CREATING A VIABLE JUMP TEAM
AND WHAT IT NEEDS TO FUNCTION
written by Bob Hejl - W2IK
all rights reserved , updated 2011
In the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, the major hurricanes that devastated the Gulf Coast region and even the most recent earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, there has been a renewed interest in preparing and training for disasters. This includes taking advantage of amateur radio resources to fill the void when other means of communications fail. As amateur radio operators, we know that when a disaster strikes it becomes a lesson in futility when local governments run to grab a few cellphones in the hope that communications can be covered using this limited technology.
Local governments are foolish if they believe that some cellphones or even a few radios can even hope to properly support a disaster. Cellphone systems are limited in both their capacity and coverage. If even one cell tower goes down, there is a huge void in coverage. When there is no power beyond back-up batteries, they become useless in a short period of time. The press also jam up cellphone capacity in their efforts to report events thereby limiting even more the capacity of a cellphone system. The press even have a newer technology where they "bundle" several cell phone lines to send streaming video which wastes site capacity even more. Time and time again we've seen other "systems" fail thus proving that amateur radio operators are the first and best line of communications support. This is true not only in the realm of coverage, but also in the ability to properly and accurately pass important messages due to their actual training in this area. Slowly, amateur radio operators are being accepted by others as a legitimate communications support resource. With this in mind, we are now training with renewed energy and freely sharing our thoughts, ideas and experiences with our fellow hams in the hope of being better prepared each time we are called into action.
Yes, we've made mistakes in the past. Who hasn't? But let's also acknowledge that unlike other support services we've learned from them, adapted and therefore have become better communicators. Amateur radio constantly updates and along with it so do our techniques and abilities. Just a few years ago, you could search the Internet in an attempt to find web sites dealing with ham radio emergency communications, only to find very little information on the subject. However, today there are dozens and dozens of sites you can access in order to obtain new information to build emergency antennas, assemble personal "go bags" and listings of many other ideas to make your emergency communications support work more efficient and effective. Consequently, with this enlightened spirit, many EmComm groups are devoting additional time in training for both small and large scale disasters. Every communications group should take a page from this positive direction and train, field drill and support the communications needs of stricken areas in the event of a large scale disaster.
"And Now For Something Not So Completely Different"
Along with this renewed vigor, comes another avenue of support and another challenge which some of us must prepare for. Today, we are being asked by several agencies to take on the additional task of assembling "Jump Teams" which will have the ability to travel distances to a disaster area and supply emergency communications from the "lion's mouth" for long periods of time. The jump team concept, as well as jump teams themselves, are almost as old as amateur radio. However, in light of the recent disasters it needs a new spotlight. Jump teams are involved in special situations which require addressing special concerns relative to today's needs. First and foremost, every jump team that's created must strive to be a self-sustaining operation. There can be no doubt about this. Jump teams cannot place an additional burden on a devastated area by requesting supplies or shelters. They must complete their emergency communications responsibilities acting as a "stand alone" unit, bringing with them all the equipment, supplies, food, water, shelters and all the support they might require to the area-specific stricken location. Depending upon the disaster, it's location and time of year, jump teams will be required to bring not only basic amateur radio equipment and personal gear but also different equipment, supplies and clothing which should be specifically suited to support each particular event. "The Most Important Piece" The most important piece of any emergency communications support program are it's well-trained operators. However, before ANY amateur radio operator even contemplates raising their hand at an EmComm or club meeting to volunteer for inclusion into a jump team program they must be fully aware of what will be expected of them.
Being part of any deployment team of this nature requires that you might be asked to deploy in situations that are both physically and emotionally demanding. This is not like deploying for some limited disaster or at the tail-end of an event such as many of you who've handled communications in some shelter for a few days following a hurricane or winter storm might have done. This is not a "Field Day" operation. This is much different and much more serious. Jump teams quite often are the very first communications out of a decimated area.
It is imperative that jump teams get on the air as quickly as possible and stay on the air by whatever means at their disposal. They must be able to erect antennas in areas where nothing might be left standing or where the average ham thinks it cannot be done. It requires special knowledge, skills and training. The amateur radio operators who form as a jump team must know how to improvise, work together and adapt using what they've brought and what limited things they might be able to scrounge up in the affected area. There needs to be a little "MacGyver" in each and every team member. Failure is NOT an option because many lives may be at stake.
I believe that when someone or some group forms or are part of an emergency communications "Jump Team," they need to approach it as if it were a DXpedition to some uninhabited island where the only thing they can count on is bird shit, bad weather and each other. Like a DXpedition, there should be a deployed team leader who will delegate responsibilities that each member must fulfill so the station(s) can be up and running in as little time as possible. This pre-delegation will be based on skill-level and experience in each area. I don't think I've read of anyone taking the same attitude, ideas and tactics of a DXpedition and applying it to an EmComm Jump Team, but it certainly fits.
With all of this, being a team member also means being in very good physical condition. At times it can be much more demanding than "rustic camping" in some state or national campground. Many years ago, I deployed to the Virgin Islands following a hurricane. Arriving there, I found it to be oppressively hot and humid in the hurricane's aftermath. Weather-wise, it wasn't what you'd experience during any vacation period. No air conditioning. No breeze. The sweat boiled off me like a man about to face a firing squad, and this just from the minor effort I expended in erecting a dipole antenna. There was no place to cool off, either. It was so bad that I couldn't sleep during my scheduled off time and I lost weight from deploying in this harsh environment. Living in a tent, and not in the air-conditioned luxury of some hotel as would be the case during a vacation, placed an additional burden which sometimes revealed itself by increased stress levels among people we had to work with. We all lived in tents. We all became cranky. But, we all stuck together and got the job done.
There may be times when it will be a trek just to pick your way through rubble and debris to go to a makeshift bathroom like I had to do when I deployed following a hurricane. No showers. No fancy food. Just eating and drinking what you've brought, especially for the first 72 hours. You have to honestly answer this question: "Can I do this?" "Can I operate and act as a professional communicator under more deplorable conditions than we might associate with living in the back areas of any "third world country" or the dirtiest conditions you might ever imagine... or be deployed in a location where you've felt that you were losing the feeling in your fingers from the extreme cold/snow?" Remember, as a "go anywhere" jump team member you must be able to withstand both extremes of climate. If you think I'm exaggerating, then talk to a few "first responders" of past major disasters who have been exposed to both extremes of weather. It would be a good idea to first get a physical and ask your doctor if you'd be up to the task of deploying in hardship areas. Remember, you're not a kid of 18, anymore. (At least this way you'd be getting the physical that you keep putting off.) Also be aware that you need to keep your shots up to date, with the addition of shots recommended for whatever area you might deploy to, such as Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and have on hand Malaria pills beyond your personal medications.
OK, let's say that you have answered "yes." You feel that you can "take it". Now another potential roadblock gets thrown into the mix. That is, the emotional stress of any disaster. First, is the stress of assembling a station where none ever existed. This won't be a casual "Field Day" setup. People are depending on your team to get communications up and running in as little time as possible. NO MATTER WHAT, YOU HAVE TO GET ON THE AIR! When your team gets to it's location, team members should have already been pre-assigned a specific logistical task(s) to perform. Responsibilities such as setting up shelters for both sleeping and operations (see the latter info on "site survey"), erecting antennas, doing station setup (rigs and power,etc), contacting and interacting (with informational gathering) with local agencies and supplying nutritional support for the team are examples of but five of the basic required needs. Each of these items will be discussed later in this publication. After your team's initial station is up and running, your thoughts might then shift to an even greater stress agent. You have to ask yourself this: Can you subjectively deploy into a disaster area and do your communications job without letting your emotional floodgates open? This does not mean that you should be a cold-hearted person. If you were, you wouldn't even be considering volunteering! What this means is that you should be able to see beyond the sorrow towards the greater goal of helping the devastated area get back on it's feet. You'll need a means and a way not to focus on the actual disaster but rather to focus on your communications duties. It requires courage. The emotional burden doesn't stop there, either. Stress may come from another source.
Even if you are the most seasoned EmComm operator, you must remember that you are a guest of whatever communications group or local government is in-charge of the disaster. You are there by their request or invitation. You must be able to take their orders and follow their rules no matter if it goes against everything you've been taught and drilled on. It's their show, not yours. They may make mistakes. Swallow hard and do your job. (Believe me, I've had to.) If you can't do this, then don't deploy. If they ask your advice or opinion, give it in a non-threatening manner. Again, it's their community and therefore their responsibility.
If your EmComm group is worth it's salt, then they will help you in your jump team training regarding "emotional conditioning" before you are faced with deployment. They'll show you techniques on how you can emotionally disengage from the event during your break times, such as by reading some novel or doing crossword puzzles, so you can relax enough to fall asleep or at the very least physically recharge. You'll learn how to "decompress" after your deployment so what you've seen and experienced doesn't affect how you'll react when you get back home. These factors are just as important as bringing the proper gear. Beware of POST TRAMATIC STRESS DISORDER which may come upon you even weeks or months after the event.
Can you handle all of this? Can you physically and emotionally handle the task? Can you also afford to invest the additional time for special field training and the time deploying for the actual event? It won't be easy, nor will it be a "one day deal". You won't be able to "pick and choose" which event you wish to be involved in. If you can do all of this, then the next step is to talk to your local EmComm group or amateur radio club about being part of a jump team. There are a lot of things you'll have to learn and many things you'll need to acquire to be a part of such a team. It's not a job for "badge polishers", to inflate egos, for glory-hunters or for the faint of heart. It's a truly down-and-dirty job (and I mean dirty) for special people with special skills for a special responsibility. It's the last job you'd ever want to do, but probably the most important job you'll ever have to do.
IN ADDITION:
After doing some investigating on the Internet, and talking to EmComm people from all over the country, it appears that some people and groups are confusing the terms "Go Kits" with a "Jump Cache." To me, a "Go Kit" is something not unlike a "Go Bag" which contains most of the personal supplies and radio equipment that an individual might need to deploy, i.e.: "go to" to an event such as to a shelter to assist in communications until a weather event has passed in a day or two. These items are usually stored in a back pack or plastic bin. You actually aren't "jumping" lock, stock and barrel anywhere as much as you are being deployed to some location for a limited time. (A lot of hams who showed up at Red Cross in the hopes of helping out during the World Trade Center Disaster didn't even have something as simple as a "Go Bag", but just showed up with an HT and MAYBE one extra battery...... They weren't put to use because they were under-prepared. I hope that many have learned from this and now have adequate "Go Bags" for short-term events) However, by my definition, a "Jump Team Cache" is something very much different. It is not a backpack or even a "kit", but rather a large inventory of supplies and radio equipment you'd bring with you to a non-local location such as what you'd bring traveling a distance to support a disaster in another area or state as either a stand-alone station op or as a member of a larger communications team. This would require more food, water, equipment, power and antenna considerations and shelters for an event where there wouldn't be much of anything to rely on. My local team's actual jump cache is over two tons of gear, shelters, grub and water.
SO, WHERE DO YOU START?
There seems to be very little found about actually organizing an EmComm Jump Team anywhere on the Internet other than stating a need for them in local plans. It kind of reminds me of everyone wanting one, but no one knowing how to go about it. So the reason for this booklet and web site is to start you on the proper path for developing such a team. Here is the place to start. I know that there are very well run jump teams out there, however not much is posted about them other than what they've done ie: "event deployment". I am aware that many teams are "area-related", however the more information we are armed with, the better job we can do in creating our own jump teams and making sure they have all they need to properly fill EmComm needs. With this void of published information, there is a lack of self-confidence in the minds and hearts of those EmComm groups looking to develop their own jump team(s) beyond asking individual members to create/gather their personal go-kits in some back pack or bin to be used on a grander scale than supplying basic communications at a local shelter where they would be relieved in 24-48 hours. Again, a basic go-kit is a nominal inventory of items and won't properly cover things needed during an event where one has to travel distances and to be deployed in the nakedness of a major disaster. Have you ever heard of a Dxpedition where team members simply carried to "XYZ Island" gear and personal items on a few back packs? This would be courting disaster!
I will be talking about how to create a "Jump Team", and what will be required so it can deploy to a locale that isn't hospitable, in the next chapter. This booklet - web site is by no means meant to be a "bible" nor a complete plan. However, it is probably the best starting point you'll find when it comes to creating emergency communications deployment teams.
It is also the first of it's kind. Not even the ARRL has anything like this.
CHAPTER TWO
A SUCCESSFUL TEAM STARTS FROM THE TOP,
BUT INVOLVES EVERYONE
LEADERSHIP
When you are creating a jump team from scratch, you first need to appoint a strong individual who would be responsible for the complete Jump Team operation. This person is not one of the deploying agents, however, he/she needs to be able to identify the goals of their particular jump team and develop the ways and means to fulfill them. This includes knowing where to find the right answers and support when requested by the team. This person must have a pro-active stance on emergency communications yet be flexible in it's operation. He/She must also be able to work as directed by the agency supporting this team. (see below)
Usually, a jump team is a smaller part of either a local EmComm structure (such as ARES, RACES, REACT, etc) or an arm of an active amateur radio club. Whatever the source of this team, every radio club member or EmComm group member must be committed and responsible to insure the jump team's success at every level. Whatever title you give this person, everyone, even those not directly on the team, should give this leader the respect they deserve and the support they might need. This could include, for example, acting as monitoring stations back at your home location in case communications require the jump team to request additional information, supplies, personnel or to report their progress.
Supporting agencies must also be able to properly fund their jump team program so expendable items can be maintained. This would include gas to get to their site, fuel for power generation, food and water supplies, replacing worn coax cables, supplying a new radio to replace a defective unit, etc. This is a team effort beyond just the jump team personnel. Don't embarrass your club or group by being "all talk and no action". Once your group is committed, have the courage to do a proper job and train in the field or don't even consider developing a jump team. Your supporting agency may also wish to solicit funding or supplies from other sources to support your jump team, such as from local ham radio clubs, local companies, churches, etc.
You never want to leave a jump team "out in the cold" support or communications wise. Jump team members are donating their time, sometimes risking their personal safety, and effort and will be deploying under rustic and trying conditions. Clubs or EmComm groups at the very least need to supply funding support AND remember that your deployed jump team also needs your group to be one of the contacts out of the area they can send health and welfare traffic to. This means that many members of your supporting group must be trained on traffic handling in the manner your jump team sends the information and on duty, in shifts, to take this traffic. Granted, any jump team must strive to be self-sufficient while deployed on location, however in extreme cases they may need help or information from sources beyond their deployed area. This is why your local group needs to be in scheduled, daily communications with your deployed jump team. (If people wish to be a jump team member, but can't physically deploy, they should support their deployed jump team by monitoring frequencies for jump team communications back to their support group and passing messages when they need assistance.) The team leader should be the only person, perhaps by a recommendation from the club or group President/EC, to activate the jump team for standby (get ready) or actual deployment and must be able to supply the jump team with all the information they need to properly deploy. (Where, when, how, estimated deployment period, who to report to (names) at the deployed area and supplying maps to the jump team.) They should also be charged with obtaining and tracking the funding so the jump team can operate. The team leader is the "single point of contact" for groups or agencies who request jump team support and must document all requests and keep an accurate log of all jump team activity. So point one: appoint a strong, dedicated person to be responsible for your jump team operation to act as the non-deployed Team Leader and give them your complete support.
