In Germany, the BOS (authorities and organizations with security tasks) are tasked with averting internal dangers. These are very different institutions with different areas of operation. The BOS are often referred to collectively as "blue light organizations". However, this term is incorrect in Germany, as there is no congruence between BOS and the corresponding authorities and organizations that use blue lights.
Authorities and organizations belonging to the BOS
Numerous authorities and organizations belong to the BOS. In the area of internal security, these include the various police, customs and constitutional protection authorities. Other members of the BOS are organizations such as the fire department, rescue services and rescue helicopter units of various organizations. The BOS also includes disaster control authorities, parts of the German armed forces and personnel from aid organizations that are made available to the rescue services and disaster control. Other members of the BOS are the authorities of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) and the Federal Office for Goods Transport (BAG).
BOS radio
All German authorities and organizations belonging to the BOS use a special, non-public radio network that is used exclusively by them. This is intended to ensure interference-free radio operation via broadcasting. After decades of analog operation, digital radio has increasingly been used since the early 2010s. In November 2019, 99.2% digital radio coverage was achieved across the whole of Germany. Command vehicles, command vehicles, emergency medical vehicles (NEF) and many other special vehicles are equipped with compatible radios as standard as part of system integration. Electromagnetic compatibility testing also plays an important role here.
