Radio-frequency communications accounts for a large share of military communications equipment. Man-pack and mobile vehicular RF systems combine the transmitter and the receiver in a single transceiver case. This equipment now includes microprocessors for channel switching and other functions. Each branch of military service has its own ground microwave communications links, satellite links, and field telephones interconnected by wire or fiberoptic cable. Military command and control networks duplicate many of the functions of commercial networks.

In addition very low frequency (VLF) radio systems communicate with submerged submarines, acoustic transceivers permit underwater communication, and infrared lasers permit covert, highly directional communications day or night.