More on Military Phones

by Archive

This article is submitted to add to the Summer 1997 article by N-Tolerant entitled "Tricks and Treats of AUTOVON."

Basic Information Regarding Military Phone Systems

The telephone systems serving most major military installations are normally leased from various telephone vendors and are paid for by appropriated funds.  As with civilians' phone lines, the companies are only responsible for the system up to the point of demarcation.  All points beyond fall to the local command's responsibility.

Recording Devices

DOD Directive 4640.1 and OPNAVINST 2305.14A, Subject: Telephone Monitoring requires that all requests for authority to employ recording devices on office telephones in all commands and components of the Dept. of the Navy be submitted to the Secretary via Chief of Naval Operations or Commandant of the Marine Corps, as appropriate.

Technically, however as with the local phone companies, the command may "randomly" monitor and/or record phone conversations in progress to "ensure that line quality is being maintained (?)"  Now okay, sure, the comm's center at the local base has enough recording systems to put Capitol Records to shame, I am really certain that they only "randomly" monitor to "ensure line quality."  Then again, they can neither confirm nor deny...

Telephone Monitoring (beating the recording device requirements)

DoD Telephone communications systems are provided for the transmission of official government information only (unclassified) and are subject to telephone communication security monitoring and telecommunications management monitoring at all times.  When you place a call from a Naval Base, the number you dial is automatically recorded as is the duration of the call.  On the local base near me, I have looked at the comm's center where the lines are routed through, they have all the equipment to trace each outgoing call.

Defense Switched Network (DSN, formally AUTOVON)

General Info:  The DSN is the long-haul, voice comm network within the Defense Communications System, providing unsecure direct distance dialing service worldwide through a system of government owned and leased automatic switching facilities.

The purpose of DSN is to handle essential command and control operations, intelligence, logistic, diplomatic, and admin traffic.

Precedence:  The Joint Uniform Telephone Communications Precedence System (JUTCPS) is directed for use by all authorized users of voice communication facilities of the DoD.  Since the effectiveness of the system depends upon cooperation of the part of persons authorized to employ it, users must be familiar with the purpose to be served by each level precedence category and the types of calls which may be assigned the respective precedences.

Use of DSN:  a.)  Will be authorized only for official communications.

b.)  Will be restricted to:

1. Only those calls that are essential requiring a timeliness that cannot be obtained by other means, and would stand the scrutiny afforded a commercial toll call.  ("I'm sorry sarge, didn't know that I couldn't call 516-473-2626 anytime I wanted.")
2. The minimum time required to accomplish the call will not exceed five minutes (key thing, keep voice calls short and sweet)
3. The use of a Precedence level in consonance with the subject matter to the call as established in the JUTCPS.
4. The use of graphic, facsimile, or unsecured voice-data devices only when approved by the Chiefs of the Military Services and heads of DoD agencies or activities.  Voice-data, fax, and graphic service in DSN will normally not exceed a continuous transmission time of 15 minutes nor a total transmission time of one hour during normal business hours.

c.)  Will not be used for:

1. Use directly or indirectly by non-appropriated fund activities (clubs, exchanges, and other unofficial activities - we fall into this category, I think) provided telephone service at post, camp, station, or base level except when approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
2. Calls within an installation, metropolitan area, or those confined geographical areas where other existing government provided local telephone or personal calls.
3. Unofficial or personal calls.
4. Off-net extensions of calls into the commercial system at a distant PBX/PABX.

