[FLARES] Re: Recommended member training resources

[Keith Kotch]

Well, it seems that courses being taught now and books being written are
addressing this issue.  It's usually under a discussion of the value of
ARES to local emergency managers in the future given advances in
technological capabilities and reliability in the public and
governmental sectors.

But, it always seems to come full-circle that when the s... hits the fan
all those advanced communications systems show their weaknesses.  It's
just that the disaster events that cause those system failures need to
be bigger and bigger.  Smaller disaster events no longer have the same
effects on the local communications systems that they used to.  So, we,
the amateur community, need to be more flexible to provide the extra
eyes, ears, mouths and hands that are needed.  One thing that has
definitely not gotten more reliable is the issues regarding available
manpower to handle and operate all those advanced communications
functions and needs.  That's where we come in, _IF_ we're willing and
proactive in opening that door.  The ARES organization certainly carries
some credibility of service in most areas, at least above CB operators,
REACT, and the general amateur radio community.  We must exploit that
opportunity we have with local government and private groups to provide
the extra manpower needed, primarily with regards to communications
needs.

Keith, KF4BXT
EC - Seminole Co. ARES/RACES



-----Original Message-----
From: flares-admin@mailman.qth.net [mailto:flares-admin@mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of Paul Womble

 It's not just in your county.

Too many hams have the mentality: 

"If it's not done on a ham band with ham equipment then we don't do it"

This is a philosophy that should change...starting with the "leadership"
in Newington.