Continuation of query: "....For instance, up to a certain situation, does the ACS function mainly as a closely knit ARES-like support group closely tied to government? After that point does the group kick into a RACES-like mode?.....In that case are there sometimes some of the original group still operating in the first mode/level?"
Reply: No. The problem here is the mindset created by the ARES unit need to "switch hats" to the RACES in order to serve that government. The overall result is a form of "sanction" by local government for the ARES unit to function as a unit of government. The ACS already IS a government function. It does not need to "shift levels" as does an ARES group. There are no "levels of operations" in the sense of ARES and RACES. The only levels are those that indicate the degree of activity at the government facility as explained in bulletin 083.
A fully functional ACS unit is always active and involved in the agency affairs. ACS participants are at the agency as many days of every week as possible. They do so on a regular basis --- doing administrative and management tasks in addition to any net activities. This keeps the unit in full view of agency personnel while providing untold opportunities to absorb agency protocol, nuances and other unwritten factors that enhance the unit's function and usefulness when the eventual emergency does occur.
An ACS unit wants to support ALL government communications-related needs as part of its overall activities and operations --- not just passing messages on the Amateur bands. It may never use an Amateur band during an incident if its other systems are adequate. The ACS may evoke some operations on the Amateur bands IF there are adequate benefits and available clear channels. Unfortunately, there have been instances in the last several years where it was necessary to avoid Amateur frequencies due to health and welfare traffic interests who trounced emergency services nets, rendering them inoperable.
Topic continues next bulletin.
A fully functional ACS unit is always active and involved in the agency affairs. ACS participants are at the agency as many days of every week as possible. They do so on a regular basis --- doing administrative and management tasks in addition to any net activities. This keeps the unit in full view of agency personnel while providing untold opportunities to absorb agency protocol, nuances and other unwritten factors that enhance the unit's function and usefulness when the eventual emergency does occur.
An ACS unit wants to support ALL government communications-related needs as part of its overall activities and operations --- not just passing messages on the Amateur bands. It may never use an Amateur band during an incident if its other systems are adequate. The ACS may evoke some operations on the Amateur bands IF there are adequate benefits and available clear channels. Unfortunately, there have been instances in the last several years where it was necessary to avoid Amateur frequencies due to health and welfare traffic interests who trounced emergency services nets, rendering them inoperable.
Topic continues next bulletin.
RSS Feed
