Proposed Communications Training Curriculum

[CAP.is.1337]

I've glanced through the proposed training, and I think I like what I see. I'll have to read more in order to comment on it any more than that.

What are your thoughts regarding it?

[SarDragon]

So far, so good. There will be some changes down the line, according to my sources.

Now CAP needs to get on the ball to train instructors for this, and all our other, training program.

[SDF_Specialist]

I personally am looking forward to every bit of it. I'm not saying anything more. 

[IceNine]

I'm just scared that we're going to go into this like all of the other programs that have been re-vamped.  And in 2 years the requirements will be dummed down to a first grade level, and become meaningless.  TTT->Set

OR even worse start requiring these courses for advancement in the comm program but never offer them.

Just like UCC, and TLC

[lordmonar]

If anything...this will be a smartening up of the Comm Training.

Right now the A-CUT/B-CUT classes are full of stuff most comm users do not need and do not contain enough practical training on how to use the radios.

The new plan will allow you to tailor your training to your specific needs...as needed.

Also with 95% of the training being delivered via the internet we save a lot of wasted time sitting in a class room getting coached on pro words and phonetic alphabet and other things we can read in our leasure time (what ever that is  ).

[Eclipse]

If anything...this will be a smartening up of the Comm Training.

Right now the A-CUT/B-CUT classes are full of stuff most comm users do not need and do not contain enough practical training on how to use the radios.

Exactly - radios are for one thing, ES support. Any other use of them is convenient happenstance, not by design. (i.e the USAF does not spend money for radios destined only to be used at encampments, air shows, and net check ins).

ES people need simple instructions, big knobs, and no background noise (both figurative and literal). 

Yes we need qualified CUL-types to install and maintain the repeater infrastucture, program and certify radios, and related tasks, but the average member has no interest in or need for the majority of the information in the current training.

The days of CAP being a nationwide information net are over, we need to accept that and move on.

[JayT]

If anything...this will be a smartening up of the Comm Training.

Right now the A-CUT/B-CUT classes are full of stuff most comm users do not need and do not contain enough practical training on how to use the radios.

Exactly - radios are for one thing, ES support. Any other use of them is convenient happenstance, not by design. (i.e the USAF does not spend money for radios destined only to be used at encampments, air shows, and net check ins).

ES people need simple instructions, big knobs, and no background noise (both figurative and literal). 

Yes we need qualified CUL-types to install and maintain the repeater infrastucture, program and certify radios, and related tasks, but the average member has no interest in or need for the majority of the information in the current training.

The days of CAP being a nationwide information net are over, we need to accept that and move on.

It might just be the fact I watched "Testament," "The Day After," and "Threads" a few to many times when I was at an impressionable age, but I don't think we should totally give that up.

[ZigZag911]

I've been involved since cadet days in the early 70s, and this is the first comm curriculum that is broadly based and addresses more than "user training".

It's a step in the right direction -- here's hoping it works out well!

[wuzafuzz]

At the risk of sounding clueless, and for the benefit of others who might be wondering, is there a link to this proposed training?  Or is it intended for a limited audience at this point?  (I don't know the secret handshake...)  ;-)

[arajca]

They're on the NTC website under Communications Publications and Downloads. I don't have the link to the NTC handy now.

[wuzafuzz]

They're on the NTC website under Communications Publications and Downloads. I don't have the link to the NTC handy now.

Thanks for the info!  Here is the link to NTC:  https://ntc.cap.af.mil/login.htm

[Tubacap]

This looks like a great proposal.  This has been a huge sticking point for me, and I hope that it is implemented with great haste, but with much care to ensure quality training.

[IceNine]

-Bump-

Here we are 8+ months after the proposal, and this thing has gone dark.  At least to the casual observer, and unplugged non DC types.

What is the status of the CAP Comm Program Miracle Drug? 

[tribalelder]

I don't know the status, but think it is a great idea.

In the olden days (I got my Radio Operator Profiency Card in 1967), a lot of information went by formal messages from NHQ to the field by radio.  There were nets on the converted CB set channel (FOUO). We're going to go back there.

But, if we are going to stay in the ES business, we require the infrastructure independence that a decent radio network can supply.  HF/ALE can give us reliable, infrastructure independent nets, provided the equipment is distributed on the correct basis.  That correct basis does NOT include one for me. 

Corporate equipment has, in some wings, been distributed as if it is a 'perk' .

The longstanding training program, ACUT/BCUT, doesn't deal with installation, antenna tuning and fabrication or many of the other comm station tasks.  The multiple module approach - training technicians of sorts, as well as operators -- is more consistent with the national standards approach we've already taken in ES - the green, yellow and pink books. 

The internal political question is "Should this be Comm's or E/S's curriculum?" There are arguments for both.

Like the Signal Corps, should mission Comm be responsible for your mission base IT ? 

