[KYHAM] KEN TRAINING for March 25, 2001: PREPARING FOR FUTURE TERRORISM Part 1

[Ron Dodson]

The next two weeks we will be using an article from the
April 2002, WORLDRADIO magazine.  This copyrighted article
from pages 6 and 7, written by Jerry Boyd, K6BZ is used here
with the written consent of the author, K6BZ and Rick
McCusker, WF6O, WORLDRADIO Editor and we thank them for
allowing us its use.

Ron, KA4MAP
SEC Ky

=======================================================
PREPARING FOR FUTURE TERRORISM
By Jerry Boyd, K6BZ

Those who were paying attention instead of playing
politics could have predicted the events of 11
September 2001. No, they could not have predicted the
exact tactics used by the terrorists that horrific
day.  But, the fact that international terrorists were
bent on targeting United States soil should have been
obvious.
	Most in the intelligence, law enforcement, and
military communities are certain that the WTC and
Pentagon attacks which killed thousands will NOT be the
last such acts of aggression to be experienced in our
lifetime. While our nation and its allies are currently
enjoying much success in ridding Afghanistan of the
Taliban and al-Qaida, Afghanistan is not the only
country to host terrorists, nor are the Taliban and
al-Qaida the only terrorist organizations we need to
deal with. In fact, for the the foreseeable future we,
as a nation, would be well advised to maintain
vigilance at all times.
	If one agrees that future terrorist attacks on our
soil are possible (some think probable), then it is
important for all of us to prepare to meet the effects
of those attacks. Much has been learned from the 9-11
experience that will be helpful should future attacks
occur. I read a number of police and fire professional
journals and it is clear those professions have learned
much from WTC and the Pentagon. Amateur Radio operators
responded to those events, and the lessons learned and
passed on by the Ham volunteers who assisted at those
venues should lead to changes within Amateur Radio as
well.
	Hams were not the only non-paid volunteers to respond
to the carnage of 9-11.  There were reserve police
officers, volunteer firefighters, and unpaid emergency
medical responders as well. In the professional (law
enforcement and fire) journals I have read and
discussions I have had since that date it has been
clear that some volunteers responded in inappropriate,
and in a few cases harmful, ways. Certainly, they were
well intended. However their lack of caution (the "John
Wayne Syndrome") and lack of familiarization with the
command system in use serve to the detriment of their
potential contribution. To the credit of Amateur Radio,
I have not heard or read of the same criticism
concerning the Amateur Radio response. That does not
mean, however, that their are no "learning points" for
the amateur community as a result of last September's
events.
	What should we in Amateur Radio be doing NEW to
prepare ourselves for future responses to terrorist
incidents? There are a number of things. First, as has
been discussed many times in many places, affiliate
with an "official" Amateur Radio emergency
communications (EMCOMM) group. In New York and
Washington it was the Amateur Radio Emergency Service
(ARES) and other legitimate groups that provided
service. Very few, if any, amateurs acting as
individuals were able to provide effective assistance.
	Second, develop a survival-oriented "mindset." That is
what paid, professional, emergency responders do. It is
the correct mindset, i.e. the will, training,
preparation, and the attitude to survive and perform
their tasks, that enables success. Third, be aware that
terrorist acts are different from other natural or
man-made disasters. With terrorist acts ONE MUST
CONSTANTLY ANTICIPATE SECONDARY/FOLLOW-UP ATTACKS! I do
not intend, in any way, to criticize or "Monday morning
quarterback" my colleagues who lost their lives,
heroically, entering the WTC to save lives. Had they
anticipated the first airliner to crash into the
structures would be followed by a second it is likely
their actions would have been different.
	Experience is often a cruel, but effective, teacher.
We now know that one horrible terrorist act may well be
followed by a second. As EMCOMM providers, we are
"first responders" much like police, fire, and EMS
personnel. We need to learn the lessons they have
learned. Approach all incidents with caution. Take time
to assess what has happened and to anticipate what
might yet happen in the immediate future. Had NYPD,
FDNY, Port Authority Police, and others thought of a
second suicide plane they might well have held back on
entering a doomed structure. The harsh reality is that
had they done so, the death toll might well have been
350 less that it was.

Continues Next Week...
=======================================================

Reminders:

Ky SSPM Drill Tuesday March 26, unless canceled for severe
weather.
Need your report on this NLT March 27th Wednesday evening 8
PM.

Quarter ends next Sunday March 31. Activity Reports due
first week of April.
Be sure and add your SSPM manhours and net to your monthly
totals.

E-Town Hamfest April 6.

Louisa Hamfest May 4.