IDENTIFY YOUR RESPONSE CRITERIA
Once you have appointed your team leader, the next step is to identify exactly the types of events and the distances your jump team would be willing to respond to and for how long a period of time.
For instance, if your support group feels that the jump team would be most effective deploying only during weather related events and within a range of 400 miles, this needs to be spelled out in any jump team informational posting so agencies requesting communications support know this. (There may be jump teams better versed and trained in specific areas such as search/rescue procedures or post-terrorism events, etc) This response criteria should be drawn up by the team leader in concert with the jump team members and several other responsible individuals within your structure (such as the President and Directors of the amateur radio club sponsoring the team) to insure that every scenario you might wish to cover is listed in your scope of planning. A jump team can't nor shouldn't be expected to deploy to every event, however, to be a more effective jump team it should be able to adapt to the many needs which may develop such as a weather related event which ends up changing in to a search and rescue event. Your team will probably be operating with limited resources and under time constraints so you shouldn't commit your resources by deploying too quickly. The trap teams may fall in to is deciding to deploy too hastily for an event that really doesn't need their support. If this should happen, another more severe event might blossom while the team is deployed to a low priority event. If this is the case, they might then be unable to re-deploy to the second, and perhaps more serious disaster where additional communications are vital.
On average, jump teams should be prepared to deploy for a period of at least 8 - 10 days with two of those days to travel (one day to deploy to the location and the other day to return), decompress, either store or release equipment and debrief. Some jump teams, depending upon the severity of the event may be needed for up to 14 - 21 days or longer. So point two should be: Identify the goals your team is capable of fulfilling and list, in priority, the events and basic travel distances and time constraints you have planned on supporting and make these factors known.
DEPLOYED "FIELD LEADER"
After you have worked out point two, it is time to look for people that your team leader and your group's membership structure can appoint to become actual jump team members. The average jump team will require about six to eight dedicated, healthy, experienced and strong individuals. Refer to chapter one to see what else you need to be a jump team member. DO NOT appoint jump team members based on friendship. (I've deployed with people I don't really feel "warm and fuzzy" about, but they did a great job when required to be a jump team member and we worked very well together and that's what counts.) Appoint jump team members based on their ability to do what needs to be done and how well each person can work as a team. These jump team members should be of combined experience so they can successfully deploy a full-blown operation anywhere and under any conditions. One of the jump team members should be appointed as the Field Leader. This person will be part of the actual deployment team and should be versed in HF/VHF communications, camping and leadership skills. Part of their leadership skills should be the ability to identify who is capable of doing what under rustic field conditions. They must also be able to deploy for an extended period of time as would every jump team member.
This Field Leader must be of strong character and be able to interact with whomever responsible persons or groups are in charge of the event at the deployed area. Interpersonal skills are a must. He/She must also be able to relate well to the needs of the team. If there is a problem on site it needs to be taken care of in a manner which reflects the ideas and suggestions of the entire team without creating a major disruption in the team operation. Creative ideas concerning the station set up and operation should be carefully weighed and all opinions and observations considered. (This might be acting on an observation reported by a member that another member should possibly be relieved for a rest period due to fatigue even though the fatigued member says they are ok. Fatigue causes mistakes.) The leader should also be able to document all phases of the response, such as keeping notes on who they need to contact at the deployed area, names, locations and phone numbers, documenting the entire deployment and making detailed reports for the group the jump team represents, etc.
The Field Leader should be the direct and only contact between the local responsible officials at the deployment area and the actual jump team. Individual jump team members should refrain from heavily interacting and allow the Field Leader to speak on the team's behalf. He/She is the team's PIO. Point three should be: Appoint a Field Leader to oversee the actual deployment site operation and appoint other jump team members so that the team is at least six in number.
Additional notes for the Field Leader on jump team members
Jump team members should be varied in abilities and specialities. For instance, one member might be great at rustic camping, so employ him/her to erect structures such as tents, etc. Another member might be excellent at putting up antennas under less than perfect conditions and perhaps without the aid of any local support structures such as trees or buildings. Listed later will be specific duties which need to be carried out by the jump team. In any event, make sure that each member in an emergency can basically fill the shoes of any other member in case any member is unable to deploy or becomes ill. Train together. Learn together.
It is VERY important that each jump team member have experience and training in emergency communications either by taking the ARRL courses, or even better, training using the series: "Emergency Communications In The Post 9/11 Era" A seven part web page series found at:
http://www.w2ik.com
They should also know the two major ways to send traffic: NTS formal style and "Plain text" messaging. Learn from one another by doing drills and setting up operations from scratch such as during a proper field day operation where no one knows what the condition of a site is until they get there. This type of drilling is the only way you will learn the strengths and weaknesses of your jump team and how to correct them.
At the same time, the team will also learn to work together to get a complete station(s) and support operation up and running in the shortest amount of time. Make notes of weaknesses and omissions so they can be addressed before the team needs to deploy during an actual emergency. Have meetings with your team members at least once a month to discuss any changing parameters that might affect the operation. The more fluid the setup and operation your jump team exhibits, the more confidence they will instill in the people they are helping during an event
CHAPTER THREE
Making Your Jump Team Operational
( Basic Guidelines For Equipment And Supplies) The most important concept of a jump team is that it should be able to deploy to an event without putting an additional strain on the existing resources of the disaster area. It truly must be self-sufficient. With this in mind, you should divide your jump team cache into two distinct categories: Shelter/Food/Support and Communications/Power Gear. First, let's take a look at the shelter/food/support category. (note: these are all basic guidelines so you may vary the content and numbers to suit your teams needs and for the time of the year and location.)
Sheltering and Operations Structures
You may get lucky and have existing structures to use for sheltering, but if you aren't lucky you might have to deploy to an area where NOTHING is standing, so here's the deal:
Sheltering, both for rest and communications must be designed to provide the most efficient operation possible. The sleeping and rest shelter should be roomy enough to accommodate all the jump team members at the same time without them feeling so cramped that they can't rest or fall asleep. This requires an 8 man tent of ample height (being able to stand up) for housing 6-8 team members. NO "pup" tents! The 8 man tent should be light weight, yet durable. There should be adequate venting with zip up windows as your deployed location might be so humid that air flow is mandatory. This tent also needs to have both a tarp for ground cover and an additional rain tarp overhead which extends beyond the floor dementions. Along with the sheltering tent, you'll need heavy-duty metal stakes (military surplus) to secure the shelter.
DO NOT use those cheap plastic stakes as they will not hold as well or hammer in so easily in rocky soil nor in soggy or very sandy soil. (include extra stakes and a heavy claw hammer for tent erection and also for stake removal.) At least two jump team members should become well-versed in putting this and other shelters up. They should be able to do so without referring to any instructions. Also, make sure that when it comes time to erect the tent, a site is selected which will allow any rain to flow away from the tent and not pool under it. If you've ever had to sleep in a saturated sleeping bag because the tent was erected in a low area like I have, you'll have a greater respect for site survey before tent erection. Each jump team member needs their own sleeping bag and you'd be wise to bring at least two spares. Make sure they are the type that fit the season and not a "summer bag". If you've ever frozen your butt off while trying to sleep in a wimpy sleeping bag then you know what I mean.
SITE SURVEY - Learn How To Do It!
Before you do any shelter or operational area set-up, you also need to survey the area to insure that you aren't pestered by any ground dwelling insects, such as fire ants. When I first started out camping I made the mistake of erecting a tent too close to a fire ant mound that was well hidden from view. The additional "adventure" was not so comfortable. Also be aware that you may deploy to an area that may have poisionous snakes, so inspect your area for ground holes which may be nests for these creatures. The inspection list should also include webs (hermit spiders, etc.) so the best inspection should also be followed by a good rake-out of any debris.
Also, make sure your area isn't in the path used by other animals at night such as skunks, etc. One word about going into a rain-saturated area: Be careful as snakes and other dangerous animals may have been displaced by flooding, as was the case during Katrina. Stay away from swampy areas and don't set up your operation by a flood-swelled river as the river may rise. Look at the terrain of the area so any new rain won't flood your operational theater. There's nothing worse than having to "break camp" to move to another location in the middle of an emergency communications operation.
Be sure your operational area is as "high and dry" as possible. Always, always, always use a ground tarp to protect both you and your tent. The blue colored tarps you find at dollar stores will do the trick and if need be can be either re-used or thrown away after an event. Just make sure that the ground tarp entends over the demensions of yor tent and the edges fold up. DO NOT erect shelters under any trees. Snakes climb trees, especially in a flooded area. Local bugs also can infest a campsite if they drop out of any trees. Fruit trees have been known to harbor a tiny worm which if dropped onto your head will become a very nasty parasite.
Close by, but not too close by, there needs to be erected a "toilet tent". This is a narrow, yet tall tent that allows your jump team to "take care of business" in privacy. It should have vents on top, right below the roof line, so the "air of business" doesn't remain in the tent. Don't forget to obtain a chemical, portable toilet. (Also keep at least 30 tall kitchen plastic garbage bags in case you run out of chemicals so they can be used as inserts. Don't forget at least 12 rolls of single ply 1000 sheet toilet tissue.) Just like the shelter tent, erect this tent on level ground. On a personal note, instruct all jump team members to sit rather than "aim for the hole". Read the directions that came with the unit on how to use a chemical toilet and how to dispose of the waste. Have a shovel on hand to bury the "remains of your business".
The communications and operations tent needs attention to detail. There should be enough room so operators may stand erect without crouching. I suggest using an "EZ Up Canopy" at least 10x10 with side netting and side walls in case either are needed. (see the addendum at the end of this booklet) This tent/canopy should be at least 50 feet away from the sleeping shelter or your team members resting might not be able to fall asleep due to noise from the communications operation and radio chatter. DO NOT SKIMP when it comes to the purchase of this structure. The frame tubing should be square and not round or rectangular. I've had cheaper canopy structures fail when wind actually bent the cheaper framework. An additional rain tarp covering is a must as most "EZ UP" style canopies are NOT water proof. This is the main operations area and needs to be erected in a secure manner. Use plenty of metal stakes to hold it in place as it tends to catch winds that wouldn't bother your sleeping shelter. I learned this the hard way when while using two of these canopies a nasty weather cell passed by and almost ripped the top of the canopy off the framework. It looked like a scene from a comedy film when we were getting soaked while trying to keep the cover from taking flight. Be safe, purchase and bring at least two of these canopies. If it gets very windy, use long bungee cords over the top of the canopy to keep it from ripping away from the framework. The operations structure needs two folding tables (non-metal tops) of sturdy design and at least four chairs. Do not use "chairs in a bag" for operating stations as they do not supply the proper support and will quickly tire out your operators.
The next support structure is the food prep and dining area. Another 10x10 EZ UPtm canopy with the screening and tarp sides, and rain tarp, would fit the bill. Don't forget at least two fold up tables, one to act as food prep/cooking and another for dining, with chairs. (These can be "chairs in a bag" but inspect them before each deployment period as they tend to dry rot very quickly.)
So in review, you'll need the sleeping/housing tent with 6-8 sleeping bags, depending on team number (plus 2 as spares), toilet shelter, chemical toilet with supplies, two operations shelters, a food prep-dining shelter and suitable chairs and tables for both food prep/dining and station(s) operations. Don't forget the ground and rain tarps.That's a lot of structures and support gear, but unless they are properly erected and outfitted with the proper furniture, your jump team operations will suffer and a greater stress will be induced. ALL YOUR STRUCTURES SHOULD BE ERECTED IN A CIRCLE WITH ENTRANCES FACING INWARD SO EVERY STRUCTURE OPENING HAS A CLEAR VIEW OF ALL OTHERS. YOU WILL SEE WHY LATER IN THIS WEB PAGE.
Appoint one member who will be in charge of the shelter construction detail and one member to act as an alternate/assistant. This will be their main deployment responsibilities, however, when they have finished this obligation they need to move on to other tasks. All members should lend a hand with shelter detail when requested. If you are deploying to cooler or cold areas, in order to heat your shelters, I suggest using several portable catalytic heaters such as sold by Colemantm ("Sport Cat"tm or "Black Cat"tm models) which use 16oz propane cylinders. (If you chose wisely, this fuel might also be the same type as which will be used in your stoves) Have at least one heater for each shelter (two in your radio operations tent) and use proper ventilation when they are on. Refer to the directions when operating them and keep them away from anything flammable. Have enough fuel for your entire deployment period.
Nutritional Needs and Preparation
The nutritional needs, both food and fluids, is a subject that needs careful planning. First and foremost, you must check with every member to see if they have special needs AND what food reactions (allergies) they might have. Do not take this research lightly. One very glaring case in point was when I deployed to the Virgin Islands. It was hot and fluid replenishment was a major concern. Usually I ended up drinking whatever I was served. The fruity drinks seemed a nice change of pace from the water we usually drank. You can imagine my surprise when one drink I had contained mango, which I was allergic to! I can't tell how crazy I went with the skin irritation and intense itching. It was so bad that I wanted to tear my skin off. Thank goodness we had stocked antihistamine with the first aid gear. So remember, watch what is prepared and let everyone know what you are sensitive to. Look out for peanut allergies as they can be deadly.
The first item in your jump team's cache of food/fluids should be an ample supply of water. Remember that you might be unlucky enough to be deployed where the local water system was either destroyed or is polluted. Bottled water is a wise choice, but if it can't be obtained due to funding, or none in stock at stores because of weather-related hoarding, larger "Jerry Jugs" or other suitable containers filled with tap water (fill right before you deploy) will work. Also bring water purification tablets and particulate filters just in case. If you have to use any local-site water, boil it and use those tablets. I'd stock at least 2 gallons of water per person per day with 20% beyond this base total. That means about 95 gallons of water for a team of six who are deployed for 7 days. Better to be safe than sorry. You can live with less food, but not without water. While we are on the subject of fluids, I have found that the powdered hydration mixes when combined with water for drinking can be very beneficial. "Crystal Light On-The -Go Hydration" or some other non-sugar hydration powder mix taste very good (they come in different flavors) and supports your body better than plain water as they supply you with electrolytes and vitamins. Becareful that no operator has an allergic reaction to the sweetner used in the packets as their throats can "close up". Although I enjoy soda, it is not the drink of choice when you have to deploy. No booze or beer. Ever.
