Check out the nice video at https://youtu.be/C96VB6MpI5I.
MT63 is a digital radio modulation mode for transmission in high-noise situations developed by Pawel Jalocha SP9VRC. MT63 is designed for keyboard-to-keyboard conversation modes, on HF amateur radio bands.
It is essentially a bunch of PSK carriers (64 to be exact) used to send data. If you go to MT63-2000, throughput of 200 wpm is possible (20.0 cps or 200 baud). That compares favorably to MFSK-32, which runs at 120 WPM. However, the bandwidth of MFSK-32 is only 630 hz, compared to the 2000 Hz occupied by MT63.
As you can see from the video, MT63 is very interference tolerant, allowing even a completely different mode to operate "on top of it". That is illustrated in the video link above. Our practical experience is that Olivia will win the contest of working the weakest signal, but when MFSK-32 is possible, MT63 is also possible with comparable results.
Yet another mode for your communication toolkit!
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Monday, November 2, 2015
More information about MARS COMEX November 8th
This was posted to the ARESOklahoma Yahoo group (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/aresoklahoma)
ICS-201 and ICS-205 forms for the upcoming COMEX have been uploaded to the file area of this Yahoo group. They provide detailed information that is summarized below.
1) The exercise officially goes from 071200Z Nov to 102359Z Nov and is a simulation of a CME (Coronal Mass Ejection) event and geomagnetic storm. That will put the exercise from 06:00 AM Saturday, November 7th to 6 PM on Tuesday, November 10th.
2) Messages will be sent within the MARS network to KC5MWZ. KC5MWZ will forward the messages via RMS Express/Winmor to the AE5ME-12 system. Messages should be addressed to KC5MWZ@KC5MWZ to insure they are routed correctly through the system.
3) EOCs and individuals will retrieve the messages from the AE5ME-12 system on either HF (Winmor) or packet (VHF). No telnet connections will be allowed, as it is assumed that internet facilities have been compromised and are unreliable.
4) EOCs and individuals will respond the messages and place them back on the AE5ME-12 system to be relayed back to KC5MWZ. KC5MWZ will then collect the messages and pass on the appropriate information back to MARS.
5) 071200Z through 080900Z Nov will be the "notification" phase of the COMEX. That will be from 06:00 AM Saturday to 03:00 AM Sunday. A CME is considered "likely" and preparations will need to be made to protect radio and computer equipment.
6) At 080001Z Nov (6:01 PM Saturday), MARS will be notified of the pending CME. All equipment is to be disconnected from ALL wiring and antennas between 080900Z through 081200Z Nov (3:00 AM Sunday to 6:00 AM Sunday). No radio operations will be conducted during the simulated "geomagnetic storm".
7) High Intensity Network operations will commence shortly after 081200Z (6:00 AM Sunday). Requests for information for county messages will be forwarded to MARS and MARS stations will begin contacting counties.
8) While the exercise it expected to last until Tuesday, I would expect the most intense amount of messaging to be after 6:00 AM on Sunday until 6:00 PM Sunday. The AE5ME-12 system will be operating on a combination of battery and generator power during the first 24 hours of the exercise, then restore commercial power on Monday and Tuesday.
9) The 146.985 repeater will be available for technical questions during the Sunday portion of the exercise. If you are having problems sending or receiving messages on RMS Express, contact AE5ME on that frequency. Messages still get routed through VHF and HF on the published frequencies in the ICS-205.
10) A group of 8 hams have been busy getting up to speed on RMS Express and operating on either VHF or HF on the AE5ME-12 system. The list includes KF5RCI, AD5JL, WB5ANX, WA5VXI, WD9GET, WY7RM, KD5NJR, and KC5SHE. Of course, KC5MWZ and AE5ME will be involved as the "hub" stations for OKC and Tulsa respectively.
If you have any questions in the meantime, you can reach me via email at ae5me at yahoo dot com.
--Jeff AE5ME
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
NBEMS/FLDIGI on a USB stick
AD5XJ recently posted a helpful hint in a discussion group regarding a "USB Stick" version of the NBEMS software.
I have been following some of the discussion on the FLDIGI NBEMS Yahoo Group. They have been discussing the merits and drawbacks of the program structure of the NBEMS software suite - One all-in-one program vs separate applications as it exists now. One of the things mentioned, I found to be of great merit for all SATERN volunteers who may find themselves in a situation where the equipment to be used may not be a permanent solution or may be available for a short period of time. Perhaps your SATERN group is working with a "minimalist" equipment strategy.
Because we do not always have a dedicated laptop or portable for use with FLDIGI we need a way to "grab and go" with any machine or use what is already in place in an EOC or field location.
One group suggestion was to install FLDIGI / NBEMS on a thumb drive instead of on the C:\Program Files\ folder. This is an excellent suggestion for Windows computers because:
The only registry entry the FLMSG install makes is to point to the uninstall file. THAT'S IT!
The FLMSG and FLDIGI program are 'stand-alone' applications. You can specify in the configuration setup where to put the user settings rather than default to the C:/Documents and Settings/<user> or Users/<user> folder. Store the configuration and settings on the thumb drive in a folder of your choice.
To make and use a thumb-drive portable version:
install FLDIGI / NBEMS to a 'non-protected directory', such as; '\FLDIGI', '\FLMSG' and '\FLAMP' create a user folder for the settings and configuration - like '\FLMSG\config\me' or a folder of your choice.
setup FLDIGI to use the new folder created rather than the default user folder on the 'C' drive. If you installation is on your hard drive - COPY the FLDIGI / NBEMS folders with the user settings to a thumb drive. Your drive designation for the USB drive will differ depending on your computer installation, but it will be something like 'E:\FLMSG', etc. test your configuration for proper operation from the thumb drive. unplug the thumb-drive
plug it into the computer that needs it. Connect your computer-radio interface if needed. run it!
That's it.
When the temporary system is done with use of FLDIGI / NBEMS, just remove the drive and the program is off their system. It doesn't make any registry entries on their system nor is any digital footprint left because nothing required by FLDIGI / NBEMS is residual on the system used.
That way, any machine may use FLDIGI / NBEMS -- even EOC machines or Salvation Army computers, or replacement equipment, when needed, (where a failure in the field has occurred or the machine is in place temporarily). When they are done... just shutdown the software, unplug and go leaving the machine as it was before.
By doing so, the temporary machine has value added with the FLMSG capibility to create the FLMSG or FLWRAP formatted messages that may then be sent by FLDIGI or WinLink or any other radio media - either directly (as with FLDIGI) or as an attachment (as with WinLINK). The destination would then receive the message as created with the assurance of compete content by the FLMSG error checking with all the formatting as sent.
This is a quick, inexpensive, and easy solution to an unpredictable problem that may occur in an emergency situation not under your direct control.
Your experience in this area is of value to SATERN So. Terr. Send me your stories to my ARRL mailbox ad5xj@arrl.net
de AD5XJ SATERN So. Terr. Net Mgr.
I have been following some of the discussion on the FLDIGI NBEMS Yahoo Group. They have been discussing the merits and drawbacks of the program structure of the NBEMS software suite - One all-in-one program vs separate applications as it exists now. One of the things mentioned, I found to be of great merit for all SATERN volunteers who may find themselves in a situation where the equipment to be used may not be a permanent solution or may be available for a short period of time. Perhaps your SATERN group is working with a "minimalist" equipment strategy.
Because we do not always have a dedicated laptop or portable for use with FLDIGI we need a way to "grab and go" with any machine or use what is already in place in an EOC or field location.
