many other uses, was used before the ever popular duct tape.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 11:13 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 23:13:13 -0500

There was a switch board that was used to set up different circuits, but I can't remember what it was called. There are times now when I wish my unit had them instead of Motorolas for short distance coms.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 10 at 2014 12:14 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 00:14:17 -0500

Remember running the lines every morning and repairing breaks...312 to the SB22 to the Antique 39 at the squadron.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 10 at 2014 2:57 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 02:57:44 -0500

I remember all the poor OP's we would take out in training by sabotaging the lines. Early warning devices people......stay alert...stay alive.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 10 at 2014 1:00 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 13:00:00 -0500

In a post apocalyptic era when the military is ruled by general warlords with out a proper government, those old TA 312s will be helpful.

Response by MSG John Wirts made Nov 10 at 2014 4:20 PM

MSG John Wirts — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 16:20:18 -0500

How about the EE-8 field phone?
check it out at
http://olive-drab.com/od_electronics_ee8.php

EE-8 Military Field Phone

The EE-8 Field Telephone was used by the Signal Corps from before World War II through the Vietnam War. It was housed in leather, then canvas, and its last production had a nylon case and straps, after the changeover to that material in 1967.

The EE-8 Field Telephone was standardized in 1932 and procurement began in 1937, providing a lighter and more functional unit just in time for the huge mobilization of the U.S. military for WW II. Among other improvements, the EE-8 increased the maximum transmission range of the predecessor EE-5 Field Telephone by six miles or more.

Field Telephone EE-8 On Tree (from TM 11-333)
Field Telephone EE-8 On Tree (from TM 11-333).

Today in WW II: 10 Nov 1941 To increase production, US Army gives Ford Motor Co. a contract to manufacture the Willys designed jeep. More ↓

EE-8 Military Field Telephone

EE-8 field phone in leather case

The U.S. Army Field Telephones EE-8, EE-8A, and EE-8B is a portable field telephone desgned for use on either local or common battery telephone systems. The talking and signaling range varies with the type of wire used, the condition of the wire (dry, wet, frayed) and whether the wire is on the ground or in the air. As a local battery telephone, a talking range of 11 to 17 miles is typical, suitable for Corps area usage.

The phones are contained in a case approximately 9.5 x 7.75 x 3.5 inches weighing about 9.75 pounds including battery. The EE-8-A and -B are a little larger than the EE-8. The main difference between the EE-8 and the other models is that a section of the case lid has been cut out and replaced by flexible material to enable the handset to be hung on the case in a position to hold down the lever switch.

At the start of World War II, the EE-8 in a leather case wiih a leather strap was standard issue. However, experience in the Pacific showed right away that leather did not hold up and the EE-8 leather case was replaced by an olive drab canvas case with web strap. The EE-8 and EE-8A utilize an aluminum chassis while the EE-8B chassis is sheet steel.

At the top of the phone, exposed when the cover is opened, there is a terminal block. All control switches and binding posts for wire are contained on the terminal block. The lever switch is curved and spring loaded so that it is depressed when the weight of the handset is rested on it (EE-8 is off line, switch open). The EE-8 comes on the line when the handset is lifted (switch closed).

A 90-100 volt, 20 Hz hand-cranked ringing generator GN-38 is contained in the case of an EE-8 or EE-8A while the GN-38A or GN-38B is used with the EE-8B. The crank is operated from the side of the case. The TS-9-F Handset connects to the EE-8 or EE-8A and is stored in the case, in an open area accessible when the top cover is open. The EE-8B has similar handset TS-13-E. Two BA-30 1.5 volt D-cell batteries are installed in the battery compartment reached from the terminal block area at the top-inside of the case.

Also WD-1 Field wire with four copper strands for conductivity, and three strands of steel for strength, long lengths had to have repeaters. How about spiral four cable with repeaters. TA 1 switchboards for company internal communication, SB-22 switchboards for Bn level communication.

EE-8 Military Field Phone

EE-8 Military Field Phone information and photos from Olive-Drab.com

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 27 at 2014 9:06 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:06:49 -0500

This is how I talk to my wife in the kitchen.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Nov 27 at 2014 9:52 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:52:48 -0500

Wow did not know those field phones went that far back when i got to battalion in 2002. we used TA-1 and TA-312 in our Gun loops. My squad leader kept trying to get me to hold the two wires so he could shock me lol. but we issued shelter halfs and web gear with old alice packs filled with the rest of our 582 gear. It was great when we updated our gear to the modern day.

