Ham Radio's Role in Homeland Defense

[KB5YQH]

Hello all,

I'm working on an article here at the Army Command and General Staff College (Ft Leavenworth) for the Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) writing competition. #The topic is homeland defense and the issues, challenges, recommendations, etc. #If I present a convincing argument and manage to write it well it may help steer the decision-makers a little. # As a ham for the last 10 years (and a "casual" MARS participant) I have a bias towards our service and think we could fill the bill nicely here. #I'd really appreciate your opinions and (mostly) any substantive input you can provide.

Thanks and 73!

MAJ Bob Butts, KB5YQH@arrl.net

Thanks very much to everyone who's responded so far. (great response! ) #Please feel free to email me your comments, etc.

FYI - Here's the link, describing the topic and writing requirements, as well as a link to the CGSC web site (so you can see how your tax dollars are being invested - it's a great school).

http://www.cgsc.army.mil/Djco/awards/JC4IAWD.htm

http://www.cgsc.army.mil

[WA4MJF]

Here in NC there is a great deal more emphasis on RACES than I've seen in many years.

Dustin' of the regs and gettin ROs appointed and
members registered.

Also, new ARES MOU between State and ARRL at HQ
for staffin' and signature.

73 de Ronnie

[AC7NA]

My input would be that the Amateur radio community has now, and has had a reliable communications network in place (the NTS) for almost as long as radio has been around. #It is an active system in daily use that can be accessed anytime in time of emergency. #It utilizes all major modes (CW, SSB, and packet) and is very robust.

The current surge in ARES/RACES participation (at least in my area) is an indication that hams are a dedicated and determined group that stands ready to act in times of need.

It might also be helpful to the ham community if you mention the current CC&R plight many hams are facing (luckily, I am not one of them). #Covenant restrictions that prohibit antennas are a growing problem that severely restricts our ability to provide reliable long-range communications in the event of an emergency.

Just my $.02

Brian AC7NA

[k4mls]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The current surge in ARES/RACES participation (at least in my area) is an indication that hams are a dedicated and determined group that stands ready to act in times of need.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

If anything, I'd say the current surge of participation is a bad thing. You're going to end up spending a lot of time and energy on folks who won't still be with you in another six months. I'd be willing to bet you that interest will fall off fairly quickly. You say they are 'dedicated and determined' but not enough time has passed to really tell that.

In the weeks following the attacks, I saw flags on ever car, business and house. Six months later, you see fewer flags and the ones you do see are ragged or on the side of the road.

I don't see ARES/RACES gaining through this surge. Maybe a few new, long-term members will rise from the unwashed masses but I don't think this will result in a substantial sustained growth period. If it does, great, but don't get your hopes up.

Matt (k4mls)

[WX4DC]

I feel you are on the right track. As a ham with RACES intrest I have alrerady gone thru the paces , along w/ club members, of getting the proper traffic passing forms ready and making sure all base as well as mobile equiptment is up and going. Our hobby has a lot to offer in time of emergency as most EMA agencys well know. If you are affiliated with EMA your skills are already being counted on and banked.Our equiptment can be operated in very noticeable set ups using amps, beams , and towers or we can set up portable using battery power and #what seems to be an innocent clothes line for an antenna. Very stealth and portable. Hmm sounds like several good characteristics to me. As much as it pains me to say, we may be better equipted to handle communications in time of disaster than out local military.

Another .02 worth

Dee

[kd7nm]

Another thought: Supporting amateur radio communications potentially means providing a communications capability between military activities and local community and government (via ARES/RACES) that uses the available operators and radio resources offered by the associated hams at both ends of the link. It does this in a way that minimizes the resources that the military has to commit to any particular venue, since typically the amateur operator comes equipped with his/her own communications equipment. I see this to be of value in both tactical and logisitical communications requirements. The big tactical advantage is that the radio operator at each end of the link will most likely be knowledgable in the technical terms and slang used at their "end" of the link, and will be able to provide translation to the op at the other end, if needed, to accomplish the message delivery in a manner understanable at the destination of the communication.

