Organising Exercises the DARES way

Joop Verdoes, PA1JAVSecretary DARES Foundation

Wim Visch, PG9WVice Chairman & Treasurer DARES Foundation

Internally

Build a structured list of exercises

Resist/forbid/punish exercises that are basically just QSOs

Focus on all the other aspects.- The chain of alerting all the way from the 1st request to deployment.- Assigment of teams (hand-pick unlikely teams)- Change of assignment while on the job- Use of new technologies (push those dinosaurs)- Use of the unfamiliar (Get people out-off their comfort zone, to learn that there are other/new comfort zones)- Activating the regional coordination staton.- Message handling, with a focus on the interaction with the end customers, the admin.Not just the QSO's

With external partiesALWAYS do 2 pre-exercies, before working with the exeternal parties- On location, with all the networks, take all the time it needs– have pre-pre-training & familiarisation sessions

For the exercise- nominate a PR person, have PR material ready- assign post-commanders- declare a FREEZE on the configuration (Do not experiment)- rotate operators wrt modes & kit (ensure the shy get their share)- drive the customer's responsibility home- do NOT become a part of the customer's team- do NOT over-sell your capabilities- reiterate your capabilities at every opportunity- be involved in ALL planning meetings- wear ARES jackets (be seen and recognised)- give media instructions to your participants (some HAMs......)- hand-pick the teams (for maximum success as well as learning)

FLOODEX 09 21-25 September 2009

EU sponsored field exercise focused on cross border support. The procedures to deal with the logistic, operational and legal aspects are put to the test.

Scenario:A heavy storm endangers the coasts of Denmark, Germany, NL, Belgium and the UK.The Dutch provinde Noord-Holland is hit worst, with tens-of-thousands housholds in danger.Dutch mitigation capacity is over-asked and a call is made upon the EU treaties for mutual support.German, Polish, Estonian, British relief teams, in total over 800 persons, come to help

DARES is asked to provide backup for the comms. This turns out to save the day.

FLOODEX 09 21-25 Feb 2009As executed by DARES

Pre-exercises on location 18 july and 12 sept, with the complete networks

Radio-checks & extended On-Air message handling exercises

In total over 70 DARES participants.

22, 23, 24 sep overnigthing on the Basie of Operations in Bergen & at Home

Self-supporting on all aspects for the first 24h.

All on emergency power. (Nothing from the wall)

FLOODEX 09Outcome for DARES

DARES has completey proven to be able to deliver on its promise.

On various loctions we have been absolutely crucial.

Various officials, who at first thought it was an amusing idea, are now approaching us with serious quations about the concept MOU we have send them.

We expect to sign a few more MOUs very soon.

Questions?

Answers??