Response by SFC Steven Harvey made Nov 28 at 2014 3:56 AM

SFC Steven Harvey — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 03:56:37 -0500

No one knows the hell of being a 31F and actually having to use a SB-86 in a month long training exercise.

Response by SFC Jason Porter made Nov 28 at 2014 8:25 AM

SFC Jason Porter — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 08:25:47 -0500

That and the TA-1 with the CE-11. I Set this equipment up many times in an OP. The bradley fighting vehicle had wire terminals where you hook it up and talk to your NCO that was a little distance away.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 9:17 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 09:17:42 -0500

Worked with a Specialist that we all knew would strip the wires with his teeth.

Sent him down the hill to put in a new phone, waited what seemed the appropriate amount of time and gave the phone on my end a good crank.

Rewarded with a loud yelp. He was a bit miffed when he came back, but was still able to see the humor in it.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Nov 29 at 2014 7:44 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 19:44:15 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL: Naturally we used them. We also had to use the AN/GRC-9 (The Angry Nine). It was a radio, of course, and not a telephone. The problem was, if you didn't have good CW operators, you were in trouble! We also used that old hand cranked generator!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 2 at 2014 10:26 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 10:26:41 -0500

Stories , oh I have stories..

My first duty station, 8th ID... after about a year I was tasked as the company commanders driver (M151)
One morning he had to go to the Bde TOC.. so I drove him up there and parked.. One of the TOC security SM's yelled at me for parking in the worng spot and directed me to the parking area for the "lower ranking" officers... now keep in mind I was ordered to move and directed to take a particular path...
The TOC was 1/2 dozen GP large end to end, with the sides rolled up.... the long side facing me lined with tables, soldiers and ....TA312's

As I drove past the TOC to my assigned parking area...my M151 tires wrapped up the gaggle of WD1 played across the road... in an instant most every TA312 was snatched off the tables and out of hands being flung out into the road and trailing my jeep. I sensed something was wrong and looked left just in time to catch a glimpse of a few dozen TA312's leaping from the desks and flying into the air.. It was a visual straight from a Saturday morning cartoon.

I thought for sure I was hosed...My Bn CSM who had a reputation for ummm, agitated and frequently life altering responses to such events.... In a moment of unusual clarity and fairness .. the BN CSM... calmly asked me to assist getting the WD1 from around my axles then please move out of the way... so THOSE IDIOTS...lol who laid wire across the top of an active road can get busy digging a wire trench. I understand he had them "move" the trench a dozen times over the course of the FTX.. seems the trench was never quite in the right spot... nor never to be positioned in previously dug up dirt. Always fresh solid ground...

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 3 at 2014 1:18 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 01:18:21 -0500

Ever notice the pictures of DR-8 are always so pretty? I remember when we had layouts and had to unravel the wire and wash it. All in a day's work. Then again, we armor-all'd the road wheels on the Bradley and used baby oil to bring out the shine of the camo paint. We even had a float set of brand new track pads for static displays.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 3 at 2014 1:16 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 01:16:46 -0500

Of course in a pinch......

Response by SFC Peter Cyprian made Dec 3 at 2014 1:19 AM

SFC Peter Cyprian — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 01:19:47 -0500

Ah...the old TA-312!! The next generation of the TA-43. We used to use them to break in "new guys" in the shop. We would tell them that there was a loose splice between the front of the shop and the back (we had 312's run in the shop) and have the new guy go fix it. While he has the splice open and is touching it, we would demonstrate "ring voltage". :-D

It worked with the TA-1 as well, but the TA-1 didn't generate as much of a jolt....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 1:50 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 01:50:09 -0500

DIVARTY barracks had one going from the CQ desk up to the female floor. That was a couple years ago. Also a staple on our section MTOE.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 3 at 2014 8:38 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 08:38:37 -0500

I have a pair of TA312s in my garage, both are in perfect working order. I have a roll of wire and I even have the blinky light that you can attach to the wire to give a visual signal. I used it in a film I made once.

Response by SGT James Hastings made Dec 3 at 2014 9:46 AM

SGT James Hastings — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 09:46:13 -0500

The EE-8 was what I was trained on in 1951. Laying a land wire line that was easily taped into or cut wasn't the smartest move in combat, I felt.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 12:00 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 12:00:24 -0500

Oh I remember that piece of gear very well. It was one of the first I was introduced to when I came in, along with some now pretty old switch boards.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 5 at 2014 12:01 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 12:01:18 -0500

We had one in every bunker at our division base camp (Bearcat) in Vietnam, connected to one of four sector CPs (our base camp was very large). Each CP connected to switchboards that gave them access to DTOC, DIVARTY, et al.

