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ARRL Eastern Pennsylvania Section (EPA)Section Manager
Eric D. Olena, WB3FPL 284 Blimline Rd Mohnton, PA 19540-7810 610-775-0526 wb3fpl@arrl.org |
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How many times has each of us said or heard “ I don’t agree with what the ARRL
is doing” in regards to one subject or another? Speaking for myself, I have
heard this many times and I am sure that those words probably come from my
lips upon occasion. However, in the field of Emergency Communications”
nothing could be further from the truth. The ARRL Volunteer Resource
Committee (VRC) came up with some recommendations that should help advance
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications to a new level of national recognition.
At the January 2003 ARRL Board meeting the VRC made several
recommendations.
“5.4.1 Amateur Radio should exhibit a higher level of readiness than
is presently the case. This may be accomplished, at least in part, by
encouraging SM’s in collaboration with their SEC’s and STM’s, to study on a
continuing basis, the training needs of their Sections and the effectiveness
of training programs in place.”
“5.4.2 Amateur Radio should exhibit a higher level of professionalism
than is presently the case. This may be satisfied, at least in part, by
adhering to the following program. Please note that these are not
requirements, but recommendations.
SEC’s and STM’s earn Level 1, 2, and 3 certification as soon as possible.
DEC’s and NM’s earn at least Level 1 and 2 certification as soon as
possible.
EC’s and OES appointees earn at least Level 1 certification as soon as
possible.
SEC’s and STM’s strongly encourage all ARES and NTS members to earn Level
1 certification in order to prepare them for possible future disasters and in
order to prepare them to become future leadership officials.
Finally, the training provided by FEMA, the Red Cross and other served
agencies should be considered for inclusion in ARES/NTS training programs.
These courses aren’t designed for exclusive Amateur Radio audiences, but
present an opportunity for ARES/NTS volunteers to expand their emergency
preparedness horizons.”
“5.4.3 SEC’s should make more effective use of OES appointees – the
guideline document for this field appointment is deliberately broad, so as to
give SEC’s flexibility required to solve a variety of Sectional organizational
problems.
“5.4.4 SM’s, SEC’s and STM’s should work cooperatively to develop
workable plans for joint drills and training.
It would take quite a bit of space for me to list all of my experiences
etc. to tell you why I agree with everything listed above, but as someone who
has spent the past twenty odd years dealing in emergency communications both
professionally and as part of my Amateur Radio hobby, you can be quite assured
that I do agree whole heartedly with the recommendations. My only point of
disagreement would be in regard to the SEC, DEC and EC appointments and the
LEVEL 1, 2 and 3 of the ECC. My preference would be to have them required
rather than recommended. The Eastern Pennsylvania Section can look forward to
my commitment on having the Section meet or exceed the VRC recommendations.
There are already a number of persons holding E. Pa. appointments who are
doing more than the recommendations ask for. For those persons who have not
started as yet, now is the time to work towards meeting the criteria of the
recommendations.
73
Eric D. Olena, WB3FPL
S.M. E. Pa.