One group suggestion was to install FLDIGI / NBEMS on a thumb drive instead of on the C:\Program Files\ folder. This is an excellent suggestion for Windows computers because:
The only registry entry the FLMSG install makes is to point to the uninstall file. THAT'S IT!
The FLMSG and FLDIGI program are 'stand-alone' applications. You can specify in the configuration setup where to put the user settings rather than default to the C:/Documents and Settings/<user> or Users/<user> folder. Store the configuration and settings on the thumb drive in a folder of your choice.
To make and use a thumb-drive portable version:
install FLDIGI / NBEMS to a 'non-protected directory', such as; '\FLDIGI', '\FLMSG' and '\FLAMP' create a user folder for the settings and configuration - like '\FLMSG\config\me' or a folder of your choice.
setup FLDIGI to use the new folder created rather than the default user folder on the 'C' drive. If you installation is on your hard drive - COPY the FLDIGI / NBEMS folders with the user settings to a thumb drive. Your drive designation for the USB drive will differ depending on your computer installation, but it will be something like 'E:\FLMSG', etc. test your configuration for proper operation from the thumb drive. unplug the thumb-drive
plug it into the computer that needs it. Connect your computer-radio interface if needed. run it!
That's it.
When the temporary system is done with use of FLDIGI / NBEMS, just remove the drive and the program is off their system. It doesn't make any registry entries on their system nor is any digital footprint left because nothing required by FLDIGI / NBEMS is residual on the system used.
That way, any machine may use FLDIGI / NBEMS -- even EOC machines or Salvation Army computers, or replacement equipment, when needed, (where a failure in the field has occurred or the machine is in place temporarily). When they are done... just shutdown the software, unplug and go leaving the machine as it was before.
By doing so, the temporary machine has value added with the FLMSG capibility to create the FLMSG or FLWRAP formatted messages that may then be sent by FLDIGI or WinLink or any other radio media - either directly (as with FLDIGI) or as an attachment (as with WinLINK). The destination would then receive the message as created with the assurance of compete content by the FLMSG error checking with all the formatting as sent.
This is a quick, inexpensive, and easy solution to an unpredictable problem that may occur in an emergency situation not under your direct control.
Your experience in this area is of value to SATERN So. Terr. Send me your stories to my ARRL mailbox ad5xj@arrl.net
de AD5XJ SATERN So. Terr. Net Mgr.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Chance to try out FSQCALL on 7104 kHz
Here's an opportunity to work FSQCALL on 7104 kHz from W5AUE. This was posted in the NBEMSham group:
You are welcomed to connect to W4AUE via FSQCALL on 7.10400 MHZ +1500 HZ USB - retrieve your signal report with the command "yourcall? " and leave your QSL (text only) or image file. Please keep file sizes to <10K.
This is a test only at this time. Station will be normally available day time hours but will be expanded to evening hours 3.594 during threatening weather. The purpose of this net is to provide WX info to stations who have lost power/normal com and mutual aide in the event of a tornado in the North Alabama region.
Northern Alabama counties are encouraged to check in and monitor during periods of bad weather. Alabama ARES digital net meets Sundays at 2030Z on 7.110 mhz Check in with PSK31 - Flash traffic using PSKR250C3.
Station config is TenTec Pegasus running 25 watts into a 160 mtr loop.
Thanks for your participation.
Regards & 73
Larry W4AUE
You are welcomed to connect to W4AUE via FSQCALL on 7.10400 MHZ +1500 HZ USB - retrieve your signal report with the command "yourcall? " and leave your QSL (text only) or image file. Please keep file sizes to <10K.
This is a test only at this time. Station will be normally available day time hours but will be expanded to evening hours 3.594 during threatening weather. The purpose of this net is to provide WX info to stations who have lost power/normal com and mutual aide in the event of a tornado in the North Alabama region.
Northern Alabama counties are encouraged to check in and monitor during periods of bad weather. Alabama ARES digital net meets Sundays at 2030Z on 7.110 mhz Check in with PSK31 - Flash traffic using PSKR250C3.
Station config is TenTec Pegasus running 25 watts into a 160 mtr loop.
Thanks for your participation.
Regards & 73
Larry W4AUE
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
RMS Express + Winmor = Great HF communcation tool
Check out the information about RMS Express and the digital soundcard mode called "Winmor" at http://www.winlink.org.
RMS Express is a completely integrated package that allows messages to be composed and read in a standard email reader. The magic is that the messages can be exchanged on VHF, UHF, or HF using various digital modes. The Winmor modem is especially good for transfer of messages, as it compensates for band conditions and maximizes throughput by adjusting the mode to minimize repeated packets.
We have placed a Winmor port on the AE5ME-12 BBS system. Feel free to check it out on 7036 kHz. We also have WL2K facilities on the VHF port. Both ports go to our packet BBS system. We currently do not act as a gateway to the Winlink servers, as the current setup allows us maximum control of local content without potentially interfering with the national servers of Winlink.
Messages posted on the system can be sent and received from other local users, as well as other users on packet radio worldwide. Winlink users can still retrieve their messages from the national servers while maintaining their local account on our system.
Contact ae5me@yahoo.com if you would like further information.
RMS Express is a completely integrated package that allows messages to be composed and read in a standard email reader. The magic is that the messages can be exchanged on VHF, UHF, or HF using various digital modes. The Winmor modem is especially good for transfer of messages, as it compensates for band conditions and maximizes throughput by adjusting the mode to minimize repeated packets.
We have placed a Winmor port on the AE5ME-12 BBS system. Feel free to check it out on 7036 kHz. We also have WL2K facilities on the VHF port. Both ports go to our packet BBS system. We currently do not act as a gateway to the Winlink servers, as the current setup allows us maximum control of local content without potentially interfering with the national servers of Winlink.
Messages posted on the system can be sent and received from other local users, as well as other users on packet radio worldwide. Winlink users can still retrieve their messages from the national servers while maintaining their local account on our system.
Contact ae5me@yahoo.com if you would like further information.
Monday, October 19, 2015
COMEX November 7th-10th
Here is the redacted MARS announcement for the upcoming COMEX on November 7th through 10th. A request for information for county messages will be sent out shortly after 1200Z on November 8th (Sunday). That will be shortly after 7 AM November 8th. I would expect that local messaging and traffic will be from 8 AM until noon on that day. There will be smaller messaging exercises on the days to follow, but the main involvement locally will be on November 8th.
If you would like to participate, please email me at ae5me@yahoo.com.
P 291501Z SEPTEMBER 2015 ZYS
FM /MR PAUL ENGLISH CIV NETC-OP-ATD / MARS PM
/MR DAVE STAPCHUK CHIEF AIR FORCE MARS
TO /ALL ARMY MARS REGION DIRECTORS
/ALL AF MARS DIV DIRECTORS
/ALL AF MARS REGION DIRECTORS
ZEN/MR MIKE COREY AMERICAN RADIO RELAY LEAGUE
BT
UNCLAS FOUO
MSGID/GENADMIN/HQ ARMY MARS FT HUACHUCA AZ/AMO 14-15//
POC/DAVID MCGINNIS/CTR/NETC-OP-ATD MARS/FT HUACHUCA AZ//
ORDTYP/ORDER/HQ ARMY MARS//
TIMEZONE/Z//
GENTEXT/SITUATION/
A. (U) GENERAL OVERVIEW:
(1) (U) CHIEF, AIR FORCE AND ARMY MARS ARE COORDINATED ON THIS
TASKING.
(3) (U) EXECUTION OF THIS COMMEX REQUIRES COORDINATION WITH RADIO
STATIONS IN THE AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE (ARS).
