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From: David Struebel <wb2ftx@optonline.net> Date: August 22, 2015 at 12:54:52 PM EDT To: undisclosed-recipients: ; Subject: Fwd: [NTS-EAN] Breaking News: NTS and FEMA // QNI - The NTS Newsletter

FYI. NTS and FEMA Activity reported in new QNI Newsletter.

The article below was extracted from the September 2015 issue of "QNI- The NTS Newsletter.

A personal copy is attached.

Back copies can be found in the files section of the new NTS-OPS Yahoo group and also at these web pages

The Texas CW Net Web Page: www.k6jt.com (scroll down to find the listing for the QNI Newsletters)

The QNI Newsletter Web Page (under construction): www.qni-nts.org (the back issues can be found under "Archives").

Comments can be directed to Jim WB8SIW, editor/publisher at jameswades@gmail.com

73 Dave WB2FTX Eastern Area Digital Coordinator NTS Digital

-------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: [NTS-EAN] Breaking News: NTS and FEMA // QNI - The NTS Newsletter Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2015 11:08:03 -0400 From: 'Joe Ames W3JY SM/EPA' w3jy@arrl.org [NTS-EAN] <NTS-EAN-noreply@yahoogroups.com> Reply-To: w3jy@arrl.org To: Joe Ames W3JY SM/EPA <w3jy@arrl.org>

Here is an article from the new issue of “QNI – The NTS Newsletter” on the recent discussion between NTS and FEMA, who seeks the ability to inject formal Radiogram messages into NTS for a “grid down” disaster scenario in an upcoming exercise. Assuming the exercise is deemed a success, and ARRL finds the relationship acceptable, FEMA would contemplate incorporating NTS into its national response plan.

QNI is an independent newsletter produced by traffic handlers for anyone that needs or relies on amateur radio messaging. Click here for the QNI website.

73 DE W3JY

Joe

SM/EPA

Chairman, NTS Eastern Area Staff

Breaking News: NTS and FEMA

by James Wades, WB8SIW

(Page 11)

On May 28, 2015, The Deputy Director of Disaster and Emergency Communications for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contacted Joe Ames (W3JY), Chairman of the NTS Eastern Area Staff and Section Manager of Eastern Pennsylvania, to inquire about the possibility of developing a relation-ship between FEMA and NTS. FEMA employees had already worked with Mr. Ames in his capacity as Section Manager for Eastern Pennsylvania and were therefore aware of his position as Eastern Area NTS Staff Chairman.

FEMA was looking for a high frequency messaging layer that could play a supplemental role in a "grid down" scenario. NTS was viewed as a possible supplemental resource, and NTS was identified as offering several advantages including:

· A unified, national management structure and supervision.

· Survivability in the form of decentralization, combined with independence from distributed infrastructure (HF radio is viewed as "the weapon of choice")

· Standardized procedures, including the radiogram format with its improved accountability data and network management tools offered significant advantages.

· Universal standards are defined by detailed "Methods and Practices Guidelines" (MPGs).

Recent experience had revealed that a lack of consistency amongst ARES groups has created a problem at the national level. This is not a condemnation of ARES, but rather a realistic assessment based on measureable data, which confirms the fact that ARES has, in recent years, evolved to focus almost entirely on local requirements. ARES is, of course, an excellent pro-gram, but most emergencies are local in nature and most such emergencies require tactical communications. Therefore, it is natural that ARES focus would evolve to a more local approach.

Lulled into complacency by such modern developments as the Internet and cellular data networks, many ARES groups have severed their relationship with NTS, believing no one wanted such a service. Instead of supporting and enhancing NTS, a few ARES groups have even gone so far as to discourage their members from active participation. The result is that ARES is now simply incapable of providing consistent connectivity beyond the local or section level.

Another widespread problem identified with ARES has been a widespread misunderstanding of the "ICS-213" message format and its applications. Some ARES groups believe that ICS-213 must be applied to ALL record message traffic functions, when, by Federal standards, it is required only within very specific functions within the EOC and ICS (NIMS) process. The result of this is dissatisfaction with inconsistent and often non-existent access to a national messaging layer, and overall poor quality control at the local level.

In response to the inquiry from FEMA, NTS Area Staff representatives participated in two extensive conference calls, explaining NTS, its management philosophy, mission and purpose. This included the presentation of an executive summary paper covering these same topics, and also a possible framework for support. FEMA was particularly impressed with the modernized digital NTS program and the survivable interoperability options afforded by multiple network layers, which facilitate interoperable message flow to the "last mile" via commonly available (and survivable) modes such as voice and CW net-works. The ability to inject record message traffic directly into NTS via the NTSD digital relay station (DRS) process using automated PACTOR technology was particularly appealing, al-lowing radio amateurs associated with FEMA to use existing government communications facilities to also access NTSD.