73

Bob, KD7NM

[ke4qdm]

Greetings Major Butts,

First let me thank you for your efforts. #We need good input in the area of homeland defence and you seem to be in an excellent position to do just that. #Remind them that the "Amateur" in Amateur Radio means that we don't get paid for what we do, and that it does not mean that we don't know what we're doing.

Some points to consider.
Age - We have that age that brings wisdom and knowledge.
Youth - we have the youth that brings energy and ability.

We have our own equipment, we know how it works and we know how to set it up.

We practice, practice, practice and experiment. #If it can be done we can do it.

The army of radio ops already exists, they just need to use us. #I for one am ready, willing and able.

We already have access to a vast amount of spectrum and we know what freq works to what part of the world. #

We have many modes which allow for informal qso between agencies as well as error free commuication when accuracy of data is necessary.

I hope this helps. #:-)

God Bless you in your efforts,

Semper Fi (Not just for the Jar Heads anymore).

David, KE4QDM/8

[kf4kwo]

MAJ Butts,

All the time, we read about how HF communications are going away due to satellite and other "high-tech" means of communication. However, when all that fancy equipment breaks down, HF will save the day, in my opinion. I think it's a mistake to see so many military and intelligence folks say that HF communications aren't a priority anymore. I've just gotten into the HF bands after growing bored with local repeater action. My set up at home will be exactly what I need in a national emergency if everything goes down - HF rig with a simple, portable antenna and power supply. Makes sense to train like we fight!

Jeff
KF4KWO

[n8avx]

Major Butts,

You might draw some parallels with history, when the WW broke out, hams provided the initial trained cadre of operators and technicians needed for the rapidly expanding effort until comm schools ramped up to provide enough homegrown assets. They served as valuable teachers and mentors in the initial stages of the conflicts.

With the new emphasis on homeland defense, it makes sense to again tap the trained, knowledgeable, and dedicated communications experts that comprise the ranks of amateur radio.


James H. Smith II USAF Retired
N8AVX
Comm/Nav B-52/KC-135/E-3

[n6nko]

Maj. Butts:

Good luck on your paper for the competition. The subject is an extremely worthwhile and current topic. The hams here in Wisconsin had the chance to participate in a communications exercise with the Wisconsin Army National Guard on their assigned frequencies 2-3 March 2002 http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Interoperability exercises like this are great for training and learning the different protocols necessary to pass traffic between the services. If anything really did happen, we hams have the best chances to work many different modes and frequencies at a moments notice.

One thing that I noticed that really stood out was that the ham radio stations had consistently stronger and easier copied voice signals than the military stations.

Good Luck with the contest and 73,

Richard E. Polivka, N6NKO

[W2TMA]

One thing you may want to consider which I haven't seen anyone mention, and indeed it's not a nice thing to think about but it should be considered, is the fact that our own Amateur Service could actually be used by potential enemys. It is very easy to aquire Ham equipment and there are many bands, modes and frequencys that an informed terrorist or other criminal could use without much chance of discovery. I know in this time of worry and fear this is not something we want to hear, but there is something we can all do.... USE YOUR PRIVILEDGES and be an active operator! Scan the bands and keep an ear open for anything strange....it can only help matters and that includes preventing loss of our bands as well!

And of course Join RACES as well!!!

Rich

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif If he wins the contest, will they let him out of Leavenworth early for good grammer? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

73 de Craig..........KCØGOA http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[n4hook]

Communications provides advance information to the right decision makers.America under-utilizes her resources,there are many who would participate and who have knowledge and experience that would be beneficial to America in a time of need.ARES/RACES is not used or looked upon favorably in some states,i.e. no I.D. cards and no real use planned for in terms of utilizing hams in emergency's.and those with prior meaningful experience in communications or military or Law Enforcement are often not utilized.In some cases anyone with that experience and communication ability are looked upon with suspicion.I am suggesting in some instantces there is real government paranoia and over-reaction and the governments loss is experienced people.The problem is in management and that may be the first hurdle.

