September, 2006

M

Web Site Waypoints
Ed Daszkiewicz / AAA4TN

In this months article I am going to address the TNMARS.COM email service. While I will not go over how to set up your email accounts, I would like to say that every TN MARS member has one available to them. Since I have been doing the web page, I have had 1000 email addresses available to use, and I decided that they would be best used by the members of the TN MARS program.

As I said above, there is an email address available to every TN MARS member. This email address is “yourmarscall(at sign)tnmars.com. If you are a station that still has a /T after the callsign, it will not be on your email address call sign. TN MARS members that have billet call signs have an email address for each call sign. These billet addresses can be passed to the next state staff officer that takes over the position.

All members should remember that this address is for sending and receiving MARS traffic and correspondence. I don't recommend that we start using these addresses for all our email needes. If we do this we invite spam into the system.

Another benefit of using the TNMARS.COM addresses is that we as MARS members will never have to ask what is your email address on the nets. Wel will know and be able to use addresses even during emergencies when we may have to use someone else’s computer to get a message out. Not having to remember as much “stuff” will make things a little easier for us all.

I have detailed instructions on how to set up your account. If you need a copy, please contact me at my call sign at TNMARS.COM.

WinLink 2000 Update...
Paul Drothler / AAM4TN / AAC4TN

Many events have taken place since the last Winlink 2000 (WL2K) update. The number of Army MARS Radio Message Servers (RMS) has increased. Use of the Telnet Client interface has been expanded. Air Force MARS has announced that they will be closing down their old Winlink Classic BBS operation by September 1, 2006 and will be adding several new Radio Message Servers to the MARS network. A new Airmail Training Guide was released to the membership with easy to follow, step-by-step, instructions.

The number of MARS Pactor users continues to grow on a daily basis with a substantial increase in the volume of traffic. Some States are using WL2K as their primary means of sending bulletins (CAM, EAM and SMD messages) to the membership. Other States have adopted WL2K as their only means of digital communications. With both Army and Air Force MARS now using the same system the opportunity for improved inter-operability is excellent.

We recently installed a VHF Digi in Bradley County and a VHF Node in Cumberland County. Each of these relay points provide an opportunity for users without Pactor capabilities to use the WL2K system with Packet modems. All members are encouraged to use the WL2K system on a regular basis. If you would like assistance in getting set up please bring your questions to the nets or feel free to contact me directly.

Winlink 2000 is viewed by the agencies which we serve as being a true 21st Century capability. We all need to become proficient in using the Airmail program. It is easy to learn and offers orders of magnitude improvement over our prior digital assets.

We will be watching for your traffic on the system!

Training
Effectively Leading a Net Discussion
Chris Bindrim / AAM4TTN

When working a training session the NCS can lead a discussion on a given topic. Traditionally we would make the net informal. In an informal net, the NCS is in control of all communication. All exchanges from net participants are though the net control. Also we must wait for the proword “OUT” before interjecting. If we were to make the net “FREE for TRAINING and DISCUSSION” this would enable a more normal way of discussion. Net members could interject their call and give comments in a more natural setting. The NCS or the person leading the conversation would allow the station calling to interject. We see this technique used a lot on amateur VHF and HF nets. By making the net FREE, we in MARS could do the same.

Let’s take a look at how to effectively lead a discussion.

Description

NCS stimulates knowledge that MARS members have. Ideas and concepts are exchanged between all participants, net members and NCS. The communication is multi-way. Discussions are to encourage net members to apply abstract concepts and develop critical thinking skills.

Advantages

• The discussion format encourages active learning by the net members.
• The discussion draws on the group’s knowledge, and not just the NCS’s expertise.
• This format encourages net members to develop higher-order reasoning skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
• This format develops net members ’ abilities to formulate questions and communicate ideas.

Disadvantages

• The discussion can become unfocussed or dominated by a small group of people.
• It is difficult for net members to summarize the important points in a discussion.
• It is hard to have participation of all net members. Participation is what ensures active learning is taking place.
• The use of the discussion format is not practical for more than 20-30 members on a net. It can occur in larger groups, but the NCS must be very skilled and propagation perfect.
• The discussion format requires careful planning by the NCS and depends highly on the skill of NCS to control the net and guide the discussion.
• There often seems to be a lack of organization and clearly defined goals in a discussion.

What makes an effective discussion?

• There must be a beginning, middle, and end for each session.
• An effective discussion requires more planning than most NCSs understand.
• An NCS should have definite objectives for each session and a plan to obtain those objectives.
• The NCS should have a number of carefully crafted questions (link to handout) to ensure that the discussion moves forward and that the main points are brought forth.
• There should be a wrap-up at the end to summarize the important points that were discussed during the session.
• The NCS must do prior planning and have use adequate preparation time. Clear goals need to be developed for each session.
• The NCS must negotiate the line between controlling the net and letting the net  members speak.
• Because the success of a discussion depends on participation and transfer of knowledge from many participants, the NCS needs to know his or her net members, what skills and perspectives the net members have and use this information to keep the discussion moving forward.
• The NCS needs to create a comfortable and non-threatening environment. For students to be able to participate, the students need to feel that their opinions will be listened to. Rules of discussion should be explained at the beginning of the net.
• The NCS must show respect for all questions and comments. This is especially important when discussing an emotionally charged issue. It is also important to know how to respond to a comment that is incorrect or far off the issue currently being discussed.
• The instructor must integrate net members responses into the discussion without making the discussion a one on one interaction. The interactions should be net member to net member, as well as net member to NCS. The NCS can make the net “FREE” for discussion, this will allow members to interject their call without waiting for the proword “OUT”.
• The NCS should do a summation at critical points in the session. Even if the discussion is going well, the net members will not be able to participate in the discussion and keep all of the important points in their minds. Hence, at appropriate spots in the session, a re-focusing of the major points discussed so far is helpful. This is especially true when propagation is changing or bad.
• The NCS must not answer his or her own question. The net members must be given time to think and formulate a response. Patience is the key.

