Signaling MB

[scubascout]

Requirments

1. List 5 ways to attract attention to an airplane or helicopter from the ground

2. Demonstrate 5 symbols (Ex. symbol for land here, need medical help, etc.) to communicate from ground to air

3. Understand and be able to interpret morse code or semaphore

4. Any suggestions

[WeeWillie]

Signalling once was a Merit Badge. It was discontinued because of lack of interest.

When I was a Scout the following was a 1st Class requirement

Send and receive a message of at least 20 words, using either International Morse or semaphore codes and the necessary procedure signals.

[WVBeaver05]

When I was a Scout the following was a 1st Class requirement

Send and receive a message of at least 20 words, using either International Morse or semaphore codes and the necessary procedure signals.

Me too.

I didn't like semaphore (didn't know about semaphones in computer programming way back then), so I learned Morse code to pass the requirement. ......
Then I was elected Patrol Leader and my younger Scouts wanted to use semaphore so I had to learn it to help them. That's the way it goes sometimes.

I still remember a few Morse code letters and I still remember where the A starts in semaphore.

YiS

[riverwalk]

Yep, darn shame they stopped the emphasis on this one. What if you sent out (...---...) how many would recognize it? Today, that's how they make pictures in emails!

Anyway, there are different ways to leave markers for air resources, or ground searchers. We've talked in here, about the highly publicized recent search efforts. Each case saw examples of signaling or marking. So it isn't brain surgery to see this will always be a life skill to pass on to others. Humans will continue to be in places where things happen.

Besides fire, smoke, rocks, trees, and signaling mirrors...today's options include a CD disc. Flat and light, and can be used for several things. It's an effective signal mirror for some distance. If you haven't thought about it. Watch for the silly drivers, that hang them from their mirrors. When it spins around and catches light, you'll "see" the point.

[PPC_NYLT]

i think signaling mb should be brought back, it is definetly something that I would work on. However, I know for a fact that most scouts won't be motivated enough to learn Morse Code to send a message, I have scouts who aren't motivated enough to learn how to tie a sqare knot (and i dont mean that sarcastically!!). But its worth trying again, in my opinion.

[WeeWillie]

The first time I tried to pass 1st Class Signalling (Semaphore) I didn't do well. My Scoutmaster (former Navy Signalman) said, come back next week. The second time I also didn't pass. My Scoutmaster said, come back in two weeks. The next time it was 4 weeks. After another 4 weeks, I got the SM's message loud and clear. Don't waste my time and requirements were meant to be enforced.

Six years later, I was commisioned in the Army Signal Corps. My SM got a chuckle.

[Lynda J]

I agree and disagree with PPC. I think we need to be teaching our boys some sort of signaling in case of emergencies. People get stranded and lost. Cell phones and GSP don't always receive and they are dependant on batteries. They can also get wet or damages. I would like to see some form of signaling added to the First Class requirement. Years ago there was a group of Girl Scouts that got lost in the Ozark Mountains. They used extra clothing laid out on the ground to help rescuers locate them.
Back then it was part of our requirements.

[PPC_NYLT]

Lynda, don't get me wrong, I think signaling should definitely be brought back. In my EMT and WFA training, I've learned about signaling in SAR classes taken in conjunction to those trainings and I know how invaluable it was been. When I was in Philmont, I also did SAR training and once again the importance of knowing how to attract searches was invaluable. For these reasons and more, I think it should be back in as reqs for ranks and/or a MB. What I meant was that learning Semaphore and/or Morse Code is quite the irksome and that many teens (at least in NJ where I am from) would not be inclined to follow through with learning topics. There are many things that occupy teen minds (school, friends, girls) and that learning these modes of communication, which are, in their minds, out dated and boring, would not be something often/happily persued.

As I said before, I am for this, but I am just stating my observation of many of the scouts that are in my area. If this is where you disagree (the interest of the scouts) than the only way I can rebutt that would be that we have different samples of scouts. I pray that if these changes do come about I again, that the support and interest of the scouts will be there.

[Lynda J]

I agree that Semaphore and Mores Code won't keep kids interest now.

But there should be some form of non electronic signaling taught.

Kevin has been playing with a mirror. At least then if they are lost and hear a plane they know how to work the mirror to attract attention.


Kevin is going to NYLT in March. It was the only thing he actually ask me for for Christmas.

[PPC_NYLT]

Kevin's a smart boy, well i guess 'man' is a better word. What council are you guys in? I have many contacts nation-wide in NYLT. I might know so guys from where you are. Just remind Kevin that, "If he can see it, he can be it!" If he doesn't know this now he will surely know this after the course. You might also want to look into NAYLE in Philmont. Its an excellent continuation to NYLT. www.nayle.org is the unofficial site set up by a member of the national NAYLE task force. Check it out and let me know if I can drop any more info on either course.

As far as the signaling goes, using signal mirrors is a very good way to signal for help. Also, air to ground signals are good to know. Whenever I go out 'scouting,' I always carry survival cards in one pocket, which among many things has morse code and A-to-G signals on it. I still like the subject of signaling for a MB and would like to see it come back!

[scubascout]

I am going in March also. I'm in Suffolk County Council, Long Island, NY
Do you know anybody there

[mhjacobson]

Emergency Preparedness MB containes the requirement that the scout must demonstrate three different ways of attacting an aircraft.

FYI: The military no longer teaches signalling. The modern methods of voice communication (and email) have made the traditional methodology of signalling that is being missed here unnecessary (signalling has gone the way of the sextant that is no longer being taught).

[ronin718]

Wilderness Survival also has some ground-to-air signaling requirements included.

[Ridge Runner]

--/---/.-./..././/-.-./---/-.././/../...//---/.-../-..//.../-.-./..../---/---/.-..//

Having said that, it should be brought back. In the back country it allows for short range communication between groups without the need for radios, or cell phones. Even at night, which is the short coming of semiphore.

Reflecting a bit, I remember a great camporee event that our troop won. A knot tying contest, being told what knot to tie via morse code. An Eagle or Life Scout would be stationed about a half mile away and would signal the knot he wanted the scout to tie. Done right got one permission to send back an ok, also using morse code. Each of the three of us who participated got all of our five knots right the first time. At the campfire that evening our Troop took the Blue, being the only unit with a perfect score.

[riverwalk]

All this talk expanded my hunting efforts. I just got a very nice BSA Signaling kit from ebay.

I'm for any emergency skills and scoutcraft that we can continue.