(4) (U) TRAINING EXERCISE SIMULATES A NOTIONAL CORONAL MASS EJECTION
(CME) AND GEO-MAGNETIC STORM. IN 1859, ONE OF THE LARGEST GEOMAGNETIC
STORMS ON RECORD OCCURRED. KNOWN AS THE CARRINGTON EVENT, THE CME
ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SOLAR STORM WAS A DIRECT HIT ON THE EARTH. TELEGRAPH
COMMUNICATIONS ACROSS THE GLOBE, WHICH HAD BECOME THE PRIMARY METHOD
FOR COMMUNICATIONS AROUND THE WORLD, FAILED. IN 1989, ANOTHER CME
KNOCKED OUT ELECTRICITY FOR 12 HOURS TO OVER 6 MILIION RESIDENTS IN QUEBEC.
THE SOLAR STORM OF 2012 WAS OF SIMILAR MAGNITUDE TO THE CARRINGTON
EVENT BUT PASSED EARTH’S ORBIT WITHOUT STRIKING THE PLANET. SHOULD A CME
OF THIS MAGNITUDE STRIKE EARTH TODAY, THE RESULTING GEO-MAGNETIC STORM
IS EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO ELECTRICAL AND TELECOM-
MUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE, CONSUMER ELECTRONICS, AND CAUSE WIDESPREAD
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DISRUPTIONS. SOME ESTIMATES INDICATE UP
TO 2 TRILLION DOLLARS IN DAMAGE AND RECOVERY FROM SUCH AN
EVENT MAY EXTEND FROM SEVERAL MONTHS TO YEARS. ONLY EQUIPMENT
THAT HAS BEEN PROTECTED DURING THE GEO-MAGNETIC STORM SHOULD
BE EXPECTED TO OPERATE POST-EVENT.
(5) (U) THROUGHOUT THE COMMEX, STATIONS SHOULD OPERATE UNDER
EXERCISE CONDITIONS THAT SIMULATE A COMPLETE UNAVAILABILITY OF
CYBERSPACE, ELECTRICAL, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE.
ALL MARS AND AMATEUR RADIO STATIONS SHOULD PLAN TO EXERCISE,
REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO USE BACKUP POWER.
B. (U) FRIENDLY FORCES
(1) (U) AIR FORCE MARS
(2) (U) ARMY MARS
(3) (U) AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS
(4) (U) DOD FORCES
(5) (U) AMERICAN RADIO RELAY LEAGUE
C. (U) ENEMY FORCES
(1) (U) SOUND OPERATIONAL SECURITY (OPSEC) AND ANTI-
TERRORISM/FORCE PROTECTION (AT/FP) PRACTICES WILL BE
IMPLEMENTED AND USED THROUGHOUT THE COMMEX.//
GENTEXT/MISSION/
(U) IN A SIMULATED NATIONAL CRISIS SITUATION, MARS STATIONS WILL
EXERCISE CONTINGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT IN COOPERATION WITH
AMATEUR RADIO STATIONS FROM 071200Z NOV 2015 TO 102359Z NOV 2015
IN ORDER TO FULFILL NATIONAL MILITARY REQUIREMENTS IN SUPPORT OF
THE DOD NATIONAL CONTINGENCY COMMUNICATIONS MISSION INCLUDING:
(1) (U) JOINT TASKING AND UTILIZATION OF VOLUNTEER PERSONNEL
FROM MARS TO FULFILL NATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
(2) (U) COORDINATING WITH AVAILABLE AMATEUR RADIO RESOURCES.
(3) (U) SOCIALIZE WARNING OF A NOTIONAL, IMPENDING HAZARDOUS
EVENT THROUGHOUT THE MARS FORCE. IMPLEMENT MEASURES TO PROTECT
THESE RESOURCES FROM THE NOTIONAL HAZARD.
(4) (U) DEMONSTRATE INTEROPERABILITY BETWEEN DOD NETWORKS
AND AMATEUR RADIO.
(5) (U) RADIO STATIONS OPERATING WITHIN THE DOD GLOBAL HF
ENTERPRISE NETOWRK MEET PERFORMANCE STANDARDS DESCRIBED IN MIL-STD
188-110 AND TEXT MESSAGE STANDARDS IN MIL-STD 6040 (USMTF)//
GENTEXT/EXECUTION/
A. (U) INTENT
(U) ESTABLISH AND SUSTAIN DEPENDABLE, MULTI-LAYER HF
RADIO-ONLY NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS TO SUPPORT DOD OBJECTIVES
AND INTERFACE WITH RELEVANT AMATEUR RADIO NETWORKS AS REQUIRED
TO FULFILL DOD INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS.
B. (U) CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
(U) THIS COMMEX IS DESIGNED TO EXERCISE TASKS THAT WOULD NORMALLY
OCCUR FOR A PERIOD OF TIME OF SEVERAL DAYS OR LONGER. HOWEVER, THE
COMMEX IS CONDUCTED OVER A COMPRESSED TIME PERIOD. THIS IS A
HIGH PRIORITY ACTIVITY AND ALL MARS ASSETS AVAILABLE TO TRAIN
SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN THIS COMMEX.
(1) (U) NOTIFICATION PHASE
(U) THE TIME PERIOD 071200Z THROUGH 080900Z NOV 2015 IS THE
NOTIFICATION PHASE OF THE COMMEX.
(U) AT 071200Z NOV 2015 ALL MARS STATIONS WILL SIMULATE A
GROWING AWARENESS OF A NOTIONAL CME AND GEOMAGNETIC STORM
CONSIDERED LIKELY TO HIT EARTH AS DISCUSSED ON NOTIONAL
SOCIAL MEDIA AND NEWS NETWORKS. THE GROWING CONSENSUS
IS THIS CME IS LIKELY TO BE OF A CATASTROPHIC MAGNITUDE.
(U) DURING THIS PHASE, STATE MARS DIRECTORS AND STAFF SHOULD
PREPARE MARS STATIONS FOR A POTENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS
DISRUPTION AND SOCIALIZE TECHNIQUES WITH THEIR SUBORDINATES TO
PROTECT RADIO AND COMPUTER EQUIPMENT. ADDITIONALLY, AMARS
STATE CIVIL AFFAIRS OFFICERS AND AFMARS STATE EMERGENCY
COORDINATORS SHOULD WORK TOGETHER TO BEGIN COORDINATION
ACTIVITIES WITH LOCAL AMATEUR ORGANIZATIONS. REGION MARS
DIRECTORS AND OPERATIONS STAFF SHOULD PREPARE FOR PERIODS
OF HIGH INTENSITY AND SUSTAINED NETWORK OPERATIONS. MARS
MEMBERS SHOULD MAINTAIN EMAIL AND TELEPHONE CONTACT WITH
THEIR STATE MARS STAFF, CHECK INTO REGULARLY SCHEDULED
MARS NETS, CHECK AND TEST EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND
REFERENCE INFORMATION TO ENSURE THEY ARE UP TO DATE AND
OPERATIONAL IN ALL AREAS.
(U) AT 080001Z NOV 2015 G2 SOURCES WILL NOTIFY MARS OF AN
IMPENDING CME. DOD WILL DIRECT MARS PROGRAMS TO IMPLEMENT A
POSTURE TO ENSURE SURVIVALABILITY OF THEIR INDIVIDUAL STATIONS,
DISCONNECT RADIO AND COMPUTER EQUIPMENT FROM ALL WIRING BETWEEN
THE HOURS OF 080900Z THROUGH 081200Z NOV 2015. MARS MEMBERS
WILL BE NOTIFIED OF POTENTIAL REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION FOLLOWING
CME IMPACT. MARS STATIONS SHOULD COMMUNICATE INFORMATION
RELEVANT TO PROTECTING EQUIPMENT FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE
GEOMAGNETIC STORM TO ALL MARS MEMBERS AND FINALIZE PREPARATIONS
FOR OPERATIONS.