The radiogram format, with its additional network management tools and service capabilities, its universal date-time group and similar features are ideal for record message traffic, which must move between multiple time zones and propagate through multiple network layers to reach a dispersed unit within a disaster area.

FEMA is excited about developing a working relationship with NTS starting with the inclusion of NTS in an upcoming Federal Exercise. Of course, NTS Staff was very excited about the opportunity to assist, seeing this as an opportunity to reinvigorate NTS with a meaningful mission. After two conference calls, which occurred on June 8 and again on July 7, Mr. Ames trans-mitted a letter memorializing the results of these conversations to FEMA on July 10.

Although the ARRL-FEMA memorandum of agreement re-quires Newington's review of the pertinent details, a process on-going as we go to press, NTS is already taking steps to prepare for a working relationship with FEMA. Building on the success of the modernized NTSD program and the hard work of our core volunteers who have done much to improve message quality and training throughout the United States; the Area Chairs are planning an expansion of the NTS program. This includes:

NCERT Program:

NTS has already started developing standards for the creation of "NTS Communications Emergency Response Teams (NCERT)." The NCERT process is not designed to compete with ARES. Rather, NCERTs will consist of a volunteer team of NTS specialists capable of deploying survivable messaging services within a disaster area. They will also be qualified to support a Regional FEMA office or EOC that is already equipped with the necessary communications equipment. Each NCERT will be fully equipped, and its members trained and vetted, to establish communications using modes such as:

· Radio e-mail service

· Digital NTS (NTSD) messaging using high frequency PACTOR

· High Frequency SSB

· High Frequency CW

· VHF and UHF FM

· Additional modes based on Section and local requirements.

The NCERT program will be developed at the Section level. A minimum of one team per section will be the goal, with each section at liberty to develop additional teams. Each team will be a joint project between the Section Traffic Manager and NTS Area Staff, who will be responsible for chartering the local NCERT team once it meets the minimum standards. Specific training materials and guidelines will be pre-packaged to support the NCERT volunteers, who will be selected by the STM based on a proven track record of excellent operating skills and personal reliability.

NCERT volunteers will be cross-trained to ensure that all functions, CW, voice and data are staffed at least three-deep to facilitate continuous operation and to account for the possible absence of a volunteer. NCERT resources will be deployed based on priority, with FEMA support receiving primary service, state EMA support (through ARES) receiving secondary priority, and local EMA functions (through ARES) receiving tertiary priority.

Expansion of the DRS Program:

In the enhanced nationwide NTS messaging layer, manual mode nets will be of much greater importance. They provide a convenient, basic level of connectivity, which can prove of great advantage in time of disaster. The ability to embed one or more ARES/NTS volunteers equipped with a basic portable radio or manpack unit with a team deployed to a disaster area will be of importance. This may be the first step in the process of establishing communications in the event of a major incident until which time a full NCERT and other ARES/NTS teams can be fully deployed.

Once the NCERT is activated, the DRS function will be critical. The new digital NTS program provides the advantages of automation and error-checking, making it ideal for record-message traffic functions. Traffic propagates quickly through NTSD, but the DRS function is essential to providing a gateway either directly to an agency or via manual mode NTS networks. There-fore, one of the goals of the NTS Area Digital Coordinators is to expand the number of DRS appointments throughout the United States. In particular, NTS would like to see local ARES organizations deploy the necessary High Frequency PACTOR facilities and assign one or more volunteers to be qualified as a DRS for direct interface to NTSD.

ICS-213 Management:

The Programs and Services Committee has tasked NTS to develop standardized protocols to facilitate the transfer of messages in ICS-213 format (see back issues of "QNI" for more information on ICS-213/radiogram compatibility). This fits nicely into the FEMA initiative. Local and state agencies will undoubtedly submit messages on standardized ICS-213 forms. Depending on the communications circuit utilized, such messages may either be conveyed intact, converted to radiogram format, or wrapped in a radiogram "wrapper" to ensure that the message propagates through the NTS system with the necessary network management tools intact.

A work plan has been submitted to the Programs and Services Committee and NTS Area Staff is now working on the development the necessary standards and procedures, which will define the management procedures for ICS-213.

Messaging Drills and Exercises:

In anticipation of an enhanced nationwide messaging system, NTS will begin implementing a series of emergency drills and exercises. These will be used to test the system, identify areas needing improvement and better prepare our volunteer base for an important disaster response mission. Such exercises will be targeted in nature and will be designed to exercise not just manual mode nets, but NTSD and the DRS function.

Participation in major national exercises is also anticipated. These will be supplemented by internal NTS exercises, which might be described as "drills," including occasional field deployment exercises and an enhanced ARRL Simulated Emergency Test commencing in 2016.

NTS Area Staff is anticipating the appointment of a "National Emergency Communications Coordinator" who will be responsible for exercising and preparing the national messaging layer for instantaneous service in the event of a "grid-down" scenario.

