Military Installation In the Clear — Per RadioReference Data 2026-09-28

Tennessee Air National Guard - McGhee Tyson Base

Blount, Tennessee

What you can do right now

Encryption Details

Encryption Type P25 AES-256
Scope Security forces mostly encrypted
Technical Details P25 AES-256

Verified Talkgroup Data

Verified Mar 6, 2026 High confidence
10 Total Talkgroups
0 Encrypted
10 Unencrypted
0% Encrypted
Radio System: Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN)

Verification Status

We do have per-talkgroup data for Tennessee Air National Guard - McGhee Tyson Base from the RadioReference API, and used it to correct this listing’s encryption status — but no additional human-reviewed source (a live feed check or a dated news account) has been recorded for this record, so treat it as a data-quality correction rather than an independently confirmed verification. Check the live RadioReference database directly for current status.

If you monitor Tennessee Air National Guard - McGhee Tyson Base directly or have more current information, the fastest way to fix this is to update the RadioReference Wiki entry — our data pulls from there and from the RadioReference API on a regular refresh cycle.

Shared Radio System

Worth knowing before reading this as specific to Tennessee Air National Guard - McGhee Tyson Base: Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN) is shared county-wide or regional infrastructure, also used by 0 other agencies in Blount County — one radio system, several agency pages.

What This Means

This agency was previously listed as encrypted, but its own RadioReference talkgroup data (reviewed 2026-09-28) shows 0% of its talkgroups actually encrypted. Any scanner can receive it — confirm current status on the live RadioReference database, since encryption decisions can change.

See encryption status nationwide Interactive map showing which US police departments have encrypted their radios. Open the encryption map →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tennessee Air National Guard - McGhee Tyson Base radio encrypted?

No. Despite earlier listings, Tennessee Air National Guard - McGhee Tyson Base broadcasts in the clear. This agency was previously listed as encrypted, but its own RadioReference talkgroup data (reviewed 2026-09-28) shows 0% of its talkgroups actually encrypted. Any scanner can receive it — confirm current status on the live RadioReference database, since encryption decisions can change.

Can I listen to Tennessee Air National Guard - McGhee Tyson Base on a police scanner?

Yes. Tennessee Air National Guard - McGhee Tyson Base's own RadioReference talkgroup data shows its dispatch broadcasting in the clear — any scanner can receive it. Check RadioReference for frequencies and current status.

Why do agencies like Tennessee Air National Guard - McGhee Tyson Base encrypt their radio?

Ask why, and the answer is usually officer safety, sometimes operational security. What is harder to obtain is any documented case in Blount County where an open channel caused harm. The costs need no such documentation: reporting on military installation response slows down, and mutual-aid coordination gets more awkward, immediately.

Can Blount County reverse the encryption decision?

Yes. Whoever made this call for Tennessee Air National Guard - McGhee Tyson Base can also unmake it; there's no technical lock-in. The approach that has worked elsewhere combines public-records requests, direct council pressure, and a coordinated local coalition.

What can I do about Tennessee Air National Guard - McGhee Tyson Base encryption?

Contact the officials who oversee Tennessee Air National Guard - McGhee Tyson Base's budget directly and ask why full encryption was chosen over partial alternatives. Pair that with a FOIA request for recordings and policy records, and look for an existing coalition in Blount County, or start one, since agencies respond differently to organized, sustained pressure than to individual complaints.

Advertisement