Position Descriptions

All radio operators working these positions will be representing the Communications Support Services organization, and they can set the tone of the entire experience for the agency being supported. Those working in the vehicles are an important key to the success of our support efforts, as this is often the only contact the running team will have with us.

Below are summarizations for each position. When the assignments are finalized, each person will receive a more detailed description with personalized instructions. In addition, there will be an in-depth manual, a training session, and a drill for all.

Mobile Positions

FOLLOW VEHICLE RADIO OPERATOR - This person will ride with a crew in the vehicle that follows the runner.  This crew usually includes a driver, a timer, an alternate runner (all provided by the running team), and the radio operator. The shift will be for a specific number of stages of the race.  The radio operator will report the condition of runner, when runner has handed off the baton, and the time of that stage. 

CATCHER VAN RADIO OPERATOR - This person will ride with a crew in the van that "catches" each runner when they have finished his/her leg.  This crew usually consists of a driver, a catcher, an alternate runner (all provided by the running team), and the radio operator. The shift will be for a specific number of stages of the race.  The radio operator will communicate with the catcher on a separate radio when the catcher is out of the van to obtain the needed information.  The radio operator will report that the next runner is at the gate and ready to run, as well as the condition of runner who just completed the stage. 

CAPTAIN's SHADOW - This person will ride with the running team captain throughout the entire race, and will be the direct link between the captain and his/her team, as well as Admin.  The radio operator will act as the eyes, ears, and voice for the team captain, who will hear the race traffic through the radio operator and the radio equipment, and relay instructions or information to and from his/her runners or van crews. 

SHUTTLE VAN - This two-person crew will be given a schedule and drive the shuttle van to pick up and deliver all communication personnel to their destinations. At least one person of this crew must be a licensed Amateur Radio operator, and at least one must be a licensed driver. (If one person is not a Ham, he/she can operate the radio using 3rd party traffic rules. It is a great opportunity to get him/her interested in getting licensed!) The Shuttle Van crew will report when personnel are picked up and when they are delivered to their assignment. This crew must maintain radio contact between pickups, as it may be called on to perform another task. 

PHOTO CREW - This crew of two people will need to take both still pictures and videos of various positions during the race.  There may be a need for one member of the crew to ride for a stage in each of the vehicle positions (follow, catcher, captain, and shuttle) to capture footage of people performing these duties in action.  In addition, this crew will take pictures at various stages, as well as the various fixed posts along the course.

Post Crew Positions  

For the positions below, crews will be created to work together.  The posts will receive information from the radio operators in the vehicles, and then pass that information to Admin and other posts.  Because logs are required to be kept for these positions, generally one person will log while another operates the radio, alternating between the tasks.  Also, there will be multiple frequencies used by all posts, using specific frequencies for communications with vans and different frequencies for communications with other posts.   

IBEX PASS POST - (operating from an RV stationed at Ibex Pass) - This two-person crew will work as a relay between the staging area at Baker High School, Pahrump Post and Sandy Valley Post, passing all necessary information until communications can be clearly established as the runners progress through the stages.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  This is a remote location with no facilities.  This post must be completely self-contained and self-sufficient, and there are specific requirements for this assignment.

PAHRUMP POST - (operating from a hotel room) - This crew will not only operate the radios, but will also take telephone calls from runners and volunteers to inform them of the race situation.  In addition, this post will receive walk-in visitors, and will supply them with information regarding the various running teams.  Some time after the runners pass Stage 8 or 9, communications will be established between this post and all the vans.  This post will be in operation until communications can be clearly established from the vans to Sandy Valley Post.

SANDY VALLEY POST - (operating from an RV stationed near Stage 15) - This crew will exchange information with the other posts prior to and during the first three-fourths of the race.  In addition, this post may receive walk-in visitors, and will supply them with information regarding the various running teams. Some time after the runners pass Stage 13 or 14, communications will be established between this post and all the vans. This post will be in operation until communications can be clearly established from the vans to Vegas Post.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  This is a remote location with no facilities.  This post must be completely self-contained and self-sufficient, and there are specific requirements for this assignment.

VEGAS POST - (operating from a hotel room) - This crew will exchange information with the Sandy Valley Post, and like the Pahrump Post, will provide that information to callers on the telephone and walk-in visitors.  Some time after the runners pass Stage 16, communications will be established between this post and all the vans. This crew will maintain radio contact with each team while it is in its area.  The vans will report to this post from about Stage 16 through Stage 20 and to the Finish Line. 

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