WESTERN AREA ARMY MARS

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

TRAINING GUIDE

020730Z FEB 01 Last Revised: 021500Z APR 01

R. C. Kelly, AAM6T (805) 643-0713 e-mail: Error! Bookmark not defined.Snail Mail: P.O. Box 515 Ventura, CA 93002-0515

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

SCHEDULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

EMERGENCY COMUNICATIONS REPORTS . . . . . . . . . . 9 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS – THAT’S OUR JOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

YOU ARE GOING ABOUT YOUR DAILY (NON-MARS)BUSINESS, AND YOU LEARN OF A NEED FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION; WHAT DO YOU DO? . . 11

EMERGENCY FREQUENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

EEI REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

EMERGENCY NET ACTIVATION When Net is in Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 When Net is not in Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

EMERGENCY NET ACTIVATION REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

DAILY SITUATION REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

SPOT REPORTS Spot Report REQUESTING Information or Support . . . . . 21 Spot Report RESPONDING to a request for Information or Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

EMERGENCY NET DEACTIVATION REPORT . . . . . . . . . . 25

AFTER ACTION REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 APPENDIX A: How To Do It (Training) with Examples of Training Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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APPENDIX B: Report Automation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

APPENDIX C: Excerpts from CAM Comments Regarding Emergency Communications EEI Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

State/Regional Emergency Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Army MARS State Emergency OPLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Army MARS State Emergency OPLAN Review . . . . . . . . 48

7.0 California Earthquake, Lessons Learned . . . . . . . . . . 49

Addressing Emergency Reports, and use of ZEN . . . . . . 53

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HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

THIS IS A REFERENCE DOCUMENT, NOT A SCRIPT. You will NOT find specific lesson plans here because lesson plans are best prepared by the person who is conducting the training.

The purpose of this guide is to provide the instructor with information needed for presenting an overview of Army MARS emergency communications.

With the exception of the “HOW TO DO IT” in APPENDIX A, the materials in this guide have been gathered from Army MARS Standing Operating Procedure (SOP), Army MARS National Emergency OPLAN 3-97, the Army MARS Regional Network Implementation Plan, Chief Army MARS Bulletins, and comments from the Chief’s Net.

See APPENDIX A if you want suggestions for conducting training.

Army MARS network procedures are to be used on all MARS nets, and it is particularly important for training nets to provide a model for all MARS members to follow. It is suggested that all Net Control Station operators review the Operations section of the Army MARS Basis Training Course prior to conducting training.

Critique of practice reports should, of course, be courteous and professional. This is especially true when dealing with newer MARS members, who may feel intimidated by the Instructor and/or the Net Control Station operator.

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INTRODUCTION

Emergency Communications may be thought of as a multi-step operation:

NOTE: The procedures in your state OPLAN may vary from what is shown below. Tailor your presentation to follow your state OPLAN.

1. Emergency Event/Disaster Happens

2. Gather Information

3. Prepare EEI Report

4. Check into Emergency Net. If no emergency net is open . . .

5. Open Emergency Net

6. Submit EEI Report(s)

7. Submit Emergency Net Activation Report

8. Submit Situation Report (SITREP), as necessary

9. Submit Spot Report, as necessary

10. Close Emergency Net

11. Submit Emergency Net Deactivation Report

12. Submit After Action Report

Any MARS member may be called upon during an emergency or an exercise to submit one or more of the emergency communications reports. All MARS members must, therefore, be capable of assembling and submitting each of the emergency communications reports.

This training module contains a summary of the Army MARS emergency communications procedures. Detailed training for the each of the emergency communications reports will be provided in separate training modules.

This training module is intended to be used as a prerequisite to the training modules for each of the emergency communication reports. It can also serve as a review of the overall emergency communication process.

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TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS

ACTUAL INCIDENT Reports. These are the real thing. These reports go to the addressees listed in OPLAN 3-97, as amended and updated.

MARS EXERCISE Reports. These reports are submitted during State, Area or National MARS Exercises, and go to the addressees listed in OPLAN 3-97.

PRACTICE Reports. These reports are used for drill and practice during training, and go no further than the net on which training takes place.

The main difference between EXERCISE and PRACTICE reports is that practice reports go no further than the net on which training takes place. Both Exercise reports and Practice reports are called MARS EXERCISE.

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SCHEDULE

Instructors may begin training immediately upon receipt of this document. This training module is designed to require about three months for all members of a net to complete training. There is no deadline for completion of this training. Continue training until this training module has been completed by your target audience.

REPORTING

Reporting procedures may be established by the State MARS Director, as required to track the progress of training in the state. One way to accomplish this is to have Net Control Station operators provide a list of MARS members who complete training. It is suggested that the State Training Officer maintain records of training completions so that certificates can be issued (see below).

PACE

The pace of training must be tailored to meet the needs of the net members. Nets with large membership will, of course, require longer to complete the training while nets with few members will complete the training sooner.

Depending upon the amount of discussion, instructors may need to have several training sessions for each topic.

CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION

Certificates of completion are to be issued to MARS members who successfully complete this training module. Reference: SOP, Appendix C-3, d, (b)

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GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goal of this training is to have every MARS station operator ready and able to PARTICIPATE EFFECTIVELY IN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS.

MARS members should exit this training module knowing:

** The reports used in emergency communications

** Who is responsible for creating and submitting each report

** The content of each report

** Who receives the emergency reports (to whom the reports are sent, and who receives copies of the reports)

** The frequencies used for emergency communications in their state and region

DETAILED TRAINING for each type of Emergency Communications Report will be provided in separate, individual training modules.

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EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS REPORTS

In 1994, shortly before the 6.7 magnitude Northridge, California earthquake, a seminal meeting took place between CAM and DOMS. During this meeting, the concept of the current emergency communications reporting structure was born.

The reporting structure was tested and refined during the 1994 quake. Additional refinements continued until the current formalized report structure was put in place to MEET THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF OUR CUSTOMERS. Reference: CAM comments dated 10/22/99. See Appendix C, 7.0 California earthquake: Lessons Learned, page 49 in this training guide.

Virtually all Army MARS emergency communications is accomplished using one or more of the reports that have been established for that purpose.

Any MARS member may be called upon during an emergency or an exercise to submit one or more of the emergency communications reports. All MARS members must, therefore, be capable of assembling and submitting each of the emergency communications reports.

Emergency communications reports are used during the three phases of Army MARS Emergency Operations, as shown below.

THREE PHASES OF EMERGENCY OPERATIONS(OPLAN 3-97, pages 3 & 4)

1. Preparation Phase activities include:EEI Reports; local preparations for impending eventNet Activation Reports, as appropriate

2. Response Phase activities include:EEI Reports; damage assessmentsDaily Situation Reports (SITREP)SPOT Reports

3. Recovery Phase activities include:EEI Reports; Recovery OperationsNet Deactivation ReportsAfter Action Reports

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EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS – THAT’S OUR JOB

The primary mission for Army MARS is emergency communications. (CAM 43-99, Army MARS SOP, Basic Training Section 3, paragraph 1 and OPLAN 3-97, 1, a, (2))

“Normal MARS traffic networks, especially those within the disaster area, will immediately transition into emergency net operations and remain as such until normal communications are restored or otherwise directed.” (Army MARS National OPLAN 3-97, 1, d, (6))

“Army MARS stations, in the state and/or region where the emergency situation is pending or occurring, will transition from normal into emergency communications net activity. The Primary purpose is to provide communications support to responding emergency/disaster support organizations.” (Army MARS National OPLAN 3-97, 3, a, (1))

“Given that it is ascertained that an emergency net activation is needed, any MARS member, especially in the local area, has the authority and responsibility to open an emergency net if he/she has the capability to do so.” (CAM Net Comments, 07,05,99)

“…detailed information on 'how' to accomplish a task should be covered in your state training material.” (CAM Net Comments, 11 June 1999)

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YOU ARE GOING ABOUT YOUR DAILY (NON-MARS)BUSINESS, AND YOU LEARN OF A NEED FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION; WHAT DO YOU DO?

