Anyone care to share their descriptions, experiences? Especially interested in field support.
Thanks!
-DJM
Thanks!
-DJM
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Re: What's Echelon like?
Mon, August 20, 2007 - 6:23 PMI've been the very lucky recipient of Echelon field support, as have most rangers who camp at the outposts. They're like miracles from heaven, bringing manna. Here's one of my memories: worked a graveyard, got on my bike at HQ after signing out, riding to Tokyo. [short version...] shit hits the fan on the way to camp, another 8 hours in the sun with law enforcement, violence, some other shite. got back to camp, about to have a complete breakdown from exhaustion, dehydration, sadness from the situation, and someone says "hey boiler put a bag of ice in your cooler." i burst into tears cuz i knew my food was going to go bad and i didn't have the time nor energy to ride my bike back for ice. I LOVE ECHELON. They shall be worshipped forever. They make a difference, they make it better. Actually... Seriously... they make it all happen. -
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Re: What's Echelon like?
Fri, September 7, 2007 - 11:38 AMEchelon is a perfect for those who like to work behind the scenes. Most people on the playa have no idea what Echelon is let alone what it does. -
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Re: What's Echelon like?
Fri, September 7, 2007 - 1:22 PMechelon is the fuzziest job on the playa, the t-shirt sez so!
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Re: What's Echelon like?
Fri, September 7, 2007 - 2:00 PMIt really is the fuzziest, no question about it.
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Re: What's Echelon like?
Thu, September 13, 2007 - 5:37 PMWell, I tried. Twice. The first time was right as a dust storm was hitting at Tokyo-- folks were too distracted and asked that I go to HQ. At HQ I was told by a very nice guy that I would have to do a training session before I could volunteer for Echelon. Since I didn't get down there until Thu, I'd missed the last training session. Disappointing, but understandable. I'll try again some day. -
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Re: What's Echelon like?
Fri, September 14, 2007 - 9:41 AMThere are different faces to Echelon, some of which have a closer work relationship with the rangers than others. I can appreciate that because of the sensitive things in and around HQ they would ask that you have attended a training. I'm sorry to hear you caught folks at Tokyo at an in opportune time.
The Echelon build team can often use an extra hand early on in building the outposts. It's not glorious work but it is vital. I can't imagine requiring a training session before you help us with shade structures and the like. I don't think we ever met at Tokyo but I was there often, I'd have put you to work if you'd asked me. Pre-event and the first couple days of the event are when the build team does the majority of it's work and then striking everything the days after the event ends. Stop by next year and ask for DarkStar (that's me), I'm confident your interest and effort can be put to good use. Thank you for offering your help. -
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Re: What's Echelon like?
Sat, September 15, 2007 - 4:42 PMThere are three departments under Echelon; Build Team, Fields Ops and HQ.
Build Team rocks! It's been covered earlier by Danger Girl. She rocks too!
Field ops is headed by Boiler. They are responsible for deliveries to rangers and ranger stations. Water, food, etc. You have to be able to drive 5 mph (we know that) have lots of patience with participants (we know that too). There is a training for Field Ops. I think you have to go out with Boiler or Kuma in the truck two or three times to be able to go out by yourself.
Then there is the HQ faction(?) of Echelon. We do a lot of office type work at HQ. It can be crazy busy or hella slow. Everyone eventually comes by and you have the opportunity to do rangering at the window when participants come up with questions, complaints, etc. There is an on the spot training that goes on..there may be changes for next years training to make sure more info is passed on. If you are working the window you will be using radios, doing paper work, rangering rangers, etc.
Attending a ranger training is a very good idea we'd like all people working in HQ to attend one. It keeps you up to date and on a par with info a ranger needs to know.
Hope to meet you next year ! Sounds like you made some effort to connect but it just didn't happen. Perhaps you can go to the volunteer page for BM and fill in the spaces early!
Hey...you want'a work?? I'm sure we can find some for you!!
mere de terra -
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Re: What's Echelon like?
Wed, January 30, 2008 - 12:45 PMHey Mere! I worked Echelon HQ at BM '06, I daresay it was the cushiest job on the Playa! Wonderful People, AC, and did I mention the wonderful people & AC? I {{{{ Heart }}}} me some Rangers!
I am a former Law Enforcement Specialist from the US Air Farce, and used to be desk sergeant so it was right up my alley skills wise. I heartily recommend it!
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Re: What's Echelon like?
Sat, March 1, 2008 - 2:03 PMHi DJM
I'm one of the co-leads for Echelon/HQ this year
Echelon is a branch of the BRC Rangers. HQ's primary purpose is to support Rangers on duty by scheduling and tracking shifts, maintaining radio equipment, and providing basic costuming and identification, as well as providing administrative support to the Dirt Ranger shift Leads.
We're changing things up a bit this year, and there will be more documentation to help people do their jobs, which will hopefully make the job more fun for everyone who's helping out.
When you say Field Support... There is an Echelon team that helps out by making sure Dirt Rangers on patrol and out at the Man are supplied with coffee and such. Is that the team you mean?
TwistedCat