Improved Training and Liaison:

The development of an enhanced NTS nationwide messaging layer will require improved cooperation between ARES and NTS. The message has now been received "loud and clear." Those who have argued that a nationwide messaging layer is un-necessary have been proven incorrect. Likewise, those who

have argued that the radiogram format, with its essential network management tools is obsolete have been proven incorrect. Fortunately, the vast majority of ARES and NTS members are dedicated, hard-working individuals who believe in mission success and therefore recognize the value of these programs and procedures.

NTS Area staff and its supporters on the ARRL Board of Directors have every confidence that Amateur Radio will step up to the plate to support these initiatives in a very positive, proactive manner that is in keeping with our history of technical innovation and public service. In the future, ARES and NTS volunteers should anticipate:

· The development of a new "NTS Manual" to serve as a parallel document to the new "ARES Manual."

· The development of a standardized, system-wide power-point presentation for NTS training covering basic net theory, structure and procedures.

· The incorporation into the MPG of official procedures for managing, converting and wrapping ICS-213 messages for transfer via NTS circuits.

· The development and release of standard operating guide-lines for NTS Communications Emergency Response Teams (NCERTs).

· Improved coverage and promotion of the "all-RF" digital NTS system so that ARES and NTS members and other leadership officials fully understand the structure and capabilities of the system.

· Implementation of a cycle of drills and exercises designed to test and enhance the nationwide messaging layer.

Summary:

NTS Area Staff is currently working with our supporters on the ARRL Board of Directors to bring these initiatives together in a very positive and constructive way. It is anticipated that these initiatives will do much to engender an atmosphere of positive cooperation and cross-fertilization between the ARES and NTS environment, which will reap great benefits for both groups.

More details on these initiatives will be forthcoming as they develop. In the meantime, NTS and ARES members are encouraged to spread the exciting news that Amateur Radio has been tapped for yet another important mission, which will emphasize real technical and operating skills and which will likely serve as motivation for many operators to return to NTS and for potential radio amateurs to find the motivation needed to become licensed and join the Amateur Radio Service as a way to use their computer, technical and communications skills to better serve their nation and community.

Whether one's interest is phone, CW or computers and digital modes, there is now a place for you in today's modern, National Traffic System and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service. Why not join us and be part of a winning team?

Let's promote this positive development and look toward a future of close cooperation between not just ARES and NTS, but between the public service interest sector and other operating interests such as contesting, experimentation and digital interests.

A bright future awaits us!

-30-

Jim Wades WB8SIW is the editor of QNI. He is an active trafficman in MI Section and has extensive emergency and disaster communications experience, in and beyond Amateur Radio.

13

have argued that the radiogram format, with its essential network management tools is obsolete have been proven incorrect. Fortunately, the vast majority of ARES and NTS members are dedicated, hard-working individuals who believe in mission success and therefore recognize the value of these programs and procedures.

NTS Area staff and its supporters on the ARRL Board of Directors have every confidence that Amateur Radio will step up to the plate to support these initiatives in a very positive, proactive manner that is in keeping with our history of technical innovation and public service. In the future, ARES and NTS volunteers should anticipate:

 The development of a new "NTS Manual" to serve as a parallel document to the new "ARES Manual."

 The development of a standardized, system-wide power-point presentation for NTS training covering basic net theory, structure and procedures.

 The incorporation into the MPG of official procedures for managing, converting and wrapping ICS-213 messages for transfer via NTS circuits.

 The development and release of standard operating guide-lines for NTS Communications Emergency Response Teams (NCERTs).

 Improved coverage and promotion of the "all-RF" digital NTS system so that ARES and NTS members and other leadership officials fully understand the structure and capabilities of the system.

 Implementation of a cycle of drills and exercises designed to test and enhance the nationwide messaging layer.

Summary:

NTS Area Staff is currently working with our supporters on the ARRL Board of Directors to bring these initiatives together in a very positive and constructive way. It is anticipated that these initiatives will do much to engender an atmosphere of positive cooperation and cross-fertilization between the ARES and NTS environment, which will reap great benefits for both groups.

More details on these initiatives will be forthcoming as they develop. In the meantime, NTS and ARES members are encouraged to spread the exciting news that Amateur Radio has been tapped for yet another important mission, which will emphasize real technical and operating skills and which will likely serve as motivation for many operators to return to NTS and for potential radio amateurs to find the motivation needed to become licensed and join the Amateur Radio Service as a way to use their computer, technical and communications skills to better serve their nation and community.

Whether one's interest is phone, CW or computers and digital modes, there is now a place for you in today's modern, National Traffic System and the Amateur Radio Emergency Ser-vice. Why not join us and be part of a winning team?

Let's promote this positive development and look toward a future of close cooperation between not just ARES and NTS, but between the public service interest sector and other operating interests such as contesting, experimentation and digital interests.

A bright future awaits us!

-30-

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