Keystone 6 Ohio

The viability of Ohio's statewide AUXCOMM system was put to the test 21-22 May 2024. We're delighted with the performance of the system.  The complete public After Action Report/Improvement Plan is below.

Originally intended to be put to work in support of the 2024 National Mass Care Exercise known as Keystone 6, last-minute changes in Ohio led to a reduction in scope of play to a communications exercise (COMEX). We refer to our limited-scope play as Keystone 6 Ohio as a nod to the larger exercise without confusing Ohio's COMEX with the main event.

Beginning in December 2023, Amateur Radio Service volunteers throughout Ohio went through a 23-week Auxiliary Communicator (AUXC) training and qualification course put on by the Signal Section, Headquarters, Ohio Military Reserve, in Columbus. The public program of training on the QSP Letter, BLACK SWAN Net sessions, and QTC mailing list were aided by once-monthly meetings in-person and weekly videoconference sessions. Those who completed the prerequisite DHS AUXCOMM course were able to start AUXC Position Task Books and get signatures on tasks completed to satisfaction of the cadre.

We're grateful to the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, and the Ohio Military Reserve for staying in play to see the COMEX test the capability of the statewide AUXCOMM network, and supporting the volunteers' efforts to demonstrate new and improved skill.