Your stock of food to prepare and serve must be simple, yet supply the nutritional needs of the team. I find that "just add water and shake" pancake mixes, rice (stored in metal containers and prepared using chicken broth instead of water) etc. are good choices because they require no eggs, milk or refrigeration. Freeze-dried meals, smoked or dried meats or canned meals, canned fruits and lots of "power bars" should also be on your list. (Good, old, "Dinty Moore" Beef Stew in a can, etc) Vary the meals. Make sure the jump team members get enough protein. Do not stock fresh meats, fish or poultry as they will go bad very quickly without proper refrigeration/freezing. Dried fruit such as raisins make for good snacks. Don't forget to supply some salted snacks but don't over do it. Make sure all food stuffs are properly stored and sealed so they won't be contaminated by the local insects or rodents. Store all food items in metal containers. Your stock should be carefully laid out in menu form, including snacks, so you can stock enough to fulfill the requirements during the jump team's length of deployment and again keep at least 15% beyond what your total need calculations might be.
Keep a running inventory of all foods and drinks during your team's deployment. Plan an 8 day menu and consult with all your team members on the selections you might have made. (God, I hate canned tuna fish) This way it will help with stocking before your team deploys. Don't skimp. Also, plan ahead and stock the proper cooking and eating utensils, cooking oil, paper towels, heavy-duty aluminum foil, dish washing liquid, scrubbing sponges, plates and cookware with lids. DO NOT wash or rinse any cookware or utensils in water that isn't fit for you to drink. It would be wise to use bottled gas burners to cook any meals that require heating instead of cooking over some charcoal grille which generates a lot of smoke. (If you've ever ended a long camping trip and everyone smelled like burnt brisket, you know what I mean.) Bring enough bottles of whatever fuel your burners require to cook planned meals for 10 days (or more if longer deployment period is forecast) plus an additional 20%. Your stove should be at least a two burner variety. Always have two stoves incase one becomes defective. Learn how to properly use the stove and how to check for gas leaks using soapy water on all the connections. If it bubbles, there is a leak at that location.
Even a brand new burner can be defective and leak gas so test new burners before you store them in your cache. Personal experience and frizzed arm hairs taught me that! Two jump team members should be well versed in camp-style cooking and food prep. This will not be their only responsibility as cooking is not a full time job.
Typical Example Of Day One Menu
Breakfast:
Pancakes made with "add water - shake and pour" batter mix (syrup)
Canned mixed fruit
Hydration Drink mix - Fruit punch
Lunch:
Canned Ravioli (heat and serve)
Hydration Drink mix - Lemon/Lime
Snack:
Raisins, M&Ms and Peanuts (be careful of allergies to peanuts)
Bottled water
Dinner:
Canned Beef Stew ("Dinty Moore" type)
Corn bread made from "add water to batter" mix
Drink Mix or Canned Juices
Typical Example Day Two Menu
Breakfast:
Scrambled Eggs (made from powdered source - add water)
Canned Juice drink
Biscuits with honey (biscuits made from "add water" mix)
Lunch:
Canned Tuna or canned Chicken salad Sandwiches
Canned Mixed Fruit with granola sprinkles
Hydration drink
Snack:
Potato chips or corn chips / Fresh oranges
Canned Juice drink
Dinner:
Rice made with chicken broth instead of water. Mix in one can of drained canned peas one minute before end of cooking cycle.
Canned carrots (heated)
Canned pear-halves
Water or juice drink
MAKE SURE ALL "UN-CANNED" FOOD IS STORED IN METAL CONTAINERS TO PREVENT SPOILAGE OR INFESTATION. USE ALL PRE-MADE "BREADS" DURING THE FIRST 4 DAYS TO PREVENT MOLD. Other suggestions include simple pasta dishes. (Keep dry pasta well stored in sealed glass or metal containers and not just in their cardboard boxes) USE BOTTLED WATER FOR COOKING!
There is also the possibility where you might have to operate under "cold camp" conditions, that is, without cooking your meals as would be the case when you'd deploy remotely during a wide-area wildfire event within a tinder-dry area where no fires or even lit stoves are allowed. This means lots of canned fruits, canned meats, and of course good old peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Balance meals and include that all important protein so you don't run out of "steam". Make sure you know what type of event you'll be turning out for so adjustments to a "cold camp" can be made.
Beyond Shelter and Grub(Getting On The Air)
The first concern in this arena should be power requirements and generation. Your team needs to be self-sufficient in supplying power to run your operation. This should include not only radio energy, but also power for lights and even fans. Usually a two HF and one VHF station operation will require at the minimum at least 800 watts of AC power. Again, to be on the safe side, let's figure 1000 watts peak. Add to this a few lights and two fans to keep your operators a bit cooler (that is if you are in a hot, humid area) so at the very least you'll need a 1500 watt gas generator with an extended run gas tank.
Most jump teams bring TWO, 1500 watt+ generators for reliable operation. It does your team little good to get to a site and then find that the only generator you've come with won't work. Make sure the generators are equipped with circuit breakers. Bring at least 3, 100 ft heavy duty extension cords with multiple outlets, 2, 50 ft heavy duty extension cords with multiple outlets and a few 25 ft extension cords. Power generation is important so make sure your "Power Chief" is fully versed in powering up your camp. There should be practice drills on this subject. Make sure that you have enough gas to operate 24/7 at full load for 10 days (more if your deployment is going to be longer). (check with your generator's manual) Bring a siphon in case you need to go on an gasoline "expedition" such as was the case during one of my deployments.
Use all the proper safety procedures which include shutting off the generators when refueling and grounding the equipment. Make sure the generators are located far enough away where the ops won't have their communications drowned out by generator noise. Keep the generators away from anything that might ignite due to their hot exhaust and on level ground. Store/transport the gas in approved containers that are properly sealed and vented and in the outdoor only. Bring oil for your generator use and check it's level. Have on hand at least 4 desk lamps and two clip on spotlights with extra bulbs for each. Include a few yellow "bug light bulbs". Special note: When you need to "power down" to refuel, let all the ops know so they can turn off the radios. Nothing is more damning than a blown radio due to a voltage spike caused by a restarting generator!
RIGS, ETC.
The HF rigs you obtain for jump team use must be used ONLY for jump team service, both during drills and for actual emergency deployment. NO NO NO..... do not depend upon some ham's home radio to be included as one of the TWO HF rigs you bring. This is serious business, so you need dedicated radio gear. Both jump team HF radios should be simple to use and, if possible, both the same model. They don't need to be the latest design with all types of "bells and whistles", but they need to be dependable and put out 100 watts of RF power. A few models I'd suggest are ICOM 720, 725, 728, 729 and 735 as they have proven to be field "work horses". The same is true for Kenwood TS 140, 120, 680 and Yaesu FT 757. NO TUBE RADIOS!!! Make sure all your team members are trained in the operation of whatever rigs you decide to supply. (one of the reasons for field drills) Have TWO manuals on the ready. Make sure all cords, microphones and connections are inspected and in very good condition. Have an extra microphone in stock. Power cords should be fused (along with at least 8 fuse changes). The power supplies should be adequate enough to supply the energy requirements for each rig during high duty-cycle operation. If possible, use the model's matching power supply. DO NOT use a single, high amp power supply to operate both radios.
Fuse everything! Bring at least two extra power supplies. External speakers, that project towards the ops are a must. Provide comfortable headphones which cover the ear and that ops can wear for extended periods of time. Include two spares. Make sure each radio is properly stored in a case for transport. Supply at least two decent battery-operated digital desk clocks. Have a crankup AM radio to receive local information when deployed.
VHF radios (if possible, bring two of the same model) should be easy to program and use, such as the ICOM IC-208 (dual band) or the ICOM IC-2100. DO NOT think that an HF/VHF radio, such as an ICOM 706 will fit the bill for both modes of operation (HF and VHF). If you do, you'll be sorry. Bring at least one extra microphone, three power cords, several changes of fuses and two adequate power supplies (at least 15 amps because the duty cycle of an FM radio is greater than that of an HF SSB rig). Make sure you keep two operator's manuals on hand. Make sure each radio is properly stored in a case for transport. Every member should know how to operate these rigs, use their memories and tones. Drill, Drill, Drill.
You'll also need to bring at least three, 100 ft. runs of RG8X coax with properly installed connectors for your HF gear. Four, 3 ft coax jumpers to go from rig to tuners, three, 25 ft runs of RG8X for your VHF radio operation. (keeping runs of coax under 50 ft for VHF will lessen power loss) Do not use RG58. Spend a few pennies more, buy RG8X. Inspect your coax on a regular basis. Also include at least 4 "UHF" barrel connectors so you can use two cables if you need to make a longer run such as connecting two 25 ft cables together.
Have two, 300 watt tuners just for jump team use as you might be using antenna systems that are not cut for the band you will be using (or for NVIS antennas which need tuners to operate). Learn the proper way to use tuners and, if possible, obtain two like model units. Your cache of antennas should include at least two NVIS antennas that are "free standing" as they come with their own supports. Bring two vertical VHF/UHF antennas that exhibit gain and have telescoping masts that allow them to deploy to at least 15 feet high.
Also have on hand at least two 40 meter dipoles which can be used as an inverted "V" with masting and support guys/stakes, etc. so it can be deployed apexed at least 30 feet high. An 80 meter dipole is also suggested. Your "Antenna Man" should be experienced at erecting antennas where there are no support structures such as trees or buildings.
Bring a large amount of guy stakes, metal military ones are the best, and spools of tough guying cord and a hammer. Plan for the worst. When deciding which type of antenna to erect, take into consideration the bands you will be using. Most of the time you will be using the 40 and 80 meter bands. NVIS is a good choice of antennas to use, HOWEVER, with it's low height you must consider how low do you wish to go. Too low and people might walk into your antenna or touch it when you are operating and get a shock. The same if you use an "Inverted V" with it's ends too close to the ground.
When you've decided on an antenna to erect, be careful. See that pile of rocks? That might make a great area to put up a mast. It might also be a home for snakes or scorpions! Use heavy gloves when you do any antenna work. Also wear work boots with your pants tucked into them. Use caution when walking even in high grass as that is another area you might find snakes or even chiggers in. Use common sense and care. The same goes when you have to guy a mast with ground stakes. Use a long stick to clear an area and insure snakes aren't waiting for you. Long sleeve shirts are also a must.
There are army-surplus mast sections for sale on ebay which are only 4 feet each and store in a duffle bag that I'd recommend. 8 of them will make the 30 ft center support for your inverted "V". Practice erecting this antenna until you have it down cold. Remember to use proper guying techniques. Never run the ends of the actual antenna closer to ground than 8 feet. Use insulators and nylon cords at each end before you secure the ends with stakes. Keep the antennas away from high traffic areas. Mark your guy lines and ends of the "V" with orange flag tape so people won't walk into them. (See Addendums at the end of this booklet for a special top/guy adapter when using military masting.)
If your jump team plans to use digital modes, bring two VERY GOOD pre-programmed laptops, and two modems with extra cords and two laptop power supplies along with battery power. Manuals and modem power supplies are a must. Make sure your ops are experienced in digital operations using jump team gear. Again, this equipment needs to remain in your jump team cache and not constantly used at a member's home or for your club's contest logging efforts. If it is your intent on doing search detail, bring several VHF handi-talkies of the same model, 5 watt power, gain antennas, speaker mics and deep cycle batteries to power them. A good idea is to use the "W2IK MAN-PACK SYSTEM" found on this web site:
http://web.archive.org/web/20070513111247/hometown.aol.com/alonestaryank/MANPACK.html
for search and rescue, which includes a special antenna made for this use. Always bring at least two spare systems for your team's use. Drill on search and rescue techniques. See my "What To Have Before You Go" website:
http://web.archive.org/web/20071226173420/hometown.aol.com/haminfo/
concerning VHF handi-talkies and power. It is suggested that you do additional research by reading several of my other webpages such as "What To Have Before You Go" so you can acquaint yourself with other items needed for jump team deployment.
These include: A complete, detailed first aid kit suitable for 12 people. antihistamine! and other basic medications. rain gear, all-weather clothing, toilet articles, etc
Obtain All items listed below: (with enough of each to care for 8 people even though you are a team of 6 and adjust the listed expendable items for a 10 day tour.
PERSONAL ITEMS FOR EACH MEMBERS'S "GO-BAGS"
The more comfortable you are, the better and longer you will be able perform as a communicator. The following is a sub-list of items to be included in each member's personal "go-bag":
1. a decent first aid kit capable of care for at least 4 people
2. your own prescription and non-prescription medication (for headache and pain relief, I use ORUDIS KT, found next to the aspirin at drug stores) Antihistamine for allergic reactions. (Have at least 12 days supply of your prescription meds)
3. throat lozenges and mints and gum
4. reading glasses
5. sun glasses / sunscreen
6. a lighter (one for each member)
7. "handi-wipes" or moist towelette packets
8. insect repellent
9. "power bars" (at least 10) other than the food needs of the team
10. bottled water/juice container with each member's name on it
11. salty snacks (especially in hot weather)
12. personal toilet items
13. extra appropriate clothing for the time of year (including hats)
14. rain parka (either bright yellow or orange)
15. boots and socks
16. work gloves
17. at least 4 pairs of disposable gloves (latex type)
18. chapstick
19. collapsible camping cups
20. flashlights with spare batteries or crank up flashlights
21. a watch for each member
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OTHER ITEMS THE TEAM WILL NEED:
DUCT TAPE at least 6 big rolls. --- You'll use this
SEVERAL CANS OF HEAVY-DUTY FLAT-FIXER
(for when you drive over sharp debris)
Electrical Tape - at least 4 rolls
Asst. hand tools (a VOM would be nice)
Swiss-Army type knife (at least three)
Cash for pay phone or to buy additional items at a local store if possible
A deck of playing cards (trust me)
Trash bags - at least 20 (these can be used to protect gear, personnel and for trash)
Several small, clear plastic "zip-lock bags" (putting your HT in one will allow you to operate in the rain without fear of it being damaged)
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Get extra batteries for those flashlights OR buy the newer crank-charged multi-led flashlights. Log books, spiral bound loose leaf books and pens/pencils. Duct tape, Duct tape, Duct tape. Bring a complete tool collection including a VOM. Every member should help maintain a community jump team log, message log and each member should also have a personal log for post-event review.
PRACTICE , PRACTICE, PRACTICE !
Practice several weekend drills of at least three days in length by having your jump team deploy from scratch in a park which allows over night tent camping. Do not use any existing shelters or supports. Use only what you've brought. Do this several times until your team is proficient and can work together. Make contacts and notes on propagation. Exchange mock messages between your jump team and your support club/group's members who will be charged with at-home communications monitoring to support the jump team operation when it is deployed. Take your drill deployments seriously. Work out the kinks. Supply missing support pieces to your jump team cache. Your jump team cache should be able to be transported in two pickup trucks. Practice loading so space can be effectively used. Use "bungee" cords to hold down your cache. (These cords can also be used to lash antenna masting to vertical supports such as trees or fence posts) Make sure each team member has adequate clothing for the time of year and the area you would be deploying to.
