CommsConnectUS

 

Welcome to CommsConnectUS

CommsConnectUS was created provide an added layer of security, protection, and accountability, for members of our DD12 Family (as well as other CommsConnectUS client organizations), by providing an alternate Communications system, even when conventional systems are compromised, or down.

Diminished communications can be the result of anything from a regional or national, natural or manmade disasters, to those travelling through areas of the country with diminished or no cell phone coverage or who just feel the need to have someone know where and when they are travelling for security and peace of mind.

CommsConnectUS is really a quite simple, but a very powerful method of keeping DD12 members connected to each other during a time of need.

It is based upon alternative communications methods that allow our NON-HAM DD12 members to connect with our CommsConnectUS HAMNet (licensed and dedicated HAM Radio Operators) in times of need.

The objective of CommsConnectUS is NOT to take the place of any Emergency Service, agency, 9-1-1 system, or even AAA, and assistance is not guaranteed.

But, rather, it IS intended to provide DD12 members the peace of mind of knowing that there is a nation-wide network of 7,000 brother and sister DD12 members (as well as members of other CommsConnectUS “Partner Groups”) who are standing by, ready, willing, and able, to offer assistance, if andwhen it is needed.

Below you will find all of the details of the CommsConnectUS components and services.

NOTE: We will be adding more information and updating the existing information related to the “CommsConnectUS” program in the near future.

My most sincere thanks to the members of the CommsConnectUS HAMNet Core Group, our cadre of dedicated HAMS, our many DD12-State Chapter Leads, Core Group members, and the DD12 Post Apoc Army of Readers, for making this project work!!

May DD12 always have each others’ “Six”!

James “Mike” White

National Director
Director
CommsConnectUS

 

Overview

CommsConnect Matrix

An example of utilizing the DD12-CommsConnect is as follows:

  • A DD12 member fills out an “Emergency Request” or a “DD12-FlightWatch”.
  • Once the request has been received, the CommsConnect HAMNet will attempt to provide whatever assistance possible, using a multitude of available resources, including, but not limited to:
    • Other CommsConnect HAMNet Operators
    • DD12-State Chapter Leads, Core Group Members, and members
    • The members of DD12Army of Readers.
    • Other CommsConnect client organizations, established HAMNets, Search and Rescue groups, emergency services, EOCs, etc.

 

DD12-CommsConnect Components:

HAM Radio Antenna

CommsConnect HAMNet:

Our nation-wide network of over 200 licensed and dedicated HAM Operators, who monitor the CommsConnect HAMNet Assist Links for “Emergency Request”.

We are actively growing this network, so dig out your Baofeng, go get YOUR HAM license, and join the CommsConnect HAMNet Team!.

DD12-HAMNet Assist:

A portal(s) which DD12 members interface with our DD12-HAMNet to submit an “Emergency Request”.

An “Emergency Request” can be submitted via the CommsConnect HAMNet portal, phone, text, and other methods that are being implemented.

CommsConnect HAMNet Assist includes both, Active (Zello), and Passive (Facebook Messenger Group) monitored CommunicationLinks.

Travel Flight Plan

CommsConnect FlightWatch:

This program allows DD12 members (and members of other CommsConnect client organizations) who are travelling for an extended distance, to have someone “watching over them”.

This is especially important for those that are traveling alone, with small children, through isolated or remote areas,

through areas of limited cell phone coverage, and other situations where there is a need to have someone know their

travel plans and be available should the need arise.

The CommsConnect FlightWatch program consists ofActive (periodic check-ins), and Passive (call if needed) Flight Plans.

To initiate a CommsConnect Traveler Flight Plan, contact the CommsConnect FlightWatch Team using the Flight Plan form.

Note: All CommsConnect FlightWatch Travelers are code named for the Personal Security of the “Traveler”.

State Chapter Logo
DD12-State Chapters, Chapter Leads, Core Group Members and State Chapter Members
DD12 Logo
The 7,000 strong DD12 members.

 

DD12 Operations and Missions:

Operations Image

CommsConnect – Operations:

These are extended Operations due to the size, scope, longevity, or complexity of an event.

These operations provide support, communications and other services to DD12 members during regional or national incidents, natural or manmade disasters, and other similar situations).

 

DD12-Missions:

Missions differ from Operations, in that they are NOT extended exercises, but are short term, or smaller in size, scope, or complexity.

These include functions such as CommsConnect Traveler Flight Plans, welfare checks, message relays, etc.).

Since its inception, less than a month ago, the CommsConnect program has already successfully accomplished:

  • 2 Operations (Hurricane Florence, and the Massachusetts Gas Fires).
  • 1 Missing DD12er search/locator “Emergency Request” Mission (In Hurricane Florence’s impacted area).
  • 11 CommsConnect FlightWatch Missions (including one “Emergency Request” in remote British Columbia).