(2) (U) GEOMAGNETIC STORM PHASE
(U) BETWEEN 080900Z THROUGH 081200Z NOV 2015 THE NOTIONAL GEOMAGNETIC
STORM WILL OCCUR. ALL MARS STATIONS RADIO AND COMPUTER
EQUIPMENT SHALL BE PHYSICALLY DISCONNECTED FROM ANTENNAS, POWER
MAINS, AND INTERCONNECT WIRING IN A MANNER THAT PROVIDES THE
BEST PROTECTION FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE GEOMAGNETIC STORM.
(U) NO EXERCISE RADIO OPERATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED DURING THE
GEOMAGNETIC STORM PHASE.
(3) (U) POST GEOMAGNETIC STORM PHASE / HIGH INTENSITY NETWORK
OPERATIONS (HINO)
(U) AT 081200Z NOV 2015 MARS STATIONS WILL OBSERVE NOTIONAL LOSS OF
ELECTRICAL POWER, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, AND CYBERSPACE AS A RESULT
OF THE NOTIONAL GEOMAGNETIC STORM. BASED ON THESE NOTIONAL
TRIGGER EVENTS, MARS STATIONS SHALL TAKE INDIVIDUAL ACTION THAT
COLLECTIVELY ACTIVATES HF RADIO NETWORKS AT ALL LEVELS.
COMSPOT REPORTS SHALL BE GENERATED AT EACH LEVEL AND SENT TO
HIGHER.
(U) SHORTLY AFTER 081200Z NOV 2015, A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR
COUNTY MESSAGES WILL BE FORWARDED TO MARS. MARS STATIONS
IN EACH COUNTY OR ADJACENT OR NEARBY COUNTIES WILL COMPLETE
COUNTY MESSAGES AS TASKED.
(U) MARS MEMBERS, USING THEIR AMATEUR RADIO LICENSE, SHALL CONTACT
AMATEUR RADIO STATIONS AND CONVERSE WITH AMATEUR OPERATORS TO
OBTAIN THE INFORMATION VARIABLES NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE COUNTY
REPORTS. MARS STATIONS SHOULD NOT EXPECT AMATEUR STATIONS TO
KNOW FIPS COUNTY CODES OR THE COUNTY MESSAGE FORMAT. BECAUSE
EXERCISING THE MARS/AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE INTERFACE IS A PRIMARY
OBJECTIVE OF THIS COMMEX, MARS STATIONS SHOULD OFFER LOCAL AMATEUR
STATIONS EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO TRAIN IN THIS COMMEX TO INCLUDE TAKING
DUPLICATE INFORMATION FROM AMATEUR SOURCES WHEN THE INFORMATION
MAY BE AVAILABLE DIRECTLY TO THE MARS STATION.
(U) AMATEUR RADIOS OPERATORS THAT WOULD NORMALLY OPERATE AT A
STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER OR AT
ANOTHER GOVERNMENT OR CIVIL FACILITY DURING AN ACTUAL EVENT OF
THIS TYPE MAY SIMULATE OPERATING FROM THAT FACILITY DURING THIS
COMMEX, AS APPROPRIATE. THE INTENT OF THIS COMMEX IS NOT TO
REQUEST ACTIVATION OF STATE/LOCAL OR CIVIL FACILITIES, RATHER
TO EXERCISE NFORMATION EXCHANGE BETWEEN MARS AND AMATEUR NETWORKS.
(U) IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT ONLY REAL-WORLD INFORMATION IS
COLLECTED. SIMULATED OR NOTIONAL CONDITIONS ARE NOT REPORTED.
IE: IF THE POWER IS REALLY ON, THEN THE REPORT SHALL BE THE
POWER IS ON.
(U) THIS EXERCISE SIMULATES THE INACCESIBILITY OF CYBERSPACE.
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO EXERCISE HUMAN INTERACTION BETWEEN RADIO
OPERATORS IN THE MARS AND AMATEUR SERVICES USING BASIC
TECHNOLOGIES. CONTACT TO AMATEUR RADIO STATION SHALL BE ONLY
THROUGH TRADITIONAL RADIO METHODS. NO INTERNET-BASED LINKING,
REMOTE, STORE AND FORWARD, OR EMAIL SYSTEMS ARE PERMITTED TO
BE USED TO FULFILL THE EXERCISE REQUIREMENT.
(4) (U) SUSTAINED NETWORK OPERATIONS
(5) (U) MARS / DOD ACTIVITY
(6) (U) CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS
C. (U) TASKS TO SUBORDINATE UNITS:
(1) (U) US ARMY GATEWAY STATION FORT HUACHUCA:
(2) (U) MARS STATIONS SUPPORTING THE TRANSGLOBAL NET:
(U) SCHEDULE MAJOR RELAY STATIONS AND MAKE ALL NECESSARY
PREPARATIONS TO STAFF THE TRANSGLOBAL NET.
(3) (U) MARS STATIONS SUPPORTING THE NATIONAL SUPPORT NET:
(U) THE NATIONAL SUPPORT NET WILL RECEIVE ADDITIONAL
INSTRUCTION IN A SEPARATE COMMUNICATION.
(4) (U) ARMY AND AIR FORCE MARS REGION DIRECTORS
(A) (U) ESTABLISH PROCEDURES AND ISSUE DIRECTIVES WITHIN
THEIR REGION TO SUPPORT THIS COMMEX.
(B) (U) ESTABLISH ALTERNATE COMMAND AND STAFF ASSIGNMENTS
WITHIN THE LEADERSHIP TEAM.
(C) (U) SOCIALIZE THIS EXERCISE WITH AMATEUR
RADIO ORGANIZATIONS TO ENCOURAGE PARTICITATION.
(U) (U) ENSURE ALL MARS STATIONS MAXIMIZE TRAINING
OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE COMMEX AND ARE CAPABLE OF
OPERATING USING SSB VOICE AND MIL-STD DATA.
(6) (U) AIR FORCE MARS DIVISION DIRECTORS
(U) PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY SUPPORT TO AIR FORCE MARS
REGION DIRECTORS TO EXECUTE THIS COMMEX.
(7) (U) JOINT PHONE PATCH MANAGER:
(U) NO SIGNIFICANT ADDITIONAL DEMANDS FOR PHONE PATCH
SERVICES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS COMMEX. CONDUCT
SCHEDULED PHONE PATCH OPERATIONS ACCORDING TO EXISTING
DIRECTIVES.
D. (U) COORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS:
(1) (U) TRAIN-UP
(U) THROUGH INDEPENDENT STUDY PRIOR TO THIS COMMEX, MARS
STATIONS SHOULD FAMILIARIZE THEMSELVES WITH THE POTENTIAL
EFFECTS OF A CARRINGTON-CLASS CME AND ACTIONS THAT CAN BE
TAKEN TO PROTECT EQUIPMENT FROM THE RESULTING GEOMAGNETIC
STORM.
