So, to be fair, the corporations that are now part of SHARES (utilities) should be kicked out as well, right? If not, please elaborate.
No, SHARES is not even a DoD program, it is operated by the Dept of Homeland Security and participation by telecom utilities is part of the charter ("infrastructure").
But, staffed/controlled by MARS members. So, I guess we can add this to a long list of federal inconsistencies that make no sense.
Also, the DoD directive referenced earlier requires that DoD entities request reimbursement for services rendered to served entities.
Sure would be interesting for FEMA to ask the cities and states to reimburse it for disaster assistance.
Lee,
SHARES is not staffed or controlled by MARS members. SHARES has two DHS gov civilians who manage the program and three contractors who run the day to day operations.
DOD reimbursement requirements are one of the steps in the DOD directive for DSCA...reimbursement is not a factor I am including in the MARS Civil Support process document we are writing. I consider the MARS HF Spectrum to be a sunk cost that is not directly reimbursable by the civil authorities that we provide support to under the DSCA concept.
v/r
Paul
Paul:
Perhaps just semantics. “In charge” was meant to mean net control stations, etc., for SHARES nets. After all, you’re telling NMC MARS members to re-request SHARES authorization. They're the 'boots on the ground.'
Not surprised about DoHS using contractors. After all, Army MARS uses (or used to use) Akima Corporation employees as Area Directors. I don’t think ether AF or NMC uses or ever used contractors in place of volunteers.
It’s simply amazing to me that you can’t find support/service roles to assist each branch in some way. MARS members could teach communications techniques, antennas, and field deployment of radio equipment.
What motivated so many in the past to join was knowing that the overall purpose of MARS was to serve those who serve and their families.
With all of the National Guard units and with budget sequestration and severe constraints, it would seem the highest priority from DoD would be finding ways to make do with auxiliary members as instructors if at all possible. And, above all, fire all contractors supporting MARS.