One of the popular myths of the time was that you had to whistle into the handset to get the attention of the switchboard operator. Funny, or was it true? Did whistling really help? Well, if nothing else, it gave you something to do while you waited...

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Dec 5 at 2014 1:17 PM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 13:17:15 -0500

As Armored Cav, wasn't totally unusual to setup OPs and run either the TA-1 or TA-312 off the back of the track where you had connections for it, to link it to the Intercom system on the vehicle.

Also, at the Guard towers and bunkers on the DMZ they were used, till we turned the American sector over to the ROKs in 91.

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Dec 5 at 2014 3:31 PM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 15:31:57 -0500

Anyone remember talking to family from overseas via MARS? Dad is Marine vet so had no problem with the shortwave talk...'Over' after each sentence.. but Mom had a helluva time...Dad,' okay..now say 'over'.. ' Mom... 'Why?... I don't get it?.. You hear this Shelby? Your Dad keeps saying I have to say 'over' but you can hear me right?'.. Dad.. laughing.. "right.. but now say 'over'.. so he knows to talk back." Mom." But he's listening now... okay!... dammit.. OVER!'.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 5:46 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 17:46:31 -0500

Well I'm stil ADA and we still use this gem, good old two wire. fun fun

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 10:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 22:28:12 -0500

My favorite memory of the 312 was when a wire got cut (truck drove over it in soft ground) and when the wire was being repaired, someone else who didnt' know made a call "raising the hair" of the repairman.

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Dec 6 at 2014 12:31 AM

TSgt Jackie Jones — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 00:31:08 -0500

We were still training this to the new guys in 2009 before I got out! Lol. Good times.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Dec 6 at 2014 10:14 PM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 22:14:19 -0500

I remember both the TA-312 and the TA-43.

Response by SPC David S. made Dec 7 at 2014 1:44 AM

SPC David S. — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 01:44:25 -0500

Lots of fun running wire - especially in a thunderstorm.

Response by SGT Steve Williams made Dec 7 at 2014 11:31 AM

SGT Steve Williams — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 11:31:29 -0500

Hey Turtle, hold these two wires, I need to check to see if this is working :D

Response by SSG William Sutter made Dec 7 at 2014 11:57 PM

SSG William Sutter — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 23:57:40 -0500

I remember them. We use to set those up for all the guard points and the LP/OPs. We even had the old SB-22. Believe it or not it wasn't that long ago- 8 years ago.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 9:36 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 09:36:14 -0500

Never heard or seen this before!

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 8 at 2014 2:44 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 14:44:09 -0500

I remember getting shocked by one.... ;o)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 9:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 21:41:15 -0500

Back in my Cav days we used to have fun with this one. We'd connect the wires to one phone and then have some clueless noob run off with the wire between his fingers toward the other phone and start pressing the button and give him a little zap.

Response by LTC Paul Mullins made Dec 9 at 2014 12:11 PM

LTC Paul Mullins — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 12:11:18 -0500

Does anyone remember the TA-312 incident with the 82d Abn Div in the 90’s? The would use them in Prop Blasts (the airborne version of Spur Rides for the Cav). They would attach a 312 to a free standing metal door frame that was placed directly in front of the “Board” and you would “Stand in the door!” (to simulate preparing to be the first jumper in an aircraft, back when we stood in the door). That required you to grip both sides of the door frame and “lean out.” Where upon you would be asked a battery of questions to see if you were worthy of being a true airborne trooper. Wrong answers were rewarded with… you guessed it probably, a crank of the 312 for a duration set by the Board. Which of course shocked the daylights out of the guy in the door. Never hurt anyone long term that I ever heard of, but did leave you feeling numb. It worked out fine, just like blood wings, until we reached the politically correct era and the 82d was brought up on hazing charges and made the front page of the Army Times.

