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(arrl.org)-Elements of the US Department of Defense (DOD) will conduct a “communications interoperability” training exercise November 4-6, once again simulating a “very bad day” scenario. Amateur Radio and MARS organizations will take part.
“This exercise will begin with a national massive coronal mass ejection event which will impact the national power grid as well as all forms of traditional communication, including landline telephone, cellphone, satellite, and Internet connectivity,” Army MARS Program Manager Paul English, WD8DBY, explained in an announcement.
originally posted by: Black_Fox
That being said, things happen during drills, and nothing happens during drills.
During the exercise, a designated DOD Headquarters entity will request county-by-county status reports for the 3,143 US counties and county equivalents, in order to gain situational awareness and to determine the extent of impact of the scenario. Army and Air Force MARS organizations will work in conjunction with the Amateur Radio community, primarily on the 60-meter interoperability channels as well as on HF NVIS frequencies and local VHF and UHF, non-Internet linked Amateur Radio repeaters.
originally posted by: muzzleflash
You know what happens when the power goes out for awhile?
You actually start thinking about stuff, like your life.
You might even go outside and meet a "neighbor".
Neighbors are the people next door. I know some of you old timers know this stuff but the kids these days..
Lights out
A-ha
Blast, blast, blast
Lights out
A-ha
Blast, blast, blast
Lights out
Dancing in the dark
To the radio of love
Dancing in the dark
To the radio of love
Read more: Peter Wolf - Lights Out Lyrics | MetroLyrics
originally posted by: Jefferton
Things do happen during drills, but, as far as I know, it's always found out after the fact. Never once has a posted known drill ever had an incident.
originally posted by: RickinVa
Neighbors...
That's why I am glad I retired to a very rural area.
I know all my neighbors by first name and we all get together from time to time.
If I need help, all I have to do is ask....if they need help, all they have to do is ask.
originally posted by: MichiganSwampBuck
I'm looking at the linked article right now, this seems to illustrate my point about how the licensed amateur radio operators are in bed with government. The HAM guys will be coordinating with Uncle Sam in a crisis or disaster, so as a prepper/survivalist citizen I wouldn't advocate getting a license and using their frequencies, unless you want to be a government snitch. It's good to listen to the HAM chatter with a receiver, but I wouldn't get involved.
From the article:
During the exercise, a designated DOD Headquarters entity will request county-by-county status reports for the 3,143 US counties and county equivalents, in order to gain situational awareness and to determine the extent of impact of the scenario. Army and Air Force MARS organizations will work in conjunction with the Amateur Radio community, primarily on the 60-meter interoperability channels as well as on HF NVIS frequencies and local VHF and UHF, non-Internet linked Amateur Radio repeaters.
If you are going to communicate with two-ways for personal use, I advocate using the unlicensed frequencies and staying away from the HAM radio club guys. They are going to be gathering local intelligence information and helping the government, they likely wouldn't have much time to help you.
originally posted by: MichiganSwampBuck
I'm looking at the linked article right now, this seems to illustrate my point about how the licensed amateur radio operators are in bed with government. The HAM guys will be coordinating with Uncle Sam in a crisis or disaster, so as a prepper/survivalist citizen I wouldn't advocate getting a license and using their frequencies, unless you want to be a government snitch. It's good to listen to the HAM chatter with a receiver, but I wouldn't get involved.
From the article:
During the exercise, a designated DOD Headquarters entity will request county-by-county status reports for the 3,143 US counties and county equivalents, in order to gain situational awareness and to determine the extent of impact of the scenario. Army and Air Force MARS organizations will work in conjunction with the Amateur Radio community, primarily on the 60-meter interoperability channels as well as on HF NVIS frequencies and local VHF and UHF, non-Internet linked Amateur Radio repeaters.
If you are going to communicate with two-ways for personal use, I advocate using the unlicensed frequencies and staying away from the HAM radio club guys. They are going to be gathering local intelligence information and helping the government, they likely wouldn't have much time to help you.