How and where unit participants are assigned for work is an interesting and demanding task. Of necessity there are a variety of ways of assessing the talents, skills and abilities of personnel. Much depends on the view of the unit leadership as
well as the assigning officer. In general, good units have a thorough knowledge of their personnel and have them listed in appropriate categories.
Depending on the depth of a unit, and its likely assignments, personnel may be categorized in these GENERAL areas: Operations, Administration, Management and Technical. Training can be placed in either Operations or Management.
Experienced emergency coordinators and radio officers soon become aware of the level of abilities required for specific OPERATIONS assignments of their communications unit participants.
Here is one way to consider it, focused around the ICS field application
Depending on the depth of a unit, and its likely assignments, personnel may be categorized in these GENERAL areas: Operations, Administration, Management and Technical. Training can be placed in either Operations or Management.
Experienced emergency coordinators and radio officers soon become aware of the level of abilities required for specific OPERATIONS assignments of their communications unit participants.
Here is one way to consider it, focused around the ICS field application
| EOC | Level 3 | Emergency Operations Center | IC | Level 2 | Incident Command | Staging | Level 2 | ICS Staging or Marshalling Area | Aides | Level 1 | Formerly called "Shadows". They who accompany the person to whom assigned, such as the Incident Commander, Operations Chief, etc.) | NCS | Level 3 | Net Control Station | |
The abilities required for the Aide ("Shadow") operator are the most demanding because the physical exposure to hazards of the incident by literally accompanying the person everywhere he/she goes.
For Amateur Radio Service licensees, it helps to expand your expectations of where you will be assigned. If you expect to "only operate your own equipment or only on Amateur frequencies" you may be missing out on some of the most rewarding opportunities you will ever face. There are many forms of service needed in communications situations, so being open to the possibilities brings very interesting applications of your skills -- some of which may really surprise even you!
For Amateur Radio Service licensees, it helps to expand your expectations of where you will be assigned. If you expect to "only operate your own equipment or only on Amateur frequencies" you may be missing out on some of the most rewarding opportunities you will ever face. There are many forms of service needed in communications situations, so being open to the possibilities brings very interesting applications of your skills -- some of which may really surprise even you!
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