Response by LTC Paul Mullins made Dec 9 at 2014 12:22 PM

LTC Paul Mullins — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 12:22:31 -0500

My favorite TA-312 story happened at the National Training Center (NTC). I was a Battle Captain in the Ops Center and we were executing a big air assault and I requested a status on how much fuel we had on hand after the first turn. So, I cranked the TA-312 direct line we had strung to the Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) and received an answer from a very young sounding female voice, “FARP, Private XXXX, can I help you?” I asked for the NCOIC, found out he was napping, which he deserved and definitely needed, and then I asked her if you knew the remaining fuel status. She went and checked, came back and gave me the status. “Thank you,” I replied. She replied, “10-4 good buddy! Over and out!” I just stood there in the TOC with what I am sure was my mouth open before dying laughing. Everyone in the TOC just looked at me till I explained what just happened. The let the FARP NCOIC know what happened a day or two later and he apologized. I told him it kept us entertained for the rest of the night and not to worry too much about it as I knew she had just come from AIT. He assured me they were currently retraining on “proper comms procedures.”

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Dec 9 at 2014 8:40 PM

1SG Frank Boynton — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 20:40:30 -0500

Greatest torture device ever invented for the Army. Wait, what's that? It's a phone. That's not what we used them for.

Response by Cpl Dan Christopher made Dec 18 at 2014 8:14 AM

Cpl Dan Christopher — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 08:14:35 -0500

My first MOS was 2512, Field Wireman in the Marines. While stationed in Gitmo, Cuba we restrung the posts on both sides of the base on the fence line and then to the command bunker. I don't remember how many miles of field wire we laid but it was a lot.

Response by SGT Rob Pearson made Dec 18 at 2014 9:21 AM

SGT Rob Pearson — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 09:21:35 -0500

They are good for fishing.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Dec 18 at 2014 11:51 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 23:51:54 -0500

Ok I will only admit to this once so you guys had best pay attention !!!!! I was in Korea running wire over a ridge from Bn Toc to Company HQ tent, there were waist high shrubs everywhere and I was the only one on that ridge and had to ...ehem...take a squat... so doing a 360 of the place I finally felt safe and began my business when I heard a sound that dropped my heart into my boots... a chopper came out of no where from under the ridge and hovered right there blowing my tp all over the place and Im trying to hunker as low as I can while trying to wave the damn pilot off !!! after many smiles and laughs from the cockpit they finally left and I then had the unique job of retrieving my tp...... go ahead laugh it up !!!!!! looking back it was funny as hell, but at that time it was FARRRRRRR from funny!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 3:04 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 03:04:06 -0500

Still used them when I was a PL in 04-05 and as a Battery Commander in 07-09.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 1:21 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 01:21:15 -0500

I (not so fondly) remember one field problem where the commander wanted us to break these out and brush off the dust. Wasn't fun since they hadn't been used in some time, so naturally they only worked half the time.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 8 at 2015 1:37 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 01:37:54 -0500

Someone is being bad because they are all over Ebay. I kind of want one now.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 8 at 2015 2:24 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 02:24:57 -0500

My tree fort would have been badass with a set of those!

Response by SSG John M. made Feb 8 at 2015 7:19 AM

SSG John M. — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 07:19:26 -0500

Every gun on the gun line had em, more weight for the advance party pvt to hump! works well in conjunction with Water boarding! AATW

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made Feb 8 at 2015 9:55 AM

Sgt Cody Dumont — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 09:55:23 -0500

We used these in Somlia.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Feb 8 at 2015 2:07 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 14:07:41 -0500

Yes, remember it well. Every tent and bunker in the command post had to have a line ran to it. These phones would work when the radioes went down. A lot of trouble but very reliable.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 2:18 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 14:18:28 -0500

I remember it well. And running wire for it ... back in the day (1975-1978) during field exercises with the 82d Airborne Division.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 8 at 2015 2:19 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 14:19:12 -0500

Anyone have $300 for a pair of phones and a roll of DR-8 wire? I kid you not, it's on Ebay. Isn't that still a serious no no?

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made Feb 8 at 2015 2:21 PM

SGT Edward Thomas — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 14:21:19 -0500

We used TA-312 in SF units along with SB-22. Well made equipment. I would love to get my hands on a dozen or so 312s and SB-22.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Feb 8 at 2015 2:41 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 14:41:05 -0500

used them in the National Guard in the early 2000's.

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Feb 8 at 2015 3:03 PM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 15:03:03 -0500

I guess I didn't take a good look at first. That is not what we had. I'm so old. Below is what we used.

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made Feb 19 at 2015 1:49 PM

SFC Walt Littleton — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 13:49:07 -0500

You must have been a Commo Chief? My secondary MOS. RUGGED AND BUILT FOR WAR TA312

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 1:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 13:51:35 -0500

All I can say it is "Shocka!"