Members Needed for NCS Slots
Mike Bishop / AAM4ATN

We are in need of Net Control Stations here in our state. Currently we need an NCS for the Friday Tango and Bravo Nets. These net have been for digital training and need to continue. We also need NCSs for the Saturday and Sunday Charlie Nets. While Ed/AAT4JR is recuperating from surgery, we need someone to fill in for him on the Tuesday Charlie Net. Any state member can open a net if it is not opened by 2 minutes past the hour. I encourage members to try their hand at being an NCS. If you would like to become a regular NCS and call a scheduled net, contact me or one of the state staff.
 
We have continued with 100% in reporting for 27 consecutive months now, and with everyone’s help this month, we will make it 28 in a row. Keep up the good work, and get your reports in as soon as you can.
 
AAB4TN has seen a large growth in users not only from Army Mars but from Air Force and Navy Marine Corp Mars as well. Traffic flows thought the RMS night and day. I want to encourage those of you that have not become digital capable to do so, and learn how to use Airmail. You can connect via VHF, HF, or Telnet.
 
At The Huntsville Hamfest, I met several Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama Mars members. Alabama held 2 MARS meetings during the hamfest, and there was also a Winlink 2000 forum conducted by Steve Waterman AAA9AC/AAR4WU. Steve informed the group about the advantages of using Winlink 2000 within Amateur Radio as well as Army Mars, and he also explained how the overall system worked.
 
Participation is a little down on our nets. I want to encourage the membership to participate in our nets whenever possible, and to support our state system and the Net Control Stations.

Tennessee State Guard
Bill Baker / AAV4ZX

As the Signal Officer for HQ 3rd Regiment of the TNSG (basically all of East Tennessee except the Chattanooga area), I thought it might be beneficial to say a word to the TN MARS membership about this historical organization.

The TNSG is an all-volunteer military organization that falls within the Tennessee Military Department. The Commander-in-Chief is the sitting state governor. The Adjutant General of TN (MG Gus L. Hargett at this time) is also Commissioner of the State Military Department and is next in the chain of command. The current TNSG commander is BG John T. Frame.

There are 4 regiments that cover the state: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th REGTs plus the State Directorate HQ in Nashville. The TNSG mission, like TN MARS, is in a state of change at this time, but may eventually include FEMA/TEMA support. Traditionally, the TNSG has been a "force multiplier" for the TN National Guard; especially when they are deployed. The State Guard has also performed statewide military honors duties that include military funerals, memorial celebrations, parades and such. The State Guard has also worked with state health departments in the dispensation of vaccines--providing organizational asistance, low-level security, and a "uniformed military presence".

The TNSG is organized and operated by US Army regulations. The US Army uniform is worn (except for the TNSG patches in place of Army or National Guard). All Army Field Manuals and other standard regulations apply. BUT, clearly the TNSG is NOT the US Army or National Guard and does not attempt to be. While basic weapons qualification is encouraged under planned and controlled ATX and FTX conditions, weapons are NOT normally issued to TNSG members and members are NOT allowed to carry concealed or unconcealed personal weapons on duty, even if they normally do so in their professions or have a citizen's concealed carry permit. All training or actual deployments and even participation in local or statewide exercises are strictly voluntary.

There are quite a number of amateur radio operators in the TNSG, and it is my goal to bring this pool of skilled individuals together to provide the TNSG with a viable and effective signal function. TNSG is not funded for equipment, so all such must be provided by members. In rare cases, obsolete equipment has been given or loaned to the State Guard by the National Guard. Sound familiar?

I am in the process of setting up an HF TN Army MARS station in 3rd REGT HQ in Knoxville. This will not be a club station at first, but will be operated only by me under my MARS call sign. To my knowlege, it will be the only one in the state at this time. Eventually, we hope to recruit other MARS members, and at some time determine if the TNSG is eligible to have MARS military club stations under MARS regulations.

3rd REGT Signal section sees this as a bridge between TN Army MARS and the TNSG that would be mutually beneficial under emergency conditions during which one or both organizations would be involved. It is worth noting that at this time, the TNSG has traditionally been deployed only within the borders of the state.

I will provide information on this subject from time to time as it relates to TN Army MARS. In the meantime, if any MARS members are also interested in TNSG membership, go to the 3rd REGT website at http://tsg3.us and check the various links and sections. There is a link to an online information form on the home page, or you can email me at the address below. The state HQ website is temporarily down, so the links to it will not work until the site is back up. One more thing: in the TNSG's Signal SOP, TNSG members with amateur radio licenses are strongly uged to join the TN Army MARS program. That is exactly how I came to join the MARS program.

TN Army MARS Staff