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locations. <br />Although RACES stations operate in conjunction with a federal, state, tribal or local jurisdiction, there are other <br />options for amateur radio operators in emergency communications to include the Amateur Radio Emergency Service <br />(ARES). Together with the National Traffic System (NTS), these services are broad programs of the American Radio <br />Relay League (ARRL) which is a national association of radio amateur operators. ARES members are licensed amateur <br />radio operators who volunteer to provide emergency communications services to public safety and public service <br />organizations. Most individual ARES units are organized within a city, county or state and usually operate <br />autonomously. The ARRL describes the ARES programs as follows: 8 <br />"The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered <br />their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every <br />licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization, is eligible for <br />membership in ARES. The only qualification, other than possession of an Amateur Radio license, is a sincere <br />desire to serve. Because ARES is an amateur service, only amateurs are eligible for membership. The <br />possession of emergency -powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership." <br />Frequently, individuals interested in providing emergency communications are registered in both ARES and RACES. <br />Dual registration allows continuity of operations if normal amateur operations might otherwise be prohibited. <br />RACES and ARES are collaborative services although they exist as separate volunteer entities. The ARRL encourages <br />dual enrollment and cooperative efforts between both groups whenever possible. Both organizations remain a vital <br />resource for the public safety community in times of crisis. <br />1 This Tech Topic is coauthored with Mr. William T. Cross from the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bueau (WTB). <br />Bill is responsible for all amateur radio related issues and can be reached at 202-418-0682 or email: <br />william.cross@fcc.aov. We sincerely appreciate Bill's contributions to this Topic. <br />2 See htto://www.fcc.aov/oshs/services/amateur.html. <br />3 See htto://www.access.aoo.aov/nara/cfr/waisidx:07/47cfr97:07.html. <br />4 See FCC Part 97, Subpart D, Section 97.301 of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. A§ 97.301. <br />5 See the ARRL band plan at htto://www.arrl.ora/FandES/field/reaulations/bands.html. <br />6 See FCC Part 97, Subpart E, Section 97.407 and htto://www.usraces.ora/. <br />7 See the Arlington County RACES web site htto://www.w4ava.ora. <br />8 See http://www.arrl.ora/FandES/field/pscm/sec1-ch1.html <br />