GA 2010 Rally After Action Report

[CARNAC]

With Clints permission, this is for after action info only to look at what we need to maintain/sustain for future GA Rallies and what we need to improve upon.

For those that attended (obviously) and have input, give us 3 sustain and 3 improvements to keep this event the best there is.

Format it in
Subject:
Discussion:
Recommendation:


To start it off

Pre-event communication
Communication was excellent and directly led to the success of the rally.
Sustain

Location
The geographic as well as the physical location of trails and ammenities was excellent
Sustain

Comraderie
Even though we had well over 100 and probably over 200 people present, we all got along quite well and no fighting (not even an arguement) broke out that was reported.
Sustain

Sanitation Stations
There was a obvious lack of hand washing devices.
Improve by adding to the support contract for next year or arrange for water cans on field tables with bars of soap in nylons tied to the water cans.

Safety
Many vehicles went through the compound at excessive speed considering the amount of people present including kids and pets. Alcohol was consumed during the night trail ride. People were backing in close proximity to vehicles and people without ground guides.
Improve safety by limiting speed in compound and providing reminders prior to every trail ride. Check for drunk drivers prior to departure and prevent them from driving. Use ground guides as necessary especially in the compound. We didn't have any major incidents but we sure had some very, very close calls. One accident and we could have a huge problem to deal with LEO's, media, and other folks we just don't need to get hassled by.

Parking
Parking was uncontrolled and prevented us from fitting in all the vehicles we could have and if te event grows, we will need more space.
Mark off parking areas and place vedors in an appropriate location to help open up the space.

OK folks. Fire at will.

 

[73m819]

subject-- count
need a way for better head and vehicle count, both cevi and mv, head count for all, this includes kids, SSers, vendors, everybody, ect.,
also need a departer point log
1-have the gate maned, issure wrist bands of different colors, so there is not a double count
2-nane tags that can be put in tag holders so tages are not lost, this we could use ONE tag per person
3- every MV is given a numbered tag to id that truck, a master log is kept with the id numbers, this will tell who owns it, what it is, anything special, so if someone or a VISTOR wents to know about the truck , the owner can be found
4- vendors need a name sign or some id so we know who we are dealing with

 

[cessnatwin]

Dang 73m819, those are some excellent suggestions!

 

[televisionman007]

how about some red bull lots and lots of redbull

 

[hndrsonj]

A sign in table at the gate so no one is missed.
Lights on mandatory after dark, at least with-in the gate.
Longer pre-planned saturday road trip with as few stop signs/lights. Radios in
front and rear vehicle.
Better (accurate) food sign up ahead of time.

 

[wreckerman893]

Food service.....we love to cook for you guys and we will continue to do so. Sustain

Close communication with Durhamtown staff concerning things we need to make a better rally. Sustain

Good location of central fire pit this year with the rock ring around it (to keep Kenny from self-igniting). Sustain

Better seating for our mess area (Mike from Durhamtown has offered picnic tables next year and one of the vendors said he will provide open ended tents to make a dining tent). Improvement.

Have a designated Public Affairs person to deal with the media if they show up. Improvement.

Meet with local LEO's and coordinate a hardball convoy/parade through the area with police escort and traffic control. This gives the folks that don't want to do trail rides a chance to drive their vehicles at the rally. Improvement

That is my input for now.

 

[73m819]

mandatory gathering at a set time each day to cover rally info

 

[Chief_919]

Sustains-

Food Service
The MKT was great, and the crew provided some great chow.
Keep up the good work!

Camaraderie/Quality of People Attending
I work a number of different types of shows every year, and this is one of the few where I could walk away from my spot and talk to folks for an hour, come back and not worry that any of my stuff was gone. That speaks volumes for the great folks at this rally.

Vendors Row
Setup was easy, and it was easy to find where I needed to go when I rolled in.
Keep it easy and simple.

Improve-

Safety!
I will echo CARNACS statements- lots of vehicles moved too fast in the camping/vendors area. ATV’s seemed worse than MV’s but some of both went too fast.
Make sure everyone stays slow- maybe hand out a basic rules flyer as everyone enters the gate with the rules about speed, backing and drinking.

Nameplates for vehicles?
I have been to shows before where they put a small info card in the window of vehicles that listed the vehicle model, year, and owner. That would be nice to do here, something maybe a 3x5 size handed out when you come in, and at the same time it would make for an easier count of how many attend. I also know some shows make small brass plaques for those that attend- if there is interest for next year I can make custom dog tags that list the event and the date.

Forums?
I know I have been to events before where various people who were knowledgeable on specific subjects all listed what they know about and can teach. Then if there was enough interest they set times where they would give a short talk or class on the subject- it could be a vet talking about how they used the trucks, a person who knows a specific model of truck talking about them, someone who knows CUCV electrical systems walking others through one, or even someone doing a basic class on diesel engine theory for those new to it. Maybe if folks are interested in that have a GP medium set up as the briefing tent.
I know each of us knows something that we can help others with, and that is a good way to share knowledge. Any interest in something like that?

