Ria — Thanks for sharing that letter from W2KB.. Clearly, we are on the cusp of a completely different approach to collaborating with and supporting other organizations and agencies, and my hope is that we can “step up our game” quickly enough that emcomm decision makers in MARS and other groups will not feel the need in the future to write letters such as Ken’s, below. I believe a response to Ken — and to others throughout the MARS structure — is appropriate — perhaps over the joint signatures of Rick Roderick and Paul Gilbert. Best of all, I believe the ARES and NTS activities described by Ken in his paragraph that begins “A significant part of MARS’ emphasis of late … “ are a wonderful near-term opportunity to motivate our field organization leadership and other volunteers. Bud, W2RU
On Aug 24, 2020, at 5:07 PM, 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
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