CHAPTER FOUR
Putting It All Together
The first three parts of this series dealt with the information and basic facts needed to help in assembling both personnel and gear to commit to a jump team creation and deployment. It is hoped that you have, for the most part, followed the ideas presented and have assembled a team, developed your equipment cache and have actually done a few mock over-night (or longer) deployments at a local campsite so as to refine your shelter building and station setup techniques, adding to your cache of equipment and supplies, adjusting requirements and systems operations. I've found that deploying to a campground and doing a full-blown operation in some contest or operating event (I've used the "Texas QSO Party" as a test of deployment and operating skills) so your ops are exposed to less than perfect propagation and bands that are a bit crowded is a good test of your team's actual abilities. This will help hone your team's camping, operating and listening skills. Remember that for the most part your emergency communications will take place on 40 and 80 meters so try to concentrate on their propagation factors. Also make note of the known/posted emergency frequencies on those bands and the emergency nets that operate from the various areas your team might be charged with covering. Of course, to communicate in the area around your deployment site you'll probably use 2 meters so test those "Man Packs", along with your base VHF radio set up, to develop their maximum range using simplex tactical frequencies that you should have pre-programmed in to all vhf radios. Once you are sure that your jump team is equipped, trained and ready, your group/club can now go through the process of announcing your jump team's availability. Your team leader needs to contact as many local, area and regional emcomm groups as possible to make them aware of your jump team, it's capabilities AND it's limitations.
Create a web page devoted to educating those interested in your new jump team and what it can do. Send information and your jump team's informational web address to the ARRL, CQ Magazine, World Radio and other like publications. Leave "in case of an emergency" phone numbers and email addresses with each contact you make. Take pictures during mock/test deployments showing the professional nature of your jump team.
Your jump team's deployment cache should be stored in a climate controlled area that is secure from rodents and burglars. The cache should be inventoried and inspected every month. Food should be replaced near their expiration dates. Gas, of course, should be stored in a shed or well vented area. I usually keep the generators and gas cans empty and fill the cans either on route or when a hurricane is approaching. Gas tends to gel up even with a stabilizer. Run your generators at least twice a year. Engine oil should be replaced once a year. A small price to pay for dependable service.
Make special laminated photo IDs for all your jump team members. Have maps on the ready so if there is a deployment your jump team will know exactly where to go. When the call goes out, have the deployment area contact names and titles ready so when your team gets there the team's field deployment leader knows what agency is in charge and who to interact with. (This gathered information should be an "informational packet" that, along with maps, each jump team member will receive upon call out. This packet should be as detailed as possible and should include any working deployment area repeater frequencies/tones if known.) Jump teams should have at least one copy of the ARRL Repeater Directory with them for reference.
While I'm on the subject, remember that your team will be working under the affected area's local emergency response administration and their direction. It is also suggested that everyone on your team takes Red Cross Shelter Management training so they'll know some of the ins and outs of Red Cross operations. It is also important that several team members take some form of FIRST AID course to cover anything that might happen to team members ONLY. You are not doctors, so refrain from giving out medical assistance to the local population. DO NOT put yourself in the cross-hairs of a lawsuit.
So, your TEAM LEADER gets a call that an area devastated by a hurricane needs communications support because most of the local hams are so affected that they are unable to turn out. The team leader gets verification of this request along with details such as contact personnel and the exact location where the jump team will be needed to deploy. It is made clear that the possible deployment request time period will be for about 7 days. The request for communications help falls within your team's published response criteria so it is decided that your jump team will support the event. The first thing to do is to contact each jump team member and give them the call to proceed with deployment, giving them as much information as possible.
Your field deployment leader then takes over and gets his/her team going by signing out and withdrawing the equipment supplies cache and double checks with each team member giving them a bit of time to get their personal gear together before meeting at a designated area (staging area) to load up the trucks for transport to the deployment location. In the mean time, the team leader should be trying to get as much additional information together, including making those packets. An allotment of cash (no credit cards since ATM's probably will not be working in the event area) is secured to pay for the gas for vehicle transport and to fill the approved fuel containers for generator operation (keep all receipts). The team should also purchase "perishables" and water (if not already secured) to load with the cache.
After your team has met, informational packets obtained and cash secured, a check list of cache items is done as each item is loaded so you won't forget anything. (Don't forget to bring the new "OFF - brand - Smooth and Dry Insect Repellent" - It doesn't make you feel like you've gotten greased up for a Channel swim!) The team leader should also make sure that each team member has their personal gear with them, including extra clothing, boots and seasonal covering such as gloves and heavy jackets for cold weather, personal medications, etc. It's now time to deploy to the location in vehicles that are clearly and professionally marked as "Emergency Communications Jump Team Vehicles" with printed magnetic signs on each side AND a dashboard sign as well. This will make it easier to get in to an area. (Make sure each jump team member has their laminated photo jump team ID on a lanyard at all times. It would also be a good idea that they also have on their lanyard any Red Cross laminated cards from their RC course completions.) Driving carefully, caravan-style, make sure your team refuels along the route so by the time they get to their deployment site they have at the very least enough gas to drive back out of the event area and back to operating gas stations. The route planned may have detours due to flooding, one-way evacuee traffic or bridges out of service. The lead vehicle should have a GPS unit so your team will find their deployment loaction a bit easier. After your team has reached it's destination, park and have your Field Leader talk to the local agency you are helping to verify that: a. this is the right location b. exactly where would be the best location (spot) in which to deploy and c. are there any structures your team can use for a communications operation or sleep area. DO NOT accept any structure that is damaged to the point that you or any of your team feels unsafe in. After all this has been accomplished your team can then unload and start setting up sheltering (if needed) and your operating area. Again, remember that tents need to be erected in areas that will not flood themselves out if there is additional rain. Start with sheltering, then move to operations structures while another part of your team erects the antennas. After all shelters are finished, your power detail should get your generators up and running while other team members get both HF and VHF station equipment unloaded and set up.
Ground all power generation equipment and radios with either ground rods OR 1/2 copper pipes hammered in to the ground.
Special note: We live in a day and age where some people take advantage of others during critical times, so PLEASE keep an eye on everything you have. Theft loss may put your team out of service. Lock up what you can in the truck cabs and stow gear in the tents so that if you see someone going in to one who isn't part of your team you can stop them. This is why all your structures should be erected in a circle with all openings facing in view of each other.
After you've accomplished all of the above, it's time for your team to get on the air and let your group/club back home know what's going on. Set up a schedule of times (at least two per day) you'll update them and stick to it. By this time, your field leader probably has lined up actual communications messages for you to send AND what other stations you need to be in contact with. Let the traffic begin, but in an orderly manner. In the beginning, you might find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed, but soon you'll find your pace and people at the site will see that "they are not alone" and help might be as simple as a communications exchange. Remember that as much as you'd like, your field team leader should be the only one to gather the messages needed for sending. This way it's kept professional and calm. After a while, it will be time for food and fluids to be prepared. Always make sure that the radio ops have an adequate supply of fluids at all times. Make sure that your team runs the communications end in scheduled shifts with two hours on, two hours off and develop a sleep schedule to fit so members have at least 6 hours devoted to sleep. When a member has "down time" he/she should refrain from walking too far away from the camp. Walking too far away has caused a few members to be faced with snakes or people of a dubious nature such as when I deployed to Haiti in 1984. Looters have a good act and you might find yourself minus money, credit cards or even your life! When on break, stay close to "home".
Keep an accurate log of all traffic sent and received in case verification becomes needed and for post event review. Take pictures that do not depict the plight of any victims but rather of your actual jump team operation. It will make for good PR later and will help solidify your group as a responsible communications force. DO NOT talk to reporters who are digging for some story. Rather, let your field team leader do the talking. Reveal no information about victims that may come back biting you and your team in the ass. Hopefully your first jump team deployment will run smoothly with messages being sent and your field team leader interfacing with the local agencies to gather information for message handling. Make sure each team member is following procedures as developed or requested by the local agency. Be sure each member has taken the scheduled rest periods as the stress of deployment can easily creep over you. KEEP ACCURATE LOGS. KEEP AN ACCURATE RUNNING INVENTORY OF ALL FOOD/DRINKS AND FUEL so you know where you stand and how much longer your team can deploy in case they have to be there an additional day or so beyond the planned deployment time frame.
After your deployment duties have ended, as determined by your field team leader and the agency you are helping at the event location, it now becomes time to break down your operation. Your last transmissions should be to your home communications group informing them of your shut-down/pack up and when you will arrive back home.
The temptation to "just throw things back in the trucks" should be avoided. Breaking down the operation should be in direct reverse order as when you built your operation. Make sure each piece of equipment is packed back in the proper case and all cables are wound up and secured properly. Shelters should be properly folded back up. Remember the old camping rule: "Pack out what you packed in." This means even your garbage. Leave your deployment site just as if you were never there. Police the area for trash and pick it up. When you leave a site in good condition it will be noticed just as if it's left messy your team's respect will suffer. Take the time, even though you might be dead tired, and do it right. Before you leave, make sure your team leader leaves the agency helped with a few kind words. I'm sure you'll get some back for all the work and support you've provided. Exchange names and email addresses, especially of your supporting group/club, so they know who to thank if they wish to do so after the event. After taking that long drive back home (and I'm sure you've informed your home support club/group on the radio before you've broken down your set up about the ending of your team's deployment and when you will be arriving back) you need to unload the cache, inventory what is there and what is needs to be replenished, and sign off on all of it as well as turn in all the receipts and unused cash. Hopefully, there will be other members of your group/club waiting, who will help you unload.
Your team has done a lot of work and at the very least your supporting group/club can aid you in this regard. Now, the only things left are to debrief and hand in logs to your TEAM LEADER so an accurate report can be created that should be filed with your group and also copies sent to interested parties. Make sure a nice article is written up by either the team leader or the club president, along with some pictures, and submit it for publication to CQ, QST or World Radio. Send a story to local newspapers and other local media. Other possible outlets would be a newsletter put out by other organizations that the jump team members belong to (church, scouts, etc) or if the members' employers publish stories about how employees volunteer their time. The more people are made aware of your dedication, the more support your jump team group will generate.
Update your team's website with a short piece on your deployment (perhaps with a picture or two) so it will be known that your team has "put their money where their mouth is" and actually helped a community in need. It would also be nice if each team member received a certificate thanking them for their energy and efforts. After a rest, it's time to get that cache back in operational status by inspecting all of it and adding to depleted stock, make minor corrections to it. Fine tune your jump team based on the experience you've had and stand ready, willing and able to deploy the next time they are needed. Your community, country and the entire amateur radio population, including myself, thank you for your caring and efforts.
Please read the addendums on the following pages for additional ideas and suggestions.
+++ Addendums +++
# 1
When Using Surplus Military Masting
If your group should decide to use military masting sections to erect your antennas, here's a handy top adapter! Military masting comes in 4 foot sections which makes it easy to transport in duffel bags and you can vary the height by adding/subtracting sections. They can be purchased on "ebay" or at many Army/Navy surplus stores.
Create an easy adapter to add to your military section masting which will allow you ease in both guying and in stringing an antenna (such as a dipole or "inverted V"). The simple construction is shown below. This will also add 3 extra feet to your masting. Parts list: 4 ft section - 1 inch pvc schedule 1120 (thick wall) 1 - 1 inch pvc end cap 1 - 1 inch pvc coupler pvc cement 4 stainless steel eyelets 1/4-20 threads 8 stainless steel nuts epoxy or thread lock 3 self-taping sheet metal screws
Cut off 12 inches from the 4 foot section of PVC. Cement on to this 12 inch piece the coupler. Drill, screw and bolt on to the coupler (at a point where the holes go through both the coupler and the PVC pipe) three of the eyelets making sure they are equidistant around the coupler and that the eyelets are vertical AND the bent loop gap faces UP.Epoxy the bolts so they do not loosen. Next, cement on the other end of the coupler the 3 ft section of the pvc AND screw it to the coupler with at least two screws so the fitting does not fail if the cement should break it's bond. (refer to photos below). Take the end cap and drill, bolt and expoy the last eyelet, again making sure the bent loop gap faces up and the eyelet remains vertical. Cut a small "v" on the end of the 3 ft section of pvc so the end cap fits fully over the pipe and the eyelet inner bolt/nut fits in the "v". When you are sure it fits, cement the end cap and add an additional screw to hold the cap better. )This will leave you with an adapter that will slide in to the masting end and allow you to guy the masting using the three eyelets. The top eyelet should have a run of parachute cord through it so that when the masting is erected you can raise the center of the antenna as you would a flag.
I have tested this adapter with up to 10 sections of masting - that's 40 feet tall - without a problem. Make sure your guy cord is adequate to handle at least 450 pound loads and your stakes are securely in the soil.
# 2 HOW NOT TO GO "BUGGY"
The canopies I suggested you puchase usually do not come with side panels or screening. An easy way to get a supply of inexpensive side panels would be to go to a "dollar" store or to the paint section of "Lowe's" or "Home Depot" and purchase 4 each of those blue tarps that are 8x10. When needed, just attach the tarps to the frame UNDER the top cover so as rain falls off it runs down the outside of the canopy. Make sure the bottom drapes away from the canopy. Although this solves the problem of not getting gear wet, it unfortunately keeps the stale, humid air inside. There is an inexpensive way to add screening which will keep the air flowing and the bugs out. (If you've ever been in a post-hurricane area you know how fast the pesky bugs will multiply.) Simply go to either a sporting goods store or a "Walmart" and purchase a cheapie 10x10 foot "screened shelter". They cost about 20 bucks or so. Don't use the "billion" pieces of metal tubing it came with. Instead, just drape the top and it's attached side screening over your existing, sturdy "EZ Uptm" and you now have a bug free environment to operate your radios or prepare food. This is a cost-effective way to add screening to your shelter rather than purchase their company's more expensive type of screening.
# 3 Added Entries
After reading this web page, and discussing the requirements of creating a Jump Team, you and your group may wish to add features for future reference. First, think of what your deployment capabilities will be and how you can fullfill them using the resources your group has on hand, donations in the form of equipment and supplies, and items your group will have to purchase.
This web page may not be copied or published in whole or in part without my emailed or written permission. Not liable for any errors or omissions.
Follow suggestions and ideas at your own risk.
Thanks to my fellow hams, such as WA3PZO (ex of CQ Magazine) and KD5YTN and attendees of my "Jump Team Boot Camps", for their input, support and ideas which made this booklet as complete as possible!
