[ECAC] Next moves

[John J. McDonough]

On Fri, 2014-01-31 at 08:07 -0800, Grant Hays wrote:
> Until Chuck (W5KAV) joined the ECAC, I believe I was the only member with
> any extensive NTS experience.

Grant, I have been the Michigan Section Traffic Manager for over ten
years, and before that had significant NTS experience.

Given that most of our meetings consisted of the same four of five
people, having Chuck, yourself and me in those meetings means they were
weighted toward NTS, rather than the opposite.

Dave, who probably did 75% of the talking ;) did admit to little
understanding of NTS, but as we prodded and poked, I was very much
enlightened about NTS in a number of areas.  Like most NTS folks, I was
down in the weeds, and hadn't noticed the structural and strategic
deficiencies.

> I also sustain Chuck's evaluation of the ECAC after Al and Dave
> spent time briefing the NTS.  Many ECAC members did not appear
> to understand those briefings or simply had their minds made
> up concerning the NTS

My own observations have tended to conflict with those of Chuck and Al
(less so with Dave).  I see NTS quite differently, and since I was at
almost every meeting, probably had something to do with tempering the
group's acceptance of Al and Chuck's observations.

Much of the NTS material reflects a very low level view, with little
attempt to grasp the larger picture.  It is quite clear that neither
Chuck nor Al understand the ARES mission nor the vast differences in
capability, implementation and especially needs across the various
jurisdictions.  You were relatively quiet, so your perception was much
harder to judge.

I think this disconnect only stands to underscore the ECAC's observation
of the disconnect between the Area Staff and the Sections.

> The ECAC completed its work and submitted a report.  I believe
> there should be no further action as the ECAC no long exists. 
> The ECAC report should stand on its own.

Recognizing that the BoD tends to wave their hands and thereafter things
drop, fairly early on we agreed we would create this reflector after we
sunsetted and work to shepherd our proposal through the P&SC.

I do think we need to give folks a chance to digest our proposal, and in
the immediate future, proceed rather slowly.  But I also think we need
to stay visible, or else nothing is going to change.

73 de WB8RCR