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On Monday, August 24, 2020, 16:07, rjairam@gmail.com <rjairam@gmail.com> wrote:

Fellow ODV -

Please see the note below concerning MARS. I have been trying over the
last year and a half to get some traction on this, but between
leadership changes we haven't gotten much done. I am hoping since we
now have a new emcomm director AND a new permanent CEO starting next
month that we can finally get something done.

MARS' mission is closely aligned with ours and those that I know in
this area are very dedicated to their mission.

It is definitely an alliance worth strengthening.

73
Ria, N2RJ

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ken Brown <W2KB@arrl.net>
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 2020 at 17:02
Subject: MARS Region concern with ARRL HQ Communications with its Sections
To: <ria@n2rj.com>, <n2rj@arrl.org>

Hi Ria,

As the NJ Air Force MARS commander, I wish to make you aware of a
concern expressed by one of the MARS region (Army) or wing (Air Force)
leaders which arose the other day during a webinar reviewing the
results of the recent emergency drill COMEX 20-3, which among other
things interfaced with ARES and other ham groups. The comment was
made in reply to the below item in Chief Army MARS’ presentation:

“Improves

We still need to work on liaising better with ARS community (more
advanced notice, simplified instruction, read ahead of 60 meter TTP
manual, working with state-level ARRL and other leadership; consider
MARS MOUs at HQ to HQ level with ARRL, SATERN, RACES, etc.)”

A significant part of MARS’ emphasis of late has been to obtain status
information on local, county and state systems (utilities, airports,
roads and transportation, public health facilities, etc.), and
consolidating into MARS message format and forwarding same to federal
officials whom in a real event where conventional communications
systems failed would then be best positioned to deploy assistance
resources based upon that information. Ham radio in general, with
emphasis on ARES and NTS operators, is viewed as a significant source
of obtaining such information for MARS members to acquire and forward
to the federal concerned federal agencies, simulating the complete
failure of other means of communication. Hence is why the MARS Chiefs
feel that an MOU with ARRL to gain a better understanding of the
mutual needs and benefits would be advisable.

The region leader commented to the effect that ARRL HQ does not appear
to have much communication with or provide sufficient guidance and
direction to the Section level appointees, and in particular ARES and
NTS Section leaders. It appears that the commentator did not think
that entering into a memorandum of understanding between MARS and the
League would be of much benefit for that reason. I am not certain
from which region or wing the comment was made, and so far a link to a
recording has not been made available, so I cannot review it to
determine the origin of the concern. I am reasonably certain that the
comment was not made by a representative of MARS Region 2 / Wing 2
which includes the Hudson Division.

Here in NNJ the communication by and with W2VTV concerning the MARS
COMEXs has been exemplary, but if the commentator’s assertion has any
validity in other Sections or Divisions, it is something to keep in
mind should the MARS Chiefs pursue the MOI with the League. I’ll keep
you informed should I learn of any further developments. Please feel
free to ask me any questions, and especially so should this matter be
presented to the ARRL Board if I may be of assistance.

Thank you for your outstanding efforts on behalf of the Amateur Radio community!

73,

---Ken Brown - W2KB

W2KB@ARRL.net
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