PACE is an acronym commonly used for planning situation which stands for:
Primary
Alternate
Contingency
Emergency
INTRODUCTION:
Below is a breakdown of everything you need for a multi-layered PACE plan. Just like skinning a cat, there's a 1000 ways to do it. So just because this is the structure I like, it doesn't mean that it will work for you and for everyone else.
Here's also a disclaimer. This is for regional comms. a 30-50 mile radius, this is not cross country or across the state.
Primary:
Mode of communication: Signal/Telegram/Element. An encrypted messaging platform is a great way of quickly and consistently getting your messages out and just talking to your buddies. It's more secure than iMessage or android messages and has been proven to be trusted by a lot of security conscious professionals and government officials. (just make sure you don't add journalists to your group chats...)
Device: Your current phone if you want to embrace privacy, use a burner android device. My recommendation is
Google Pixel 7 (renewed)- $200 (pick up a case too)
Reasoning: it is a affordable android device that is still powerful enough to run applications like ATAK, while not costing you an arm and a leg. On top of that, it can run GrapheneOS which is a de-googled operating system that is focused on privacy.
I'm planning on making tutorial videos on the installation of GrapheneOS and how to lock down your phone.
Alternate:
This one might get some hate. But hear me out.
Mode of communication: Starlink Mini and using your primary mode of communication. Satellite communications has been historically very expensive. However all of this changed with the introduction of the Starlink Mini Standby mode.
Device: A Starlink mini and your mobile device.
Starlink Mini - $230 and a $5 a month subscription plan.
Reasoning: Starlink offers a $5 a month plan that is a low bandwidth 500kbps speed (very slow). However for 500kbps, you are able to send text messages to your loved ones, FaceTime them, check email and use messaging apps like Signal. It is a very quick and efficient method of communicating with people for a very affordable price.
As stated previously-- we are talking about a PACE plan for a regional disaster. We're not talking about an EMP or something that is extremely unlikely. We will cover that in the other part of PACE.
Contingency:
When infrastructure fails- radios don't. Most people want to use radios is their alternate, i don't because it's more cost effective to use a starlink instead. So prepare for your P & A before you move over to the C&E.
Mode of communication:
VHF/UHF radios. They work when the grid is down, and do not have to rely on existing infrastructure to work. The con of radios is that sometimes it's difficult to make a contact as you might be too far away from the person you want to talk to especially if repeaters are not available.
Devices:
Baofeng DM-32- $55 hand held radio.
The Baofeng DM-32 is an extremely affordable, durable and capable radio that i've been enjoying a lot. It's easy to program and most importantly, it has built in AES-256 encryption for when you want to have some privacy. It can also operate on FRS (Walkie Talkie), GMRS, and HAM Radio frequencies
MD-9600 50w Radio - $300 high powered radio
VHF/UHF antenna - $32 Rollup J pole high quality antenna
25ft Low Loss Cable - $26
20ah Battery - $45
Ammo Case - $18 - For keeping your radio kit together.
Reasoning:
Like i said-- radio is expensive, that's why it's further down the list. But when all else fails radio won't. And this is a fairly budget friendly option that still allows you to get secure comms up and running.
The 50w radio is listed to get more power and punch. Where the $55 radio is perfect when you and your team/family are close to one another.
Similar to the other sections, i'm working on videos explaining how to program these devices and have them ready for you.
Emergency:
If you get to the point than you need to use the Emergency method-- you're probably screwed. There's not much to do in a regional outage other than:
- Link up in person, set up rally points with your team.
- Discuss with your family and team on what to do when all else fails and there's no way to make contact easily, set up time frames.
- Create binder of useful information, rally points, and maps with multiple routes to get to a rally point. Remember cars might not be available, so we wise with your planning.
Conclusion:
Once again, PACE planing is not black and white, there's many options out there and some that will work for your and some that won't. On top of that there's budgetary restrictions and you might need to work as a team to get your planning done efficiently. You might need to buy the starlink, and your buddy who's your neighbor will need to get the radio..etc.
Let me know what you think, and what I got wrong!
-David