As A RACES and ARIES member we have always been working to be prepared for disaster! Weather it comes from natural or Man made sources. The Amateur Radio Service must be prepared to take control of emergency communication coordination in times of need! Homeland defence is just another instance of the value of the Amateur Service. I implore all Hams to contact they're local RACES and ARES coordinaters and join! IT IS YOUR PATRIOTIC DUTY ! The value of coordinated communications in an emergency can make the difference between A situation and A full blown disaster! The loss of live and suffering can be greatly reduced with reliable communications! Glenn KO4VP

[W9IND]

I salute the work done by the dedicated members of RACES/ARES and the like, but let me offer you some additional food for thought. Sometimes, the people best equipped to handle emergency communications are none other than DXers and contesters. If that sounds radical, consider what they have to offer: (1) some of the biggest, most powerful stations in the U.S.; (2) experience with a wide range of band conditions and propagation; (3) a proven ability to improvise; (4) experience at exchanging information as quickly as possible; and (5) grace under pressure. Sure, they might not always know message preambles, net protocol, etc., but does any of that really matter in an emergency?

I'd say no -- and I'm not speaking theoretically. During the 1987 Pan American Games, the station used for W87PAX was one of the best in the Midwest. As one of the ops in that record-breaking special event effort, I can tell you that it all starts with a strong station. With no prior experience or arrangements, we were able to get on the air, quickly set up a regular-meeting Caribbean/South American traffic net and efficiently pass messages from athletes to their home countries. (Many participating stations felt a sense of national pride in being able to help out.) I've also seen instances when a contest station was able to get messages in and out of a disaster-stricken area (often communicating under marginal conditions with small stations using dipole antennas and emergency power) while traditional emergency-oriented stations, lacking such a first-rate set-up, were unable to punch through or hold a frequency.

Don't get me wrong. The amateur community needs the fine work of ARES, RACES, MARS, Red Cross stations and everyone else interested in public service. All I'm suggesting is that contesters -- the same group of operators often lambasted for filling the band with "5-9" patter and interference (and I'm not saying that never happens) -- may be one of the biggest untapped communications resources available, not only for ham radio, but for the nation itself. And despite contesters' competitive nature, I don't know any who would say no to helping their country -- IF they were asked to. Let's not let foolish pride and turf wars get in the way of a sound option.

Something unorthodox for you to consider as you write your paper ... good luck and 73 to all.

Brian, W9IND
(ex-WO9I, KA9OIH, WN9ICB)

[N9ZRT]

Hi Bob,

We are seeing many Amateurs visiting the "Hams For Enduring Freedom" Website [HamsEF]. This site exists for Hams to be radio-ready, to search out and print out the nets they would need if things came to a crisis in their area. The Boy Scout motto is alive and well in Amateur Radio.

http://www.wireservices.com/hamsef/

David H. Hatch - N9ZRT

[AC7KH]

Sir;

don't forget that in your own back yard, you also have trained (by the Army) Amateur Radio Operators on board. i.e. US Army MARS.

Most of us have ties into ARES/RACES that would not require a MOU or other agreements. We currently support the Red Cross and other agencies as well.

Robert Renfro
AC7KH/ON9CKH/AEM8AA
GS-12, DAC

[N1KGY]

In considering all the preceding comments, one vein runs through them all - we are such a well trained community, with skilled operators ready to man their equipment in service to their community. #While I agree with this in a broad sense, I feel that we have a unique opportunity to apply our "skills and readiness" to another challenging issue: our internal politics. #

Noone wants to talk aout it, but there are a lot of little walls that have been built up over the past decade or two - some have grown from speed bumps into outright fortresses. #Now is the time, while we are atuned to that "United we stand..." feeling, to clear out the obstructions that interfere with our ability to work together, share spectrum, and generally be good RF neighbors. #I know, it's not really that big a problem (in most places). #Yet. #Why let it get that way?