(2) (U) AMATEUR RADIO ACTIVITY
(U) THIS EXERCISE DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FORMAL TASKING
ASSOCIATED WITH A PARTICULAR AMATEUR RADIO ORGANIZATION;
HOWEVER, THIS PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIVIDUAL, NON
MARS AFFILIATED AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS TO SUPPORT A DOD
ACTIVITY IN A REALISTIC, AD-HOC MANNER. THE SOURCE OF
ANY REQUEST FOR INFORMATION CAN BE A LOCAL AMATEUR RADIO
STATION WHO IS NEAREST THE REQUESTED RESOURCE. STATE MARS
DIRECTORS, THROUGH THEIR CIVIL AFFAIRS OFFICERS (A) AND
EMERGENCY COORDINATORS (AF), SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO
ENLIST THE SUPPORT OF INTERESTED LOCAL AMATEURS, GROUPS,
AND ORGANIZATIONS.
(U) AMATEUR RADIO ACTIVITY IS LIMITED TO RADIO ONLY,
NO TCP/IP TECHNOLOGY WILL BE USED DURING THIS EXERCISE.
(3) (U) JOINT COORDINATION
(U) REGION MARS DIRECTORS, SUPPORTED BY DIVISION DIRECTORS SHALL
COORDINATE ALL COMMEX ACTIVITIES TO ACHIEVE:
(A)(U) HF RADIO NETWORK COVERAGE AS REQUIRED.
(B) (U) A SCHEDULE TO ENSURE NET CONTROL AND MINOR/
MAJOR RELAY STATION AVAILABILITY.
(C) (U) ASSIGN AND TRAIN MARS STATIONS TO ACCOMPLISH ALL
ANTICIPATED TASKS.
(D) (U) PRIORITIZE AND SCHEDULE RESOURCES TO ENSURE
COMMEX IS FULLY STAFFED THROUGH THE ENTIRE PERIOD.
(E) (U) ENSURE COMSPOT REPORTS INCLUDE REMARKS CONTAINING
THE INDIVIDUAL MEMBER CALL SIGN OF ALL STATIONS THAT
CHECKED INTO THE NET WHILE THE NET WAS OPERATING.
TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS TO ENSURE ALL MARS STATIONS
THAT TRAINED IN THIS EXERCISE ARE RECORDED.
(F) (U) COMPLETE AND SUBMIT AFTER ACTION REPORTS (AAR) TO
THE RESPECTIVE HEADQUARTERS OR DIVISION DIRECTORS NO
LATER THAN 15 DAYS FOLLOWING CONCLUSION OF COMMEX.
MARS AFTER ACTION REPORTS SHALL CONTAIN THE ASSIGNED
STATION (NOT BILLET) CALL SIGN OF EVERY MARS STATION
PARTICIPATING.
(4) (U) A REDACTED VERSION OF THIS ORDER WILL BE PROVIDED FOR
REFERENCE AND DISTRIBUTION TO THE AMATEUR RADIO COMMUNITY.
(5) (U) OTHER ACTIVITIES MAY COINCIDE WITH THIS EXERCISE.
MARS STATIONS ARE TO PROCESS "NO PLAY" MESSAGES AND TRAFFIC
WITHOUT DELAY, AS REQUESTED.//
GENTEXT/ADMIN AND LOG/
(U) ALL MARS STATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE SELF SUPPORTING FOR
THE DURATION OF THE COMMEX. NO SERVICE SUPPORT IS PROVIDED.//
GENTEXT/COMMAND AND SIGNAL/
A. (U) COMMAND
(1) (U) CHAIN OF COMMAND.
(U) US ARMY NETCOM IS THE LEAD AGENCY DESIGNATED FOR
EXECUTION OF THIS TASK. THIS ACTIVITY IS COORDINATED
BETWEEN HQ ARMY MARS AND CHIEF AIR FORCE MARS.
(A) ARMY MARS PROGRAM MANAGER / US ARMY NETCOM G34 ATD;
(B) CHIEF AIR FORCE MARS / US AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
38SCM;
(C) ARMY MARS OPERATIONS OFFICER / US ARMY NETCOM G34 ATD;
(D) ARMY MARS REGION DIRECTORS AND AIR FORCE MARS REGION DIRECTORS;
(E) AF MARS DIVISION DIRECTORS (ADMINISTRATIVE ONLY);
(F) ARMY AND AIR FORCE MARS STATE DIRECTORS;
(G) MARS MEMBERS.
B. (U) SIGNAL
(4) (U) INTERNET TECHNOLOGY, INCLUDING HF EMAIL AND
INTERNET LINKED REPEATER SYSTEMS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THIS
EXERCISE.
(U) MARS MEMBERS OPERATING ON AMATEUR RADIO FREQUENCIES SHALL
UTILIZE THE PREVAILING OPERATING MODE IN USE ON THE FREQUENCY.
(6) (U) OFF LINE ENCODING
(B) (U) IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT AMATEUR STATIONS DO
NOT HAVE ENCRYPTION CAPABILITIES. COMMUNICATIONS WITH
AMATEUR STATIONS SHALL BE UN-ENCRYPTED AND IN ACCORDANCE
WITH EXISTING AMATEUR CONVENTIONS.
(7) (U) COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
(B) (U) AMATEUR RADIO: LOCAL VHF/UHF AND HF AMATEUR RADIO
NETS AND OTHER LOCAL AD HOC AMATEUR ACTIVITY.//
SGD/
ENGLISH
SGD/
STAPCHUK//
BT
#0021
NNNN
If you would like to participate, please email me at ae5me@yahoo.com.
P 291501Z SEPTEMBER 2015 ZYS
FM /MR PAUL ENGLISH CIV NETC-OP-ATD / MARS PM
/MR DAVE STAPCHUK CHIEF AIR FORCE MARS
TO /ALL ARMY MARS REGION DIRECTORS
/ALL AF MARS DIV DIRECTORS
/ALL AF MARS REGION DIRECTORS
ZEN/MR MIKE COREY AMERICAN RADIO RELAY LEAGUE
BT
UNCLAS FOUO
MSGID/GENADMIN/HQ ARMY MARS FT HUACHUCA AZ/AMO 14-15//
POC/DAVID MCGINNIS/CTR/NETC-OP-ATD MARS/FT HUACHUCA AZ//
ORDTYP/ORDER/HQ ARMY MARS//
TIMEZONE/Z//
GENTEXT/SITUATION/
A. (U) GENERAL OVERVIEW:
(1) (U) CHIEF, AIR FORCE AND ARMY MARS ARE COORDINATED ON THIS
TASKING.
(3) (U) EXECUTION OF THIS COMMEX REQUIRES COORDINATION WITH RADIO
STATIONS IN THE AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE (ARS).
(4) (U) TRAINING EXERCISE SIMULATES A NOTIONAL CORONAL MASS EJECTION
(CME) AND GEO-MAGNETIC STORM. IN 1859, ONE OF THE LARGEST GEOMAGNETIC
STORMS ON RECORD OCCURRED. KNOWN AS THE CARRINGTON EVENT, THE CME
ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SOLAR STORM WAS A DIRECT HIT ON THE EARTH. TELEGRAPH
COMMUNICATIONS ACROSS THE GLOBE, WHICH HAD BECOME THE PRIMARY METHOD
FOR COMMUNICATIONS AROUND THE WORLD, FAILED. IN 1989, ANOTHER CME
KNOCKED OUT ELECTRICITY FOR 12 HOURS TO OVER 6 MILIION RESIDENTS IN QUEBEC.