NOTE: Your state emergency procedures may differ in detail from the procedure shown below. Instructors must tailor specifics to their state’s OPLAN.

“MARS membership initial involvement will be in preparing and submitting Essential Elements of Information (EEI) Reports … Normal MARS traffic networks, especially those within the disaster area, will immediately transition into emergency net operations and remain as such until normal communications are restored or otherwise directed.”(OPLAN 3-97, 1, d, (6))

1. Create an EEI report using the information you have on hand.

2. Refer to your state MARS Net Schedule and determine whether or not a net is in progress.

3. If a net is in progress, check into it and list your EEI report as priority traffic.

4. If a net is not in progress, go to the state Emergency Operations Net. If the State Emergency Net is in progress, check in.

5. If the state Emergency Net has not been opened, open it and act as Net Control Station

After opening an emergency net, prepare and submit an Emergency Net Activation Report within one hour of net opening. If you are too busy being NCS and have no time to prepare a Net Activation Report, designate a member of the net to prepare and submit the report.

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EMERGENCY FREQUENCIES

Each state has it’s own Emergency Operations Plan. Present relevant parts of YOUR state OPLAN, including state and regional emergency frequencies.

Reference: Army MARS Network Plan, Appendix A

INTERREGIONAL COORDINATION FREQUENCIES.

Purpose: To provide frequencies to augment interregional coordination efforts. Frequencies: 13508.0 USB, 7315.5 LSBTimes: 24 hours dailyAuthorized locations: CONUS

HawaiiAlaskaPuerto RicoVirgin Islands

AREA-REGION NETS.

Purpose: To move traffic between the regions and the area gateways.Frequencies: Eastern Area--5113.5, 6905.0, 7410.0, 14511.0

Western Area--3233.0, 4930.0, 5203.5, 7954.5, 8038.5, 10151.5, 11455.5, 13965.0Times: 24 hours dailyAuthorized locations: CONUS

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REGION NETS

Purpose: To handle traffic, coordination, emergency, and training needs for regional operations.Frequencies: Region frequencies are shown below.Times: 24 hours dailyAuthorized locations: CONUSNet call signs: AAM#RC, voice; AAM#RD, digital; AAM#RN, all mode (where #=region number)

Regional Nets

Region 5

2001.52309.53230.04446.55396.06908.57309.59810.011990.012188.5

Region 6

2001.52218.53246.53257.05401.07405.07720.09990.013505.014580.5

Region 7

2221.52259.52306.53273.55116.55761.57422.57590.012148.513508.0

Region 8

2256.53238.53290.54920.05113.57358.57849.59260.010534.514485.5

Region 9

2221.52813.53276.54791.06908.57312.57361.511105.013743.017520.0

Region 10

2218.53235.53273.55396.05761.57315.57410.07433.012072.014514

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EEI REPORT

When you become aware of a disaster and/or the need for emergency communications, the first thing you will do is …

CREATE AN EEI REPORT USING THE INFORMATION YOU HAVE ON HAND.

An example of an EEI report in voice format is shown below. Underlined items change from report to report. Notes within parentheses are for instructional purposes and are NOT transmitted as part of the report.

THIS IS AAR9EV MESSAGE FOLLOWS NUMBER 003 ROUTINE TIME 012300Z NOVEMBER 99 (Priority precedence for Actual Incident)FROM R C KELLY / AAR9EV CSTO AAA9USA AZ (For ACTUAL INCIDENT, use DOMS / AAN3DOMS MD)INFO (SMD) (SMD may specify additional individuals on the INFO list.)BREAKMARS EXERCISE (ACTUAL INCIDENT for Actual Incident)SUBJECT: EEI REPORT1. REFERENCE: SCORCHED EARTH / CA (Event Identifier/State)A. FIRE IN MATILAJA WILDERNESS AREA OF LOS PADRES NATIONAL

FOREST (Incident and Location)B. OPERATIONAL (Emergency Medical Facility Status)0 ROADS OPEN TO TRAIL HEAD (Local Transportation Status)1 APPROXIMATELY 500 ACRES BURNED (General Damage Characteristics)2 UNKNOWN (Area Utility Status)3 TELEPHONE OPERATIONAL TO TRAIL HEAD (Communications Status)4 VISUAL AAR9EV CS / 012000Z NOV 99 (Information Source/Time) 5 NONE (Remarks)MARS EXERICSE (ACTUAL INCIDENT for Actual Incident)BREAK

OVER

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EMERGENCY NET ACTIVATION when NET IS IN PROGRESS

If an emergency situation happens while a net is in progress, the NCS operator will immediately close the net and re-open as a “slant Echo” net. (OPLAN 3-97, 1, d, (6))

How does the NCS know a disaster has happened that justifies emergency communications status? That’s a good question, and there are some answers.

The NCS operator may know emergency communications is needed when a MARS member checks into the net listing traffic with a precedence of PRIORITY (P).

NOTE: There is NO “emergency” precedence for Army MARS messages. (SOP, Appendix D).

“MARS membership initial involvement will be in preparing and submitting Essential Elements of Information (EEI) Reports … Normal MARS traffic networks, especially those within the disaster area, will immediately transition into emergency net operations and remain as such until normal communications are restored or otherwise directed.”(OPLAN 3-97, 1, d, (6))

For example, suppose that YOU have learned of a disaster and/or emergency situation and prepared an EEI report. Suppose, further, that you find a ‘regular” net is in progress, and check in with “… one priority for DOMS …”. The NCS operator knows that this is an ACTUAL INCIDENT EEI report.

It is possible, but unlikely, that the NCS operator may obtain information about an emergency communication situation in a variety of other ways, such as radio and TV broadcasts, monitoring ARES/RACES repeaters, or experiencing a disaster first hand. (How many NCS operators monitor TV and radio broadcasts during a net?) No matter how the NCS discovers an emergency event while a net is in session, (s)he will immediately state: “All stations stand by. This net is closed.”

The NCS operator will then re-activate the net as an emergency net using the prescribed opening prologue, as in the EXAMPLE shown below.

“AAM9RN/E this is AAR9EV. A long count and fifty second clear period for adjusting equipment follows: one, two, three, four, fife, six, seven, eight, niner, zero. Out.” (Army MARS Basic Training Course, Dec. 1997, p. 25)

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EMERGENCY NET ACTIVATION when NO NET IS IN PROGRESS

If no net is in progress when an emergency situation happens, any MARS member can activate an emergency state or regional net.(OPLAN 3-97, 3, c, (2), (a))

MARS members should follow the procedure in their state OPLAN to activate an emergency net. Once it is determined that an emergency net is to be activated, The net will be opened using the prescribed opening prologue. For example:

“AAA9CS/E this is AAR9EV. A long count and a fifty second clear period for adjusting equipment follows: one, two, three, four, fife, six, seven, eight, niner, zero. Out.”(Army MARS Basic Training Course, Dec. 1997, p. 25)

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EMERGENCY NET ACTIVATION REPORT

When an emergency net is activated, the NCS operator, or a net member designated by the NCS operator, will prepare and submit an Emergency Net Activation Report no later that one hour after the net is activated.(OPLAN 3-97, ANNEX C, 2, c)

An example of a Net Activation Report is shown below.

