Emergency Communications Special: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
ARRL and EmComm — A New Commitment
Over a number of years, it could be fairly said that the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) upheld two aspects of the amateur radio hobby — contesting and DXing. They were the “teacher’s pets.” Their “classmates,” including the National Traffic System (NTS) and Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), were given support which could be characterized as inconsistent. The “when all else fails” banner was dusted off occasionally but waved in a half-hearted manner. Over more recent years, this condition began to influence how amateur radio operators, including ARES members, regarded EmComm. The rise of “Auxcomm” and other outside influences moved the spotlight even farther away from amateur radio. Is amateur radio still a viable backup communications resource for emergency agencies? Even some Section Emergency Coordinators seem to think not, preferring instead the “new breed” of agency-provided radios. Our survey of SECs in May showed that while ARES was still their most popular service, over 37% cited RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) either alongside or instead of ARES as the lead system. Clearly, it is time for a change. This year, the League has made a major change in how it functionally supports ARES. That change has the potential to be a big factor in restoring respect and proficiency to the amateur radio service.
At its Board of Directors meeting in July, the ARRL By-Laws were changed to create a third standing committee of the board. The Administration and Finance Committee and the Programs and Services Committee have now been joined by the new Emergency Communications and Field Services Committee (EC-FSC), which will be charged with developing programs and policies primarily for ARES and NTS. The Field Organization volunteers, including Section Managers and their appointees, will be included as will ARRL-affiliated clubs.
Here is the formal vision for this committee, courtesy of the ARES Letter:
The charter of the new Emergency Communications and Field Services Committee