THE SOLAR STORM OF 2012 WAS OF SIMILAR MAGNITUDE TO THE CARRINGTON
EVENT BUT PASSED EARTH’S ORBIT WITHOUT STRIKING THE PLANET. SHOULD A CME
OF THIS MAGNITUDE STRIKE EARTH TODAY, THE RESULTING GEO-MAGNETIC STORM
IS EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO ELECTRICAL AND TELECOM-
MUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE, CONSUMER ELECTRONICS, AND CAUSE WIDESPREAD
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DISRUPTIONS. SOME ESTIMATES INDICATE UP
TO 2 TRILLION DOLLARS IN DAMAGE AND RECOVERY FROM SUCH AN
EVENT MAY EXTEND FROM SEVERAL MONTHS TO YEARS. ONLY EQUIPMENT
THAT HAS BEEN PROTECTED DURING THE GEO-MAGNETIC STORM SHOULD
BE EXPECTED TO OPERATE POST-EVENT.
(5) (U) THROUGHOUT THE COMMEX, STATIONS SHOULD OPERATE UNDER
EXERCISE CONDITIONS THAT SIMULATE A COMPLETE UNAVAILABILITY OF
CYBERSPACE, ELECTRICAL, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE.
ALL MARS AND AMATEUR RADIO STATIONS SHOULD PLAN TO EXERCISE,
REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO USE BACKUP POWER.
B. (U) FRIENDLY FORCES
(1) (U) AIR FORCE MARS
(2) (U) ARMY MARS
(3) (U) AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS
(4) (U) DOD FORCES
(5) (U) AMERICAN RADIO RELAY LEAGUE
C. (U) ENEMY FORCES
(1) (U) SOUND OPERATIONAL SECURITY (OPSEC) AND ANTI-
TERRORISM/FORCE PROTECTION (AT/FP) PRACTICES WILL BE
IMPLEMENTED AND USED THROUGHOUT THE COMMEX.//
GENTEXT/MISSION/
(U) IN A SIMULATED NATIONAL CRISIS SITUATION, MARS STATIONS WILL
EXERCISE CONTINGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT IN COOPERATION WITH
AMATEUR RADIO STATIONS FROM 071200Z NOV 2015 TO 102359Z NOV 2015
IN ORDER TO FULFILL NATIONAL MILITARY REQUIREMENTS IN SUPPORT OF
THE DOD NATIONAL CONTINGENCY COMMUNICATIONS MISSION INCLUDING:
(1) (U) JOINT TASKING AND UTILIZATION OF VOLUNTEER PERSONNEL
FROM MARS TO FULFILL NATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
(2) (U) COORDINATING WITH AVAILABLE AMATEUR RADIO RESOURCES.
(3) (U) SOCIALIZE WARNING OF A NOTIONAL, IMPENDING HAZARDOUS
EVENT THROUGHOUT THE MARS FORCE. IMPLEMENT MEASURES TO PROTECT
THESE RESOURCES FROM THE NOTIONAL HAZARD.
(4) (U) DEMONSTRATE INTEROPERABILITY BETWEEN DOD NETWORKS
AND AMATEUR RADIO.
(5) (U) RADIO STATIONS OPERATING WITHIN THE DOD GLOBAL HF
ENTERPRISE NETOWRK MEET PERFORMANCE STANDARDS DESCRIBED IN MIL-STD
188-110 AND TEXT MESSAGE STANDARDS IN MIL-STD 6040 (USMTF)//
GENTEXT/EXECUTION/
A. (U) INTENT
(U) ESTABLISH AND SUSTAIN DEPENDABLE, MULTI-LAYER HF
RADIO-ONLY NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS TO SUPPORT DOD OBJECTIVES
AND INTERFACE WITH RELEVANT AMATEUR RADIO NETWORKS AS REQUIRED
TO FULFILL DOD INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS.
B. (U) CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
(U) THIS COMMEX IS DESIGNED TO EXERCISE TASKS THAT WOULD NORMALLY
OCCUR FOR A PERIOD OF TIME OF SEVERAL DAYS OR LONGER. HOWEVER, THE
COMMEX IS CONDUCTED OVER A COMPRESSED TIME PERIOD. THIS IS A
HIGH PRIORITY ACTIVITY AND ALL MARS ASSETS AVAILABLE TO TRAIN
SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN THIS COMMEX.
(1) (U) NOTIFICATION PHASE
(U) THE TIME PERIOD 071200Z THROUGH 080900Z NOV 2015 IS THE
NOTIFICATION PHASE OF THE COMMEX.
(U) AT 071200Z NOV 2015 ALL MARS STATIONS WILL SIMULATE A
GROWING AWARENESS OF A NOTIONAL CME AND GEOMAGNETIC STORM
CONSIDERED LIKELY TO HIT EARTH AS DISCUSSED ON NOTIONAL
SOCIAL MEDIA AND NEWS NETWORKS. THE GROWING CONSENSUS
IS THIS CME IS LIKELY TO BE OF A CATASTROPHIC MAGNITUDE.
(U) DURING THIS PHASE, STATE MARS DIRECTORS AND STAFF SHOULD
PREPARE MARS STATIONS FOR A POTENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS
DISRUPTION AND SOCIALIZE TECHNIQUES WITH THEIR SUBORDINATES TO
PROTECT RADIO AND COMPUTER EQUIPMENT. ADDITIONALLY, AMARS
STATE CIVIL AFFAIRS OFFICERS AND AFMARS STATE EMERGENCY
COORDINATORS SHOULD WORK TOGETHER TO BEGIN COORDINATION
ACTIVITIES WITH LOCAL AMATEUR ORGANIZATIONS. REGION MARS
DIRECTORS AND OPERATIONS STAFF SHOULD PREPARE FOR PERIODS
OF HIGH INTENSITY AND SUSTAINED NETWORK OPERATIONS. MARS
MEMBERS SHOULD MAINTAIN EMAIL AND TELEPHONE CONTACT WITH
THEIR STATE MARS STAFF, CHECK INTO REGULARLY SCHEDULED
MARS NETS, CHECK AND TEST EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND
REFERENCE INFORMATION TO ENSURE THEY ARE UP TO DATE AND
OPERATIONAL IN ALL AREAS.
(U) AT 080001Z NOV 2015 G2 SOURCES WILL NOTIFY MARS OF AN
IMPENDING CME. DOD WILL DIRECT MARS PROGRAMS TO IMPLEMENT A
POSTURE TO ENSURE SURVIVALABILITY OF THEIR INDIVIDUAL STATIONS,
DISCONNECT RADIO AND COMPUTER EQUIPMENT FROM ALL WIRING BETWEEN
THE HOURS OF 080900Z THROUGH 081200Z NOV 2015. MARS MEMBERS
WILL BE NOTIFIED OF POTENTIAL REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION FOLLOWING
CME IMPACT. MARS STATIONS SHOULD COMMUNICATE INFORMATION
RELEVANT TO PROTECTING EQUIPMENT FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE
GEOMAGNETIC STORM TO ALL MARS MEMBERS AND FINALIZE PREPARATIONS
FOR OPERATIONS.
(2) (U) GEOMAGNETIC STORM PHASE
(U) BETWEEN 080900Z THROUGH 081200Z NOV 2015 THE NOTIONAL GEOMAGNETIC
STORM WILL OCCUR. ALL MARS STATIONS RADIO AND COMPUTER
EQUIPMENT SHALL BE PHYSICALLY DISCONNECTED FROM ANTENNAS, POWER
MAINS, AND INTERCONNECT WIRING IN A MANNER THAT PROVIDES THE
BEST PROTECTION FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE GEOMAGNETIC STORM.
(U) NO EXERCISE RADIO OPERATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED DURING THE
GEOMAGNETIC STORM PHASE.
