The Comm Room
  • Home
    • About Me
    • Personal Website
  • Amateur Radio
    • SkyWarn >
      • What is SkyWarn?
      • Getting Started
      • What Do I Report?
      • Severe WX Reporting
      • Spotter Safety
      • Overpass Safety?
      • SkyWarn in Arizona
    • Public Service & Events >
      • 10 Ways to Optimize Your Effectiveness
      • Are You Making a Difference?
    • ARES Information >
      • ARES Net
      • Prowords
    • Emergency Communications >
      • Emergency & Disaster Radio Operating Procedures
      • ECom Do's & Don'ts
      • Emergency Management Cycle
    • Training
    • EMCOMM Bulletins >
      • RACES >
        • 1995-96
        • 1996
    • Virtual QSL Wall
  • Incident Command
    • DHS Position Paper on NIMS & the ICS
  • Emergency Preparedness
    • Emergency First Aid >
      • First Aid for Pets
    • Planning For Pets
  • Social Media
    • Social Media vs Ham Radio
  • Links & Awards
    • SkyWarn Links
    • Public Service Links
    • ECom Links
    • ICS/NIMS Links
    • Emergency Prep. Links
    • Training Links
  • Radio Logs
    • Contest Log
  • Photos

1995-1996 RACES Bulletins

  • Starting in 1992, all of the RACES bulletins were classified into 1 of 6 separate topic categories: Management, Operations, Miscellaneous, Training, Technical, and Time-Sensitive (later deleted because their content is dated in nature).

Back

An Overview - A look at the year 2000! (RB359)

1/2/1995

0 Comments

 
If the past few years are an example of changes to come, then we may not recognize what serving in an Auxiliary Communications Service will be like in the 21st century!

Today the situation is no longer just that of operation of radios or packet. It involves much more than that; like assistance with a wide array of SYSTEMS: telephone, satellite, microwave, computers. When understood thoroughly, it covers everything from disaster information and intelligence to the delivery, installation and operations of systems in support of needs that may not be even thought of as yet!
Just consider some of the evolving changes of the 1990's: In the catastrophic Oakland Hills fire a special California State Office of Emergency Services (OES) ACS-RACES team brought in a specially equipped van, "RF-1", to setup multiple links to telephones. By microwave they linked the command center in the fire storm area (where phone and electric lines were out) to the toll plaza of the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge (line-of- sight) and thence into the commercial phone system. This multipurpose sophisticated mobile emergency communications platform is one of three designed, created and implemented by this team of volunteers in the Bay Area. By-the-way, one of the team leaders, although a communications volunteer, is not an Amateur Radio Service licensee.

A CA Department of Forestry Ranger Unit developed and deployed a Mobile Video Vehicle, a Jeep Cherokee, based on a commercial unit owned by KGO San Francisco, CA.

State OES ACS/RACES participants developed satellite strike teams to transport and setup portable trailer-mounted satellite dishes as part of the state-wide Operational Area Satellite Information System (OASIS) which provides up to 32 telephone lines to a local jurisdiction via satellite. These units were deployed during 1994 to incidents as appropriate.

In on-going preparation for future emergencies, State OES headquarters ACS responders provide DAILY agency administrative support and program management to assist counties and cities by preparation of ACS/RACES plans, writing manuals, producing informational materials, bulletins, flyers, and other support including secretarial and clerical assistance. They conduct tests and analysis of new equipment and systems. They provide support of Public Safety systems, transportation and delivery of equipment, and specialists in support of agency computer systems.

In a situation in late '94 Internet was used as a tool for the flow of vital data. In an earthquake at Eureka, California images and information was made available on the INTERNET.

There are literally scores of interesting and challenging opportunities for an Auxiliary Communications Service as part of its service for government. Can you imagine the possibilities that will abound in the 21st century! It's almost unbelievable what can be done, yet it is up to those who are willing - and who have the foresight - to do it!
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    RACES Bulletins

    CA State OES began the Bulletins in the early 1950's to assist agencies and radio operators to become more familiar with RACES. They were issued periodically until 1985, at which time they began to be issued weekly over voice and digital radio systems of Amateur Radio and in print. Originally intended for California, increased demand, and a 1988 request by the ARRL for national distribution, led to their eventual worldwide distribution.

    Archives

    April 1996
    March 1996
    January 1996
    December 1995
    November 1995
    March 1995
    February 1995
    January 1995

    Categories

    All
    1 Management Bulletins
    2 Operations Bulletins
    3 Technical Bulletins
    4 Training Bulletins
    An Overview - A Look At The Year 2000!
    Commitment Frame Of Mind
    Double Teaming
    Emergency Management
    End Of Series Information
    Incidental Races Benefits
    Multiple Commitments
    NVIS Refresher
    Proper Net Id
    Questions
    Relay Stations
    The First Few Seconds!
    Travel - How Far Is Too Far
    Understanding Volunteers
    Why Amateurs?
    Why We Do What We Do!

Search This Site:



© Copyright 2009-2022, David M. French.

All original content by David M French is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Other names, titles, and images are registered trademarks of their respective companies or organizations. All rights reserved.
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.