Oregon ARES/RACES has launched new on-line training programs for Amateur Radio operators, which have been very well received, according to John Core, KX7YT, ARRL Oregon Section Manager. The Oregon training is conducted in three parts. This is in addition to the required completion of the ICS 100, 200 and 700 courses and a required background check. Participants register on line at the OregonARESRACES.org website before they start their training. The elements are:

1. Completion of an on-line Amateur Radio Operator (ARO) knowledge-based course done in Microsoft® Sway. Sway is a highly visual environment; many Internet-linked videos and photos of Oregon ARES members in action make the course interesting. It includes six modules, two multiple choice exams and a final exam. The course also includes materials on the use of the Winlink system, critical frequency plans, ARES fundamentals, Oregon Emergency Management, participation in Nets, antenna systems and many other topics. Currently, 200 participants are taking the training and there are 54 ARO element 1 graduates. It takes new ARES volunteers about 20 hours of study to complete element 1. Experienced volunteers can complete it in one day. This is an innovative approach to training as it is self-paced and can be done from home. Significantly, changes to the training materials can be done on-line and "on the fly" by the Training Administrator at no cost. Changes are instantly available to all trainees the next time they log into the system. Administrators use PollDaddy web based software for construction of the exams and can easily track student progress as well as scores.

2. An 8-week proctored class in the Oregon ARES Digital Network (OADN) Forms is conducted on-line using email and Winlink Express. This course teaches operators how to properly fill out and use various ICS forms as well as Oregon-specific forms for Disaster Declarations, Situation Reports, Requests for Assistance and unit Activation/Deactivation reports that are set statewide. Close to 100 people have now completed this course, which is offered twice yearly and is very popular! The Oregon ARES Digital Network is a statewide Amateur Radio system designed for emergency and disaster response communications.

3. Completion of a Task List that is signed by the County EC certifying that the participant has programmed their radios to local communications frequency plans, is personally prepared for deployment, has various on-the-air skills and has participated as an operator in an Oregon Simulated Emergency Test.

Topics included in the courses are discussed on ARES Nets and at meetings on an on-going basis. The entire three-part training program was launched in late July 2016 and now involves volunteers in 20 counties and 200 trainers. This month, Oregon leadership is presenting Basic Amateur Radio Operator Certificates to the first 10 members that have completed all of the required training. - Oregon Section News