[MRIC] To Count or Not To Count

[Pat Scolla]

That is the an issue at hand.

While I will agree that a word count does have its place, I do not 
believe that it belongs on the ICS-213 for one fundamental reason.  When 
we pass traffic using the ARRL Radiogram, in the overwhelming majority 
of cases, the ARRL Radiogram was generated by an amateur radio operator 
well versed in amateur radio traffic handling.  However, when we pass 
traffic in an emcomm setting and the ICS-213 is used, in all likelihood, 
the ICS-213 is going to be filled out by someone who is completely 
unaware of the ARRL Radiogram format and how the NTS is set up, and does 
not really care if their message is 12 words long, or 63 words long.  
All they want us to do is to pass the message along to who it is 
addressed to in a timely manner and that it be done so accurately.  
Also, the last thing they will want form us is a lesson in message 
formatting according to the ARRL.

Does that mean we have to pass that ICS-213 message over an amateur 
radio frequency?  No.  We can use a fax machine, scan it and send it as 
an attachment using some type of file transfer system be it RF based or 
internet based, etc.  All we have to do is pass it along as best we can 
to the party it is addressed to.

Also, the amount of "formal traffic" that we will be handling will only 
be a small percentage of the overall traffic we will be handling.  When 
the incident occurs, most of what we will be handling will be tactical 
messages and as long as we get the message right, be it in 6 words or 9 
words, as long as the original intent is intact, a message has been 
accurately handled.

Keep the ICS-213 as simple as possible and we will not only be doing 
ourselves a big favor, but also one to those we serve.

73,
Pat Scolla, wb0egr
Harford County RO