I would ask all the ECs, ARES members, Red Cross comms people, MARS ops, and other dedicated folks to pay a visit (in person or on the air) to a radio group ( in your area) that you wouldn't have otherwise. #Get to know a few folks, and a little about the group - you may come away pleasantly surprised. #The worst that can happen is that you spent two hours to affirm what you already "knew". #

This request has special significance for our ECs and Liason Operators: establishing and maintaining relationships with County EM officials, police chiefs, fire marshals, Public Works directors, and other civil offices is central to our jobs - and often difficult. #A variety of issues can present themselves to challenge these relationships. #Most can be overcome, or at least minimized, if we work the relationship _instead_of_our_expectations_. #

Get inside the situation and the relationship before identifying all those "changes and improvements" that you could make. #Please remember, the thing that you want to "improve on" may very well be your counterpart's pet project or claim to fame - it might even be the same thing they've been trying to change for ten years, without success. #We've all been on one side of this situation or the other...please, gentlemen, go out and mend a fence this week, or help someone else to.

We owe it to our selves, to our communities, the ham community, and our country to take that step. #

With warmest 73 to all,
Chuck, n1kgy

"Liberty is a blessing unto men of God. #None other can withstand it..." # - Ben Franklin

[W7CO]

Maj Butts,

Hope you don't get in trouble for thinking outside the box. #Several prior comments have already made it clear that there is a large source of available talent. #Most of us willing to serve and some of us able to do so. #Major problem I see is coordinating the effort. #Hams by nature are an indepentent lot. #Getting them to work together will be the challenge. #Assuming our leaders see Hams as an asset vs a liabilty. #

In my opinion, this is our country and we were attacked. #We must do what is necessary or our way of life goes away.

A Navy "Well Done" to you.

Michael E. LaCombe KE7MH
CWO4/USN/ret

[KD5NCO]

Major Butts,

Sir I wish you much luck with the competition and hope that your thoughts may provoke
others in power to think and act to provide an effecient homeland defense communicatioins
network that exploits the best we all have to offer.

I think we are a little short sighted on the current abilities versus the potential threat of
massive chaos, given a major disaster be it WMD or act of God. We have networks that have
many capabilities but no major effort to coordinate and train accross all the potential players.

There is a major military presence in almost every state. Amateurs everywhere, State police,
local PD and FD, and EMS are all on a net of their own. FEMA, FBI, DEA, US Marshals all on their
own networks. In other words a whole lot of folks who need info and need to pass info. Seems to
me top down coordination is needed if we are to effeciently manage the spectrum and data to
save lives and prevent the bad guys from creating any more grief.

I am not saying ARES or RACES suck but rather that we can and should do much better.

Thanks for your service sir.

Fred von Gortler IV 1sg ret KD5NCO
U.S.Army Operational Test Command
C4 Test Directorate
Test Officer DAC-11
Fort Hood, Tx

[n1dmt]

RACES/ARES plays an important part in our county Master Emergency Response Plan, which is under the jursidiction of the county Emergency Services & Disaster Agency (ESDA). However, there seem to be only a few people who can be rapidly mobilized. With the billion dollars in federal funds that are coming to State and local public health departments this year for bioterrorism preparedness, there is hope that community bioterrorism planning will flourish. In many communities this planning is being lead by public health agencies. The nature of a large scale bioterroist attack would demand attention to the Emergency Communications Plan.
This type of communication usually focuses on communication between responding agencies (fire, police, public health, hospitals, physicians, drug distribution sites). Besides problems of the phone or internet system failing/overloading, there are chronic problems with emergency response agencies being able to speak with one another on their own radio assets. Although some of the federal dollars may eventual go to improving police & fire radio/phone/internet assets, ham radio operators will continue to play a key role in expanding limited communication resources.
If some one would prepare a Model Disaster Communications plan, this would be helpful for communities who are starting to draft their Bioterrorism Preparedness Plans.

