The ARRL is in the process of replacing its
decades-old Official Observer (OO) program with a new joint ARRL/FCC Volunteer
Monitor program and is now accepting applications. According to the ARRL
Letter, Volunteer Monitors will listen both for improper activity and
exemplary on-air behavior. In one significant change from the OO program, all
VM reports will go to ARRL headquarters, which will issue advisory notices.
VM applicants must be ARRL members who have never
been in trouble with the FCC themselves, must be able to use state-of-the-art receiving
equipment and must be able to access remote receive sites if requested.
Applicants will be vetted and interviewed by ARRL staff, and then undergo a
training and certification program. Appointments will be valid for three years,
unless terminated sooner by the ARRL.
Complete information is available at <https://tinyurl.com/y2u5l4ud>; applications should be
e-mailed to <volunteer-monitor@arrl.org>.