Bob Hejl - W2IK email: W2IK@ARRL.NET
AND WHAT IT NEEDS TO FUNCTION
written by Bob Hejl - W2IK
all rights reserved , updated 2011
In the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, the major hurricanes that devastated the Gulf Coast region and even the most recent earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, there has been a renewed interest in preparing and training for disasters. This includes taking advantage of amateur radio resources to fill the void when other means of communications fail. As amateur radio operators, we know that when a disaster strikes it becomes a lesson in futility when local governments run to grab a few cellphones in the hope that communications can be covered using this limited technology.
Local governments are foolish if they believe that some cellphones or even a few radios can even hope to properly support a disaster. Cellphone systems are limited in both their capacity and coverage. If even one cell tower goes down, there is a huge void in coverage. When there is no power beyond back-up batteries, they become useless in a short period of time. The press also jam up cellphone capacity in their efforts to report events thereby limiting even more the capacity of a cellphone system. The press even have a newer technology where they "bundle" several cell phone lines to send streaming video which wastes site capacity even more. Time and time again we've seen other "systems" fail thus proving that amateur radio operators are the first and best line of communications support. This is true not only in the realm of coverage, but also in the ability to properly and accurately pass important messages due to their actual training in this area. Slowly, amateur radio operators are being accepted by others as a legitimate communications support resource. With this in mind, we are now training with renewed energy and freely sharing our thoughts, ideas and experiences with our fellow hams in the hope of being better prepared each time we are called into action.
Yes, we've made mistakes in the past. Who hasn't? But let's also acknowledge that unlike other support services we've learned from them, adapted and therefore have become better communicators. Amateur radio constantly updates and along with it so do our techniques and abilities. Just a few years ago, you could search the Internet in an attempt to find web sites dealing with ham radio emergency communications, only to find very little information on the subject. However, today there are dozens and dozens of sites you can access in order to obtain new information to build emergency antennas, assemble personal "go bags" and listings of many other ideas to make your emergency communications support work more efficient and effective. Consequently, with this enlightened spirit, many EmComm groups are devoting additional time in training for both small and large scale disasters. Every communications group should take a page from this positive direction and train, field drill and support the communications needs of stricken areas in the event of a large scale disaster.
"And Now For Something Not So Completely Different"
Along with this renewed vigor, comes another avenue of support and another challenge which some of us must prepare for. Today, we are being asked by several agencies to take on the additional task of assembling "Jump Teams" which will have the ability to travel distances to a disaster area and supply emergency communications from the "lion's mouth" for long periods of time. The jump team concept, as well as jump teams themselves, are almost as old as amateur radio. However, in light of the recent disasters it needs a new spotlight. Jump teams are involved in special situations which require addressing special concerns relative to today's needs. First and foremost, every jump team that's created must strive to be a self-sustaining operation. There can be no doubt about this. Jump teams cannot place an additional burden on a devastated area by requesting supplies or shelters. They must complete their emergency communications responsibilities acting as a "stand alone" unit, bringing with them all the equipment, supplies, food, water, shelters and all the support they might require to the area-specific stricken location. Depending upon the disaster, it's location and time of year, jump teams will be required to bring not only basic amateur radio equipment and personal gear but also different equipment, supplies and clothing which should be specifically suited to support each particular event. "The Most Important Piece" The most important piece of any emergency communications support program are it's well-trained operators. However, before ANY amateur radio operator even contemplates raising their hand at an EmComm or club meeting to volunteer for inclusion into a jump team program they must be fully aware of what will be expected of them.
Being part of any deployment team of this nature requires that you might be asked to deploy in situations that are both physically and emotionally demanding. This is not like deploying for some limited disaster or at the tail-end of an event such as many of you who've handled communications in some shelter for a few days following a hurricane or winter storm might have done. This is not a "Field Day" operation. This is much different and much more serious. Jump teams quite often are the very first communications out of a decimated area.
It is imperative that jump teams get on the air as quickly as possible and stay on the air by whatever means at their disposal. They must be able to erect antennas in areas where nothing might be left standing or where the average ham thinks it cannot be done. It requires special knowledge, skills and training. The amateur radio operators who form as a jump team must know how to improvise, work together and adapt using what they've brought and what limited things they might be able to scrounge up in the affected area. There needs to be a little "MacGyver" in each and every team member. Failure is NOT an option because many lives may be at stake.
I believe that when someone or some group forms or are part of an emergency communications "Jump Team," they need to approach it as if it were a DXpedition to some uninhabited island where the only thing they can count on is bird shit, bad weather and each other. Like a DXpedition, there should be a deployed team leader who will delegate responsibilities that each member must fulfill so the station(s) can be up and running in as little time as possible. This pre-delegation will be based on skill-level and experience in each area. I don't think I've read of anyone taking the same attitude, ideas and tactics of a DXpedition and applying it to an EmComm Jump Team, but it certainly fits.
With all of this, being a team member also means being in very good physical condition. At times it can be much more demanding than "rustic camping" in some state or national campground. Many years ago, I deployed to the Virgin Islands following a hurricane. Arriving there, I found it to be oppressively hot and humid in the hurricane's aftermath. Weather-wise, it wasn't what you'd experience during any vacation period. No air conditioning. No breeze. The sweat boiled off me like a man about to face a firing squad, and this just from the minor effort I expended in erecting a dipole antenna. There was no place to cool off, either. It was so bad that I couldn't sleep during my scheduled off time and I lost weight from deploying in this harsh environment. Living in a tent, and not in the air-conditioned luxury of some hotel as would be the case during a vacation, placed an additional burden which sometimes revealed itself by increased stress levels among people we had to work with. We all lived in tents. We all became cranky. But, we all stuck together and got the job done.
There may be times when it will be a trek just to pick your way through rubble and debris to go to a makeshift bathroom like I had to do when I deployed following a hurricane. No showers. No fancy food. Just eating and drinking what you've brought, especially for the first 72 hours. You have to honestly answer this question: "Can I do this?" "Can I operate and act as a professional communicator under more deplorable conditions than we might associate with living in the back areas of any "third world country" or the dirtiest conditions you might ever imagine... or be deployed in a location where you've felt that you were losing the feeling in your fingers from the extreme cold/snow?" Remember, as a "go anywhere" jump team member you must be able to withstand both extremes of climate. If you think I'm exaggerating, then talk to a few "first responders" of past major disasters who have been exposed to both extremes of weather. It would be a good idea to first get a physical and ask your doctor if you'd be up to the task of deploying in hardship areas. Remember, you're not a kid of 18, anymore. (At least this way you'd be getting the physical that you keep putting off.) Also be aware that you need to keep your shots up to date, with the addition of shots recommended for whatever area you might deploy to, such as Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and have on hand Malaria pills beyond your personal medications.
OK, let's say that you have answered "yes." You feel that you can "take it". Now another potential roadblock gets thrown into the mix. That is, the emotional stress of any disaster. First, is the stress of assembling a station where none ever existed. This won't be a casual "Field Day" setup. People are depending on your team to get communications up and running in as little time as possible. NO MATTER WHAT, YOU HAVE TO GET ON THE AIR! When your team gets to it's location, team members should have already been pre-assigned a specific logistical task(s) to perform. Responsibilities such as setting up shelters for both sleeping and operations (see the latter info on "site survey"), erecting antennas, doing station setup (rigs and power,etc), contacting and interacting (with informational gathering) with local agencies and supplying nutritional support for the team are examples of but five of the basic required needs. Each of these items will be discussed later in this publication. After your team's initial station is up and running, your thoughts might then shift to an even greater stress agent. You have to ask yourself this: Can you subjectively deploy into a disaster area and do your communications job without letting your emotional floodgates open? This does not mean that you should be a cold-hearted person. If you were, you wouldn't even be considering volunteering! What this means is that you should be able to see beyond the sorrow towards the greater goal of helping the devastated area get back on it's feet. You'll need a means and a way not to focus on the actual disaster but rather to focus on your communications duties. It requires courage. The emotional burden doesn't stop there, either. Stress may come from another source.
Even if you are the most seasoned EmComm operator, you must remember that you are a guest of whatever communications group or local government is in-charge of the disaster. You are there by their request or invitation. You must be able to take their orders and follow their rules no matter if it goes against everything you've been taught and drilled on. It's their show, not yours. They may make mistakes. Swallow hard and do your job. (Believe me, I've had to.) If you can't do this, then don't deploy. If they ask your advice or opinion, give it in a non-threatening manner. Again, it's their community and therefore their responsibility.
If your EmComm group is worth it's salt, then they will help you in your jump team training regarding "emotional conditioning" before you are faced with deployment. They'll show you techniques on how you can emotionally disengage from the event during your break times, such as by reading some novel or doing crossword puzzles, so you can relax enough to fall asleep or at the very least physically recharge. You'll learn how to "decompress" after your deployment so what you've seen and experienced doesn't affect how you'll react when you get back home. These factors are just as important as bringing the proper gear. Beware of POST TRAMATIC STRESS DISORDER which may come upon you even weeks or months after the event.
Can you handle all of this? Can you physically and emotionally handle the task? Can you also afford to invest the additional time for special field training and the time deploying for the actual event? It won't be easy, nor will it be a "one day deal". You won't be able to "pick and choose" which event you wish to be involved in. If you can do all of this, then the next step is to talk to your local EmComm group or amateur radio club about being part of a jump team. There are a lot of things you'll have to learn and many things you'll need to acquire to be a part of such a team. It's not a job for "badge polishers", to inflate egos, for glory-hunters or for the faint of heart. It's a truly down-and-dirty job (and I mean dirty) for special people with special skills for a special responsibility. It's the last job you'd ever want to do, but probably the most important job you'll ever have to do.
IN ADDITION:
After doing some investigating on the Internet, and talking to EmComm people from all over the country, it appears that some people and groups are confusing the terms "Go Kits" with a "Jump Cache." To me, a "Go Kit" is something not unlike a "Go Bag" which contains most of the personal supplies and radio equipment that an individual might need to deploy, i.e.: "go to" to an event such as to a shelter to assist in communications until a weather event has passed in a day or two. These items are usually stored in a back pack or plastic bin. You actually aren't "jumping" lock, stock and barrel anywhere as much as you are being deployed to some location for a limited time. (A lot of hams who showed up at Red Cross in the hopes of helping out during the World Trade Center Disaster didn't even have something as simple as a "Go Bag", but just showed up with an HT and MAYBE one extra battery...... They weren't put to use because they were under-prepared. I hope that many have learned from this and now have adequate "Go Bags" for short-term events) However, by my definition, a "Jump Team Cache" is something very much different. It is not a backpack or even a "kit", but rather a large inventory of supplies and radio equipment you'd bring with you to a non-local location such as what you'd bring traveling a distance to support a disaster in another area or state as either a stand-alone station op or as a member of a larger communications team. This would require more food, water, equipment, power and antenna considerations and shelters for an event where there wouldn't be much of anything to rely on. My local team's actual jump cache is over two tons of gear, shelters, grub and water.
SO, WHERE DO YOU START?
There seems to be very little found about actually organizing an EmComm Jump Team anywhere on the Internet other than stating a need for them in local plans. It kind of reminds me of everyone wanting one, but no one knowing how to go about it. So the reason for this booklet and web site is to start you on the proper path for developing such a team. Here is the place to start. I know that there are very well run jump teams out there, however not much is posted about them other than what they've done ie: "event deployment". I am aware that many teams are "area-related", however the more information we are armed with, the better job we can do in creating our own jump teams and making sure they have all they need to properly fill EmComm needs. With this void of published information, there is a lack of self-confidence in the minds and hearts of those EmComm groups looking to develop their own jump team(s) beyond asking individual members to create/gather their personal go-kits in some back pack or bin to be used on a grander scale than supplying basic communications at a local shelter where they would be relieved in 24-48 hours. Again, a basic go-kit is a nominal inventory of items and won't properly cover things needed during an event where one has to travel distances and to be deployed in the nakedness of a major disaster. Have you ever heard of a Dxpedition where team members simply carried to "XYZ Island" gear and personal items on a few back packs? This would be courting disaster!
I will be talking about how to create a "Jump Team", and what will be required so it can deploy to a locale that isn't hospitable, in the next chapter. This booklet - web site is by no means meant to be a "bible" nor a complete plan. However, it is probably the best starting point you'll find when it comes to creating emergency communications deployment teams.
It is also the first of it's kind. Not even the ARRL has anything like this.
CHAPTER TWO
A SUCCESSFUL TEAM STARTS FROM THE TOP,
BUT INVOLVES EVERYONE
LEADERSHIP
When you are creating a jump team from scratch, you first need to appoint a strong individual who would be responsible for the complete Jump Team operation. This person is not one of the deploying agents, however, he/she needs to be able to identify the goals of their particular jump team and develop the ways and means to fulfill them. This includes knowing where to find the right answers and support when requested by the team. This person must have a pro-active stance on emergency communications yet be flexible in it's operation. He/She must also be able to work as directed by the agency supporting this team. (see below)
Usually, a jump team is a smaller part of either a local EmComm structure (such as ARES, RACES, REACT, etc) or an arm of an active amateur radio club. Whatever the source of this team, every radio club member or EmComm group member must be committed and responsible to insure the jump team's success at every level. Whatever title you give this person, everyone, even those not directly on the team, should give this leader the respect they deserve and the support they might need. This could include, for example, acting as monitoring stations back at your home location in case communications require the jump team to request additional information, supplies, personnel or to report their progress.
Supporting agencies must also be able to properly fund their jump team program so expendable items can be maintained. This would include gas to get to their site, fuel for power generation, food and water supplies, replacing worn coax cables, supplying a new radio to replace a defective unit, etc. This is a team effort beyond just the jump team personnel. Don't embarrass your club or group by being "all talk and no action". Once your group is committed, have the courage to do a proper job and train in the field or don't even consider developing a jump team. Your supporting agency may also wish to solicit funding or supplies from other sources to support your jump team, such as from local ham radio clubs, local companies, churches, etc.
You never want to leave a jump team "out in the cold" support or communications wise. Jump team members are donating their time, sometimes risking their personal safety, and effort and will be deploying under rustic and trying conditions. Clubs or EmComm groups at the very least need to supply funding support AND remember that your deployed jump team also needs your group to be one of the contacts out of the area they can send health and welfare traffic to. This means that many members of your supporting group must be trained on traffic handling in the manner your jump team sends the information and on duty, in shifts, to take this traffic. Granted, any jump team must strive to be self-sufficient while deployed on location, however in extreme cases they may need help or information from sources beyond their deployed area. This is why your local group needs to be in scheduled, daily communications with your deployed jump team. (If people wish to be a jump team member, but can't physically deploy, they should support their deployed jump team by monitoring frequencies for jump team communications back to their support group and passing messages when they need assistance.) The team leader should be the only person, perhaps by a recommendation from the club or group President/EC, to activate the jump team for standby (get ready) or actual deployment and must be able to supply the jump team with all the information they need to properly deploy. (Where, when, how, estimated deployment period, who to report to (names) at the deployed area and supplying maps to the jump team.) They should also be charged with obtaining and tracking the funding so the jump team can operate. The team leader is the "single point of contact" for groups or agencies who request jump team support and must document all requests and keep an accurate log of all jump team activity. So point one: appoint a strong, dedicated person to be responsible for your jump team operation to act as the non-deployed Team Leader and give them your complete support.