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 1:55 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 13:55:10 -0500

Yea I remember burying the wire from the Toc to my Op .

Response by SGT Rik Thibodeau made Feb 19 at 2015 2:42 PM

SGT Rik Thibodeau — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 14:42:56 -0500

Man this brings back memories - I started my military career in the reserves as a 31K and pretty much all I did was mess with these phones and cables. I got so good at splicing that I garnered the nickname "Splice Master" in my unit. One year at our AT we had a mag drop (connection to a real telephone line) run into our switchboard and the rule was that the OPFOR was not supposed to cut the mag drop since that was our "real world" phone (this was before cell phones). Sure enough the idiots cut the mag drop so I had to go out at 2 am and follow the line through a swamp until I found the cut. There I am splicing it while my buddy held his red light on it when something suddenly dawned on me;

"Hey, this line isn't live, is i-ARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH"

Great times man, great times.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Feb 19 at 2015 3:17 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 15:17:27 -0500

Love it! Enough said.

Response by SFC Donald LeBlanc made Feb 19 at 2015 3:55 PM

SFC Donald LeBlanc — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 15:55:03 -0500

This by far was my most favorite piece of equipment that I had on my hand receipt. I used this during EVERY deployment. Fantastic equipment and never had RADIO Frequency Interference and was pretty much secure (as long as someone didn't dig up the line and tap into it).

The last time I used this was in 2007 in Afghanistan from the CP - Radar - to our sleeping quarters. This thing didn't depend on a Generator because it used standard Flashlight batteries and was all weather. Great tool - hope the military never gets rid of it.

Response by LTC Paul Mullins made Feb 19 at 2015 7:09 PM

LTC Paul Mullins — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 19:09:27 -0500

Anyone remember using helicopters to run wire across the tops of the trees for long distance comms? I remember they had issues with the Cobras getting the wire in their rotor blades when landing. Caused a few accidents.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Feb 19 at 2015 7:52 PM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 19:52:37 -0500

Remembers??? I'm not that old am I? well yes I am..... My unit still uses them

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 10:36 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 22:36:12 -0500

I remember the days in the field at Fort Hood during Lifeline. Running wire all over the place!

Response by CPT Cynthia Koroll made Feb 20 at 2015 12:54 PM

CPT Cynthia Koroll — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 12:54:09 -0500

Originally a 31N before going on to medic and nurse. This field phone rarely worked, was so heavy and occasionally shocked me!

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Feb 20 at 2015 1:32 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 13:32:31 -0500

I remembered the TA-312 back in the 1970's during my Infantry days.

Response by CH (COL) Geoff Bailey made Apr 27 at 2015 10:43 PM

CH (COL) Geoff Bailey — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 22:43:43 -0400

Awesome tool and still works today. Had one at every crew served weapon post around the perimeter.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 7:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 07:25:08 -0400

I could not run a range without one in Germany

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 26 at 2015 8:54 AM

SFC Stephen King — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 08:54:08 -0400

First tour in Korea I was a 31C we had the responsibility of running the switch and at 0200 a line went down had to trace the wire about a mile and splice it so the TA-312 would operate.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 11:22 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 23:22:13 -0400

When going through SERE training on Okinawa, the cadre would love to use this for torture when we got captured and we always did:>)

Response by SGT Brian Nile made Jul 29 at 2015 6:20 PM

SGT Brian Nile — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 18:20:10 -0400

The TA 312 was a Master Piece, Sarge you had to work them BA 30s and yes get the ultimate shock of your life with a commo check, holding the wires.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Jul 29 at 2015 7:34 PM

SSG Robert Webster — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 19:34:42 -0400

What about the SB-18 switchboard?

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Jul 30 at 2015 8:19 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 20:19:41 -0400

wow didn't want to be wiring with a "buddy" around

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 6 at 2015 3:21 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 15:21:38 -0500

I certainly remember the TA -312 Field Phone SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL from my enlisted days at Fort Campbell when I was not allowed near the phone except to run wire. Later as a cadet at West Point I was able to actually use that phone in the late 1970's and as a young LT in an Infantry Battalion I saw the TA 312 is use a few times.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2015 5:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 17:45:37 -0500

Response by SFC Stephen Williams made Dec 6 at 2015 6:00 PM

SFC Stephen Williams — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 18:00:56 -0500

Used them in the 25th Inf Div from 1973-75. They never failed.....I was a 31M back then....

