hmarnell said:
When I dispatched fire a thousand years ago, back in the days of silent radio, we had the already-discussed AOR, AIQ, AMA, and AOS - Available On Scene (of previous assignment). Never heard of ALA though.
Before MDT's I never heard a clear text phrase of "available on assignment." It was always "available on-scene." At least in the western U.S., many things are very different in the east. This doesn't help solve the ALA question though.
As for "AMA", I've been hearing that for 30 years and in several states, four of which I lived and worked in.
Now Harry, you have me really confused with "silent radio." It reminds me of backpacking in the early 60's when the most popular or available food for this activity was Bernard's. It wasn't freeze dried, it was dehydrated and there is quite a difference in weight and taste. Bernard's had a marketing device you would see on the counter of many outdoor stores. It was an empty number ten can with the official Bernard's labeling and the product name of "dehydrated water." When you read the serving/preparation directions on the back it stated "add water and serve!", along with a serving suggestion that for best results you chill the water before consuming! I used to enjoy watching people waiting for help pick the can up and read it while they waited to be helped. The look on some people's faces was great!
Imagine Motorola, Kenwood, or Yaesu putting an actual brick on a counter along with logos, knobs, and a fake display screen, along with a kite string attached under a counter. They could label it a "silent radio" and have instructions that you could pick up the radio and shout very loudly in the direction of those you wish to speak to. I guess it might backfire though, as some people accuse them of manufacturing something about as useful at times.