General Information

DSN Numbers (NORTHCOM - 312) OVERSEAS OPERATOR 251-1000 NTCC CONCORD, CA 253-5360 NAS ALAMEDA, CA 993-0111 NAVORDSTA CORONA, CA 933-0011 NTCC ALAMEDA, CA 993-0111 AMPHIB BASE CORONADO, CA 577-2011 MARCORPSUPSTA ALBANY, GA 567-9011 NTTC CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 861-2664 NAVAL ACADEMY ANNAPOLIS, MD 281-0111 NAVWPNSSPTCNTR CRANE, IN 482-1000 MARCORPS INFO CTR ARLINGTON, VA 227-0101 NTCC CRYSTAL CITY, VA 222-1046 OCPM ARLINGTON, VA 226-4546 NAVCOMMU COMMCEN, ME 476-7551 OCPM NER WAS DEPT ARLINGTON, VA 226-5044 COMNAVSPACECOM DAHLGREN, VA 249-7841 NSCS ATHENS, GA 588-7222 NAVWPNSLAB DAHLGREN, VA 249-1110 NAVREPFAASTHREG ATLANTA, GA 797-5482 NTC DAM NECK, VA 564-0111 NTCC BANGOR, WA 891-1510 HQ AAFES DALLAS, TX 556-7110 NAVSUBASE BANGOR, WA 744-1110 NAVWPNSSTA EARLE, NJ 449-1110 JOHN C STENNIS BAY ST LOUIS, MO 485-4411 NTCC EARLE, NJ 449-2455 NATLSPATECHLAB BAY ST LOUIS, MO 485-4411 NAVSCLEOD EGLIN AFB, FL 872-4494 NAVOCEAGRAPH LABS BAY ST LOUIS, MO 458-4411 NAVAIRFAC EL CENTRO, CA 958-8555 MSC LANT AREA OPR ASSIST 247-5111 NTCC EL CENTRO, CA 958-8410 MCAS BEAUFORT, SC 832-7100 CGARSCSUPCTR ELIZABE, NY 723-3390 NAVHOSP BEAUFORT, SC 832-2551 NAVAUXAIRSTA FALLON, NV 830-2110 NAS CHASE FLD BEEVILLE, TX 861-1110 NAVSTKWARCEN FALLON, NV 830-3940 NAVACTS BREMMERTON, WA 439-2011 NAS FALLON, NV 830-2511 NAVCOMMSTA PUGET SOUND, WA 744-6815 NAVFAC CENTERVILL, CA 896-3381 NAVSURFWPNCEN FLD BR FT LAUD, FL 483-7226 1ST MARCORPS DIST, NY/NJ 994-5666 NAVSECSTA BREMMERTON, WA 439-2011 NAS GLENVIEW, IL 932-0111 NTCC BREMMERTON, WA 439-7628 NAVCONSTBN GULFPORT, MS 363-2121 NAS BROOKLYN, NY 456-2011 ARMYAMMUPLT HAWTHORNE, NV 830-7171 NOCF BRUNSWICK, ME 476-2253 NAVORDSTA INDIAN HEAD, MD 364-4011 NAS BRUNSWICK, ME 476-1110 NAVAVIFAC INDIANAPOLIS, IN 369-3311 NAVBASE CAMP PENDLETON, CA 365-0111 NAS CECIL FLD JAX, FL 860-5626 NAVORDSTA CAPE CANAVERAL, FL 467-1110 NAS JAX JACKSONVILLE, FL 942-2338 NAV SHIPS RSCH&DEV CTR, MD 287-1416 NAVBASE CHARLESTON, SC 563-2000 NTCC CHARELSTON, SC 563-5566 CAMP LEJUNE JACKSON, NC 484-1110 COMTRAWING 03 NAS CHASE FLD, TX 861-1110 9TH MARCORPS DIST KC, MO 465-3507 NAVCOMMU WASH CHELTENHAM, MD 251-2011 NAS KEY WEST, FL 483-2178 MCAS CHERRY PT, NC 582-1110 NAS KINGSVILLE, TX 861-1110 NAVSATCOMMFAC NW CHESAPEAKE, VA 564-0111 NAS LAKEHURST, NJ 624-2011 NAVWPNSSTA CONCORD, CA 253-5000 NTCC LEMOORE, CA 629-1520 NAS LENORE, CA 949-4110 AMPHIBAS LITTLE CREEK, VA 564-0111 Defense Contract Mgmt District North Central 825-6000 DSN Operator Assistance 930-6000 Office of Installation Services 930-6600 Office of Telecommunications/Info Systems 930-6847

On another note, living near or in a military housing site opens a new basket and a bundle of opportunities for daytime hacking/phreaking.  In most housing areas there is always some type of renovation project going on.  This allows for a lot of easy access to cans, TNIs, etc. where you can carefully set up for access to a multitude of phone lines.

Security is normally minimal - maybe a few "rent-a-cops" and some military police.  I have found that by going into a renovation or construction area I can easily have access to boxes with no hassle whatsoever.  However, you will need to touch up on your social engineering skills if you want to survive being asked what you are doing.  Normally carrying around a clip-board with an "official work order" is enough to soothe the doubts of most military police personnel in a housing area.  Age has a lot to do with this type of H/P related social engineering.

On a couple of occasions I have seen the base security vehicles patrolling and have gone up to them for directions.  Just by walking up and keeping calm I have managed to let them know that I am "above board" and that I have come to them needing their help (you know, clueless civilians).  Most of the time they will escort you to where you need to go or give you directions.  Don't freak out when they drive by and wave while you're online to Alaska.  Just act cool and relaxed, like the only thing you are doing is your "job" with the local telco.