Dr. Mike Thomas
Epidemiologist
Winnebago County Health Department
Rockford, IL

[whsmith]

I am retired 0-4 Navy communicator, Extra class operator. I am currently active in ARES/RACES and see a useful application for my experience and my meager, but growing, suite of equipment for public service and emergency preparedness.
I have looked over the Navy MARS requirements/ suggestions and the program looks interesting. I noticed that each branch of the military has their own MARS web site. I haven't compared the programs. Maybe you can.
I think HAMS need to realize that they will be providing bodies to fill gaps, and possibly provide communication bridges (literally and figuratively), amonst the existing government agency resources. For example, how could an area be effectively quarantined, in the event of a catagious disease attack. I would foresee HAMS stationed on some of the back roads to block access. 73

[WA4MJF]

I would not forsee hams doin' that roadblick duty.

Most likely the National Guard or if they are deployed,
like here in NC, the State Militia. Our Militia is strictly,
except for the HQ element, MP units. The state realized long ago, that MP Companies are always the first to go
and half our ArNG MP companies already gone, the rest
along with the USAR MP companies have to wait for the two year clock between deployments to run. They go away somewhere (GITMO, Bosnia, etc) every two years like clock work for 9 months.

73 de Ronnie

[wb2uvb]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif yes agree, I have been working on a worldwide emergency communication center for the past few years and have been very busy with it.. The name of it is EMBSEC3 call sign kb2vsr. We are looking for donations of equipment working or not and get a small bus to set up a mobil station to go any where it is needed. We have contacted Ridge about a amateur radio network just for home land security. With the ability of hams we can provide the BEST communication system around better then the military.We are also looking for hams that can speak dx languages.Good luck with everything and god bless america... 73's gene

[vk1vm]

Major Butts:

How refreshing to see your initiative about assessing the value of amateur radio during times of national emergengies and important public events. The US is and can be so progressive in organizing and recognizing voluntary effort.

It is in sharp contrast with the backward attitude in VK land. A recent government report implied that amateur radio operators in Australia are still considered a risk to national security. It held that restrictions that were imnposed on hams down under during World War II should still be kept on the books. Shamefull!

For details see my website <www.aussiewinlink.org>. When published your report should be send to radiocomms@pc.gov.au.

Thank you and those who have posted for the contributions to the amateur radio service.

Tony VK1VM

[KD7KOY]