Should we have mission comm forward E/S specialties- Comm guys who pack 72 hour gear along with their masts kits ?

For the last several years, Illinois Wing has been conducting a one week comm training program concurrent with the Cadet Summer Encampment; the Encampment needs comm support; the trainee operators need mike time.  The students have studied HF propagation and seen it work, been 'hands on' with an antenna analyzer, erected field masts, grounded towers and equipment, installed coax connectors, used WMU, learned the controls on common corporate radios, run contact schedule HF exercises, and studied for and passed Ham exams, all besides the ACUT.  Looking at the proposed curriculum, Illinois is already covering a lot of the technical (vs comm officer management) topics. 

And I'm sure some other wings are doing something similar.

[arajca]

The status is...delayed.

The implementation plan was approved in May at the NEC meeting, per the NB direction.

Initially, National had planned to use Flash and other similar technologies, only to find the financial aspect put them out of reach. They reset and are planning to use Blackboard, courtesy USAF, for the new training. However, developing the materials for that has a learning curve.

Then, in late July, National decided to move ahead with the transition to NB. Since many of the folks working on the new training program are also intimately invloved with the transition, the training program got delayed again.

Realistically, don't expect to see the new materials up until March/April 2009. My opinion only. There is no current official release date, just "As soon as we can".

[Ricochet13]

The days of CAP being a nationwide information net are over, we need to accept that and move on.

Had to smile at this.      Kept thinking of those in positions of authority in the USAF during the Cold War who thought new fighters like the F-4 didn't need a gun!     Always have to consider the "worst case" scenario.  May be that 1 in a 1000 event which will require a nationwide information net.  You never know.

You're probably correct though regarding involvement with non-CAP agencies and organizations.  HAMs participating in ARES, RACES, MARS and SHARES, etc. will be the first to be involved.  I've heard several County ES managers say that HAMs are the "go to people" in case of communications failure.

CAPR 100-1 12 MAY 2008
CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION
1-1. Mission. The mission of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Communications Program is to organize and maintain a reliable, nationwide, point-to-point, air-to-ground, and ground mobile radio capability in support of the missions of CAP.
a. Emergency Services. Emergency Services is the primary user of the CAP Communications System. Most support provided is tactical in nature requiring the highest degree of flexibility.
b. Cadet Programs. Not only a prime training ground for tomorrow's leaders, but also a contributor of today's mission ready assets. Support provided to this function is both tactical and administrative in nature.
c. Aerospace Education (AE). While not as heavy a user of the CAP Communications System, AE is no less important. As one of our congressionally-chartered missions, it plays an important part in the overall mission of CAP. Support to this function is primarily administrative in nature.

1-2. Purpose. The primary purpose of CAP communications is to provide commanders with the means for controlling units and activities. In addition, it provides commanders at each echelon the ability to communicate with superior and subordinate commanders.

CAP Communications exists for supporting the commanders and the missions assigned, although I note that primary purpose, not only purpose is used in the reg.   Oh, and it does say nationwide too.   

With regards to the proposed new training program, think it will bring a needed revision to better address specific needs of "users" in specific mission situations, while allowing "technicians" to be better informed in the area of mission support requirements.

[JoeTomasone]

The days of CAP being a nationwide information net are over, we need to accept that and move on.

You're probably correct though regarding involvement with non-CAP agencies and organizations.  HAMs participating in ARES, RACES, MARS and SHARES, etc. will be the first to be involved.  I've heard several County ES managers say that HAMs are the "go to people" in case of communications failure.

And quite frankly, that's the way it should be.   Hams were, are, and will be more expert as a group in establishing communications under stressed conditions.     In a just world, we would be a served agency for hams like the Red Cross, EOC, and other agencies are and would let them help us communicate.

[Ricochet13]

The days of CAP being a nationwide information net are over, we need to accept that and move on.

You're probably correct though regarding involvement with non-CAP agencies and organizations.  HAMs participating in ARES, RACES, MARS and SHARES, etc. will be the first to be involved.  I've heard several County ES managers say that HAMs are the "go to people" in case of communications failure.

And quite frankly, that's the way it should be.   Hams were, are, and will be more expert as a group in establishing communications under stressed conditions.     In a just world, we would be a served agency for hams like the Red Cross, EOC, and other agencies are and would let them help us communicate.

I agree.  A lot of good people dedicate their time to supporting those activities.  :clap:

[Eclipse]

The days of CAP being a nationwide information net are over, we need to accept that and move on.

You're probably correct though regarding involvement with non-CAP agencies and organizations.  HAMs participating in ARES, RACES, MARS and SHARES, etc. will be the first to be involved.  I've heard several County ES managers say that HAMs are the "go to people" in case of communications failure.

