How often should SITREPs be passed back to the ACU or Zulu?

• A. Every 15 minutes
• B. Every 30 minutes or after significant activity
• C. On request only
• D. Every hour

Answer: (B)

Maintaining situational awareness requires a steady, proactive reporting rhythm. SITREPs should be passed on a regular cadence and immediately after significant activity. This approach gives leadership a current snapshot of conditions and progress without flooding channels with constant updates, while still catching important changes as they happen.

If updates come too often, the channel becomes noise and critical details can be overlooked. Waiting too long—such as reporting only on an hourly basis—leaves leaders with stale information during fast-changing situations. And relying on updates only when asked removes the proactive situational awareness command can rely on. Therefore, reporting every half-hour or whenever something significant occurs best supports timely, informed decision-making.