DE AAR9EV NR 016R 041830Z FEB 00 FM R KELLY / AAR9EV CSTO AAA9W AZINFO AAA9CS CSAAM9ECS CSBTMARS EXERCISESUBJECT : NET ACTIVATION / ROLLING THUNDER1. AAM9RN/E2. 041800Z FEB 003. PRIMARY KFB, ALTERNATE KEB 4. AAR9EV5. 86. DOMS7. GOOD WEATHER CONDITIONS PREVAIL, PROPAGATION FAIR TO GOODMARS EXERCISEBT

NNNN

Net Activation Reports are to be submitted by BOTH radio and email (Chief’s Net Comments, 18 Aug 00).

The body of the Emergency Net Activation Report contains information shown on the following page.

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Paragraph 1: State or Regional Net Call Sign, followed by /E for an actual emergency and /X for an exercise.

Paragraph 2: Date Time Group (DTG) specifying when the net was activated.

Paragraph 3: Primary and Alternate net frequencies used.

Paragraph 4: Call Sign of the Net Control Station.

Paragraph 5: Number of MARS stations initially checked into the net.

Paragraph 6: Customers supported. List all customers for whom traffic was handled, such as DOMS, National Guard, American Red Cross, etc.

Paragraph 7: General remarks concerning the net. This might include such things as propagation, weather, etc.

(OPLAN 3-97, APPENDIX 3 and Army MARS Basic Training Course, p. 56)

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DAILY SITUATION REPORT (SITREP)

“The SITREP is initiated be the NCS or a member designated by the NCS, of any national, regional, or state emergency net. The SITREP will contain information covering activities during the previous 24 hour period of 0001Z through 24000Z. It will be forwarded, not later than 0600Z the day following the reporting period, to the appropriate area MARS coordinator …” (OPLAN 3-97, ANNEX C, 2, d)

An example SITREP is shown below.

DE AAR9EV NR 020R 180500Z FEB 00 (Priority precedence for Actual Incident)FROM R C KELLY / AAR9EV CSTO AAA9W AZINFO AAA9CS CSAAM9ECS CSBTMARS EXERICSESUBJECT: SITREP / ROLLING THUNDER VENTURA COUNTY, CA1. 172300 FEB 002. AAA9CS/E3. NET ACTIVATIONSA. 171550Z – 171800Z 10 STATIONSB. 172100Z – 172200Z 6 STATIONS1. DOMS, CA STATE EOC2. ONLY 4 STATIONS HAD DIGITAL CAPABILITYMARS EXERICSEBT

NNNN

SITREPs are to be submitted by BOTH radio and email (Chief’s Net Comments, 18 Aug 00).

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The body of the Daily Situation Report (SITREP) contains the information shown below.

Paragraph 1: DTG, Ending 24 hour period covered in report.

Paragraph 2: (Net Call Sign) / E (Emergency) or /X (Exercise)

Paragraph 3: (Net activation - deactivation DTG) (Total number of stations checked into net including all MARS services)A. List all activation / deactivations during the 24 hour period.B. List the above information in subparagraphs if the net was not active the complete 24 hour period.

Paragraph 4: Customers Supported

Paragraph 5: General remarks on net activities or problems.

(OPLAN 3-97, APPENDIX 4, and Army MARS Basic Training Course, p. 58)

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SPOT REPORT

(Army MARS National Emergency OPLAN 3-97, APPENDIX 5)

Spot reports are used in the situations listed below.

1. To request MARS management support2. To provide requested information to MARS management 3. To submit customer requests, eg. support requests from Director of Military

Support (DOMS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS)

There are two types of Spot Reports:

1. A Spot Report REQUESTING information or support.2. A Spot Report RESPONDING to a request for information or support.

An example Spot Report REQUESTING support is shown below.

DE AAR9EV NR 022R 172145Z FEB 00FROM R KELLY / AAR9EV CSTO AAA9W AZINFO AAA9CS CSAAM9ECS CSBTMARS EXERICSESUBJECT: SUIPPORT REQUEST / ROLLING THUNDER VENTURA COUNTY, CA1. 171800Z FEB 002. CA STATE EOC SACRAMENTO CA3. ARMY MARS KEB LSB4. NEED IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPORT IN OXNARD, CAA. PARAMEDICSB. PHYSICIANS WITH BURN TRAUMA EXPERIENCEMARS EXERCISEBT

NNNN

Spot Reports are to be submitted by BOTH radio and email (Chief’s Net Comments, 18 Aug 00).

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The body of a Spot Report REQUESTING support (or information) contains the information shown below. (OPLAN 3-97, APPENDIX 5)

Paragraph 1: DTG of request.

Paragraph 2: Name, Call Sign (if known) and location of the individual requesting information or support.

Paragraph 3: Desired method to respond to this request. Provide telephone number, FAX telephone number, e-mail address, or call sign and frequency, as appropriate.

Paragraph 4: In plain text, explain the details of the situation. Include who, where, how, and what assistance is requested. Be specific.

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An example of a Spot Report RESPONDING to a request for information is shown below.

DE AAR9EV NR 022R 172145Z FEB 00 FROM R C KELLY / AAR9EV CSTO AAA9W AZINFO AAAOCS CSAAM9ECS CSBTMARS EXERICSESUBJECT: RESPONSE / ROLLING THUNDER VENTURA COUNTY, CA1. 171800Z FEB 002. CA STATE EOC, SACRAMENTO CA3. ARMY MARS KEB LSB4. A. 2 PARAMEDIC UNITS DISPATCHED FROM SANTA BARBARA CAB. WILL ADVISE WHEN PHYSICIANS WITH BURN TRAUMA EXPERIENCE HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AND DISPATCHED.MARS EXERCISEBT

NNNN

Spot Reports are to be submitted by BOTH radio and email (Chief’s Net Comments, 18 Aug 00).

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The body of a Spot Report RESPONDING to a request for information or support contains the information shown on the following page. (OPLAN 3-97, APPENDIX 5 and Army Basic Training Course, p. 59)

Paragraph 1: DTG of request by customer.

Paragraph 2: Name, call sign, and location of the customer requesting assistance.

Paragraph 3: Method of response desired by the customer. Include voice telephone number, FAX telephone number, e-mail address, or call sign and frequency, as appropriate.

Paragraph 4: In plain text, clearly respond to the customer’s request.

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EMERGENCY NET DEACTIVATION REPORT

An Emergency Net Deactivation Report will be submitted by the NCS operator, or a member designated by the NCS operator, within one hour after net deactivation.(OPLAN 3-97, ANNEX C, 2, f)

Emergency Net Deactivation Reports will be forwarded to WAMC via both radio and e-mail. (Chief’s Net Comments, 18 Aug 00).The e-mail address for Western Area MARS Coordinator (WAMC) is:

james.banks@hqasc.army.mil

An example of an Emergency Net Deactivation Report is shown below.(OPLAN 3-97, APPENDIX 6)

DE AAR9EV NR 024R 051930Z FEB 00 FM R C KELLY / AAR9EV CSTO AAA9W AZINFO AAA9CS CSAAM9ECS CSBTMARS EXERCISESUBJECT: NET DEACTIVATION / ROLLING THUNDER 1. AAM9RN/E2. 051900Z FEB 003. PRIMARY KFB, ALTERNATE KEB4. AAR9EV5. 186. DOMS7. ALL MESSAGES PASSED TO CUSTOMERS WITHIN ONE HOUR OF

RECEIPT. PROPAGATION WAS GOOD TO EXCELLENT.MARS EXERCISEBT

NNNN

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The body of the Emergency Net Deactivation Report contains information shown below. (OPLAN 3-97, APPENDIX 6 and Army MARS Basic Training Course, p. 57)

Paragraph 1: State or Regional Net Call Sign, followed by /E for an actual emergency and /X for an exercise. There are also National Emergency Nets, but it is highly unlikely that a Southern California MARS member will be deactivating a national net.

Paragraph 2: Date Time Group specifying when the net was deactivated.