IDENTIFY YOUR RESPONSE CRITERIA
Once you have appointed your team leader, the next step is to identify exactly the types of events and the distances your jump team would be willing to respond to and for how long a period of time.
For instance, if your support group feels that the jump team would be most effective deploying only during weather related events and within a range of 400 miles, this needs to be spelled out in any jump team informational posting so agencies requesting communications support know this. (There may be jump teams better versed and trained in specific areas such as search/rescue procedures or post-terrorism events, etc) This response criteria should be drawn up by the team leader in concert with the jump team members and several other responsible individuals within your structure (such as the President and Directors of the amateur radio club sponsoring the team) to insure that every scenario you might wish to cover is listed in your scope of planning. A jump team can't nor shouldn't be expected to deploy to every event, however, to be a more effective jump team it should be able to adapt to the many needs which may develop such as a weather related event which ends up changing in to a search and rescue event. Your team will probably be operating with limited resources and under time constraints so you shouldn't commit your resources by deploying too quickly. The trap teams may fall in to is deciding to deploy too hastily for an event that really doesn't need their support. If this should happen, another more severe event might blossom while the team is deployed to a low priority event. If this is the case, they might then be unable to re-deploy to the second, and perhaps more serious disaster where additional communications are vital.
On average, jump teams should be prepared to deploy for a period of at least 8 - 10 days with two of those days to travel (one day to deploy to the location and the other day to return), decompress, either store or release equipment and debrief. Some jump teams, depending upon the severity of the event may be needed for up to 14 - 21 days or longer. So point two should be: Identify the goals your team is capable of fulfilling and list, in priority, the events and basic travel distances and time constraints you have planned on supporting and make these factors known.
DEPLOYED "FIELD LEADER"
After you have worked out point two, it is time to look for people that your team leader and your group's membership structure can appoint to become actual jump team members. The average jump team will require about six to eight dedicated, healthy, experienced and strong individuals. Refer to chapter one to see what else you need to be a jump team member. DO NOT appoint jump team members based on friendship. (I've deployed with people I don't really feel "warm and fuzzy" about, but they did a great job when required to be a jump team member and we worked very well together and that's what counts.) Appoint jump team members based on their ability to do what needs to be done and how well each person can work as a team. These jump team members should be of combined experience so they can successfully deploy a full-blown operation anywhere and under any conditions. One of the jump team members should be appointed as the Field Leader. This person will be part of the actual deployment team and should be versed in HF/VHF communications, camping and leadership skills. Part of their leadership skills should be the ability to identify who is capable of doing what under rustic field conditions. They must also be able to deploy for an extended period of time as would every jump team member.
This Field Leader must be of strong character and be able to interact with whomever responsible persons or groups are in charge of the event at the deployed area. Interpersonal skills are a must. He/She must also be able to relate well to the needs of the team. If there is a problem on site it needs to be taken care of in a manner which reflects the ideas and suggestions of the entire team without creating a major disruption in the team operation. Creative ideas concerning the station set up and operation should be carefully weighed and all opinions and observations considered. (This might be acting on an observation reported by a member that another member should possibly be relieved for a rest period due to fatigue even though the fatigued member says they are ok. Fatigue causes mistakes.) The leader should also be able to document all phases of the response, such as keeping notes on who they need to contact at the deployed area, names, locations and phone numbers, documenting the entire deployment and making detailed reports for the group the jump team represents, etc.
The Field Leader should be the direct and only contact between the local responsible officials at the deployment area and the actual jump team. Individual jump team members should refrain from heavily interacting and allow the Field Leader to speak on the team's behalf. He/She is the team's PIO. Point three should be: Appoint a Field Leader to oversee the actual deployment site operation and appoint other jump team members so that the team is at least six in number.
Additional notes for the Field Leader on jump team members
Jump team members should be varied in abilities and specialities. For instance, one member might be great at rustic camping, so employ him/her to erect structures such as tents, etc. Another member might be excellent at putting up antennas under less than perfect conditions and perhaps without the aid of any local support structures such as trees or buildings. Listed later will be specific duties which need to be carried out by the jump team. In any event, make sure that each member in an emergency can basically fill the shoes of any other member in case any member is unable to deploy or becomes ill. Train together. Learn together.
It is VERY important that each jump team member have experience and training in emergency communications either by taking the ARRL courses, or even better, training using the series: "Emergency Communications In The Post 9/11 Era" A seven part web page series found at:
http://www.w2ik.com
They should also know the two major ways to send traffic: NTS formal style and "Plain text" messaging. Learn from one another by doing drills and setting up operations from scratch such as during a proper field day operation where no one knows what the condition of a site is until they get there. This type of drilling is the only way you will learn the strengths and weaknesses of your jump team and how to correct them.
At the same time, the team will also learn to work together to get a complete station(s) and support operation up and running in the shortest amount of time. Make notes of weaknesses and omissions so they can be addressed before the team needs to deploy during an actual emergency. Have meetings with your team members at least once a month to discuss any changing parameters that might affect the operation. The more fluid the setup and operation your jump team exhibits, the more confidence they will instill in the people they are helping during an event
CHAPTER THREE
Making Your Jump Team Operational
( Basic Guidelines For Equipment And Supplies) The most important concept of a jump team is that it should be able to deploy to an event without putting an additional strain on the existing resources of the disaster area. It truly must be self-sufficient. With this in mind, you should divide your jump team cache into two distinct categories: Shelter/Food/Support and Communications/Power Gear. First, let's take a look at the shelter/food/support category. (note: these are all basic guidelines so you may vary the content and numbers to suit your teams needs and for the time of the year and location.)
Sheltering and Operations Structures
You may get lucky and have existing structures to use for sheltering, but if you aren't lucky you might have to deploy to an area where NOTHING is standing, so here's the deal:
Sheltering, both for rest and communications must be designed to provide the most efficient operation possible. The sleeping and rest shelter should be roomy enough to accommodate all the jump team members at the same time without them feeling so cramped that they can't rest or fall asleep. This requires an 8 man tent of ample height (being able to stand up) for housing 6-8 team members. NO "pup" tents! The 8 man tent should be light weight, yet durable. There should be adequate venting with zip up windows as your deployed location might be so humid that air flow is mandatory. This tent also needs to have both a tarp for ground cover and an additional rain tarp overhead which extends beyond the floor dementions. Along with the sheltering tent, you'll need heavy-duty metal stakes (military surplus) to secure the shelter.
DO NOT use those cheap plastic stakes as they will not hold as well or hammer in so easily in rocky soil nor in soggy or very sandy soil. (include extra stakes and a heavy claw hammer for tent erection and also for stake removal.) At least two jump team members should become well-versed in putting this and other shelters up. They should be able to do so without referring to any instructions. Also, make sure that when it comes time to erect the tent, a site is selected which will allow any rain to flow away from the tent and not pool under it. If you've ever had to sleep in a saturated sleeping bag because the tent was erected in a low area like I have, you'll have a greater respect for site survey before tent erection. Each jump team member needs their own sleeping bag and you'd be wise to bring at least two spares. Make sure they are the type that fit the season and not a "summer bag". If you've ever frozen your butt off while trying to sleep in a wimpy sleeping bag then you know what I mean.
SITE SURVEY - Learn How To Do It!
Before you do any shelter or operational area set-up, you also need to survey the area to insure that you aren't pestered by any ground dwelling insects, such as fire ants. When I first started out camping I made the mistake of erecting a tent too close to a fire ant mound that was well hidden from view. The additional "adventure" was not so comfortable. Also be aware that you may deploy to an area that may have poisionous snakes, so inspect your area for ground holes which may be nests for these creatures. The inspection list should also include webs (hermit spiders, etc.) so the best inspection should also be followed by a good rake-out of any debris.
Also, make sure your area isn't in the path used by other animals at night such as skunks, etc. One word about going into a rain-saturated area: Be careful as snakes and other dangerous animals may have been displaced by flooding, as was the case during Katrina. Stay away from swampy areas and don't set up your operation by a flood-swelled river as the river may rise. Look at the terrain of the area so any new rain won't flood your operational theater. There's nothing worse than having to "break camp" to move to another location in the middle of an emergency communications operation.
Be sure your operational area is as "high and dry" as possible. Always, always, always use a ground tarp to protect both you and your tent. The blue colored tarps you find at dollar stores will do the trick and if need be can be either re-used or thrown away after an event. Just make sure that the ground tarp entends over the demensions of yor tent and the edges fold up. DO NOT erect shelters under any trees. Snakes climb trees, especially in a flooded area. Local bugs also can infest a campsite if they drop out of any trees. Fruit trees have been known to harbor a tiny worm which if dropped onto your head will become a very nasty parasite.
Close by, but not too close by, there needs to be erected a "toilet tent". This is a narrow, yet tall tent that allows your jump team to "take care of business" in privacy. It should have vents on top, right below the roof line, so the "air of business" doesn't remain in the tent. Don't forget to obtain a chemical, portable toilet. (Also keep at least 30 tall kitchen plastic garbage bags in case you run out of chemicals so they can be used as inserts. Don't forget at least 12 rolls of single ply 1000 sheet toilet tissue.) Just like the shelter tent, erect this tent on level ground. On a personal note, instruct all jump team members to sit rather than "aim for the hole". Read the directions that came with the unit on how to use a chemical toilet and how to dispose of the waste. Have a shovel on hand to bury the "remains of your business".
The communications and operations tent needs attention to detail. There should be enough room so operators may stand erect without crouching. I suggest using an "EZ Up Canopy" at least 10x10 with side netting and side walls in case either are needed. (see the addendum at the end of this booklet) This tent/canopy should be at least 50 feet away from the sleeping shelter or your team members resting might not be able to fall asleep due to noise from the communications operation and radio chatter. DO NOT SKIMP when it comes to the purchase of this structure. The frame tubing should be square and not round or rectangular. I've had cheaper canopy structures fail when wind actually bent the cheaper framework. An additional rain tarp covering is a must as most "EZ UP" style canopies are NOT water proof. This is the main operations area and needs to be erected in a secure manner. Use plenty of metal stakes to hold it in place as it tends to catch winds that wouldn't bother your sleeping shelter. I learned this the hard way when while using two of these canopies a nasty weather cell passed by and almost ripped the top of the canopy off the framework. It looked like a scene from a comedy film when we were getting soaked while trying to keep the cover from taking flight. Be safe, purchase and bring at least two of these canopies. If it gets very windy, use long bungee cords over the top of the canopy to keep it from ripping away from the framework. The operations structure needs two folding tables (non-metal tops) of sturdy design and at least four chairs. Do not use "chairs in a bag" for operating stations as they do not supply the proper support and will quickly tire out your operators.
The next support structure is the food prep and dining area. Another 10x10 EZ UPtm canopy with the screening and tarp sides, and rain tarp, would fit the bill. Don't forget at least two fold up tables, one to act as food prep/cooking and another for dining, with chairs. (These can be "chairs in a bag" but inspect them before each deployment period as they tend to dry rot very quickly.)
So in review, you'll need the sleeping/housing tent with 6-8 sleeping bags, depending on team number (plus 2 as spares), toilet shelter, chemical toilet with supplies, two operations shelters, a food prep-dining shelter and suitable chairs and tables for both food prep/dining and station(s) operations. Don't forget the ground and rain tarps.That's a lot of structures and support gear, but unless they are properly erected and outfitted with the proper furniture, your jump team operations will suffer and a greater stress will be induced. ALL YOUR STRUCTURES SHOULD BE ERECTED IN A CIRCLE WITH ENTRANCES FACING INWARD SO EVERY STRUCTURE OPENING HAS A CLEAR VIEW OF ALL OTHERS. YOU WILL SEE WHY LATER IN THIS WEB PAGE.
Appoint one member who will be in charge of the shelter construction detail and one member to act as an alternate/assistant. This will be their main deployment responsibilities, however, when they have finished this obligation they need to move on to other tasks. All members should lend a hand with shelter detail when requested. If you are deploying to cooler or cold areas, in order to heat your shelters, I suggest using several portable catalytic heaters such as sold by Colemantm ("Sport Cat"tm or "Black Cat"tm models) which use 16oz propane cylinders. (If you chose wisely, this fuel might also be the same type as which will be used in your stoves) Have at least one heater for each shelter (two in your radio operations tent) and use proper ventilation when they are on. Refer to the directions when operating them and keep them away from anything flammable. Have enough fuel for your entire deployment period.
Nutritional Needs and Preparation
The nutritional needs, both food and fluids, is a subject that needs careful planning. First and foremost, you must check with every member to see if they have special needs AND what food reactions (allergies) they might have. Do not take this research lightly. One very glaring case in point was when I deployed to the Virgin Islands. It was hot and fluid replenishment was a major concern. Usually I ended up drinking whatever I was served. The fruity drinks seemed a nice change of pace from the water we usually drank. You can imagine my surprise when one drink I had contained mango, which I was allergic to! I can't tell how crazy I went with the skin irritation and intense itching. It was so bad that I wanted to tear my skin off. Thank goodness we had stocked antihistamine with the first aid gear. So remember, watch what is prepared and let everyone know what you are sensitive to. Look out for peanut allergies as they can be deadly.
The first item in your jump team's cache of food/fluids should be an ample supply of water. Remember that you might be unlucky enough to be deployed where the local water system was either destroyed or is polluted. Bottled water is a wise choice, but if it can't be obtained due to funding, or none in stock at stores because of weather-related hoarding, larger "Jerry Jugs" or other suitable containers filled with tap water (fill right before you deploy) will work. Also bring water purification tablets and particulate filters just in case. If you have to use any local-site water, boil it and use those tablets. I'd stock at least 2 gallons of water per person per day with 20% beyond this base total. That means about 95 gallons of water for a team of six who are deployed for 7 days. Better to be safe than sorry. You can live with less food, but not without water. While we are on the subject of fluids, I have found that the powdered hydration mixes when combined with water for drinking can be very beneficial. "Crystal Light On-The -Go Hydration" or some other non-sugar hydration powder mix taste very good (they come in different flavors) and supports your body better than plain water as they supply you with electrolytes and vitamins. Becareful that no operator has an allergic reaction to the sweetner used in the packets as their throats can "close up". Although I enjoy soda, it is not the drink of choice when you have to deploy. No booze or beer. Ever.
