Editorial # 2  by KC2P 
 

Training training training, that’s what the buzzword these days, is as far as emergency operations and Ham Radio are concerned. Being an experienced packet operator, RTTY, DX, CW, ATV, etc. operator does not qualify you for emergency participation. Being trained in proper procedures, participating in exercises, i.e.: RFR, ADA, marathons etc., and honing the skills, learning the policies in use, and then working as a team, make you a trained volunteer. Don’t fool yourself. If you’re prepared and ready, you know. If you don’t have the time, then it’s just not that important to you. That’s OK too, just stay out of the way and let the trained people do their work. Sounds harsh, YES. But that’s reality. 

One of the challenges of volunteers has always been the fact that well-meaning but untrained volunteers create challenges for agencies on the front line. There is no time to get people up to speed once the emergency happens. You seldom have time to deal with the response at hand, let alone try to tell folks what they will need on-scene. So, get involved. Take suggested courses, attend training opportunities, check into nets and have your gear ready. 

Most of the above information taken from the December 2003 issue of WorldRadio magazine.

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