Paragraph 3: Primary and Alternate net frequencies used.

Paragraph 4: Call Sign of Net Control Station.

Paragraph 5: Total number of MARS stations that checked into the net.

Paragraph 6: Names of customer agencies supported.

Paragraph 7: General remarks regarding the net.

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AFTER ACTION REPORT (AAR)(OPLAN 3-97, ANNEX C, 2, g and APPENDIX 7)

There are three types of After Action Reports: Member AAR, State/Regional AAR, and Area AAR. This training addresses the MEMBER After Action Report.

After Action Reports are to be submitted by EACH PARTICIPATING STATION to the State MARS Director (SMD) within 24 hours after Emergency Net deactivation. These reports convey to management the experiences of each participating station during actual events and exercises.

An additional “final” After Action Report may be required in order to convey remarks, observations, and issues after participants have had a chance to “digest” the event. These final reports, if required, will be submitted to the SMD within five days of Emergency Net deactivation.

An example After Action Report is shown on the following page.

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DE AAR9EV NR 028R 060400Z FEB 00FM AAR9EV CSTO AAA9CS CSBTMARS EXERCISE / ROLLING THUNDER CS SUBJ: AFTER ACTION REPORT1. AAR9EV CS2. NA3. NA4. Y, BATTERY5. 6.9 EARTHQUAKE NEAR VENTURA, CA ABOUT 50 MILES NORTHWEST

OF LOS ANGELES, CA 6. VISUAL THIS OPERATOR 041800Z FEB 00 AND MONITORING OF LOCAL

RACES REPEATER7. OVERCAST, COOL, CALM8. GOOD PROPAGATION9. 6 10. 411. A. WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE REQUIRED CUSTOMER SUPPORT EVEN THOUGH BATTERY WAS WEAK AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. B.GOOD SUPPORT FROM AIR FORCE MARSMARS EXERCISEBT

NNNN

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The body of the MARS Member After Action Report contains the information shown below. (OPLAN 3-97, APPENDIX 7 and Army MARS Basic Training Course, p. 60)

Paragraph 1. Participating Station Call Sign and State

Paragraph 2. Club and Military Station Operator(s)

Paragraph 3. Location, if deployed

Paragraph 4. Emergency Power Used; indicate Y or N, and type of power

Paragraph 5. Brief Description of Operation

Paragraph 6. How and when notified of emergency

Paragraph 7. Weather during operation

Paragraph 8. Radio Propagation conditions

Paragraph 9. Number of messages processed

Paragraph 10. Number of messages originated

Paragraph 11. Problems or issues encountered or observed. List significant problems or issues. List each in a separate paragraph for clarity. Also, list GOOD things that happen.

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APPENDIX A : HOW TO DO IT (Training)

Army MARS network procedures are to be used on all CS AMARS nets, and it is particularly important for training nets to provide a model for all MARS members to follow. It is suggested that all Net Control Station operators and instructors review the Operations section of the Army MARS Basis Training Course prior to conducting training.

Critique of practice reports brought to the training net should, of course, be courteous and professional. This is especially important when dealing with newer MARS members, who may feel intimidated by the Instructor and/or the Net Control Station operator.

It is recommended that the instructor request practice reports be submitted as a part of this training. Practice reports will provide additional reinforcement for the MARS members as well as providing stimulus for discussion on your training net(s). There are many ways to conduct training. Some work better than others. Most of the items shown below are nothing more (and nothing less) than “common sense”, and you may find a quick review to be helpful in preparing for your net training sessions.

You have probably heard and/or participated in “training” on the MARS nets where the NCS reads from Army MARS SOP, or some other reference document. Most MARS operators can read, and most MARS operators have the same documentation that you have. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with reading from various documents as a part of training, that there may be more effective activities.

So, what is an instructor supposed to do during a “training session”?

You must use a training style that fits your background and abilities. As stated near the beginning of this training guide, this is not a script, but here are some ideas for you to consider.

FOCUS

One important thing that you must do is FOCUS the attention of the student on the subject at hand.

“Zingers” is one way to do this. “What is a zinger?”, you might ask. That’s a good question, and here is an example.

On my training net, I sometimes use a “zinger” in the form of a “pop quiz” to focus attention on emergency communications. The question might be . . .

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>>>>When an emergency or MARS exercise takes place, the Southern California Army MARS emergency net, AAA9CS/E is activated on HF. What are the frequency matrix designators for the Primary and the Alternate frequencies for AAA9CS/E?<<<<

As I expected, few knew the answer, but the question sure FOCUSED the attention of the net members on emergency communications, and a lively discussion followed. Everyone on the net, including me, learned something, and/or clarified some “hazy” areas of emergency communications. Now, the members of my net (at least, the ones who were there for the pop quiz) know the frequencies. DO YOU KNOW YOUR STATE’S EMERGENCY FREQUENCIES?

Yes, of course you do, but just in case they may have slipped your mind, it might be a good idea to post them at your operating position for quick reference.

Zingers usually work for me, but they may not fit your style. If this is the case, try something else to FOCUS your net members during training sessions.

HOMEWORK

Another method that can be used to FOCUS your net members is to assign homework.

“Homework?!”

Yes, homework. Some instructors who conduct New Member training use this technique effectively by having trainees bring MARSgrams, EEI reports, etc. to the training nets for critique and discussion. This way, the students, your net members, have some “skin in the game” and are not simply passively listening to words.

Speaking of homework, be sure you do yours. You don’t have to be the world’s leading expert on Emergency Communications, but you should review the basics before conducting a training session so that you can answer questions and/or point the net members to where they can find the answers. If difficult questions come up for which you have no satisfactory answer, take notes and bring the answer to the next net meeting.

Another way to FOCUS the attention of net members is to send a brief training message via digital radio. Repeat the content of the message by voice for any who do not receive digital traffic. Once you are certain all members of the net have copied the message, ask for questions or comments. I have successfully used this method many times.

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You probably know, or can create, other ways to FOCUS your net members’ attention on Emergency Communications.

PACE

The PACE of your presentations is an important contributor to the success of the training. This Emergency Communications training is meant to be spread over multiple sessions, a little at a time. For example, you might devote a few minutes of your net for each of the major topics covered in this training.

Be sure to plan for adequate question/answer and discussion for each session.

REDUNDANCY

And, of course, there is everybody’s favorite, REDUNDANCY.

Tell ‘em what you’re gonna tell ‘em.

Tell ‘em.

Tell ‘em what you told ‘em.

Then (this is very important) ask them to tell you what you told ‘em.

Trite, but true. Redundancy works!

EXAMPLES OF TRAINING MESSAGES

Training messages can serve two important functions. First, well constructed training messages serve as a MODEL for net members to emulate. Second, training messages serve as a stimulus for DISCUSSION.

Examples of several training messages that have been used successfully are shown, beginning on the following page. These training messages are representative of the type of message that Instructors can create and use to facilitate training. Instructors are encouraged to develop their own training messages for this training module. One way to use training messages is as follows:

1. The Instructor, transmits the message via digital radio. Email can be used for those net members who do not have digital radio capability. Email must, of course, be sent in advance of net time.

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2. Repeat the body of the message by voice for any net members who have neither digital radio nor email capability.

3.Once you are sure all net members have received the message, invite questions, comments, and observations from net members.

4. If net members are hesitant to participate in discussion, ask leading questions of individual members.

There is little to be gained from simply transmitting information that MARS members already have. The idea here is to GENERATE DISCUSSION on the training net. Members of the net already have the documentation from which the content of these messages was taken. The intent is for these training messages to FOCUS attention on the subject at hand, and get net members involved in the training process. “Broadcasting” is not enough. I have a tape recorder that does a much better job than I at “listening” to and “remembering” training messages. I do not, however, consider my tape recorder to be “trained”.