Your stock of food to prepare and serve must be simple, yet supply the nutritional needs of the team. I find that "just add water and shake" pancake mixes, rice (stored in metal containers and prepared using chicken broth instead of water) etc. are good choices because they require no eggs, milk or refrigeration. Freeze-dried meals, smoked or dried meats or canned meals, canned fruits and lots of "power bars" should also be on your list. (Good, old, "Dinty Moore" Beef Stew in a can, etc) Vary the meals. Make sure the jump team members get enough protein. Do not stock fresh meats, fish or poultry as they will go bad very quickly without proper refrigeration/freezing. Dried fruit such as raisins make for good snacks. Don't forget to supply some salted snacks but don't over do it. Make sure all food stuffs are properly stored and sealed so they won't be contaminated by the local insects or rodents. Store all food items in metal containers. Your stock should be carefully laid out in menu form, including snacks, so you can stock enough to fulfill the requirements during the jump team's length of deployment and again keep at least 15% beyond what your total need calculations might be.
Keep a running inventory of all foods and drinks during your team's deployment. Plan an 8 day menu and consult with all your team members on the selections you might have made. (God, I hate canned tuna fish) This way it will help with stocking before your team deploys. Don't skimp. Also, plan ahead and stock the proper cooking and eating utensils, cooking oil, paper towels, heavy-duty aluminum foil, dish washing liquid, scrubbing sponges, plates and cookware with lids. DO NOT wash or rinse any cookware or utensils in water that isn't fit for you to drink. It would be wise to use bottled gas burners to cook any meals that require heating instead of cooking over some charcoal grille which generates a lot of smoke. (If you've ever ended a long camping trip and everyone smelled like burnt brisket, you know what I mean.) Bring enough bottles of whatever fuel your burners require to cook planned meals for 10 days (or more if longer deployment period is forecast) plus an additional 20%. Your stove should be at least a two burner variety. Always have two stoves incase one becomes defective. Learn how to properly use the stove and how to check for gas leaks using soapy water on all the connections. If it bubbles, there is a leak at that location.
Even a brand new burner can be defective and leak gas so test new burners before you store them in your cache. Personal experience and frizzed arm hairs taught me that! Two jump team members should be well versed in camp-style cooking and food prep. This will not be their only responsibility as cooking is not a full time job.
Typical Example Of Day One Menu
Breakfast:
Pancakes made with "add water - shake and pour" batter mix (syrup)
Canned mixed fruit
Hydration Drink mix - Fruit punch
Lunch:
Canned Ravioli (heat and serve)
Hydration Drink mix - Lemon/Lime
Snack:
Raisins, M&Ms and Peanuts (be careful of allergies to peanuts)
Bottled water
Dinner:
Canned Beef Stew ("Dinty Moore" type)
Corn bread made from "add water to batter" mix
Drink Mix or Canned Juices
Typical Example Day Two Menu
Breakfast:
Scrambled Eggs (made from powdered source - add water)
Canned Juice drink
Biscuits with honey (biscuits made from "add water" mix)
Lunch:
Canned Tuna or canned Chicken salad Sandwiches
Canned Mixed Fruit with granola sprinkles
Hydration drink
Snack:
Potato chips or corn chips / Fresh oranges
Canned Juice drink
Dinner:
Rice made with chicken broth instead of water. Mix in one can of drained canned peas one minute before end of cooking cycle.
Canned carrots (heated)
Canned pear-halves
Water or juice drink
MAKE SURE ALL "UN-CANNED" FOOD IS STORED IN METAL CONTAINERS TO PREVENT SPOILAGE OR INFESTATION. USE ALL PRE-MADE "BREADS" DURING THE FIRST 4 DAYS TO PREVENT MOLD. Other suggestions include simple pasta dishes. (Keep dry pasta well stored in sealed glass or metal containers and not just in their cardboard boxes) USE BOTTLED WATER FOR COOKING!
There is also the possibility where you might have to operate under "cold camp" conditions, that is, without cooking your meals as would be the case when you'd deploy remotely during a wide-area wildfire event within a tinder-dry area where no fires or even lit stoves are allowed. This means lots of canned fruits, canned meats, and of course good old peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Balance meals and include that all important protein so you don't run out of "steam". Make sure you know what type of event you'll be turning out for so adjustments to a "cold camp" can be made.
Beyond Shelter and Grub(Getting On The Air)
The first concern in this arena should be power requirements and generation. Your team needs to be self-sufficient in supplying power to run your operation. This should include not only radio energy, but also power for lights and even fans. Usually a two HF and one VHF station operation will require at the minimum at least 800 watts of AC power. Again, to be on the safe side, let's figure 1000 watts peak. Add to this a few lights and two fans to keep your operators a bit cooler (that is if you are in a hot, humid area) so at the very least you'll need a 1500 watt gas generator with an extended run gas tank.
Most jump teams bring TWO, 1500 watt+ generators for reliable operation. It does your team little good to get to a site and then find that the only generator you've come with won't work. Make sure the generators are equipped with circuit breakers. Bring at least 3, 100 ft heavy duty extension cords with multiple outlets, 2, 50 ft heavy duty extension cords with multiple outlets and a few 25 ft extension cords. Power generation is important so make sure your "Power Chief" is fully versed in powering up your camp. There should be practice drills on this subject. Make sure that you have enough gas to operate 24/7 at full load for 10 days (more if your deployment is going to be longer). (check with your generator's manual) Bring a siphon in case you need to go on an gasoline "expedition" such as was the case during one of my deployments.
Use all the proper safety procedures which include shutting off the generators when refueling and grounding the equipment. Make sure the generators are located far enough away where the ops won't have their communications drowned out by generator noise. Keep the generators away from anything that might ignite due to their hot exhaust and on level ground. Store/transport the gas in approved containers that are properly sealed and vented and in the outdoor only. Bring oil for your generator use and check it's level. Have on hand at least 4 desk lamps and two clip on spotlights with extra bulbs for each. Include a few yellow "bug light bulbs". Special note: When you need to "power down" to refuel, let all the ops know so they can turn off the radios. Nothing is more damning than a blown radio due to a voltage spike caused by a restarting generator!
RIGS, ETC.
The HF rigs you obtain for jump team use must be used ONLY for jump team service, both during drills and for actual emergency deployment. NO NO NO..... do not depend upon some ham's home radio to be included as one of the TWO HF rigs you bring. This is serious business, so you need dedicated radio gear. Both jump team HF radios should be simple to use and, if possible, both the same model. They don't need to be the latest design with all types of "bells and whistles", but they need to be dependable and put out 100 watts of RF power. A few models I'd suggest are ICOM 720, 725, 728, 729 and 735 as they have proven to be field "work horses". The same is true for Kenwood TS 140, 120, 680 and Yaesu FT 757. NO TUBE RADIOS!!! Make sure all your team members are trained in the operation of whatever rigs you decide to supply. (one of the reasons for field drills) Have TWO manuals on the ready. Make sure all cords, microphones and connections are inspected and in very good condition. Have an extra microphone in stock. Power cords should be fused (along with at least 8 fuse changes). The power supplies should be adequate enough to supply the energy requirements for each rig during high duty-cycle operation. If possible, use the model's matching power supply. DO NOT use a single, high amp power supply to operate both radios.
Fuse everything! Bring at least two extra power supplies. External speakers, that project towards the ops are a must. Provide comfortable headphones which cover the ear and that ops can wear for extended periods of time. Include two spares. Make sure each radio is properly stored in a case for transport. Supply at least two decent battery-operated digital desk clocks. Have a crankup AM radio to receive local information when deployed.
VHF radios (if possible, bring two of the same model) should be easy to program and use, such as the ICOM IC-208 (dual band) or the ICOM IC-2100. DO NOT think that an HF/VHF radio, such as an ICOM 706 will fit the bill for both modes of operation (HF and VHF). If you do, you'll be sorry. Bring at least one extra microphone, three power cords, several changes of fuses and two adequate power supplies (at least 15 amps because the duty cycle of an FM radio is greater than that of an HF SSB rig). Make sure you keep two operator's manuals on hand. Make sure each radio is properly stored in a case for transport. Every member should know how to operate these rigs, use their memories and tones. Drill, Drill, Drill.
You'll also need to bring at least three, 100 ft. runs of RG8X coax with properly installed connectors for your HF gear. Four, 3 ft coax jumpers to go from rig to tuners, three, 25 ft runs of RG8X for your VHF radio operation. (keeping runs of coax under 50 ft for VHF will lessen power loss) Do not use RG58. Spend a few pennies more, buy RG8X. Inspect your coax on a regular basis. Also include at least 4 "UHF" barrel connectors so you can use two cables if you need to make a longer run such as connecting two 25 ft cables together.
Have two, 300 watt tuners just for jump team use as you might be using antenna systems that are not cut for the band you will be using (or for NVIS antennas which need tuners to operate). Learn the proper way to use tuners and, if possible, obtain two like model units. Your cache of antennas should include at least two NVIS antennas that are "free standing" as they come with their own supports. Bring two vertical VHF/UHF antennas that exhibit gain and have telescoping masts that allow them to deploy to at least 15 feet high.
Also have on hand at least two 40 meter dipoles which can be used as an inverted "V" with masting and support guys/stakes, etc. so it can be deployed apexed at least 30 feet high. An 80 meter dipole is also suggested. Your "Antenna Man" should be experienced at erecting antennas where there are no support structures such as trees or buildings.
Bring a large amount of guy stakes, metal military ones are the best, and spools of tough guying cord and a hammer. Plan for the worst. When deciding which type of antenna to erect, take into consideration the bands you will be using. Most of the time you will be using the 40 and 80 meter bands. NVIS is a good choice of antennas to use, HOWEVER, with it's low height you must consider how low do you wish to go. Too low and people might walk into your antenna or touch it when you are operating and get a shock. The same if you use an "Inverted V" with it's ends too close to the ground.
When you've decided on an antenna to erect, be careful. See that pile of rocks? That might make a great area to put up a mast. It might also be a home for snakes or scorpions! Use heavy gloves when you do any antenna work. Also wear work boots with your pants tucked into them. Use caution when walking even in high grass as that is another area you might find snakes or even chiggers in. Use common sense and care. The same goes when you have to guy a mast with ground stakes. Use a long stick to clear an area and insure snakes aren't waiting for you. Long sleeve shirts are also a must.
There are army-surplus mast sections for sale on ebay which are only 4 feet each and store in a duffle bag that I'd recommend. 8 of them will make the 30 ft center support for your inverted "V". Practice erecting this antenna until you have it down cold. Remember to use proper guying techniques. Never run the ends of the actual antenna closer to ground than 8 feet. Use insulators and nylon cords at each end before you secure the ends with stakes. Keep the antennas away from high traffic areas. Mark your guy lines and ends of the "V" with orange flag tape so people won't walk into them. (See Addendums at the end of this booklet for a special top/guy adapter when using military masting.)
If your jump team plans to use digital modes, bring two VERY GOOD pre-programmed laptops, and two modems with extra cords and two laptop power supplies along with battery power. Manuals and modem power supplies are a must. Make sure your ops are experienced in digital operations using jump team gear. Again, this equipment needs to remain in your jump team cache and not constantly used at a member's home or for your club's contest logging efforts. If it is your intent on doing search detail, bring several VHF handi-talkies of the same model, 5 watt power, gain antennas, speaker mics and deep cycle batteries to power them. A good idea is to use the "W2IK MAN-PACK SYSTEM" found on this web site:
http://web.archive.org/web/20070513111247/hometown.aol.com/alonestaryank/MANPACK.html
for search and rescue, which includes a special antenna made for this use. Always bring at least two spare systems for your team's use. Drill on search and rescue techniques. See my "What To Have Before You Go" website:
http://web.archive.org/web/20071226173420/hometown.aol.com/haminfo/
concerning VHF handi-talkies and power. It is suggested that you do additional research by reading several of my other webpages such as "What To Have Before You Go" so you can acquaint yourself with other items needed for jump team deployment.
These include: A complete, detailed first aid kit suitable for 12 people. antihistamine! and other basic medications. rain gear, all-weather clothing, toilet articles, etc
Obtain All items listed below: (with enough of each to care for 8 people even though you are a team of 6 and adjust the listed expendable items for a 10 day tour.
PERSONAL ITEMS FOR EACH MEMBERS'S "GO-BAGS"
The more comfortable you are, the better and longer you will be able perform as a communicator. The following is a sub-list of items to be included in each member's personal "go-bag":
1. a decent first aid kit capable of care for at least 4 people
2. your own prescription and non-prescription medication (for headache and pain relief, I use ORUDIS KT, found next to the aspirin at drug stores) Antihistamine for allergic reactions. (Have at least 12 days supply of your prescription meds)
3. throat lozenges and mints and gum
4. reading glasses
5. sun glasses / sunscreen
6. a lighter (one for each member)
7. "handi-wipes" or moist towelette packets
8. insect repellent
9. "power bars" (at least 10) other than the food needs of the team
10. bottled water/juice container with each member's name on it
11. salty snacks (especially in hot weather)
12. personal toilet items
13. extra appropriate clothing for the time of year (including hats)
14. rain parka (either bright yellow or orange)
15. boots and socks
16. work gloves
17. at least 4 pairs of disposable gloves (latex type)
18. chapstick
19. collapsible camping cups
20. flashlights with spare batteries or crank up flashlights
21. a watch for each member
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OTHER ITEMS THE TEAM WILL NEED:
DUCT TAPE at least 6 big rolls. --- You'll use this
SEVERAL CANS OF HEAVY-DUTY FLAT-FIXER
(for when you drive over sharp debris)
Electrical Tape - at least 4 rolls
Asst. hand tools (a VOM would be nice)
Swiss-Army type knife (at least three)
Cash for pay phone or to buy additional items at a local store if possible
A deck of playing cards (trust me)
Trash bags - at least 20 (these can be used to protect gear, personnel and for trash)
Several small, clear plastic "zip-lock bags" (putting your HT in one will allow you to operate in the rain without fear of it being damaged)
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Get extra batteries for those flashlights OR buy the newer crank-charged multi-led flashlights. Log books, spiral bound loose leaf books and pens/pencils. Duct tape, Duct tape, Duct tape. Bring a complete tool collection including a VOM. Every member should help maintain a community jump team log, message log and each member should also have a personal log for post-event review.
PRACTICE , PRACTICE, PRACTICE !
Practice several weekend drills of at least three days in length by having your jump team deploy from scratch in a park which allows over night tent camping. Do not use any existing shelters or supports. Use only what you've brought. Do this several times until your team is proficient and can work together. Make contacts and notes on propagation. Exchange mock messages between your jump team and your support club/group's members who will be charged with at-home communications monitoring to support the jump team operation when it is deployed. Take your drill deployments seriously. Work out the kinks. Supply missing support pieces to your jump team cache. Your jump team cache should be able to be transported in two pickup trucks. Practice loading so space can be effectively used. Use "bungee" cords to hold down your cache. (These cords can also be used to lash antenna masting to vertical supports such as trees or fence posts) Make sure each team member has adequate clothing for the time of year and the area you would be deploying to.
