SPARCS Ham Radio Emergency Communication

Texas State Guard Graduates Ham Operators

Texas State Guard has been busy in August graduating a number of Technician-class ham operators in Texas. Hooh-rah!

CAMP MABRY, TEXAS (August 11, 2007): On Thursday 2 August 2007 thru 5 August 2007 the 1st, 8th, 19th Regiment, the Texas Maritime Regiment and the Quick Reaction Teams from the 2nd, 4th, and 39th Regiments conducted annual training at Camp Swift, Bastrop Texas. The Air Division and the Texas Medical Brigade provided personnel to participate in specific training events.

AT 07 training focused on training to support the Homeland Security/Homeland Defense missions of the State. The general concept of training at AT07 was both classroom presentations and field training which was held on Friday and Saturday 3 and 4 August 07. The HQ, JFTX, J2 conducted a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) competition for the Army regiments. During AT 07 the training sessions consisted of:

Red Cross Shelter Management Training. The Governors Division of Emergency Management has incorporated the Texas State Guard into their emergency planning for this mission. FEMA workshops IS 100, IS 200, IS 700 and IS 800 which are a priority for the Texas Adjutant General. Basic Orientation Training (BOT) which is a training event designed for those who are new to the Texas State Guard and have no previous military training. The instruction covered drill and ceremony, wearing of the uniform, military customs, rank identification and other basic courses.? Interim Satellite Incident Site communications Set (ISISCS) training. HQ JTFTX J6 staff conducted hands on training of the communications system. AN/PRC 150 Familiarization Training was integrated into the training. Military Radio Procedure training was designed to familiarize TXSG personnel with proper military radio procedures, the military phonetic alphabet and hands on training in sending and receiving radio traffic. Amateur Radio (HF) Certification training featured licensed amateur radio trainers and certification officers. Those in attendance were tested and those who passed earned their amateur radio technician’s license. The goal is to establish a state-wide TXSG amateur radio network.