DE AAR9EV NR 037 R 171700Z NOV 00FM AAR9EV CSTO AAA9CS/K NETBTSUBJECT: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS1. THIS TRAINING IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAM COMMENTS DATED 29 OCT 99, WHICH STATE, IN PART: "ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS, . . . NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AT THE STATE LEVEL."2. MARS EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS MAY BE THOUGHT OF AS A MULTI-PART OPERATION:A. EMERGENCY EVENT / DISASTER HAPPENSB. GATHER INFORMATIONC. PREPARE EEI REPORTD. CHECK INTO EMERGENCY NET. IF NO EMERGENCY NET IS OPEN . . .E. OPEN EMERGENCY NETF. SUBMIT EEI REPORTG. SUBMIT EMERGENCY NET ACTIVATION REPORTH. SUBMIT SITUATION REPORT (SITREP), AS NECESSARYI. SUBMIT SPOT REPORT, AS NECESSARYJ. CLOSE EMERGENCY NETK. SUBMIT EMERGENCY NET DEACTIVATION REPORTL. SUBMIT AFTER ACTION REPORTBT

NNNN

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DE AAM9TCS NR 003R 061400Z DEC 00 FM AAM9TCS CSTO AAA9CS/K NETBTSUBJECT: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONSREFERENCE: ARMY MARS NATIONAL EMERGENCY OPLAN 3-971. MARS MEMBERS MUST BE ALERTED TO EXISTING OR POTENTIAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED WITH AN ALERT NOTIFICATION.2. MARS MEMBERS MUST PROVIDE INFORMATION TO DOMS AND TO MARS MANAGEMENT REGARDING AN EXISTING OR POTENTIAL DISASTER THAT REQUIRES, OR MAY REQUIRE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED WITH AN EEI REPORT.3. MARS MEMBERS MUST NOTIFY MARS MANAGEMENT WHEN AN EMERGENCY NET IS ACTIVATED. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED WITH A NET ACTIVATION REPORT.4. MARS MEMBERS MUST PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR DAILY BRIEFINGS TO ARMY SIGNAL COMMAND. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED WITH A DAILY SITUATION REPORT (SITREP).5. MARS MEMBERS MUST PROVIDE MARS HQ, USASC, AND DISASTER SUPPORT AGENCIES A WAY TO COMMUNICATE REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR INFORMATION. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED WITH A SPOT REPORT.6. MARS MEMBERS MUST PROVIDE MARS HQ, USASC, AND DISASTER SUPPORT AGENCIES A WAY TO COMMUNICATE RESPONSES TO REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR INFORMATION. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED WITH A SPOT REPORT.7. MARS MEMBERS MUST NOTIFY MARS MAMAGEMENT WHEN AN EMERGENCY NET IS DEACTIVATED. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED WITH A NET DEACTIVATION REPORT.8. MARS MEMBERS MUST REPORT DETAILS OF EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS LEARNED FROM AN EMERGENCY OPERATION. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED WITH AN AFTER ACTION REPORT.BT

NNNN

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DE AAM9TCS NR 004R 061450Z DEC 00FM AAM9TCS CSTO AAA9CS/K NET BTSUBJECT: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION REPORTSREFERENCE: CAM COMMENTS 10/23/991. VIRTUALLY ALL ARMY MARS EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION IS INTENDED TO BE ACCOMPLISHED USING SIX (6) EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION REPORTS.2. HOW DID THIS PROCEDURE AND THESE REPORTS COME ABOUT?(YOU MIGHT ASK)A. IN 1994, CAM AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM DOMS MET TO DISCUSS A RELIABLE REPORTING SYSTEM THAT WOULD BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WHEN A DISASTER OCCURS.B. EEI REPORTING WAS IDENTIFIED AS A MISSION FOR ARMY MARS.C. 1994 NORTHRIDGE EARTHQUAKE STRUCK SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. (EEI REPORTING HAD NOT YET BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR ARMY MARS)D. INFORMATION FLOWED FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ARMY MARS NETS TO FT. HUACHUCA, THEN WAS SENT BY FAX, TELEPHONE, AND EMAIL TO DOMS. THIS PERFORMANCE UNDER FIRE ESTABLISHED A BASIS FOR THE REPORTING SYSTEM THAT WAS FORMALIZED AND DOCUMENTED DURING 1995 AND 1996.E. IN 1997, EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION REPORTING PROCEDURES WERE PUBLISHED IN THE FORM OF OPLAN 3-97.BT

NNNN

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DE AAM9TCS NR 004R 080820Z AUG 00FM AAM9TCS CSTO AAA9CS/K NETBTSUBJECT: EEI TRAINING, TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS1. THREE TYPES OF EEI REPORTS WILL BE REFERENCED DURING THIS TRAINING.A. ACTUAL INCIDENT EEI REPORTS. THESE ARE THE REAL THING, AND GO TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SUPPORT (DOMS).B. EXERCISE EEI REPORTS. THESE REPORTS ARE SUBMITTED DURING NATIONAL AND AREA MARS EXERCISES, AND GO TO THE WESTERN AREA GATEWAY STATION, AAA9USA. DURING STATE MARS EXERCISES, REPORTS GO TO AN ADDRESS DESIGNATED BY THE SMD.C. PRACTICE EEI REPORTS. THESE REPORTS ARE FOR DRILL AND PRACTICE, AND GO TO THE TRAINING NET. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXERCISE AND PRACTICE REPORTS IS THAT PRACTICE REPORTS GO NO FURTHER THAN THE NET CONTROL STATION. BOTH EXERCISE AND PRACTICE REPORTS ARE CALLED MARS EXERCISE REPORTS.BT

NNNN

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DE AAM9TCS NR 006R 090830Z AUG 00FM AAM9TCS CSTO AAA9CS/K NETBTSUBJECT: EEI REPORTS, THATS OUR JOB1. THE PRIMARY MISSION OF MARS IS EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT (SOP AND CAM 43-99 ).2. ONE OF THE PRIMARY CUSTOMERS FOR MARS IS DOMS.3. DOMS NEEDS TIMELY AND ACCURATE EEI REPORTS.4. EEI REPORTS ARE, THEREFORE, AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE MARS MISSION.BT

NNNN

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DE AAM9TCS NR 007R 090810Z AUG 00FM AAM9TCS CSTO AAA9CS/K NETBTSUBJECT: EEI REPORTS, GATHERING INFORMATION, PART 1(CAM COMMENTS DATED 12 FEB 99)REASONS FOR SUBMITTING AN EEI REPORT INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:1. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS RESTRICTED OR DESTROYED, INCLUDING AIR PORTS, RAILROADS, SHIPPING TERMINALS, HIGHWAYS, AND ROADS.2. DAMAGE TO OR DESTRUCTION OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS, SUCH AS HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, AND OFFICE BUILDINGS.3. PUBLIC LAND, SUCH AS A NATIONAL FOREST, WILDLIFE PRESERVE, OR NATIONAL PARK HAS A FIRE, FLOOD, OR OTHER DISASTER.4. PUBLIC UTILITIES, SUCH AS WATER, POWER, AND SEWAGE TREATMENT ARE DAMAGED OR DESTROYED.5. ANY EVENT THAT REQUIRES OR MAY REQUIRE DISASTER PERSONNEL TO BE INVOLVED. BT

NNNN

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DE AAM9TCS NR 008R 090830Z AUG 00FM AAM9TCS CSTO AAA9CS/K NETBTSUBJECT: EEI REPORTS, GATHERING INFORMATION, PART 2(CAM COMMENTS DATED 12 FEB 99)1. GATHER IMFORMATION AND SUBMIT AN EEI REPORT FOR A N Y DISASTEROUS EVENT THAT HAPPENS A N Y W H E R E IN YOUR STATE.2. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO EXPERIENCE A DISASTEROUS EVENT IN ORDER TO SUBMIT AN EEI REPORT. 3.YOUR SOURCE OF INFORMATION CAN BE ANY RELIABLE SOURCE, INCLUDING PERSONAL OBSERVATION, RACES/ARES, SHERIFF, BROADCAST RADIO & TV.3. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE B I G ONE SUBMIT AN EEI REPORT. A "SMALL DISASTER" IS STILL A DISASTER. REPORT IT.BT

NNNN

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DE AAM9TCS NR 009R 140801Z AUG 00FM AAM9TCS CSTO AAA9CS/KBTSUBJECT: EEI REPORTS, EVENT IDENTIFIERS(OPLAN 3-97, PAGE 15, CAM 23-00 AND CAM COMMENTS 2 JULY 99)

EVENT IDENTIFIERS THAT HAVE BEEN ADDED SINCE OPLAN 3-97 WAS PUBLISHED ARE SHOWN BELOW.