CHAPTER FOUR
Putting It All Together
The first three parts of this series dealt with the information and basic facts needed to help in assembling both personnel and gear to commit to a jump team creation and deployment. It is hoped that you have, for the most part, followed the ideas presented and have assembled a team, developed your equipment cache and have actually done a few mock over-night (or longer) deployments at a local campsite so as to refine your shelter building and station setup techniques, adding to your cache of equipment and supplies, adjusting requirements and systems operations. I've found that deploying to a campground and doing a full-blown operation in some contest or operating event (I've used the "Texas QSO Party" as a test of deployment and operating skills) so your ops are exposed to less than perfect propagation and bands that are a bit crowded is a good test of your team's actual abilities. This will help hone your team's camping, operating and listening skills. Remember that for the most part your emergency communications will take place on 40 and 80 meters so try to concentrate on their propagation factors. Also make note of the known/posted emergency frequencies on those bands and the emergency nets that operate from the various areas your team might be charged with covering. Of course, to communicate in the area around your deployment site you'll probably use 2 meters so test those "Man Packs", along with your base VHF radio set up, to develop their maximum range using simplex tactical frequencies that you should have pre-programmed in to all vhf radios. Once you are sure that your jump team is equipped, trained and ready, your group/club can now go through the process of announcing your jump team's availability. Your team leader needs to contact as many local, area and regional emcomm groups as possible to make them aware of your jump team, it's capabilities AND it's limitations.
Create a web page devoted to educating those interested in your new jump team and what it can do. Send information and your jump team's informational web address to the ARRL, CQ Magazine, World Radio and other like publications. Leave "in case of an emergency" phone numbers and email addresses with each contact you make. Take pictures during mock/test deployments showing the professional nature of your jump team.
Your jump team's deployment cache should be stored in a climate controlled area that is secure from rodents and burglars. The cache should be inventoried and inspected every month. Food should be replaced near their expiration dates. Gas, of course, should be stored in a shed or well vented area. I usually keep the generators and gas cans empty and fill the cans either on route or when a hurricane is approaching. Gas tends to gel up even with a stabilizer. Run your generators at least twice a year. Engine oil should be replaced once a year. A small price to pay for dependable service.
Make special laminated photo IDs for all your jump team members. Have maps on the ready so if there is a deployment your jump team will know exactly where to go. When the call goes out, have the deployment area contact names and titles ready so when your team gets there the team's field deployment leader knows what agency is in charge and who to interact with. (This gathered information should be an "informational packet" that, along with maps, each jump team member will receive upon call out. This packet should be as detailed as possible and should include any working deployment area repeater frequencies/tones if known.) Jump teams should have at least one copy of the ARRL Repeater Directory with them for reference.
While I'm on the subject, remember that your team will be working under the affected area's local emergency response administration and their direction. It is also suggested that everyone on your team takes Red Cross Shelter Management training so they'll know some of the ins and outs of Red Cross operations. It is also important that several team members take some form of FIRST AID course to cover anything that might happen to team members ONLY. You are not doctors, so refrain from giving out medical assistance to the local population. DO NOT put yourself in the cross-hairs of a lawsuit.
So, your TEAM LEADER gets a call that an area devastated by a hurricane needs communications support because most of the local hams are so affected that they are unable to turn out. The team leader gets verification of this request along with details such as contact personnel and the exact location where the jump team will be needed to deploy. It is made clear that the possible deployment request time period will be for about 7 days. The request for communications help falls within your team's published response criteria so it is decided that your jump team will support the event. The first thing to do is to contact each jump team member and give them the call to proceed with deployment, giving them as much information as possible.
Your field deployment leader then takes over and gets his/her team going by signing out and withdrawing the equipment supplies cache and double checks with each team member giving them a bit of time to get their personal gear together before meeting at a designated area (staging area) to load up the trucks for transport to the deployment location. In the mean time, the team leader should be trying to get as much additional information together, including making those packets. An allotment of cash (no credit cards since ATM's probably will not be working in the event area) is secured to pay for the gas for vehicle transport and to fill the approved fuel containers for generator operation (keep all receipts). The team should also purchase "perishables" and water (if not already secured) to load with the cache.
After your team has met, informational packets obtained and cash secured, a check list of cache items is done as each item is loaded so you won't forget anything. (Don't forget to bring the new "OFF - brand - Smooth and Dry Insect Repellent" - It doesn't make you feel like you've gotten greased up for a Channel swim!) The team leader should also make sure that each team member has their personal gear with them, including extra clothing, boots and seasonal covering such as gloves and heavy jackets for cold weather, personal medications, etc. It's now time to deploy to the location in vehicles that are clearly and professionally marked as "Emergency Communications Jump Team Vehicles" with printed magnetic signs on each side AND a dashboard sign as well. This will make it easier to get in to an area. (Make sure each jump team member has their laminated photo jump team ID on a lanyard at all times. It would also be a good idea that they also have on their lanyard any Red Cross laminated cards from their RC course completions.) Driving carefully, caravan-style, make sure your team refuels along the route so by the time they get to their deployment site they have at the very least enough gas to drive back out of the event area and back to operating gas stations. The route planned may have detours due to flooding, one-way evacuee traffic or bridges out of service. The lead vehicle should have a GPS unit so your team will find their deployment loaction a bit easier. After your team has reached it's destination, park and have your Field Leader talk to the local agency you are helping to verify that: a. this is the right location b. exactly where would be the best location (spot) in which to deploy and c. are there any structures your team can use for a communications operation or sleep area. DO NOT accept any structure that is damaged to the point that you or any of your team feels unsafe in. After all this has been accomplished your team can then unload and start setting up sheltering (if needed) and your operating area. Again, remember that tents need to be erected in areas that will not flood themselves out if there is additional rain. Start with sheltering, then move to operations structures while another part of your team erects the antennas. After all shelters are finished, your power detail should get your generators up and running while other team members get both HF and VHF station equipment unloaded and set up.
Ground all power generation equipment and radios with either ground rods OR 1/2 copper pipes hammered in to the ground.
Special note: We live in a day and age where some people take advantage of others during critical times, so PLEASE keep an eye on everything you have. Theft loss may put your team out of service. Lock up what you can in the truck cabs and stow gear in the tents so that if you see someone going in to one who isn't part of your team you can stop them. This is why all your structures should be erected in a circle with all openings facing in view of each other.
After you've accomplished all of the above, it's time for your team to get on the air and let your group/club back home know what's going on. Set up a schedule of times (at least two per day) you'll update them and stick to it. By this time, your field leader probably has lined up actual communications messages for you to send AND what other stations you need to be in contact with. Let the traffic begin, but in an orderly manner. In the beginning, you might find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed, but soon you'll find your pace and people at the site will see that "they are not alone" and help might be as simple as a communications exchange. Remember that as much as you'd like, your field team leader should be the only one to gather the messages needed for sending. This way it's kept professional and calm. After a while, it will be time for food and fluids to be prepared. Always make sure that the radio ops have an adequate supply of fluids at all times. Make sure that your team runs the communications end in scheduled shifts with two hours on, two hours off and develop a sleep schedule to fit so members have at least 6 hours devoted to sleep. When a member has "down time" he/she should refrain from walking too far away from the camp. Walking too far away has caused a few members to be faced with snakes or people of a dubious nature such as when I deployed to Haiti in 1984. Looters have a good act and you might find yourself minus money, credit cards or even your life! When on break, stay close to "home".
Keep an accurate log of all traffic sent and received in case verification becomes needed and for post event review. Take pictures that do not depict the plight of any victims but rather of your actual jump team operation. It will make for good PR later and will help solidify your group as a responsible communications force. DO NOT talk to reporters who are digging for some story. Rather, let your field team leader do the talking. Reveal no information about victims that may come back biting you and your team in the ass. Hopefully your first jump team deployment will run smoothly with messages being sent and your field team leader interfacing with the local agencies to gather information for message handling. Make sure each team member is following procedures as developed or requested by the local agency. Be sure each member has taken the scheduled rest periods as the stress of deployment can easily creep over you. KEEP ACCURATE LOGS. KEEP AN ACCURATE RUNNING INVENTORY OF ALL FOOD/DRINKS AND FUEL so you know where you stand and how much longer your team can deploy in case they have to be there an additional day or so beyond the planned deployment time frame.
After your deployment duties have ended, as determined by your field team leader and the agency you are helping at the event location, it now becomes time to break down your operation. Your last transmissions should be to your home communications group informing them of your shut-down/pack up and when you will arrive back home.
The temptation to "just throw things back in the trucks" should be avoided. Breaking down the operation should be in direct reverse order as when you built your operation. Make sure each piece of equipment is packed back in the proper case and all cables are wound up and secured properly. Shelters should be properly folded back up. Remember the old camping rule: "Pack out what you packed in." This means even your garbage. Leave your deployment site just as if you were never there. Police the area for trash and pick it up. When you leave a site in good condition it will be noticed just as if it's left messy your team's respect will suffer. Take the time, even though you might be dead tired, and do it right. Before you leave, make sure your team leader leaves the agency helped with a few kind words. I'm sure you'll get some back for all the work and support you've provided. Exchange names and email addresses, especially of your supporting group/club, so they know who to thank if they wish to do so after the event. After taking that long drive back home (and I'm sure you've informed your home support club/group on the radio before you've broken down your set up about the ending of your team's deployment and when you will be arriving back) you need to unload the cache, inventory what is there and what is needs to be replenished, and sign off on all of it as well as turn in all the receipts and unused cash. Hopefully, there will be other members of your group/club waiting, who will help you unload.
Your team has done a lot of work and at the very least your supporting group/club can aid you in this regard. Now, the only things left are to debrief and hand in logs to your TEAM LEADER so an accurate report can be created that should be filed with your group and also copies sent to interested parties. Make sure a nice article is written up by either the team leader or the club president, along with some pictures, and submit it for publication to CQ, QST or World Radio. Send a story to local newspapers and other local media. Other possible outlets would be a newsletter put out by other organizations that the jump team members belong to (church, scouts, etc) or if the members' employers publish stories about how employees volunteer their time. The more people are made aware of your dedication, the more support your jump team group will generate.
Update your team's website with a short piece on your deployment (perhaps with a picture or two) so it will be known that your team has "put their money where their mouth is" and actually helped a community in need. It would also be nice if each team member received a certificate thanking them for their energy and efforts. After a rest, it's time to get that cache back in operational status by inspecting all of it and adding to depleted stock, make minor corrections to it. Fine tune your jump team based on the experience you've had and stand ready, willing and able to deploy the next time they are needed. Your community, country and the entire amateur radio population, including myself, thank you for your caring and efforts.
Please read the addendums on the following pages for additional ideas and suggestions.
+++ Addendums +++
# 1
When Using Surplus Military Masting
If your group should decide to use military masting sections to erect your antennas, here's a handy top adapter! Military masting comes in 4 foot sections which makes it easy to transport in duffel bags and you can vary the height by adding/subtracting sections. They can be purchased on "ebay" or at many Army/Navy surplus stores.
Create an easy adapter to add to your military section masting which will allow you ease in both guying and in stringing an antenna (such as a dipole or "inverted V"). The simple construction is shown below. This will also add 3 extra feet to your masting. Parts list: 4 ft section - 1 inch pvc schedule 1120 (thick wall) 1 - 1 inch pvc end cap 1 - 1 inch pvc coupler pvc cement 4 stainless steel eyelets 1/4-20 threads 8 stainless steel nuts epoxy or thread lock 3 self-taping sheet metal screws
Cut off 12 inches from the 4 foot section of PVC. Cement on to this 12 inch piece the coupler. Drill, screw and bolt on to the coupler (at a point where the holes go through both the coupler and the PVC pipe) three of the eyelets making sure they are equidistant around the coupler and that the eyelets are vertical AND the bent loop gap faces UP.Epoxy the bolts so they do not loosen. Next, cement on the other end of the coupler the 3 ft section of the pvc AND screw it to the coupler with at least two screws so the fitting does not fail if the cement should break it's bond. (refer to photos below). Take the end cap and drill, bolt and expoy the last eyelet, again making sure the bent loop gap faces up and the eyelet remains vertical. Cut a small "v" on the end of the 3 ft section of pvc so the end cap fits fully over the pipe and the eyelet inner bolt/nut fits in the "v". When you are sure it fits, cement the end cap and add an additional screw to hold the cap better. )This will leave you with an adapter that will slide in to the masting end and allow you to guy the masting using the three eyelets. The top eyelet should have a run of parachute cord through it so that when the masting is erected you can raise the center of the antenna as you would a flag.
I have tested this adapter with up to 10 sections of masting - that's 40 feet tall - without a problem. Make sure your guy cord is adequate to handle at least 450 pound loads and your stakes are securely in the soil.
# 2 HOW NOT TO GO "BUGGY"
The canopies I suggested you puchase usually do not come with side panels or screening. An easy way to get a supply of inexpensive side panels would be to go to a "dollar" store or to the paint section of "Lowe's" or "Home Depot" and purchase 4 each of those blue tarps that are 8x10. When needed, just attach the tarps to the frame UNDER the top cover so as rain falls off it runs down the outside of the canopy. Make sure the bottom drapes away from the canopy. Although this solves the problem of not getting gear wet, it unfortunately keeps the stale, humid air inside. There is an inexpensive way to add screening which will keep the air flowing and the bugs out. (If you've ever been in a post-hurricane area you know how fast the pesky bugs will multiply.) Simply go to either a sporting goods store or a "Walmart" and purchase a cheapie 10x10 foot "screened shelter". They cost about 20 bucks or so. Don't use the "billion" pieces of metal tubing it came with. Instead, just drape the top and it's attached side screening over your existing, sturdy "EZ Uptm" and you now have a bug free environment to operate your radios or prepare food. This is a cost-effective way to add screening to your shelter rather than purchase their company's more expensive type of screening.
# 3 Added Entries
After reading this web page, and discussing the requirements of creating a Jump Team, you and your group may wish to add features for future reference. First, think of what your deployment capabilities will be and how you can fullfill them using the resources your group has on hand, donations in the form of equipment and supplies, and items your group will have to purchase.
This web page may not be copied or published in whole or in part without my emailed or written permission. Not liable for any errors or omissions.
Follow suggestions and ideas at your own risk.
Thanks to my fellow hams, such as WA3PZO (ex of CQ Magazine) and KD5YTN and attendees of my "Jump Team Boot Camps", for their input, support and ideas which made this booklet as complete as possible!
Bob Hejl - W2IK email: W2IK@ARRL.NET
W2IK inventories several tons of jump team gear owned by the "Bexar Operators Group" and used for emergency communications work and during their yearly 3-4 day "Jump Team Boot Camp" class welcomed for anyone to attend. Jump team cache includes several "man pack" - style portable vhf systems for search and rescue, portable vhf repeater, several complete HF stations, survival gear including a water purification system, three generators, 4 solar power generation systems, portable cooking/kitchen gear and enough sheltering for up to 10 people.