I'm going to play devils advocate.
#What scenario are you planning for?
#In disasters such as hurricanes or even the WTC, hams were already setup for the most part and was in a realatively good and safe positions to help. There was no real danger after the incidents had already occurred. However, in a major disaster, war, massive terrorists attacks involving not just buildings, but states, and even geographical areas is what I am speaking about. Where there is still a danger of "side-effects" of the attack or a real threat of imminent attack in the same area.
#If it's a local disaster, and if your plan entails covering the entire US, this would, in my opinion mean, ham ops in every major city, state capital etc, prepared to go online or on the air immediately in coordination with local officials (FEMA, Police, Fire etc.). This is a massive undertaking to say the least.
#Further, it would mean you would have to have procedures and protocols that would meet the present Military and civilian requirements of interfacing and transferring the information to the correct agency(s).
#Is the ham op equiptment capatable with the power requirements of the agency he is working with? And if he is bringing his own power or gear, is it suitable for field use? How will he/she transport? etc.
#What about differences in training and modes of operation?
#For example. What if: The ham op(s) is a casulty and the information is being relayed via military satellite, radio, teletype etc. On the other end, the military guy(s) is a casulty and the ham op has no training in the military or civilian gear or vice versa? The ham op sends CW and the military guy on the other end has'nt a clue what he is sending because the ham(s) is a casulty at his end. Or the Military op send VLF and the ham can't operate the gear. etc..etc.
#A national disaster would entail the same, however, such a disaster on this scale would surely knockout some planned ham operating positions and operators (they are casulties) and redundant units would have to be prepared to take their place.
#Taking it one step further, what do you do if the power is out, biological attack, chemical attack, nuclear attack? You have to evacuate the area for whatever reason.
Who are your contacts and how to start the deployment?What does the plan say to do for a staging area? And if that staging area is non operational or destroyed, where is the location of the alternate staging area to evacuate to and setup? Does the local officals have this info. If not, you could find yourselves "doing with your right hand and not knowing what the left hand is doing". Does the ops know the chain of command should the local, state, fed officials are casulties? Where do the orders come from? And, who exactly, has what authority, to order what and under what circumstances?
#Further, in this worst case scenario, even if you could set up in coordination with local, state or federal officals, do the ham ops have the training and the equiptment to survive such an attack as biological, chemical, or radiological warfare? Does'nt make any sense in this scenario, if you make it to the staging area or area of ops only to die anyway because of lack of training and protective gear from such attacks. A dead op can't send or receive.
#Training: Probably the most important. It would have to entail close coordination with Fed, state and local agencies. This would almost have to include some kind of cross-training for both should either (ham op) or his military or civilian counterpart become a casulty.
Some kind of basic training in the use of chemical, biological or radiological protection and equiptment would be necessary as well as issuing of the proper gear for immediate deployment should the need arise. It's too late to issue chemical or biological gear once exposed in most cases..the damage is already done. (Remember, these are now real threats today in this scenario). Training would have to be constant to update and test deployment and operational capabilities of everyone. (People forget what they are supposed to do, especially in a "panic" situation.)
#Terrain. Does the ops have training in mountain survival, cold weather survival, desert survival? Is he equipped to handle the terrain. Can the ops live for long periods of time in primitive conditions that may result from such a disaster? And, is he in shape to?
#Logistics: Who will supply the food, medicine/medical if the ops are injured or wounded? Who will supply the fuel for the generator should the power go out? Who will provide security? Do you have a generator and a backup generator should that one be damaged or destroyed? Are the parts of equiptment interchangable?
#Personal needs: Does the ham op have any illness where he is required to take meds for his heath? (High blood pressure, diabetes, heart trouble etc.) You have to remember you are not asking a soldier who has been medically screened to do this. These are civilians.
#Further, have you taken into account the fear factor? How many of the ham ops can you depend on should a disaster occurr? How many will chose to seek cover instead of following the plan?
#Stress factor. Remember we are talking about a real and present danger from possiable exposure to biological, chemical or radiological after effects of an attack or possiable renewed attacks in the area. Again this is a real threat today. Can the #untrained ops; many have had no military training be counted on to fill the duties under these wartime conditions? A real question in this scenario.
#Where does the money come from to train ham ops and their counterparts, including equiptment, protective gear etc?
#And in my opinion, one of the most important. Who is in charge of this hugh communications network and responsiable for it's operation, training, logistics and deployment?
The more hands in the pie, the worse it tastes. Several "Chiefs" with different plans or orders could cripple such a network.
#I have'nt even touched on the "Political" bickering that could ensue. What agency is in charge? Do the Police, Fire,FEMA, Armed Forces feel they are being "stepped" on by what they perceive as "non professionals" trying to "get in the way" of their job?
#There is a reason why all Army personnel were first trained in the #MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) of
11B (Bang-Bang) Basic Infrantryman. Does'nt do any good to train someone to operate a radio if he can't survive the enviorment first.
# In todays world and the lethal weapons in the hands of our enemies, it only takes one small mistake to end a life. This is why our soldiers are trained so long and hard.
#As I said, I am only playing devils advocate. But what looks good on paper does'nt necessarily mean it will work in real life. Murphy's Law is the major (No pun intended Major..: P) problem here in my opinion.
#As we said in the Army. "If the ambush is going as planned, someone screwed up."

[k2gw]

Hi Bob!

Great topic. #Wish I had something like that when I took Air Command & Staff College. #Here are some reasons why Amateur Radio can assist in Homeland Defense:

1. #It's ubiquitous. #Amateur radio is a great example of a dispersed resource that would be difficult for an enemy to target. #There's always some ham station and a 12 volt battery that survives. That's why you always first hear about a disaster from some far off land via amateur radio. #

2. #It's self-reliant. #Commercial operations (including Public Safety) are concentrated and maintained by itinerant technicians, who are different than the actual operators. #Hams are used to constructing and repairing equipment with what's at hand ("field expedients"); commercial technicians have to board swap and send it to the depot.

3. #It's flexible. #Public safety (and most military circuits) are on fixed frequencies. #Hams bring spectrum and flexibility to link disparate networks together, as at the World Trade Center.