DAMAGING WIND, NOT A HURRICANE OR TORNADO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIGHTY WINDICE ON MAJOR ROADS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BLACK ICESEISMIC SEA WAVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TSUNAMIMAJOR COMMUNICATIONS LINK DOWN . . . . LOST COMMAIRBORNE POISON GAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PIOSONED AIRDAMAGING HAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FALLING ICEBIOLOGICAL EVENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BAD BUG

NOTE: ONLY ONE EVENT IDENTIFIER CAN BE USED ON AN EEI REPORT. IF ONE EVENT CAUSES ANOTHER, USE THE EVENT IDENTIFIER FOR THE FIRST. (CAM COMMENTS 2 JULY 99)BT

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APPENDIX B: REPORT AUTOMATION

Not all MARS members use computers. In fact, not all MARS Net Control Station operators use computers. Of those who use computers, there are a variety of operating systems and applications, not to mention wide disparities in the computer expertise of the members. Those who have a high level of expertise need little or no help in automating the reporting process; they have already automated their reporting process using a variety of tools.

Report automation information will be included here as it becomes available

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APPENDIX C: Excerpts from CAM Comments regarding Emergency Communications

From Chief's Comments 12 Feb. 1999 regarding EEI reports.

For tonight's scenario, let's assume that that the incident is a major disaster such as an earthquake in a highly populated area and all normal communications is lost or severely interrupted. In this situation we can assume that HF radio is the only means of communications available. Let's also assume that an emergencyMARS net has been activated and a significant amount of activity within the disaster area is in progress. You can expect that MARS members located within the disaster area will have their hands full processing emergency communications information between other individuals and agencies. Would one expect them to construct or initiate the formal EEI message report? I would think not. If not then who? There are a number of answers to this question. Let'svisit two options as follows:

Option #1: The basic information needed for an EEI report can be obtained by other MARS members who are located outside the disaster area simply by monitoring emergency nets and other sources such as amateur radio contacts. Based upon what they hear, these individuals construct/ initiate the formal EEI message report and forward it directly by email, or relay it to another member who has email connectivity. In other words, the information needed to construct or initiate an EEI report can be obtained without causing any interruption to an emergency nets in progress.

This method was very successfully during the earthquake in California a number of years ago. The MARS station at Ft. Huachuca, monitored emergency nets in progress, captured information needed to construct an EEI report, initiated a formal EEI report message and faxed it to DOMS. At that time email connectivity had not yet been established with DOMS and they desired to have EEI reports fax'd to them. A few years ago, this was changed to email per DOMS request and has worked well.

Option #2: The information needed for an EEI report may also be obtained directly from an individual or individuals within the disaster area. This is accomplished by the NCS directing EEI information to another individual outside the disaster area on another authorized frequency. Here again, the member outside the disaster area would be the individual who constructs and initiates the EEI report based upon information provided and forwards it to DOMS and INFOaddressees.

In summary, information contained with the formal EEI report message is based upon information captured directly or indirectly from individuals within the

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disaster area. The key here is that in during a major disaster situation, the individual that actually constructs and originates the EEI report itself and forwards it is usually someone outside the disaster area. The members outside the disaster area have the necessary time to formally construct and forward the EEI report message to the required recipients.

On the other hand, if it is not a major disaster, and a member is aware of a reportable situation, he or she may have the time and assets to construct and directly forward the EEI report. Again, the having the time and ability without interfering with on-going emergency communications is the key. The options noted are examples. I am sure other methods can be employed.

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From Chief's Comments 07 May 1999

STATE/REGIONAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS: We all witnessed on the news the resulting destruction and lost of life caused this past week by multiple tornado's that hit Arkansas and Kansas. The immediate reaction, and rightfully so, is what 'can' MARS do to provide assistance? This is followed by what 'is' MARS doing and how can we be of the most help? In order to find answers, in the context of emergency communications, it is necessary to understand the answers to the following questions concerning State & Regional emergency operations:

Who has the most knowledge of a local emergency situation?

It should be obvious that those individuals who reside in or near the disaster area are going to be the best informed as to what the actual local situation is and what assistance is or is not needed. What criteria is used to determine if an emergency communications net is required?

Before an emergency communications net is activated, it is reasonable to assume there must exist a situation that requires it. This is based upon available knowledge. Knowledge can obtained from a number of available sources such as; first hand, local TV or radio broadcasts, amateur radio, emergency or disaster support agencies to name a few. The lack of communications, most commonly caused by power failures, would be expected.

Who has the authority and responsibility to activate an emergency net?

Given that … an emergency net activation is needed, any MARS member, especially in the local area, has the authority and responsibility to open an emergency net if he/she has the capability to do so. If not, it should be considered by other members within the State. The published Army MARS National Emergency OPLAN 3-97, paragraph 3c(2)(a) provides the authority and the Basic Training Course, Section 3 Paragraph 2 outlines the responsibility. It also contains frequency assignments necessary to accomplish coordination beyond the state level.

What 'Alert' notification procedures are initiated and where are they contained?It is suggested that there are at least three levels of alert notification that should be considered; local, regional, and national. The local alert notification procedures should be contained within each State Emergency OPLAN to include alternative methods. Regional and national alert notification and coordinationfrequencies/nets are provided within the published key Army MARS documents.

What frequencies should be monitored or used?

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State frequency assignments should be well known to all members within a given state. The regional traffic and coordination frequencies are also published and should have been used in previous training exercises. The Army MARS National OPLAN 3-97, Annex B, lists frequencies for coordination/traffic between regions as well as at the national level. Determining what frequency should be used should not be a show stopper.

If an emergency net is activated, how is this information made available outside State boundaries?

Here again the published regional and national frequencies are available and should be used. The Regional (intra and Inter) nets are provided for both traffic and coordination purposes. Additionally, there are reporting requirements such as 'Net Activation', 'Spot', and 'SITREP' reports that when used will inform management of any ongoing emergency situations. Once management is informed (emergency net activation's, frequencies, assistance required) this information can and will be provided to the general membership by all available means. If emergency nets are not activated/reported, or if assistance is not requested/required, then there would be no need to notify the general membership.

Should the State Directors' (or representatives) within the disaster area contact the Area Director after a disaster occurs within their state?

Yes, this is a logical step which was taken by the Oklahoma SMD on 4 May 99 who provided a status report to the Western Area Director on the situation in Oklahoma. (T)his included what had been done to determine the need for MARS support and why no emergency nets were activated. The Kansas SMD provided a SITREP report to the Western Area Director on 5 May 99.

In summary, the above outlines some general actions that need to be taken when a disaster situation occurs. Suggest that the vast majority of the answers to the above are covered in published Army MARS policies and procedures. Some lessons leaned will be included in both the OPLAN and Basic Training Guide and the Frequency Net plan under revision. It appears that additionaltraining on the concept of emergency operations may be necessary in addition to more in-depth training at the state level. (emphasis added) I have tasked the Army MARS Training Coordinator, AAA9TC, to develop a plan of attack to increase emergency operations training.