(3) (U) POST GEOMAGNETIC STORM PHASE / HIGH INTENSITY NETWORK
OPERATIONS (HINO)
(U) AT 081200Z NOV 2015 MARS STATIONS WILL OBSERVE NOTIONAL LOSS OF
ELECTRICAL POWER, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, AND CYBERSPACE AS A RESULT
OF THE NOTIONAL GEOMAGNETIC STORM. BASED ON THESE NOTIONAL
TRIGGER EVENTS, MARS STATIONS SHALL TAKE INDIVIDUAL ACTION THAT
COLLECTIVELY ACTIVATES HF RADIO NETWORKS AT ALL LEVELS.
COMSPOT REPORTS SHALL BE GENERATED AT EACH LEVEL AND SENT TO
HIGHER.
(U) SHORTLY AFTER 081200Z NOV 2015, A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR
COUNTY MESSAGES WILL BE FORWARDED TO MARS. MARS STATIONS
IN EACH COUNTY OR ADJACENT OR NEARBY COUNTIES WILL COMPLETE
COUNTY MESSAGES AS TASKED.
(U) MARS MEMBERS, USING THEIR AMATEUR RADIO LICENSE, SHALL CONTACT
AMATEUR RADIO STATIONS AND CONVERSE WITH AMATEUR OPERATORS TO
OBTAIN THE INFORMATION VARIABLES NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE COUNTY
REPORTS. MARS STATIONS SHOULD NOT EXPECT AMATEUR STATIONS TO
KNOW FIPS COUNTY CODES OR THE COUNTY MESSAGE FORMAT. BECAUSE
EXERCISING THE MARS/AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE INTERFACE IS A PRIMARY
OBJECTIVE OF THIS COMMEX, MARS STATIONS SHOULD OFFER LOCAL AMATEUR
STATIONS EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO TRAIN IN THIS COMMEX TO INCLUDE TAKING
DUPLICATE INFORMATION FROM AMATEUR SOURCES WHEN THE INFORMATION
MAY BE AVAILABLE DIRECTLY TO THE MARS STATION.
(U) AMATEUR RADIOS OPERATORS THAT WOULD NORMALLY OPERATE AT A
STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER OR AT
ANOTHER GOVERNMENT OR CIVIL FACILITY DURING AN ACTUAL EVENT OF
THIS TYPE MAY SIMULATE OPERATING FROM THAT FACILITY DURING THIS
COMMEX, AS APPROPRIATE. THE INTENT OF THIS COMMEX IS NOT TO
REQUEST ACTIVATION OF STATE/LOCAL OR CIVIL FACILITIES, RATHER
TO EXERCISE NFORMATION EXCHANGE BETWEEN MARS AND AMATEUR NETWORKS.
(U) IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT ONLY REAL-WORLD INFORMATION IS
COLLECTED. SIMULATED OR NOTIONAL CONDITIONS ARE NOT REPORTED.
IE: IF THE POWER IS REALLY ON, THEN THE REPORT SHALL BE THE
POWER IS ON.
(U) THIS EXERCISE SIMULATES THE INACCESIBILITY OF CYBERSPACE.
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO EXERCISE HUMAN INTERACTION BETWEEN RADIO
OPERATORS IN THE MARS AND AMATEUR SERVICES USING BASIC
TECHNOLOGIES. CONTACT TO AMATEUR RADIO STATION SHALL BE ONLY
THROUGH TRADITIONAL RADIO METHODS. NO INTERNET-BASED LINKING,
REMOTE, STORE AND FORWARD, OR EMAIL SYSTEMS ARE PERMITTED TO
BE USED TO FULFILL THE EXERCISE REQUIREMENT.
(4) (U) SUSTAINED NETWORK OPERATIONS
(5) (U) MARS / DOD ACTIVITY
(6) (U) CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS
C. (U) TASKS TO SUBORDINATE UNITS:
(1) (U) US ARMY GATEWAY STATION FORT HUACHUCA:
(2) (U) MARS STATIONS SUPPORTING THE TRANSGLOBAL NET:
(U) SCHEDULE MAJOR RELAY STATIONS AND MAKE ALL NECESSARY
PREPARATIONS TO STAFF THE TRANSGLOBAL NET.
(3) (U) MARS STATIONS SUPPORTING THE NATIONAL SUPPORT NET:
(U) THE NATIONAL SUPPORT NET WILL RECEIVE ADDITIONAL
INSTRUCTION IN A SEPARATE COMMUNICATION.
(4) (U) ARMY AND AIR FORCE MARS REGION DIRECTORS
(A) (U) ESTABLISH PROCEDURES AND ISSUE DIRECTIVES WITHIN
THEIR REGION TO SUPPORT THIS COMMEX.
(B) (U) ESTABLISH ALTERNATE COMMAND AND STAFF ASSIGNMENTS
WITHIN THE LEADERSHIP TEAM.
(C) (U) SOCIALIZE THIS EXERCISE WITH AMATEUR
RADIO ORGANIZATIONS TO ENCOURAGE PARTICITATION.
(U) (U) ENSURE ALL MARS STATIONS MAXIMIZE TRAINING
OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE COMMEX AND ARE CAPABLE OF
OPERATING USING SSB VOICE AND MIL-STD DATA.
(6) (U) AIR FORCE MARS DIVISION DIRECTORS
(U) PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY SUPPORT TO AIR FORCE MARS
REGION DIRECTORS TO EXECUTE THIS COMMEX.
(7) (U) JOINT PHONE PATCH MANAGER:
(U) NO SIGNIFICANT ADDITIONAL DEMANDS FOR PHONE PATCH
SERVICES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS COMMEX. CONDUCT
SCHEDULED PHONE PATCH OPERATIONS ACCORDING TO EXISTING
DIRECTIVES.
D. (U) COORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS:
(1) (U) TRAIN-UP
(U) THROUGH INDEPENDENT STUDY PRIOR TO THIS COMMEX, MARS
STATIONS SHOULD FAMILIARIZE THEMSELVES WITH THE POTENTIAL
EFFECTS OF A CARRINGTON-CLASS CME AND ACTIONS THAT CAN BE
TAKEN TO PROTECT EQUIPMENT FROM THE RESULTING GEOMAGNETIC
STORM.
(2) (U) AMATEUR RADIO ACTIVITY
(U) THIS EXERCISE DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FORMAL TASKING
ASSOCIATED WITH A PARTICULAR AMATEUR RADIO ORGANIZATION;
HOWEVER, THIS PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIVIDUAL, NON
MARS AFFILIATED AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS TO SUPPORT A DOD
ACTIVITY IN A REALISTIC, AD-HOC MANNER. THE SOURCE OF
ANY REQUEST FOR INFORMATION CAN BE A LOCAL AMATEUR RADIO
STATION WHO IS NEAREST THE REQUESTED RESOURCE. STATE MARS
DIRECTORS, THROUGH THEIR CIVIL AFFAIRS OFFICERS (A) AND
EMERGENCY COORDINATORS (AF), SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO
ENLIST THE SUPPORT OF INTERESTED LOCAL AMATEURS, GROUPS,
AND ORGANIZATIONS.
(U) AMATEUR RADIO ACTIVITY IS LIMITED TO RADIO ONLY,
NO TCP/IP TECHNOLOGY WILL BE USED DURING THIS EXERCISE.
(3) (U) JOINT COORDINATION
(U) REGION MARS DIRECTORS, SUPPORTED BY DIVISION DIRECTORS SHALL
COORDINATE ALL COMMEX ACTIVITIES TO ACHIEVE:
(A)(U) HF RADIO NETWORK COVERAGE AS REQUIRED.
(B) (U) A SCHEDULE TO ENSURE NET CONTROL AND MINOR/
MAJOR RELAY STATION AVAILABILITY.
