The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), as stated in the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Public Service Communications Manual (PSCM)”. . . consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in the ARRL or any other local or national organization, is eligible for membership in the ARES. The only qualification other than possession of an Amateur Radio license, is a sincere desire to serve. Because ARES is an amateur service, only amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership.” (PSCM Chapter 1 )
ARES is organized under the ARRL Field Organization at the National Level. It is broken down into Emergency Coordinators (EC’s) at the ARRL Section (SEC), District (DEC) and local (EC’s) levels. EC’s can appoint Assistant EC’s (AEC’s) as they deem necessary.
For more information, check out this ARRL background sheet on Amateur Radio Emergency Communications.
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