As summer ends

As summer ends, the amateur radio component of the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon decided to send out one last email appeal for operators.

To operators who had not yet signed up, the email called on them to do so citing that to meet our Marine Corps Marathon commitment, we do need more. This is our collective chance to show that amateur radio operators care and show up when needed.

If they wanted to join us they would:

  1. First sign up with the Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) at https://marinemarathon.com/volunteer
  2. Then sign up at https://hamvolunteers.com/registration/

And if they could not participate this year, they were asked to:

  1. Spread the word to friends and club members
  2. Visit https://hamvolunteers.com/mcm to stay up to date with news and next year’s needs

To volunteers who had already signed up for MCM2024, there were some updates.

  1. REVISED OPERATOR’S GUIDE: Now divided into two parts — a general guide and a tactical guide. Download the guide at https://hamvolunteers.com/mcm. The tactical guide will follow shortly and will be posted on the same page.
    • The Guide includes: an event overview, how to prepare for race day, minimum equipment requirements, communication protocols and best practices, emergency procedures, understanding assignments and responsiblities.
  2. SIMPLIFIED FREQUENCY PLAN: Fewer channels and nets for streamlined communication. The ICS-205 will be available online by August 30, 2024. Significant changes this year include a reduction to two race nets with four channels per net for a total of eight repeaters. This year’s simplex count is eight frequencies. The new plan requires a complete overwrite of previous years’ channels – start fresh. The new plan is currently available in a RT Systems csv file which can be adapted to CHIRP. In all cases, ensure that your transmit power is set to High. The RT file is available for download at https://hamvolunteers.com/mcm. If the plan requires further updates, it will be posted on the same page.
  3. ENHANCED EMS SUPPORT: Increased staffing for DC and Arlington EMS ARO liaisons to bolster emergency response.
  4. AID STATION IMPROVEMENTS: Aid station AROs will concentrate solely on radio communications; they will no longer input medical data.
  5. ALL HANDS TRAINING: Saturday, October 19, 2024 AT 0830 at the Armed Forces Retirement Home, NW Washington (arrive early). Attendance is not mandatory, but highly recommended. Note to prior-year volunteers: the presentation will be highly streamlined. Coffee and snacks will still be served.
  6. ASSIGNMENTS: Will be issued NLT September 15, 2024. Visit https://hamvolunteers.com/mcm for updates.

Volunteers’ commitment ensures a successful mission; we thank them for their continued support.

MCM Ham Volunteers