(C) (U) ASSIGN AND TRAIN MARS STATIONS TO ACCOMPLISH ALL
ANTICIPATED TASKS.
(D) (U) PRIORITIZE AND SCHEDULE RESOURCES TO ENSURE
COMMEX IS FULLY STAFFED THROUGH THE ENTIRE PERIOD.
(E) (U) ENSURE COMSPOT REPORTS INCLUDE REMARKS CONTAINING
THE INDIVIDUAL MEMBER CALL SIGN OF ALL STATIONS THAT
CHECKED INTO THE NET WHILE THE NET WAS OPERATING.
TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS TO ENSURE ALL MARS STATIONS
THAT TRAINED IN THIS EXERCISE ARE RECORDED.
(F) (U) COMPLETE AND SUBMIT AFTER ACTION REPORTS (AAR) TO
THE RESPECTIVE HEADQUARTERS OR DIVISION DIRECTORS NO
LATER THAN 15 DAYS FOLLOWING CONCLUSION OF COMMEX.
MARS AFTER ACTION REPORTS SHALL CONTAIN THE ASSIGNED
STATION (NOT BILLET) CALL SIGN OF EVERY MARS STATION
PARTICIPATING.
(4) (U) A REDACTED VERSION OF THIS ORDER WILL BE PROVIDED FOR
REFERENCE AND DISTRIBUTION TO THE AMATEUR RADIO COMMUNITY.
(5) (U) OTHER ACTIVITIES MAY COINCIDE WITH THIS EXERCISE.
MARS STATIONS ARE TO PROCESS "NO PLAY" MESSAGES AND TRAFFIC
WITHOUT DELAY, AS REQUESTED.//
GENTEXT/ADMIN AND LOG/
(U) ALL MARS STATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE SELF SUPPORTING FOR
THE DURATION OF THE COMMEX. NO SERVICE SUPPORT IS PROVIDED.//
GENTEXT/COMMAND AND SIGNAL/
A. (U) COMMAND
(1) (U) CHAIN OF COMMAND.
(U) US ARMY NETCOM IS THE LEAD AGENCY DESIGNATED FOR
EXECUTION OF THIS TASK. THIS ACTIVITY IS COORDINATED
BETWEEN HQ ARMY MARS AND CHIEF AIR FORCE MARS.
(A) ARMY MARS PROGRAM MANAGER / US ARMY NETCOM G34 ATD;
(B) CHIEF AIR FORCE MARS / US AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
38SCM;
(C) ARMY MARS OPERATIONS OFFICER / US ARMY NETCOM G34 ATD;
(D) ARMY MARS REGION DIRECTORS AND AIR FORCE MARS REGION DIRECTORS;
(E) AF MARS DIVISION DIRECTORS (ADMINISTRATIVE ONLY);
(F) ARMY AND AIR FORCE MARS STATE DIRECTORS;
(G) MARS MEMBERS.
B. (U) SIGNAL
(4) (U) INTERNET TECHNOLOGY, INCLUDING HF EMAIL AND
INTERNET LINKED REPEATER SYSTEMS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THIS
EXERCISE.
(U) MARS MEMBERS OPERATING ON AMATEUR RADIO FREQUENCIES SHALL
UTILIZE THE PREVAILING OPERATING MODE IN USE ON THE FREQUENCY.
(6) (U) OFF LINE ENCODING
(B) (U) IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT AMATEUR STATIONS DO
NOT HAVE ENCRYPTION CAPABILITIES. COMMUNICATIONS WITH
AMATEUR STATIONS SHALL BE UN-ENCRYPTED AND IN ACCORDANCE
WITH EXISTING AMATEUR CONVENTIONS.
(7) (U) COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
(B) (U) AMATEUR RADIO: LOCAL VHF/UHF AND HF AMATEUR RADIO
NETS AND OTHER LOCAL AD HOC AMATEUR ACTIVITY.//
SGD/
ENGLISH
SGD/
STAPCHUK//
BT
#0021
NNNN
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Exercise coming up November 7-8th
Passing this on from Gerald KC5MWZ:
The ARRL , Mr. Mike Corey, was sent a copy of the MARS op-order for the upcoming COMEX so we should be getting something from them soon.
As I have said, the plan includes serious cooperation between MARS and non-MARS amateur operators.
MARS operators are tasked to gather various types of information via contact with amateur radio operators while working in a simulated failure of all internet,
POTS, commercial broadcast, and satellite communications functions due to a major solar flare event.
I preparation for the COMEX, hams should become familiar with digital radio operation and messaging methods and procedures. Speciffically software programs - FLdigi http://www.w1hkj.com/, RMSExpress/WINMOR http://www.winlink.org/, UZ7HO Sound modem http://uz7.ho.ua/packetradio.htm and AGWPE virtual TNC, http://sv2agw.com.
The above programs are freeware. FLdigi is an all-purpose program for generating the tones to produce a large variety of digital signal modes using a computer sound card interfaced to the radio with a device such as the RASCAL from https://packetradio.com/catalog/ or an external sound card i.e. a SignaLink box http://www.tigertronics.com/.
Do-it-yourselfer’s can get the kit/parts from https://packetradio.com/catalog/ at reduced cost, ‘cause you do the stick it together work.
All the above software has extensive help either included in the package or on the internet. FLdigi includes a group of high speed data modes intended for VHF/UHF use in public service (new PC HAM SPEAK) operations. They are listed as NBEMS modes and are designed to function in programs as FLAMP and FLMSG. SEE the web site above.
It is my belief that this comex is very important to amateur radio and its relationship with a primary US Government agency i.e. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the national effort to prepare for an event which will surely come to pass in the future.
Gerald Taylor KC5MWZ/ AFA6TG/AFF6OK ARRL/ARES/SATERN/AFMARS OK SMD/DHS-SHARES OK SMD
rrget@att.net
The ARRL , Mr. Mike Corey, was sent a copy of the MARS op-order for the upcoming COMEX so we should be getting something from them soon.
As I have said, the plan includes serious cooperation between MARS and non-MARS amateur operators.
MARS operators are tasked to gather various types of information via contact with amateur radio operators while working in a simulated failure of all internet,
POTS, commercial broadcast, and satellite communications functions due to a major solar flare event.
I preparation for the COMEX, hams should become familiar with digital radio operation and messaging methods and procedures. Speciffically software programs - FLdigi http://www.w1hkj.com/, RMSExpress/WINMOR http://www.winlink.org/, UZ7HO Sound modem http://uz7.ho.ua/packetradio.htm and AGWPE virtual TNC, http://sv2agw.com.
The above programs are freeware. FLdigi is an all-purpose program for generating the tones to produce a large variety of digital signal modes using a computer sound card interfaced to the radio with a device such as the RASCAL from https://packetradio.com/catalog/ or an external sound card i.e. a SignaLink box http://www.tigertronics.com/.
Do-it-yourselfer’s can get the kit/parts from https://packetradio.com/catalog/ at reduced cost, ‘cause you do the stick it together work.
All the above software has extensive help either included in the package or on the internet. FLdigi includes a group of high speed data modes intended for VHF/UHF use in public service (new PC HAM SPEAK) operations. They are listed as NBEMS modes and are designed to function in programs as FLAMP and FLMSG. SEE the web site above.
It is my belief that this comex is very important to amateur radio and its relationship with a primary US Government agency i.e. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the national effort to prepare for an event which will surely come to pass in the future.
Gerald Taylor KC5MWZ/ AFA6TG/AFF6OK ARRL/ARES/SATERN/AFMARS OK SMD/DHS-SHARES OK SMD
rrget@att.net
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