I have noticed the encryption or partial encryption trend in the database on this system for their respective fire departments starting all over the country. Must be something from DOD to encrypt all public safety channels. Not surprising considering it is all military bases. On the Randolph site, it seems just the units are encrypted and dispatch is in the clear.
Speaking for the Air Force, it absolutely is. I am unable to provide the AFI reference because I'm on my personal laptop, but...summed up the AFI says that Sec Fo AND first responders (fire and EMS)...need to be encrypted. It does NOT mention any other agencies though.
Unofficially, I've spoken with a few radio techs and they are often AGAINST blanket encryption due to the possibility of dropped keys and emergency communication because barely any end users have a KVM to reload keys and there is a X day turnaround with comm to rekey LMRs...BUT OTA rekeying could change that...
I'm comfortable saying that 95% of the rest of the communication on bases will be clear for a bit longer. Depending on what kind of base you're listening to there is hella interesting stuff to listen too...if not only for the reason that most of our people have no idea that our radios are so easy to monitor...