 

[Blythewoodjoe]

One thing I would suggest would be a central command post of some kind with a bulletin board or some other devise where the days quasi plans would be posted. I understand most of the events where plan as you go, but a more announced trail rides would be nice. I didn't plan to ride much but it seems I would notice people leaving before I had a chance to prepare my truck and get in line.

I have lots of suggestions I'll post later. One thing is for sure, this is the time to do this while it's fresh on our minds. One question though, was the only way to the firing range through our vendors row? I noticed a lot of ATV's and motor cycles shooting down the road and throwing up dust. I would be nice to cut out any traffic like that we could. You can't be too safe in my opinion.

 

[Atomic]

Had a great time and maybe the M211 will be there next year.

MKT: You guys and gals did fantastic! Your contribution made the rally. Ditto on the hand wash stations and glad to hear there might be some picnic tables for next year.
Sustain

Communication: There was so much info posted between here, Durhamtown, past attendees, and other sites that I was almost in overload.
Sustain

Events: Dumpster (Jeff) and Squirttruck (Mark) did a wonderful job of leading, organizing and helping take people out on the trails. Everyone I talked with had nothing but praise for them!
Sustain

Traffic: Agreed on the speed and other vehicles coming and going. Sudgestion would be to block all dirtbikes, ATVs, and other "hey what's going over there" from blindly driving around. I seem to recall a fairly large space right outside the fence to park in.
Improvement

Traffic 2: Marked spot for MVs that are static and mobile. Static MVs not being used daily for trail rides and chores (people's home) get designated parking areas. MVs being used on trail rides and other activities get parked up close to the fence and gate. Back in pull in whatever but lined up and out of the way. Would make a good picture and the area would be automaticlly understood to be a "traffic area".
Improvement

One thing I would suggest would be a central command post of some kind with a bulletin board or some other devise where the days quasi plans would be posted.

Ditto

Families: I don't have kids (not sure I want any) and my time around them is very limited. Having said that I think it would be nice to have a little something set up for them or at least a area that has been made just for them. A "playground" of sorts, if you will. I think it might ease some of the worry from parents a bit as very large vehicles are in motion from time to time.
Improvement


Idea: How about a digital projector and screen and show some old war movies or post up other rally pics.....just an idea.

I had a great time and my sudgestions are merely that.

Atomic/Russ

 

[SCSG-G4]

MKT
Need some funnels so we can consolidate food supplies - on purchase list
Need coffee for the caffeine addicted - have the silver bullet, working on the GI filter
Better hand wash stations - already mentioned. This year was much better than last year because of ZOUT bringing the hand soap - we had nothing last year.
Need to post menus & prices in advance so folks can decide early if they need to go elsewhere. Central bulletin board for all announcements (already mentioned) to include menu selections.
Sign-in table at entrance (thanks CARNAC) to MKT was an improvement, and gave kitchen staff a better idea of what number of diners to prepare for. Need to put donation station there in the future.
PA system or bull horn since some people could not understand my squawking ("Crab Cakes"?)
Bring more CAMBRO insulated food containers and separate serving and food prep areas - safety concerns with both climbing and the hot ovens (M-59 Field Ranges).
More trash containers, esp. in a dining area (tent) - at least two more wire containers in the works.

I was not out in the main area much, so cannot comment on other aspects of the event.

 

[EMD567]

Subject: Moving and parked vehicles
Improvement- While this was my first Rally, I did notice that lanes of movement were blocked at times by vehicles. I also noticed that some parked vehicles were not chocked, and could have "wandered off" while parked on the hill. I would hope that chocks will become mandatory in the future for all parked vehicles.
The site could also use clearly marked lanes of travel around the site for vehicles.
My wife added that more porta potties- like down the hill near ZOUT's m109 would be nice. When you gotta go, you gotta go, and that walk up the hill could be exciting.

 

[exbrown]

I did not get to stay long, but I had a really good time, and will attend next year.


Subject: Vendor and member location

Discussion: General ease of locating vendors and members. There needs to be some formal arrangement of camping spots more like a campground.

Recommendation: A map of the area marked off with who is in which location would go a long way in allowing us to find members that we have not met.

 

[neilhendrix]

Improve:

We ,SS were infiltrated by a rock crawler guy ( carnac you know who I`m talking about) and a some guys with bumble bee bikes Camping in the SS AO. Who were these guys ? I think these type folks should be or should not be allowed ?? Thoughts please.

 

[durhamtown]

great event

Hey Guys

just wanted to say Thanks for a NO PROBLEM group of guys and gals

I have read over all of the suggestions and many are very good

I need to meet about 1 week in advance to lay out all the details to make it a better event

not sure who the guys were there camping with bikes I thought they were part of your group

guess they were as confussed as we were


all of the suggestions can be resolved with no problem of DP

if we can get wider pathways we can run the water truck thru there once or twice a day for dust control

I would live to see a parade thru the facility for all to see we had many riders to ask WHERE ARE THEY if it is OK I will have the local Paper to come out and photo the parade for the local paper and a video to put on the site

looking forward to seeing you guys next year

mike
Durhamtown

 

[Recovry4x4]

I think that with the great working relationship between the Steel Soldiers members and the staff at Durhamtown, nothing but good things can happen. Clinto and I took over some 2008 Rally shirts for the Durhamtown staff and Mike had them wearing them at the lodge. I think next year we should work towards better supplying the staff with shirts for their tireless efforts. I'd like to obtain a chalk marker like used on ballfields to better lay out the AO. As Mike has opened up his facility to us, we need to open up ours to his staff. Ride alongs, test drives and good hosting would go along way in keeping our working relationship in the future. A sticker accounting system for vehicles would be a good thing as well. I think the potential for growth is difficult to judge.