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Dec 6 at 2015 8:09 PM

MAJ Alvin B. — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 20:09:46 -0500

Yes, and the SB-22 Switchboard and one mile long spools of WD-1 wire to string between the various tactical sites.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 6 at 2015 9:20 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 21:20:42 -0500

Can't remember if I replied to this, but when I worked as a professional guide at the Salmon River Lodge, we had a set of these to communicate across the Salmon River. Work great!

Response by SGT Robert Deem made Dec 7 at 2015 8:26 PM

SGT Robert Deem — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 20:26:09 -0500

Man, I loved this thing. What a great little piece of equipment!

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Dec 8 at 2015 12:14 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 12:14:59 -0500

Yes I remember being in the field in the TOC, using it then.

Response by SP5 Dave Forrest made Mar 15 at 2016 9:48 PM

SP5 Dave Forrest — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 21:48:48 -0400

Had two in the orderly room of the 304th Signal Battalion Korea 1968-69. When I had OD duty the one that was only supposed to ring only if the North jumped the DMZ rang....it was just a comm check but woke me UP! Spc 5 David Forrest

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Mar 30 at 2016 8:51 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 20:51:26 -0400

If that Hand Crank works anything like it's predecessor, I want one. So much fun to be hand cranking out a charge on someone.

Response by SFC Fred Muller made Apr 18 at 2016 9:52 PM

SFC Fred Muller — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 21:52:29 -0400

Was in mortar FDC HAD A BOARD HOME MADE TO CONNECT OUR PHONE TO ALL 4 guns.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Apr 18 at 2016 10:25 PM

SFC William Farrell — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 22:25:03 -0400

Thats a blast form the past SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, thank you for sharing it. 36K was my original MOS, too young and stupid at 17 to get trained in anything else, even Infantry! LOL So i learned to climb telephone poles, lay wire and set up these phones, point to point or through a switchboard. Did it in Korea for a while until I climbed a telephone pole hung over once and that was the end of telephone service for me at least in Korea! Then for a short while at Fort Hood. Did not do any in Nam. I don't think they had any in the jungles. While I would have rather have been doing something else, I did enjoy working with this equipment. Thanks again, you brought back many memories.

Response by SGT M Edwards made May 11 at 2019 1:11 PM

SGT M Edwards — Sat, 11 May 2019 13:11:02 -0400

It was still 31L when I was in. I wish I had more old pics of running cable, installing and repairing phone lines, gaffing equipment and climbing poles, cleaning the cable and the reels etc. It wasn't easy work but I enjoyed being able to get outside and get dirty. I only wish there had been better job opps when I got out. Thanks for this pic, Miss those days.

Response by SGT Christopher Clarke made Aug 10 at 2019 7:23 AM

SGT Christopher Clarke — Sat, 10 Aug 2019 07:23:27 -0400

Oh yeah...in Neubrucke with my good friend SGT Michael Corujo we enjoyed these in the mid 80’s..!! Hooah.

Response by SFC Don Johnson made Aug 28 at 2019 8:02 PM

SFC Don Johnson — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 20:02:48 -0400

I used the ta-312-pt to communicate from the radar set to the control tower in 1966. Now I use
the field phones with my 2 great grand sons

Response by SGT Ray Ruddles made Nov 10 at 2019 5:11 PM

SGT Ray Ruddles — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 17:11:05 -0500

I would run a mile of cammo wire to hear her fart. Long-time ago

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Nov 10 at 2019 8:51 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 20:51:11 -0500

Here!

Response by SSG Michael Noll made Nov 12 at 2019 9:42 PM

SSG Michael Noll — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 21:42:51 -0500

Yup used out at OP's in the field brother Joe.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Nov 12 at 2019 11:59 PM

SPC Nancy Greene — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 23:59:40 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr.,
You certainly know your equipment!!! I actually saw one or two in Basic Training in 1983! Think part of our EOC test was communicating utilizing this device and the appropriate com communication! Great Share! Impressed with your knowledge!
Nancy

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 2 at 2020 1:37 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 01:37:37 -0400

My bother was a wireman. Third AD. I was a sp/5 in Wiesbaden. In charge of all the supplies. Heaters were a hot one. Since he had to go to Graf. I gave him two. His co did not have one he the Captain to go take a good crap

Response by SPC Ray Blaylock made Apr 2 at 2020 7:52 AM

SPC Ray Blaylock — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 07:52:55 -0400

We used these phones in Germany while in the field