The class response to the assigned mission, was a resounding, “really”! RDTC motivational therapy certainly builds character. The venue, our Red Deer Training Centre (RDTC) ^TM facility in Alberta Canada. The temperature, -29C with a wind chill of -40C. The mission assigned was to localize a hostile signal event somewhere in the great outdoors of our 160 Acre facility. RDTC motivational therapy certainly takes dedication and mission planning to the ultimate level and draws on the spectrum warriors experience.

The approach must be well considered before venturing out on deployment. There are many opportunities for learning new skills and building confidence. Team coordination is an essential component of working under such conditions. The human factor, the effect of temperature on the equipment deployed, including the operating temperature of the host computer, software defined radio hardware, antenna cables, and the operator. All of the hardware issues need to be considered, addressed and compensated for, depending on the anticipated time-on-target. Now, consider the effect of the severe temperature on touch screen technology.

None of the participants had ever deployed under such harsh operational conditions, nor had ever given any consideration, or was aware of the radio temperature limitations, even for less severe conditions within which some participants had deployed in the past. This provided a tremendous learning experience and opportunity for instruction in the limitations of severe cold and severe heat (not an issue on this day). Operators, who might well be considered first responders, don’t pick the weather or the deployment conditions, for which they are required or expected to operate within. As a first responder within the Search and Rescue role, and I have often been required to conduct electronic radio-frequency searches in both satellite localized environments, and in some cases, against totally unknown, and unlocalized targets. The deployment of a Total Energy Capture (TEC) ^TM environment is a modern Kestrel approach and milestone, utilizing Tap Capture Plot (TCP) ^TM, Dimensional Geo-Location Heat Mapping that includes a significant number of capture points within the extended Kestrel Functional Target Area (FTA) ^TM. Preparation, is the key. All battery enabled resources, must be at 100% as a starting point. Steps need to be taken to regulate the temperature of hardware components, while minimizing the amount of exposure to cold. The operator is an essential component of this consideration, as exposure at these temperatures, can see impairment and frostbite in a matter of minutes. The CTO instructors worked along side the participants for additional motivation and safety monitoring! Congratulations to the graduating class of December 2022. Your certification certificates are well deserved!