GOLF 1-8-2 Antarctica Expedition 2006/2007
USAP Shorthand and Lingo
Before you ever dream about going to do research in Antarctica, you better know your abbreviations. As a PI you have to write a proposal to the NSF-OPP that requires you to work through a SIP and make a RSP together with your POC at RPSC, which is the operator of the USAP. After an elaborate PQ process you have to send your TRW to the DSG at RPSC and they will arrange for your transfer from CONUS to CHM. There you get your ECW gear and you will go on your Ice Flight to MCM. For your field work you have to do Snowcraft I, and you will get your gear from the BFC. Equipment comes from the MEC. Once fully equipped, you have to be aware of the ASPA's and abide by the ACA. For the retrograde cargo you have a choice between COMAIR or Vessel Retrograde. If all else fails, your POC from RPSC will be there to keep you from losing your mind!
If you didn't get it, here are the keys:
| Term | Definition | |
| ACA | Antarctic Conservation Act. | |
| ASPA | Antarctic Specially Protected Area. | |
| BFC | Berg Field Center. The facility at McMurdo that houses and distributes field party equipment such as camping gear, waste disposal supplies and sleds. | |
| CHC | Christchurch, New Zealand. The departure point for groups deploying to the Antarctic continental research stations. | |
| CONUS | Continental United States. | |
| DSG | Deployment Specialist Group. The organization within RPSC that makes participant travel arrangements. | |
| ECW | Extreme Cold Weather. The clothing and personal gear loaned to participants during their Antarctic deployments. | |
| MAF | New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry. | |
| MCM | McMurdo Station. | |
| MEC | Mechanical Equipment Center. The facility at McMurdo that houses and distributes mechanical equipment, such as generators, vehicles and solar power units. | |
| NSF-OPP | National Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs | |
| PI | Principal Investigator. | |
| POC | Point of Contact. The person assigned to your project for planning the logistical support that will be provided to you by RPSC during your fieldwork. Your on-ice POC may be different from the one assigned during the planning phase of your logistical support. | |
| PQ | Physical qualification. | |
| PSM | PSM Planning Support Manager. | |
| RPSC | Raytheon Polar Services Company. The support contractor providing logistical support to grantees in Antarctica. | |
| RSP | Research Support Plan. This document which describes the support to be provided to field parties. | |
| SIP | Support Information Package. An online form that describes support logistics, equipment and supplies requested by science groups. | |
| TRW | Travel Request Worksheet. | |
| USAP | United States Antarctic Program. |
Or, read about the Radio Alphabet on Wikepedia!
Hubert Staudigel
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