Thanks Mike, Lauren and the entire DP staff for a memorable weekend.

 

[tennmogger]

Item: Signage along Randolf Church Road

There was a local citizen wandering around the Durhamtown office area looking for the "military show". Obviously word got out locally that we were there, and he wanted to visit but could not find us. We are rather well hidden from sight.

Item: Handwashing,
Already covered but here's a suggestion. There's already piped water there at the nearest campsite. If a hose and spigot were provided, terminating near the MKT, and a gravel soakaway installed, handwashing could be thorough. Buckets and cans are awkward to use.

PS: It's hard to make improvements to an already great event!!! Thanks to everyone.

 

[Blythewoodjoe]

As a master plumber I have a suggestion for sinks and so forth. First off, is the 4" pvc pipe sticking out of the ground in the kitchen area connected to a sanitary sewer? If so it would not be hard to place some sinks over it and have a very tidy hand washing area as well as a place to wash dishes, if grease is allowed. If this pipe is not connected, there should be one on the other side of the barbed wire. I guess I am volunteering to take care of this. I am a germ freak (yes I run sewer lines) and would enjoy keeping everybody clean.
I have lots of old sinks and stuff around and this would not be hard to do.

Next thought. This is a very loosely organized event. What I mean by this is there is a great deal of individual efforts that are not directed by any one person. I point this out because I think this is a big positive thing. I also think we should do our best to keep it this way. when I decided to break out the big lights, that was just a fluke, because I brought them but had no plans to do anything with them. As it turned out I sat them up and they seams to be very beneficial. I think as we see things that can improve, lets not just offer ideas, lets offer to do it too if it's something we have expertise with.

 

[Ferroequinologist]

The MKT is definitly awesome, and makes things great and hassle free.
Sustain

Durhamtown really rolled out the carpet for us this year, with the new trails (that I thought were way better than last year) and all the 'special' access (with my swamped m81
I agree with Kenny, we should offer rides and drives for Mike and his crew.
Sustain

The seperation of the venders and others was perfect. Easy to figure out where to go buy stuff!
Sustain

I also echo EMD's statement about portajohn placement. We really could have used a few more down the hill.
Improvement

I know that Clint would like to keep the rally as easy and free choice as possible- But I feel we need to do the bulletin board or something, and semi-plan trail rides WELL ahead of time. I had the same problem as Joe, I would see guys leaving and just jump in the truck. I did miss a few rides due to that fact. Unfortunatly, not having a plan causes a lot of headless chicken imitations
Improvement

I also agree with the 'who the heck are these guys?' statements. The one guy with the 'rock crawler' was pretty rough, and drinking quite a bit even while driving.

I believe that is the only way to the range, unless you drive in from the wrong end!! Maybe Mike can build or designate another trail for the shooters.

A gate guard would be good, but that would be a rough job, like MKT duty. I plan to do a whole day in the MKT next year, so WM, Mike, and all the others can have a day to go ride. Infact, I think we should get enough volunteers to run the MKT for one day, to allow them to actually enjoy the rally.

I really thought the lights were a great idea, thanks to Joe for bringing them. I also think we definitly need a PA system, or a rough time for meals.

We should do the designated spots as well, for camping and such. The problem is, the ground is uneven, people want here, there, everywhere, under this tree, near that rock, etc. If the rally grows as much as it has for next year, we will need to do something however. Maybe just a 'park master' that directs you into the spots. We can mark out some basic spots, and first come first serve, but the park masters have the job of packing the trucks in as close as they can and be comfortable. I like the idea of 'trail rig row', that will cut down on a lot of the after dark driving through camp. I plan to get there on Tuesday like I did this year. So I could mark spots or be a 'park master' for the first day or so.

Ok, that's it for now.

 

[Oldsouthernboy]

This big my first rally, I was quite please to attened.
!. Information is on the web and available, but upon arrival I had no idea of where you all were.
Add Road signs as in a unit movement at the major intersections so you can be guided to the location.
2. Again to beat the dead horse A CP to meet and great arrivals, So a person know nows the ground rules for parking, camping, where things are, ground guide guidaince for vehicle movement after dark, If you arrive at the site some thing to tell you to go register at the Office to pay for trail rides and camping fees and general rules and regs.
3. A loose schedule posted for events that are projected. Like the Home made Cherry flare in the fire.
4. A vehicle tip and I found out how to best fix my maintaince problem. (CUCV one would be great)
5. A mud bog to teach the proper way to figure recovery and rigging of Winches for SAFE use.
IN ALL a Great event and I hope to arrive agin next year.