View source for ARO Standard Operating Procedures

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===What to do in advance of an exercise or deployment===
* Print these Standard Operating Procedure or otherwise have them available even when Internet is unavailable.
* Print a copy of the [[NET Incident Command System (ICS) Forms#NET_Form_6:_Communications_Log|NET Form 6]] or load it with Adobe Acrobat Reader so you can fill it in using your computer. 
* Print or otherwise have available a copy of a [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M3TuoKgcmAiWSjhj5dgOAZCkpmaA2fIUSbXxQPXPYf8 Stations Participating log form].
* Select at least two regional subnets according to your location. See [[Map of Simplex Regions|'''Map of Simplex Regions''']].
* Consider updating your radio’s memory channels using one of the [https://multnomahares.org/resources/frequency-lists-and-radio-programming-templates/ 2023 Multnomah County ARES templates] if you haven’t already done so.  

===What to do during an exercise or deployment===

* [[Check-in and Check-out Procedures#Checking_into_the_Resource_Net|Check into the Resource Net]] unless you have received instructions that a Resource Net will not be used. Use your FCC call sign during this check in.
* Tune your radio to the frequency for your region. Use this [[Frequency Tables#VHF_Frequency_Table_-_Frequencies_in_the_2_meter_Amateur_Radio_Band|'''VHF Frequency Table''']] using either a pre-programmed memory channel or by using VFO mode. 
* Set your transceiver’s transmit power to a power level that should allow you to be heard by your subnet controller.
* Make sure your radio is not using a transmit offset as we will not be using repeaters for the subnets. See [[Operating Simplex]]. If you have trouble checking in, see [[Check-in and Check-out Procedures#What_To_Do_If_You_Have_Trouble_Checking_Into_Your_Regional_Subnet|What to do if you have trouble checking in.]]
* If you do not hear anything on the VHF frequency associated with your region after about 10 minutes, consider moving to the VHF frequency for a different region.  
* If you hear the formal opening of the subnet log it. In any case log the name of the subnet on your [[NET Incident Command System (ICS) Forms#NET_Form_6:_Communications_Log|NET Form 6]].
* The subnet controller will check in operators. See [[Check-in and Check-out Procedures]]. Use your tactical call sign during this check in. See [[Tactical Call Signs]].
* Log your check in on your [[NET Incident Command System (ICS) Forms#NET_Form_6:_Communications_Log|Form 6]].
* Using your separate [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_1NoKrgwuF56_RosgyTjz4Z7VJwZ2cK3/view?usp=sharing Stations Participating form], log other stations’ readability.
* If your team gives you messages on NET Form 8 or a reply on a Form 8, 
** Make sure they are properly filled out and include a [[Message Precedence]] at the beginning of the Subject field.
** Insert the letters "OS" and your tactical call sign at the end of the "From" field of outgoing Net Form 8s. ("OS" stands for Originating Stations.)
** Keep track of your messages by precedence and time by sorting them in order of precedence and their origination times.
** Each time you read a message to your subnet controller, mark it with the time and move it to a sent basket or equivalent.  
*** If you receive a reply to any of these messages later you will need to transcribe the reply in the bottom section of the Form 8 and deliver the reply to the orginal sender. 
* Follow the instructions of your subnet controller.
** Transcribe and deliver tactical messages* or messages on NET Form 8 to your Incident Team Leader or their delegate.
** When your subnet controller asks for message counts provide those counts by precedence.  See [[Reporting Message Counts]].
** When your subnet controller asks for messages of a particular precedence provide them. See [[Voicing a NET Form 8 or its Reply]].
* During exercises and deployments you may be faced with more messages and other business than you have time.  
** Use message precedence and your judgement to decide the order in which you complete tasks.  
** If your subnet controller hails you while you are talking with another team member use your best judgement to decide where your attention should be focused. 
** If you can't respond to a hail or request from your subnet controller right away, try to say something like "Net control, please stand by, <your tactical call sign>".  
** As soon as possible, wait for your subnet frequency to become quiet and then say "<Region name> <your tactical call sign> Over" and wait to be acknowledged. 
* During the exercise your team may ask you to communicate with another team or another team may contact you. See [[Communicating with Other Teams]].
* When the subnet controller asks for check outs follow their instructions and then log that check out.
----* A tactical message is one that is not a form.
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