An important component of amateur radio emergency communications is the ability to pass “Formal Traffic”. Amateur radio “Formal Traffic” refers to a structured system of relaying messages between amateur radio operators through designated networks, typically following a standardized format and procedures, often used to deliver non-commercial messages on behalf of third parties, most commonly managed through the American Radio Relay League's (ARRL) "National Traffic System" (NTS).

For the next few months of 2025, Sumter County ARES will focus training on how to properly format, send and receive formal traffic. This training will be conducted in four (4) parts. We are extending this training to members of The Villages Amateur Radio Club who may be interested in how to properly format, send and receive "formal traffic" over the air.

Attached is a document that explains how we will proceed with this training. To prepare yourself, as Part-1 of this training, please take a few minutes to review the "National Traffic System – Online Training Session" video that can be found at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkY5-FziUTc&t=21s

The entire SCARE Radiogram Training Series can be found at

https://www.sumterares.org/radiograms

We will begin Part-2 of this training during January's regular SCARES monthly Zoom meeting, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 7:30 PM ET. The link to the Zoom meeting can be found on the Sumter County ARES website at www.sumterares.org/calendar. Simply navigate to the date and you will find the link there.

Mark Newby, KX4LEO

Emergency Coordinator

Sumter County ARES

TVARC Member