TO: ALL ARES OPERATORS IN DISTRICT 3 (OFFICIAL)
ALL AMATEURS IN WEST VIRGINIA (INFORMATION)
FROM: WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED AND WOOD
COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICES (ARES)
ARES DISTRICT 3 BULLETIN NR 07.49 DATE: December 9, 2007
SUBJECT: WHAT IS TRAINING?
Training is something that is needed on a continuing basis, even though you think you have it right, things may have changed to a better way since the last time you did it. One of the main lessons learned at the "I R Phone Home" exercise yesterday, is it was apparent that a lot of training needs to be done. Everyone involved with an event should be an expert in some part of the entire operation, whether it is installing HF antennas, laying out cables or installing codeless phones for the telephone system, being the telephone operator, a Packet or Voice Radio operator on both HF and VHF/UHF, a Net Control Station operator, or just a go-fer for those who have the experience to do any the work that needs to be done. An actual event IS NOT the time to get your training, by then it's too late. Training needs to be done when there's plenty of time to explain what needs to be done, how to do it, and if it can't be done one way, then make it work another. The exercise yesterday was a learning experience and I hope everyone got something out of it. Things were moving fast and a lot of things needed to be done, but we proved we could do it. We just need to do it better the next time, and I think we can. Thanks to all who participated.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV;
ARES Assistant Section Coordinator WV
ARES District Emergency Coordinator WV DISTRICT 3