#14 Ranger Guide Unit receives training in wireless communications

On Friday, March 22, 2013, a contingent from the #14 Ranger Guide Unit journeyed to Bequia to undergo training in wireless communications, using short wave radio.{{more}}

The training sessions were conducted by Albert Browne – J88CT and Sylvester Tannis – J88DT, Directors of the Rainbow Radio League Inc (RRL) which is a non-profit, community service organisation with a special interest in emergency communications.

The training was in two phases: first, the participants were taught the importance of short wave communications, especially while responding to disasters, and during the second phase the Ranger Guides were trained in emergency message handling.

Browne tutored the rangers in the protocol of short wave operations, as well as the phonetic alphabet, and on the following day the Rangers were given ample opportunity to actually chat ‘on air’ with radio operators across the Eastern Caribbean, among them Ricky – 8P6GO from Barbados and Bernard – J69B from St Lucia. Bernard’s wife is the Deputy Commissioner of the St Lucia Girl Guide Association and the young ladies had a great time chatting with this official from the SLGGA.

While communicating on single sideband, the rangers also spoke with local radio operators, among them Sean – J88CU and Donald – J88CD.

The final aspect of the training was in the form of a mini simulation, focusing on emergency message handling and this part of the training was conducted by Sylvester Tannis – J88DT. Tannis stressed the importance of getting emergency messages quickly and accurately and to disseminate this information in a timely manner. This is the second training course conducted by the RRL for 2013. In mid-February, 18 persons completed a course leading up to an amateur radio license. The next training course organized by the RRL leading up to a ham radio license will be held in November.