Responders are specialized Net Control Operators who have the training required to operate the WX4AKQ ham radio station inside the NWS Wakefield WFO.

Requirements for Responders Operating from NWS Wakefield

Here is a general outline of the requirements to qualify as a WX4AKQ Responder:

• All current Net Control Operator Training.
• General Class Amateur Radio License or higher.
• Recommendation from a SKYWARN Area Manager or the Amateur Radio Coordinator.
• Review and understanding of the Responder Training Manual.
• Basic FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training representing the minimum NIMS training typically required for EOC clearance is now required of all Responders and can be completed online.
  • FEMA IS-100.b - Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100
  • FEMA IS-200.b - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
  • FEMA IS-700.a - NIMS Introduction
  • FEMA IS-800.b - National Response Framework, An Introduction
  IMPORTANT: At this time, prior version training will be accepted (ie, IS-100.a training fulfills the IS-100.b training requirement) though as this FEMA training evolves our certification requirements may also change.
• Review and understanding of the APRS Training Manual and AE5NL's Packet Primer

Existing Net Control Operators interested in taking on a position as a Responder should contact their Area Manager.

Training Materials

• No current training resources are available for download.

SKYWARN Systems Training and Reference

• APRS Training for Responders
• Configuring SimuAWIPS for WX4AKQ
• Introduction to NTS and Packet
• VA RACES/VDEN Introduction to Packet
• ICS-213 Description

Other resources may be available in our Training & Reference File Libraries.