Question: What skills are the most important for a Radio Officer?
Reply: The Radio Officer position is one of management skills more than that of operations or length or class of license. Although it is very helpful, a ham license is not required for a Radio Officer, except for RACES. Other than novice, the class of license is not important, either.
Reply: The Radio Officer position is one of management skills more than that of operations or length or class of license. Although it is very helpful, a ham license is not required for a Radio Officer, except for RACES. Other than novice, the class of license is not important, either.
The Radio Officer, whether managing a RACES program or a broad -based auxiliary communications program, is a manager of people to meet the goals of the program. Program goals are set by the Radio Officer's appointing authority, usually in cooperation with the Radio Officer's recommendations. Such responsibilities clearly distinguish the Radio Officer from the technical, maintenance, engineering and operating activities. Although a Radio Officer may possess one or more of these skills, they are not required to be a good program manager, although they are quite helpful from a knowledge basis.
Today, due to budget and time constraints, there is increasing interest in the "auxiliary communications (or radio) service" approach to include all communications volunteers that serve a particular government. Such a combination in a general service, under a qualified Radio Officer, allows volunteers with diverse skills and interests to belong and serve. But, this further emphasizes the need for management skills rather than operations on the part of the Radio Officer. The appointing authority wants one point of contact with all of the communication volunteers for the day-to-day programs, which is a sound and basic management principle.
---Stan Harter, KH6GBX
Today, due to budget and time constraints, there is increasing interest in the "auxiliary communications (or radio) service" approach to include all communications volunteers that serve a particular government. Such a combination in a general service, under a qualified Radio Officer, allows volunteers with diverse skills and interests to belong and serve. But, this further emphasizes the need for management skills rather than operations on the part of the Radio Officer. The appointing authority wants one point of contact with all of the communication volunteers for the day-to-day programs, which is a sound and basic management principle.
---Stan Harter, KH6GBX
RSS Feed
