[InHam] Section Manager

[Ray, K9DUR]

Tony,

1.  I am a retired volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol.  As such, I was
required to pass a check with the FBI to work with the cadet program.  I was
also certified in our counter-drug program which required clearance by the
FAA, DEA, & US Customs.  So, I do not feel that I would have any problems in
that area.  However, I do share the concerns that ARRL HQ expressed with the
ambiguous, over-pervasive background check required originally by the
American Red Cross.  I am happy to see that the ARC & the ARRL are reaching
an acceptable middle ground in this area.

2.  Training is essential, not just initially but continuously.
Professionally, I retired from a field where the basic technology I was
working with did not exist when I graduated college.  The ARRL is currently
in the initial phase of the training process; their goal is to get everyone
through it for the 1st time.  Eventually, perhaps we could have added to the
courses a slimmed-down refresher course to keep those who have already had
the courses keep up to date.  On the other hand, do we not use those who
have not had the formal training?  Of course not, we just put them in
positions commensurate with their capability and level of training.

3.  Absolutely.  I believe that the courses should be free, or at very least
just the cost of the book, for ARRL members.

73, Ray, K9DUR