[CVRC] NTS Message Origination Award

[Matthew Parker]

The following message came from Nevada SM Dick Flanagan today. Remember, I 
will be leading a two-hour training session on the National Traffic System 
and formal message handling on Saturday, February 15. The location for this 
class will be the V.A. Medical Center in Reno, 1000 Locust Street, 
Classroom MG-10. Start time will be approximately 12:30 (following the 
Western Nevada Noon Net), and I will have the radio station at the VA open 
for anyone wishing to stop by between the completion of SNARS' VE session 
at the same location that morning and the start of this training session.

73,
Matt Parker, N7TOD
ARES Emergency Coordinator - Washoe County

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In doing a bit of research, I came up with the following ARRL announcement:

ARRL NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM SPONSORS NEW AWARD

Traffic handlers, Amateur Radio Emergency Service members, and other public 
service communicators have for some years had access to several popular 
certificates and awards. These include the Brass Pounders League 
certificates and medallions, as well as the Public Service Honor Roll, 
National Traffic System Service Award, and Public Service Commendation 
certificates.

But these awards have traditionally appeared difficult to obtain, at least 
to some amateurs. Indeed, today's newcomer to the Amateur Radio Service 
often finds her/himself daunted by the seemingly impossible task of 
earning, for example, 500 BPL points or 70 PSHR points in a given month.

So, recognizing the needs of amateurs new to the public service 
communications arena, ARRL HQ and the senior officials of the National 
Traffic System area staffs nationwide are now making available a new, 
easy-to-strive-for certificate, designed expressly for neophyte traffic 
handlers.

Just like BPL medallions and PSHR certificates, these awards are available 
on a one-time basis only. To obtain one, U.S. Amateur Radio licensees must 
show proof of having ORIGINATED (not merely transmitted by their stations 
-- but ORIGINATED) at least four properly-formatted NTS messages in a 
one-month time frame. It will be up to the amateur to determine who his 
SM/STM is, and how to provide the necessary proof to the proper, 
duly-appointed SM/STM of his Section.

A side benefit of this scheme, from a management perspective, is that the 
amateur will need to become at least peripherally aware of why the term 
"origination" is by definition an off-the-air function, why it's likely to 
be of service to the public (rather than to himself), and who the 
responsible ARRL Leadership Officials are in his local traffic-handling 
community. In addition, it's likely that they will suddenly become clear on 
who they can turn to for traffic training information, complimentary Public 
Service Communications Manuals, and other necessary materials that ARRL HQ 
makes available to the local Leadership Officials.

Amateur seeking the new National Traffic System Message Origination Award 
are encouraged to contact their SM and/or STM for further details as to 
local implementation procedures for obtaining this prestigious new NTS award.

==

This award was first announced in the December 1999 "QST," but appears to 
be a well-kept secret. I have requested twenty-five of these certificates 
from ARRL HQ. I figure as we try to get people interested in message 
handling, these will be a very nice and attainable goal for the newcomers 
and a nice "graduation certificate" for our traffic classes.

73, Dick
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD ARRL NV SM
E-mail: w6old@arrl.org