Subj : Training the Next Generation of Net Controllers
To   : QST
From : ARRL de WD1CKS
Date : Fri Feb 07 2025 08:07 pm

02/07/2025

Amateur radio operators are known for their desire and unique ability to
provide public service through communications. Whether activated for a severe
weather event or a local event such as a marathon or bike ride, the utility
value and versatility of the Amateur Radio Service is enjoyed by communities
around the country. One critical aspect of coordinating the communications is
the role of net controller. These key volunteers bring order to chaos and flow
to information. It is a specialized skill that requires development, practice,
and training.�

On February 1, Connecticut volunteers[1] in the Amateur Radio Emergency
Service� (ARES�)[2] held a training session. The session drew dozens of radio
amateurs from around the state to a packed room inside the Newington Volunteer
Fire Department. The half-day course, led by ARRL Connecticut Section Manager
Douglas Sharafanowich, WA1SFH, was dynamic and participatory.

Georg Papp, K1YBO, is a controller and Assistant Net Manager for the Western
Connecticut (WESCONN) Traffic Net, a part of the ARRL� National Traffic System�
(NTS�)[3]. It serves to flow messages into, out of, and throughout the state
and to serve as a training net. He was excited to see the high number of
attendees. "We always encourage new people to step up to volunteer for the net,
and this helps provide a pathway for them," he said.�

In the training, Sharafanowich highlighted examples of needing a robust group
of trained Net Control Station (NCS) operators. "When a `Black Sky' event takes
place, it is rarely limited to an 8-hour shift. We will need trained NCS
operators not only to provide for initial shift coverage, but also, we will
need relief NCS operators to cover following shifts," he said.

If you'd like to get involved as a net control station, talk with your local
ARRL Emergency Coordinator or District Emergency Coordinator to express
interest. You may also find NTS net resources in your area at nts2.arrl.org[4].


[1] https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMjQ5Mjg3JnA9MSZ1PTUyNTgxODI4NCZsaT0zNjgyMDM5Nw/index.html
[2] https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMjQ5Mjg3JnA9MSZ1PTUyNTgxODI4NCZsaT0zNjgyMDM5OA/index.html
[3] https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMjQ5Mjg3JnA9MSZ1PTUyNTgxODI4NCZsaT0zNjgyMDM5OQ/index.html
[4] https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMjQ5Mjg3JnA9MSZ1PTUyNTgxODI4NCZsaT0zNjgyMDQwMA/index.html

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