And quite frankly, that's the way it should be.   Hams were, are, and will be more expert as a group in establishing communications under stressed conditions.     In a just world, we would be a served agency for hams like the Red Cross, EOC, and other agencies are and would let them help us communicate.

I assume you mean service agency, and if you do, we do that all the time as one of our missions.

[arajca]

The days of CAP being a nationwide information net are over, we need to accept that and move on.

You're probably correct though regarding involvement with non-CAP agencies and organizations.  HAMs participating in ARES, RACES, MARS and SHARES, etc. will be the first to be involved.  I've heard several County ES managers say that HAMs are the "go to people" in case of communications failure.

And quite frankly, that's the way it should be.   Hams were, are, and will be more expert as a group in establishing communications under stressed conditions.     In a just world, we would be a served agency for hams like the Red Cross, EOC, and other agencies are and would let them help us communicate.

So, in your 'just' world, we would not have CAP communications because the hams would do it for us?

It's kind of interesting, because, IIRC, ham EMCOMM used CAP as a model when it began.

[♠SARKID♠]

Now THIS sounds like training that you can sink your teeth into!  I couldn't stand how I got done with B-CUT for the first time and went, "I don't understand a thing of what was just taught."  For the longest time I've wanted the comm training to be "get a HAM license, then you'll understand things" but this sounds like a plan that will actually get some people trained in how to use and work with radios.

[JoeTomasone]

So, in your 'just' world, we would not have CAP communications because the hams would do it for us?

It's kind of interesting, because, IIRC, ham EMCOMM used CAP as a model when it began.

No, we would have comms for our mission just as fire, police, Red Cross, et al do.   Hams would help us intercommunicate and pass information when or where we cannot.   if you are in a Katrina-like disaster and need to communicate with a Mission Base that is well outside VHF range and you don't have HF, why not allow hams to pass it on HF and hand-off to a CAP member at the Mission Base or within range of it?

I doubt that ham EMCOMM was derived from CAP because it would be a mostly invalid model for the way that hams work - and certainly they don't resemble each other today.


As far as training goes, I'll have to look at what's being proposed - I know that I'm not a big fan of the way it works now.   

[IceNine]

^ Even if EMCOMM was designed from CAP, they have FAR surpassed our capabilities in every way.


So much as I thought, this thing took off like a stallion out of the gates, and then just kinda quit half way around the track.

I sure how this picks back up

[tribalelder]

When you look at how CAP had been deployed in the past, in effect, we  were generally a subcontractor to the USAF.  The USAF's entire involvement, from mission coordinator down the chain was ALL in CAP's hands.  For E/S, our Comm program was part of CAP's mission infrastructure.Our missions were CAP Comm's only mission customer; in contrast, Hams became other services' backup E/S comm system.

WIWAC, in the pre and early days of ELT's, back when half our radios had tubes, there were several 'big' missions/year.  With ELT's, instead, we went to about 50 little missions/year.  Over time, it gets hard to train, retain and prepare for 'the big one' when most missions are 1 aircrew team/2 UDF guys.  Those UDF guys are now dispatched by cell phone.  So much for infrastructure independence. 

Adopting ICS, like the mostly full time paid E/S er's and instituting Nat'l qualification standards made multi wing expeditionary responses like Katrina possible.  While the firefighters were in hotels in Atlanta, younger, tougher, healthier guys I'd had a little part in training were camping on a taxiway and serving on the 'big one'.

We need to get a comm program that can support an expeditionary CAP.  Not all of us belong in the disaster area, but there's a lot to do to get ready at our home units and wings. 

[desertengineer1]

I think folks need to understand that emergency services, like society and people, changes as a function of it's environment.  Organizations (and people) need to change according to that function.

Here's my take on a couple of things..

1.  Similar to real estate, the RF spectrum is no longer a limitless, "manefest destiny" resource.  We now have 6+ billion people in the world.  Add technology evolutions and the explosion of services to the increased infrastructure demands, and you get spectral and information requirements thousands of times what it used to be.  Analog voice CANNOT be supported by these spectral demands.  This is just one step.  There will be many more to come.  VHF will eventually go away as well, just not in the near future.  CAP leaders must be ready to engage with the changes, not trail behind them.

2.  The days of vacuum tube and transistor radios are gone.  I enjoyed the ride as much as any other hobbiest, but we need to face the reality that new technology requires new equipment.  Gone are the days of privately owned equipment.  If a member wants to pay $1500 for a radio, it's OK.  But they need to understand there's a 99% chance that radio will be CAP only due to the current rules.  HF might have a little more leeway, but I expect those rules to eventually align with VHF.  I doubt the average member can afford an $8,000 ALE system.  Again, I loved being able to talk to Joe a local 2 meter repeater, and then switch over an monitor a CAP mission - but those days are gone.

3.  DOD has always been the owner of these frequencies, and we've enjoyed a really good independance few other agencies/users had.  We have to follow the rules set forth by the "boss", and this is (IMHO) the best way we can expedite.  Members need to understand that these kinds of shifts require flexibility, in addition to high levels of patience.  There will be stumbling blocks.  We will have to make heading adjustments, and people will not be happy about them.  Understand that we're doing the best we can given the resources we have.

4.  I've listened to a significant amount of groaning about this transition, and expected it.  With any large organization, change can be painful, and I understand.  But I'm going to be honest about a something, and apologize if it sounds a little edgy.  A significant number of those complaints contain things like "Back in my day", or "XXXX is a stupid idea" where XXXX has been outlawed by 100-1 for 20+ years.  The best one I've heard so far is "What are the aircrew going to do?  They need to know the frequencies!!!!".  Folks, you need to get over it.  Per the entries above, you don't have a choice, and just complaining about it makes it worse for everyone else trying to make things work.  Worse, many of the folks complaining as above are doing only that - complaining.  When they are asked to actually put in a few hours to help their overworked counterparts and make things right (i.e. be part of the team), what do you think happens?  Yep - you don't hear a peep out of them, and more work falls on the one or two people making it happen.  IMHO, you need to earn the right to complain - but that's just me. 

5.  Everyone (specifically Aircrew) needs to accept that the communications plan will no longer be an "oh by the way" tag on the end of a SAREX brief by the IC.  In addition to accepting the new technology, you will now have to fully eat from the "interoperability" plate that everyone has been asking for these past 10 years.  For aircrew, I think it's going to be much easier than before.  You'll select a channel according to the op plan and talk.  That's it.  You managed to learn the G1000 glass cockpit systems in record time, I think you can learn how to use a new radio.

Above all, take the time to learn the regs and get involved - because you have no choice. You choose to be the receiver behind the curve, or be part of the change. Talk to your comm officers.  If they are not familiar with what's going on, then they need to be prodded accordingly.  If they forthrightly don't want to accept the changes, you need to find another comm officer.  Sorry for the attitude, but we can't risk mission failure because someone didn't personally agree with how the rules were issued.   

[Major Carrales]

Right now the A-CUT/B-CUT classes are full of stuff most comm users do not need and do not contain enough practical training on how to use the radios.

I agree, while it has lots of good stuff...the focus is not on using radios as much as a large overview.  Maybe some COMM Drills...like a driving test, a written test and then a "drive."

[SarDragon]

In the ROA classes I teach, BCUT is done from a CD, under the supervision of a qualified instructor. It teaches the basic material needed to operate a radio.

The ACUT class has two segments: the first is the classroom instruction, presenting the material provided from NHQ; the second is a tabletop exercise simulating the comm aspects of a mission, and includes hands-on use of ISRs. The whole thing takes about 7 hrs, including lunch.

[Major Carrales]

In the ROA classes I teach, BCUT is done from a CD, under the supervision of a qualified instructor. It teaches the basic material needed to operate a radio.

The ACUT class has two segments: the first is the classroom instruction, presenting the material provided from NHQ; the second is a tabletop exercise simulating the comm aspects of a mission, and includes hands-on use of ISRs. The whole thing takes about 7 hrs, including lunch.

Our general COMM training for cadets is sort of "on going." 

We start by intoducing them to the Phonetic Alphabet via a "game."  The cadets get in a circle and get a rythm going, they then call out a letter to which the next cadet has to provide the phonetic response.  Thus...  one cadet says "A," the next cadet says "Alpha" followed by a random letter (such as "B"), to which the next cadet replies (Bravo).  Thsi continues until someone breaks time.

We also introduce them to PROWORD et al via homework, then run the "COMM SPEAK" in person.

In time we use FRS radios, in a training setting with almost no identifiable CAP connection) when communicating at CAP STATION KINGSVILLE or CAP STATION CORPUS CHRISTI.  This allows the practice of the PROWORDS and bulds confidence.

By the time BCUT comes around, they can enter it with prior knowlegde.  It doesn't just go "over their head."

Then they are ready for ISRs and "THE BIG LEAGUE," MRO training at a SARex an dRadio NET drills preformed by our COMMS officer.

ACUT follows after lots of practice and experience.

That, of course, takes a while, but the results have been pretty good. 

[NavLT]

The training in communications had been an evolving but complicated issue.  The Old ROA course was distributed but no instructor requirements were given with it.  BCUT and ACUT came out but were hidden at NTC which the rank and file barely know exist. Hopefully this online training will eliminate the instructor quality/quantity issue and make it more accessable.

I still don't see alot of non-radio communications training.  The navy merged Data and Radio comms into IT.  For a very small cost you can deploy an alpha numeric paging system to an encampment with a central computer message app and get messages to key staff without tying up a radio channel but nobody does it because......its not communications (Radio).

V/R
LT J.

[ThorntonOL]

They'll probably need to rewrite the specialty Track for Communications if they get the BCUT and ACUT put on through Blackboard and with the updated regs.

[arajca]

As I understand the plan:
The current Communications Officer specialty track will be ended. In its place will be a new track, Communications Adminstrative Manager, with a new badge, etc. This will allow the old rating to remain for those who have it - this would otherwise affect many comm personnel who only have a comm rating. The new track and position will more accurately reflect what the comm officer actually does, which is manage the system, not build radios.

BCUT and ACUT will be going away. the ICUT will replace BCUT and a new "Permit Holders" module will replace ACUT.

As for a "very small cost", remember that ANY cost like that will come from the members pockets. Getting a paging system that is used for one week (about) per year is a significant WASTE of limited funds. That has more to do with no one doing it than because "its (sic) not communications (Radio)."

[ThorntonOL]

So how far are they with it this proposed system and where can I find more information on it?

[lordmonar]

Not a hit on the comm types (I do that as a profession) but CAP's Comm program has suffered because it is one of the last empires to be forced to open up.

Comms has always been a close hold program.  Only the wing Director of Comms can authorise BCUT instructors only the wing Director of comms can give the ACUT class.

Getting a BCUT/ACUT is sometimes like pulling teeth and the training I got was next to useless.

I have always said that BCUT should be a powerpoint slide show with an online test.  ACUT should be a personal brief with they unit commander/unit comm guy and a simple form to get your call sign.

I like the new system (when it comes out).  Hopefully we will see it soon.

[JoeTomasone]

Comms has always been a close hold program.  Only the wing Director of Comms can authorise BCUT instructors only the wing Director of comms can give the ACUT class.

Depends on which Wing you're in.   I am authorized to teach both BCUT and ACUT, as are several others in the Wing.    Our DC has reasonable criteria for those wishing to be approved.

[ThorntonOL]

Never mind the where can I find the information, found it underneath the proposed new communications reg that's up for review.
Now another question, those of us with Advanced ROAs, how does this new ICUT affect us?
Are we grandfathered in or do we like everyone else have to take this new training?

[SarDragon]

The navy merged Data and Radio comms into IT.

That was done to eliminate the increasing duplication of effort among the consolidated ratings. PCS assignments are still done by NEC (AFSC/MOS for the other service folks), as is done in many other ratings with broad equipment involvement.

What we have going on in CAP is movement in the other direction, so some specialization is being introduced. This will help get rid of the "one class fits all" situation we currently have, which doesn't do a good job for anyone.

[SarDragon]

Comms has always been a close hold program.  Only the wing Director of Comms can authorise BCUT instructors only the wing Director of comms can give the ACUT class.

Depends on which Wing you're in. I am authorized to teach both BCUT and ACUT, as are several others in the Wing. Our DC has reasonable criteria for those wishing to be approved.

Same here. I walked in the door with an instructor certification, and significant experience in electronics maintenance. They drafted me to teach almost immediately. I attended a class, assisted teaching a second, and went for the gusto after that. I've been teaching ROA classes for about 8 years now, and loving every minute of it. I, for one, can't wait for the new curricula to hit the street.

[Ops Guy]

Coming very soon now

[SarDragon]

So's Labor Day. We've been hearing the same story for a buncha years now.

[NavLT]

The ICut program looks ok on the surface.  I liked the idea of a multi tiered approach to the skill set BCut to use a radio, ACut to have a radio station.  The problem I have seen is that Comm is working on things in blocks and the coordination is not there.  The Specialty Track, ES qual, ICut/Acut/Bcut training and the physical assets need to be worked into a concurrent plan. 

We have people that want to do Comm specialty track training but are held up by the "communications meetings and communications exercises" which happen how often???.  We have people that want Comm Training for ES but find the SAR missions lack planning to flex comm skills (most recently op orders from wing have stated all teams must have a cell phone since comms are less than reliable).  We have people that want to train in Comm for the sake of professional growth but with the NTIA narrow band our wing asset list is now 1/10th what it was, wing no longer puts out anything over comm nets and field teams are being handed ISR radios with no range or repeater or Air to Ground for field work. 

And last but not least is the "Closed" comm mentality where they avoided pager, cell phone, email and web page communications until they created IT to handle them and now they have largely been left in the corner playing with their radios by themselves.  Unfortunately we still plan on leaning on them when the bomb drops and modern comm don't workbut now they done'play much with the real missions and ICs.

V/R
LT J

[arajca]

The ICut program looks ok on the surface.  I liked the idea of a multi tiered approach to the skill set BCut to use a radio, ACut to have a radio station.  The problem I have seen is that Comm is working on things in blocks and the coordination is not there.  The Specialty Track, ES qual, ICut/Acut/Bcut training and the physical assets need to be worked into a concurrent plan.

The wing level and below have said this for a couple years - since the plan was released. Heck, I was working on a unit comm officers course using the new curriculum, until I was told that I couldn't get any info from the folks who developed the curriculum, since they were planning to do it themselves at the end of ther process.

We have people that want to do Comm specialty track training but are held up by the "communications meetings and communications exercises" which happen how often???.  We have people that want Comm Training for ES but find the SAR missions lack planning to flex comm skills (most recently op orders from wing have stated all teams must have a cell phone since comms are less than reliable).  We have people that want to train in Comm for the sake of professional growth but with the NTIA narrow band our wing asset list is now 1/10th what it was, wing no longer puts out anything over comm nets and field teams are being handed ISR radios with no range or repeater or Air to Ground for field work.

Comm meetings should be held at least annually. COWG holds theirs at the wing conference - not ideal, but it works. In many areas, OPS doesn't want anything to do with Comm except to get radios that we do not have to give to members who are not authorized a radio. I dealt with this for the past couple years, although COWG's new DO may be different - he's opened the discussion with me. Comm does not generate messages to put out over the nets, Command does. If Command doesn't give us anything to put out, nothing gets put out. As far as the assets go, get in line. Every wing DC has been complaining that there is not nearly enough equipment available to meet our needs.

And last but not least is the "Closed" comm mentality where they avoided pager, cell phone, email and web page communications until they created IT to handle them and now they have largely been left in the corner playing with their radios by themselves.  Unfortunately we still plan on leaning on them when the bomb drops and modern comm don't workbut now they done'play much with the real missions and ICs.

V/R
LT J

We've avoided that stuff because the members jump to the conclusion that if we plan for pagers, cell phones, etc, CAP will have to provide it and pay for it. As for not working with real missions, the paradym used by comm for planning and operations has been changed by the AF. Instead of the typical two-three resource incident, comm has to plan - and equipment is distributed to meet - the large scale, the-doo-doo-hit-the-fan incident. Again, the wing DCs have been complaining about this, with no result. Also, the various inspections Comm is subject to all require equipment to be distributed IAW the Table of Allowances. We do not have the option of doing otherwise, or else we get a finding. 

[NavLT]

Don't take my comments as criticism of a particlar point it is the barrage of symptoms that need addressing.  The once a year comm meeting and the fact that lots of people have the same complaint about training and equipment are proof positive of the issues.  The real problem is that command has not laid out the plan to the troops on how to deal with the issues.

I the peloponnesian war a shipment of food was on the way to a starving army, which revolted because they were hungry and did not know it was on the way.  The commander was being burned in a fire as the wagons arrived with the food.
It was the lack of a communicated plan on the food that lead to the commander being dinner not the actual lack of inbound food........

I hope that CAP commanders from units, groups, wings, regions and national take a hard look at all of the requirments to meet the training and operational needs of their people so we can provide the service our nation deserves. 

V/R
LT J

[lordmonar]

This is one of those horse and cart issues.

Unit commanders do not run the wing comm program.....that would be wing. 

Unit commanders provide training to their people to support the wings operational requirements.....not the needs of the people.

(yes we should take into account their needs and wants...this is a volunteer organisation).

Ops drives manning and training requirments.

A commander's job is to train, man and equip his squadron to meet their mission requirments.

If there is no mission requirment (i.e. Wing not conducting Comm Exercises and Net Checks) then there is no need for squadron commanders to train their people to do it.

CAP comm has been one of my pet peeves from day one.

When they finally get the ICUT program running then maybe we can move on and correct a lot of the problems I see in the CAP Comm program.

[Capt Rivera]

Coming very soon now

I will bite... about when is very soon?

[SarDragon]

According to the NHQ level folks, maybe next year. Or maybe not.

The repeater replacement effort had a much higher priority, and now that it has been completed, the new training program gets the nod.

[Capt Rivera]

We are just waiting on videos right? How necessary are they? Could we start today and implement videos as we go along? Its not like the current B-CUT does what it needs to do... and it lacks video also

Or are they still trying to replace blackboard?  If they have replaced it, does anyone know what they replaced it with?   

If Moodle is good (and it is) for the fortune 100 company I work for... why not CAP?

[Thom]

We are just waiting on videos right? How necessary are they? Could we start today and implement videos as we go along? Its not like the current B-CUT does what it needs to do... and it lacks video also

Or are they still trying to replace blackboard?  If they have replaced it, does anyone know what they replaced it with?   

If Moodle is good (and it is) for the fortune 100 company I work for... why not CAP?

The issue is being addressed as part of a larger (much larger  ) project.  Yes, Blackboard is being replaced (for new efforts), and yes Moodle is the chosen platform to replace it.

None of this happens overnight, but there are a bunch of dedicated CAP folks working the task and we hope to have something to show in the not too terribly distant future.

Sorry for the delays.


Thom

[Capt Rivera]

Thanks Thom,

updates go a long way...

[Spaceman3750]

Didn't we just implement Blackboard? Why the sudden shift. Yes, it's a pain to use sometimes, but from what I hear it takes ~10 clicks in Moodle for every 1 in BB.

[Capt Rivera]

In a word... Money...

At least that's what I suspect... which is why I question BB from the start... we should have went the path of moodle/etc from the start...

For those who don't moodle... go learn bout it:  http://moodle.org/

[JC004]

Didn't we just implement Blackboard? Why the sudden shift. Yes, it's a pain to use sometimes, but from what I hear it takes ~10 clicks in Moodle for every 1 in BB.

As someone who has been administering and customizing Moodle implementations for years (including for CAP), I don't think that I'd say that.  Moodle can use some user interface improvements, but so can Blackboard.  I've done these modifications myself and I thought that they made Moodle many times easier than BB.  Out of the box, it isn't THAT complex though.

[Eclipse]

Here's what we need.

1) This is a radio. (show radio)

2) This is the on switch.  (demonstrate)

3) This is the channel selector (it is set correctly now, never use it)

4) Press this button and speak.  Your voice will magically come out all over the place, both near and far.  Say "over" when you are done speaking. (No, you do not need to know how it works.  Wiki "radio" when you get home.)

6) Release (let go) button and LISTEN until the magic voice says "over".

7) Press button and respond. Say "over" when you are done speaking.

8) Repeat as necessary.

9) Say "out" when you feel the conversation is complete (only if you initiated (started) the conversation).

Appendix A:  Don't swear.  Speak clearly and slowly.  Only use the radio for CAP business.
Appendix B:  Radios are not a badge of honor or a ticket to the cool kids club.  They are a tool for a specific purpose.
Appendic C:  In 80-90% of the cases, your cell phone is a viable alternative and will work better.

You have all just completed Online Basic Radio user training.

We need big-button devices with clear instructions.  The majority of operators do not care or need to know about radio theory, design, or the physics of radios waves, propagation, or atmospheric skip.

Just show us how to use the equipment and leave everything else for those interested in being more than operators.

[Gung Ho]

Here's what we need.


Just show us how to use the equipment and leave everything else for those interested in being more than operators.

Need to have the equipment first, then we can worry about how to use it

[arajca]

Here's what we need.

1) This is a radio. (show radio)

2) This is the on switch.  (demonstrate)

3) This is the channel selector (it is set correctly now, never use it)

4) Press this button and speak.  Your voice will magically come out all over the place, both near and far.  Say "over" when you are done speaking. (No, you do not need to know how it works.  Wiki "radio" when you get home.)

6) Release (let go) button and LISTEN until the magic voice says "over".

7) Press button and respond. Say "over" when you are done speaking.

8) Repeat as necessary.

9) Say "out" when you feel the conversation is complete (only if you initiated (started) the conversation).

Appendix A:  Don't swear.  Speak clearly and slowly.  Only use the radio for CAP business.
Appendix B:  Radios are not a badge of honor or a ticket to the cool kids club.  They are a tool for a specific purpose.
Appendic C:  In 80-90% of the cases, your cell phone is a viable alternative and will work better.

You have all just completed Online Basic Radio user training.

We need big-button devices with clear instructions.  The majority of operators do not care or need to know about radio theory, design, or the physics of radios waves, propagation, or atmospheric skip.

Just show us how to use the equipment and leave everything else for those interested in being more than operators.

You forgot basic troubleshooting:
1. Radio has three parts - power, transceiver, antenna. If anyone of these are missing, the radio don't work. Make sure you have all three.

2. If the light doesn't come on when you talk, turn the radio on.

3. If the light comes on when you talk, but you can't here anyone, turn the volume up.
3a. If you changed the channel Gibbs-smack yourself and change it back.

Covers 99% of the problems with radios. Including pilots.

[JC004]

You forgot basic troubleshooting:
1. Radio has three parts - power, transceiver, antenna. If anyone of these are missing, the radio don't work. Make sure you have all three.

2. If the light doesn't come on when you talk, turn the radio on.

3. If the light comes on when you talk, but you can't here anyone, turn the volume up.
3a. If you changed the channel Gibbs-smack yourself and change it back.

Covers 99% of the problems with radios. Including pilots.

I remember flying on a little Mission Scanner training thing.  I was in the back, doing my scanner-type things and the pilot wanted me to communicate with mission base.  We could never raise them the whole time.  I asked - he insisted the radio was working and all.  Turns out that it wasn't on.  So, yeaaaaaah...  I guess the pilot could have used your training above... *sigh*

[RADIOMAN015]

Comments below

3) This is the channel selector (it is set correctly now, never use it)
Since there's a lack of radios, generally the radio (EF Johnson's) have to be placed in the scan mode (to monitor local fixed repeater & designated air/ground channel), and this is VERY challenging for most to answer the radio on another channel. 
4) Press this button and speak.  Your voice will magically come out all over the place, both near and far.  Say "over" when you are done speaking. (No, you do not need to know how it works.  Wiki "radio" when you get home.)
Disagree on this one --- In our wing ask the "brains" (likely a NESA graduate ) on one ground team that used the VHF antenna for the LPer and than forgot to plug the EF Johnson mobile back into the antenna.  The aircraft was flying overhead and could just about hear the radio.  Fortunately the radio wasn't damaged BUT they complained to the CUL that the radio wasn't working right when the got back to mission base

Appendic C:  In 80-90% of the cases, your cell phone is a viable alternative and will work better.
Yep, did you know that even if you don't have a cellphone signal from a nearby cell tower and you dial 911, your cellphone will still get through   (per one cadet at recent face to face squadron comm training)  I think we need to practice hybrid cellphone/radio comms, knowing where we do have a cellphone signal as well as a good radio signal into the repeater and planning accordingly.  IF any aircraft is flying typical air/ground comms via a portable will work fine (if of course they are on the same channel, possibly another challenge).   Teams need to be "communications situationally aware" as to where they do have cellphone & radio repeater signals/access.

We need big-button devices with clear instructions.  The majority of operators do not care or need to know about radio theory, design, or the physics of radios waves, propagation, or atmospheric skip.
Agree with you, most radio operators don't need any theory other than with VHF/UHF comms the higher in elevation you can get the better chance for good comms.

Although they mean well with an on line course, it does require some "hands on experience" before final certification.  The ratio of operators to available radios is a  VERY, VERY significant training challenge .  CAP'ers overall are interested in "bling" and high statistics (wow we got 60K radio operators), whether someone is proficient or not has no bearing on reality.  Senior MRO's, CUL's, & IC's basically know who REALLY can operate the radio proficiently and those personnel are utilized (perhaps with a few "motivated" trainees).  The others just carry around their "bling" for whatever it's worth in CAP ES fantasy land :angel:
RM

[Eclipse]

^ On #3 above.   Negative.  Set the radio to your assigned frequency and quit trying to be a HAM guy on a mission.

That's the problem. 

Every radio guy thinking they "know better" is off frequency monitoring the BK Lounge's drive through radios "just in case".

[EMT-83]

Have to agree with Radioman on item #3.

At the recent NER SAREX, mission base and ground teams in our Wing were on digital repeater with aircraft on analog simplex (due to some older equipment in some aircraft).

We kept the radio in the van on scan and had to switch between analog and digital banks, plus change channel. Fortunately, the cadet on the radio was an MRO that had been instructed in how the EFJ actually works, not just turn it on and don't touch anything.

I didn't come up with the comm plan, we were just doing as we were told.

[Capt Rivera]

#3: It had to be done in ND at least once that I witnessed due to equipment issue with some A/C... Those issues may be resolved by now however...  Its not terrible to learn though depending on the volume of contacts...

[BK]

Yet another reason for better training.

Did you know:  If the EF Johnson radio is in the scan mode, you can transmit on any scanned channel without moving any dials/switches, if the mic button is depressed within 2 seconds of receiving on a scanned channel; regardless of the zone and channel the radio is actually set to?  Pressing the mic button within 2 seconds of receiving a scanned channel will cause the radio to transmit on that scanned channel, not the channel it is set to.

See EF Johnson Operators Manual, paragraph 4.11.5 TRANSMITTING IN THE SCAN MODE.

[wuzafuzz]

Yet another reason for better training.

Did you know:  If the EF Johnson radio is in the scan mode, you can transmit on any scanned channel without moving any dials/switches, if the mic button is depressed within 2 seconds of receiving on a scanned channel; regardless of the zone and channel the radio is actually set to?  Pressing the mic button within 2 seconds of receiving a scanned channel will cause the radio to transmit on that scanned channel, not the channel it is set to.

See EF Johnson Operators Manual, paragraph 4.11.5 TRANSMITTING IN THE SCAN MODE.

I personally despise "talkback scan."  Imagine scanning a channel busier than the one you intend to use; you constantly have to wait before talking, or you have to deactivate scan before trying to talk.  More likely, people fail to understand that feature and unintentionally talk on the wrong channel.  That will increase confusion and frustration, and certainly does not fit with the "push here to talk" philosophy some people advocate.

One other thing scanning requires, is for people to announce which channel they are talking on.  That way the recipient knows which channel to answer on.  At first blush, talkback scan would seem to address that...but it falls apart when channels get busy.

[MIKE]

^ Sounds like the problem they are having with DSC on VHF marine radios.