I have tasked the Area Directors to obtain an 'After Action' report based upon this recent disaster and obtain a copy of all state Emergency OPLAN's for review. This will assist in the identification of any potential shortfalls and to

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identify any new ideas for potential improvement of emergency operations. It is unfortunate that there are a few individuals that believe all the answers and total responsibility lies here at the headquarters. Based upon their comments, which once again was registered to senior leadership rather than to this office, a inaccurate picture of what MARS has and can accomplished has developed. MARS is and must remain a team effort to accomplish its assigned missions. Finger pointing is, unprofessional, non-productive and does not resolve anyproblems.

The bottom line is that the vast majority of the actions required, especially during an emergency situation, are accomplished at the state or regional level. Intervention by the HQ management, especially during an emergency, should not necessary unless assistance is required and requested and we are prepared to do just that. We are available to provide guidance and support to the SMD's and the general membership. Let's work together to identify potential areas that need improvement and actions necessary to provided a permanent fix. We ask for your assistance in this endeavor.

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From Chief’s Comments 07 May 1999

ARMY MARS STATE EMERGENCY OPLAN. Almost all states at one time or another have experienced a disaster situation that was not expected. Is your state ready? Answers to the following questions may help prepare for the future.

Do you have a state emergency OPLAN? Has it been provided to members? Has it been tested in exercises?

Do you have Alert Notification Procedures? When was the last time it was tested?

Are members aware of, know how, whom is responsible to initiate: Net activation/deactivation reports? EEI reports?

Spot reports

Do you know who your customers are? How do they contact you and how do you contact them? What are there expected requirements?

Do you know what frequencies are authorized? Are you capable of operating on them?

Does your State Training cover all operation aspects of Army MARS?

ECOM training - Does it exist, how is it accomplished and how often?

Although the above list is not all conclusive, it does provide a starting point to build upon and would be a great topic for state nets.

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From Chief's Comments 11 June 1999

ARMY MARS STATE EMERGENCY OPLAN REVIEW.The Area Directors are in the process of reviewing Army MARS state emergency OPLANS. I have asked them to obtain and review a copy from each state. During this process, they will be providing guidance and suggestions to provide assistance. Based upon their review and input, I will share with the membership a recap to assist others.

As an example, there is no need to duplicate what already exists in the Army MARS National Emergency OPLAN 3-97. It should be referenced but not duplicated. Basically, the state emergency OPLAN should provide additional information that is specific to your state such as a membership recall' roster and points of contacts for your local or within state disaster relief agencies as just twoexamples.

Additionally, detailed information on 'how' to accomplish a task should be covered in your state training material.

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From Chief's Comments 22 October 1999

ITEM # 3: MAGNITUDE 7.0 CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE. It has been reported that the recent 7.0 magnitude earthquake in the California Mojave Desert shook millions awake at 2:46 AM last Saturday in three states, California, Arizona, and Nevada. Ms. Lori Matthew, AAA9PR located in Kingman, AZ was one of the reported millions that awaken in a less than desirable way. The quake derailed an Amtrak train, but caused no known serious damage or injuries. This the most powerful earthquake to strike California since the 7.3 magnitude quake in 1992 and the 6.7 magnitude Northridge quake in 1994.

It is interesting to note the difference between Army MARS procedures and response to the 1994 and the 1999 earthquakes. To better understand these differences, lets first go back a few weeks prior to the 1994 earthquake. While attending at a disaster relief support meeting in Washington D.C., to include briefing the Army MARS program and its emergency communications role, I met with LTC 'Dutch' Thomas during a break. LTC Thomas worked at the Director of Military Support (DOMS) and was looking for a reliable reporting system that would be immediately available after major disasters.

I on the other hand was promoting Army MARS and its capability as well looking for a disaster relief agency in DoD or DA that could use Army MARS support. During the exchange of thoughts and ideas, the EEI report potential was identified as a mission for Army MARS and we both felt confident that MARS could easily perform this mission. The seed for EEI reporting by MARS was planted.

During an AFCEA Exhibition in California a week or so later, I was discussing Army MARS focus on emergency communications and the support that could be available should a disaster, such as an earthquake strike in California. The concept of EEI reporting was also addressed to include its purpose, what and how information would be provided to DOMS.

Approximately 10 days later, the 1994 Northridge earthquake hit California. True to form within a matter of minutes after the earthquake, Army MARS had opened both VHF and HF emergency MARS nets. The Western Area Gateway located at Ft Lewis was notified and the information was passed on by telephone to Mr. Billy Bateman, the Western Area Director. Billy responded by opening up the Cmd MARS station and started monitoring the MARS HF emergency MARS net(s) in progress to capture information. A few hours later, he notified me of the situation and I joined him at the station. By monitoring the nets and keeping in contact with the Western Area GW, we were able to keep abreast of the situationand obtain information on the damage caused by the earthquake. This information was then forwarded to DOMS using both FAX and telephone.

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Keep in mind that EEI reporting policies and procedures had not yet been established at that time, only the concept. But based upon the earlier discussions I had with the California State MARS Director, and he subsequently had with his state MARS members, information concerning the damage caused by the earthquake started to flow back to our Cmd MARS station. This wasaccomplished by Mr. Bob Cowan, AAV9IQ (via HF radio), his son (email) and other members. Information we received at our Cmd MARS station here at Ft Huachuca was then FAX'd to LTC Thomas at DOMS. During the first twelve hours after the earthquake, LTC Thomas called me on the phone a number of times requesting additional information. This request was forwarded to the members in California via the HF emergency radio net. The response cameback to us via radio and/or email and we forwarded the information via telephone or Fax to DOMS.

The connection between the MARS members in the disaster area and our major customer (DOMS) was accomplished by the volunteer MARS membership, the Western Area Gateway Station, and the Command MARS Station. Modes of transmission utilized to accomplish the task included the use of HF and VHF radio, Email, telephone and Fax. The marriage of all five modes insured missionsuccess. In summary, the 1994 California earthquake proved that Army MARScould provide critical information to DOMS based upon both personal observations and other information gathered by volunteer MARS members located in or around the disaster area. In looking back, EEI reporting was basically accredited before it was formally established. The 1994 Northridge earthquake also provided some valuable lessons learned including the following:

- The availability of a station 24 hours a day, 7 days a week was critical for reporting '911' situations such as the earthquake and providing access to the military DSN telephone system. This provided a means to alert MARS management of the situation for potential needed support. In this case the Western Area GW station was available to accomplish this mission.

- The need for MARS management to have ready access to the MARS radio network if normal telecommunications is disrupted. The Cmd MARS station was available and utilized.

- The need for a formal EEI report in a standardized format based on customer requirements.

- A method for providing real-time EEI information directly to the desk of the DOMS action officers and/or operations center was needed.

- DOMS identified the need for a formal method of requesting additional information or support. Since DOMS does not, nor desired to have the authority to direct volunteer members, a procedure was needed to request assistance through the proper MARS leadership channels.

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That was 1994. What about 1999, five years later? From the 1994 earthquake experience and other lessons learned policies and procedures have been established and are primarily contained with the Army MARS National Emergency OPLAN 3-97. Revisiting the 1994 lessons learned we have the following:

- The newly contracted Eastern and Western Area MARS GW stations at Ft Detrick, MD and Ft Huachuca, AZ provide the 24 hour, 7 days a week (24/7) coverage needed via HF or VHF radio, telephone, email and Fax. This provides a means to alert the MARS management for needed coordination or support. The '911' call-in capability is presently available 24/7 at the Eastern Area GW andwill also be available at Western Area GW with a few months upon installation of additional antennas. These two Area GW's also provide DSN telephone access for coordination with military and other government agencies.

- The Western Area MARS GW station is also the Cmd MARS station providing MARS management access to the radio networks if needed to coordinate, provide guidance, and assistance.

- A formal EEI report format has been developed to meet the customer requirements and has been successfully utilized for a number of years. The format and EEI report requirements are primarily contained within the Army MARS National Emergency OPLAN 3-97.

- Critical EEI information in the form of standardized EEI reports are provided in real-time directly to the desk of the appropriate DOMS personnel through the combined use MARS radio networks and email. This remains the customer preferred method for delivering EEI's to the desk top.

- DOMS and other agencies have the capability of requesting additional information through the proper MARS channels utilizing the Western and Eastern Area GW stations as an initial point of contact.

In summary, the lessons learned in 1994, as well as other disasters and communications exercises have played a major role towards improving the emergency response role of Army MARS, and MARS in general. Over the past five years the EEI report has been accepted by all three MARS programs and inter-service interoperability has moved dramatically forward.

EEI reports have become a common everyday function of MARS and has the praise and approval of its customers.

Marked improvements have been noted and it is expected there will be more during the next year as we better utilize the capabilities of the Area Gateway

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stations, move towards digital standardization, improve MARS membership training, traffic flow and accountability. Other areas include customer identification/coordination. But what lessons learned came from the 1999 California earthquake?

Although an after action report has not yet been received, information captured thus far indicates that there was a VHF emergency net (utilizing the same repeater used in 1994) established in California last Saturday in response to theearthquake. This fact was not known outside the state as there was no net activation report submitted. No HF emergency net was established which apparently was the correct decision at the state level. Due to the uninhabited location of the earthquake, it was determined in California that there was no need for an HF emergency net --- this time.

What about EEI reports? Were they initiated? The answer is yes. Army MARS members in both California and Arizona initiated EEI reports as note in item # 2 of tonight's net comments.

In summary one could ask the question was MARS response to the 1999 California earthquake adequate? Generally speaking yes considering; the epicenter was in a non-populated area, damage caused by the earthquake was reported as light, a local emergency net was opened/available if needed, and EEI reports were initiated. Can it be improved for future situations? The answer is yes. Needed improvements will be addressed in future nets when all of the facts are in.

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Chief’s Net Comments, 18 August 00

EEI AND OTHER REPORTS - RADIO OR EMAIL? Tonight we will review the procedures for the transmission and delivery of EEI and other reports outlined in Army MARS National OPLAN 3-97 for both actual incident and MARS Exercises. Some minor changes noted tonight will be used to evaluate potential changes to the OPLAN document.

A. ACTUAL INCIDENT EEI REPORTS. Email is the method used for the transmission of 'actual incident' EEI reports to DOMS and INFO addressees outside state boundaries. The use of Email for reporting 'actual incident' EEI reports to DOMS is mandatory. Why? Because DOMS, the primary recipient of EEI reports have requested this method for a number of reasons. One, DOMS does not have a dedicated HF radio capability for receiving EEI reports. Two, through the use of email, EEI's are automatically routed internally within DOMS to a number of locations (computers). This week DOMS requested that an additional email address be added to 'actual incident' EEI reports for the same reason. By utilizing the email addresses identified for our use by DOMS, they can change internal routing without changing the addresses we were given to use. Three, it provides DOMS with a near real-time digital means of receiving and forwarding EEI reports (or information contained within) to other individuals or agencies with a few keystrokes. Since DOMS has dictated that email be used for the submission of 'actual incident' EEI reports, it is logical that this technology be used for the delivery of the same EEI message to the INFO addresses (internal to MARS) as outlined in the Army MARS National OPLAN 3-97. It not only simplifies the process, but allows one message to be sent to multiple addressees in the most expedient manner available.

The use of email in times of emergencies begs the question - What if email is not available? Although this has been addressed before, let's review the alternatives under the two most likely situations.

One - What if the individual (MARS member) that is constructing the 'actual incident' EEI report does not have email capability? The actual incident EEI report (or information needed to construct the EEI report) would then be transmitted via radio (voice or digital) to another MARS member (normally within the same state) that does have email capability. This individual will construct or refile the EEI report into an email message and deliver it via email to DOMS andappropriate INFO addresses as described above.

Two - What if there is no email capability in the disaster area due to the interruption or loss of email transmission media? Once again the 'actual incident' EEI report would be transmitted via radio (voice or digital) to another MARS member (normally outside the state or disaster area) that does have email capability. Here again this individual will construct or refile the EEI report into an email

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message and deliver it via email to DOMS and appropriate INFO addressees as described above.

Okay, we stated earlier that Email is the method used for the transmission of 'actual incident' EEI reports to DOMS and INFO addressees outside state boundaries. What about INFO addressees within the state such as the State Director and other staff members identified by the SMD? The routing of EEI reports within the State is best determined by the SMD as capabilities withineach state may differ.

B. MARS EXERCISE EEI REPORTS. The transmission and delivery of all 'MARS exercise' EEI reports outside the state boundary will be accomplished by using both the MARS radio system and email. This includes the transmission and delivery of TO and INFO addressees outside the state boundaries as follows:

1) The use of email will be the same as identified with 'actual incident' EEI reports except they will NOT be sent to DOMS. The email TO LINE will be the respective Area Director. (A CAM will be sent early next week making the necessary change to the OPLAN 3 -97 as appropriate.) INFO addressees outside the State boundary will also be transmitted and delivered via email.

2) The MARS radio system will also be used for transmission of all addressees including the TO and INFO addressees.

Why both methods? This will provide a means of evaluating transmission and delivery (email and the MARS radio system) using 'MARS exercise' EEI reports. We all understand that radio is our primary means of communications when normal communications is not available. Exercising both the MARS radio system and email capability will be the method that we will use to keep current andproficient on both means of transmission and delivery.

C. OTHER REPORTS. Other reports as outlined in Army MARS National OPLAN 3-97, Annex C will utilize the same procedures of transmission and delivery procedures as outlined for both 'actual incident' and 'MARS Exercise' EEI reports noted above. Keep in mind that only 'actual incident' EEI reports are sent to DOMS.

In summary, the procedures outlined tonight have basically no changed from past guidance although there are some minor changes noted that are being tested and evaluated as potential changes. If they prove successful, they will be incorporated in the revision of the Army MARS National OPLAN 3-97. If you have any questions on the above, route them through your respective SMD toour office.

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USE OF PROWORD 'ZEN'. Tonight we will provide a thumbnail sketch of the reason and use of the proword ZEN. Prior to MARS focus on its primary mission of emergency communications, the vast majority of all MARS messages had only one addressee identified on the TO line with no additional INFOaddressees. Therefore the proword ZEN was not needed or used. However, since EEI and other reports were developed within MARS to support emergency communications requirements, multiple addressees on a given message became normal and the use of the proword ZEN was needed.

When ZEN is placed before an addressee, it simply means that the message has been sent to that particular individual by other means and forwarding or relaying the message to that addressee is no longer required. As an example, within a 'MARS exercise' EEI report, there are multiple addressees. The TO line ontains an addressee and there are additional INFO addresses. As the message is being relayed through the MARS radio system, there is a need to identify to the next station if the individual addressee(s) have been taken care of or that the message needs to be relayed to them as well. If the addressee has a prefix of ZEN it identifies that it is not necessary to relay or deliver the message to that individual again.

On the other hand, when using email, you can determine by the email TO line and/or the CC line what addressees were included and have been sent the message directly. In other words when using email, a relay of the message is not required and therefore there is no need to use the proword ZEN.

END OF EMERGENCY OPERATIONS TRAINING GUIDE

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