4. #It's educated. #The operators are more than appliance operators. #They understand the equipment and react to conditions. #The video tape of the fire chiefs all standing together and trying to simultaneously talk on HT's before the WTC collapse provides contrast. #Brave firefighters; but any ham would have moved away from the pack to try and contact his men upstairs.

5. #It's simple. #Simplex and simple repeater functions work better in a communications crisis than complex trunked sytems (such as cell phones) that are easily overloaded.

There are some limitations. #

There is a need for standard identification cards. #We have a great combined ARES/RACES operations here in Mercer County, NJ with fifty active hams regularly supporting the County OEM, State OEM and Red Cross chapter, but our ID cards from the county wouldn't count for much somewhere else.

There is a need for standardized training. #The new ARRL courses are a good start in this regard but there needs to be more opportunities for testing. #(Perhaps at every VE session).

There is a need for legislation requiring employers to release registered Civil Defense and Red Cross volunteers in an emergency. #Homeland Defense means the war is here as well, and thus requires the same support as military defense (National Guard and Reserves) traditionally gets.

Hope these thoughts give you some ideas for your paper. # Best of luck.

73

Gary Wilson, K2GW
Mercer County ARES/RACES AEC
Lt. Colonel, USAFR (Ret).

[KD5OIA]

I belive that HAMS could be an invaluable asset to Homeland Defense, as we are probably the most inginuitive group for finding ANY method of communicating. I just placed 1st (SWOT) in January QRP (low power portable)... with a RadioShack HTX-245 and a mag mount whip. If any group can find a way to talk with next to nothing it's HAMS. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[ka4sdx]

Major Butts, et. al.

While the primary benefit of hams to homeland defense is obvoiusly communications, a secondary benefit would be our individual expertise in various technical and professional fields. In passing messages and coordinating information flow an operator might be able to provide additional help based on their expertise in some field. For example, as a health and safety professional I might provide information on personal protective equipment, or monitoring devices, or toxicology while another ham that I know has expertise in field environmental remediation and response, including heavy equipment operations. I am certain that virtually all hams have experience in fields other than amateur radio. What you get when you tap the amateur radio community is not only basic communications, but access to a diverse group capable and willing to provide expertise in other areas too. In the event of a catastrophic event local experts may be casualties. Amateurs can help locate information and expertise and start it flowing into the geographical areas where it may be needed.

Best of luck on your paper.

73
David Duncan
KA4SDX

[KG6KCP]

Maj Butts:
# #I'd like to second David Duncan's remark about hams being a talented and resourceful lot. #One other curious thing about us, is that to a significant degree, within our sphere of influence, we often know each other quite well, talents, abilities, and interests.
# #While that may not necessarily add much to the ACCURACY of intelligence gathered in an emergency condition, it could potentially be very valuable in assessing it's RELIABILITY; equally important.

Best Wishes
Barry Norris
KG6KCP

[N9DVL]

The premise of RACES is out of date. There has got to be a better way to organise for the support of the Communications needs by a Community during an emergency.

I recently joined the Office of Emergency Management. They are jumping for members with amateur tickets. One thing we all picked up on is a lack of funding for training, afterall, we do more than communications. Bush, Clinton, Bush Sr, Reagan, Carter ... all pushed for more volunteerism, we are here, where is the funding for training and equipment? God help us if another attack occurs.. we still aren't ready.

[W7MLS]

If the concept of RACES is dead it's because we in the Amateur Radio Service allowed it to die a slow and painful death. We've done this by disinterest, lack of participation and lack of selling the concept to our potential customers. Oops can't use the term customer in relationship to ARS. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

We in the Amateur Radio Service have much to offer our fellow citizens. We all know that cellular phone and the internet will be the first casualty of the modern war.

I believe in ARES/RACES and firmly believe that preparedness is the key.

Good topic for discussion!

[KG4RYT]

I HAVE A BUNCH OF GUNS AND RADIOS, I GUESS I'M READY TO DEFEND MY HOMELAND http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif