ARES -- Many Questions

By Ford Peterson - NØFP

Without a ham license, you would have access to radio communications in non-licensed services, like Cellular, FRS, CB, Part 15 devices, etc. The ham license allows people access to a luxurious array of bands and modes at power levels that only commercial, governmental, and military users enjoy. Primary factors in determining eligibility for a ham license currently include: (1) technical competence and an acceptable understanding of the physics and the mechanics of radio; (2) personal responsibility for understanding and practicing good operating procedures; and (3) Public Service. Public Service is just one of the reasons you are allowed to enjoy a ham `ticket.' In my opinion, Congressional and FCC officials look at Public Service as being the ONLY reason hams are granted access to radio spectrum in such a profound manner.

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) in America is the ARRL's attempt at putting ham radio's best foot forward with respect to public service. Where possible, ARES units provide communication when traditional systems fail. In practice, ARES is not, and should not be, an extension of law enforcement or the military. Rather, ARES attempts to provide communications for agencies in support roles during a disaster - The Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc., are good examples of `served agencies.'

Several areas of the country are repeatedly confronted with disasters: hurricanes in the south and east, fires in the Rocky Mountains, earthquakes, floods, and our nation's most recent wide-spread concern—terrorist inflicted destruction, and medical disasters. It is these last two items that present the biggest challenge for ARES. Why?

Capable man power, the availability of rugged equipment, and a prepared organization, are the key ingredients to measuring success or failure of ARES in the event of an unexpected disaster. Outside currently active disaster areas, ARES is generally formed around local `units' at the county level (many, if not most rural counties, have no active ARES unit). Local ARES units scurry about looking for agencies to serve. They prepare equipment and train interested hams to provide these services, which are generally fairly simple geographically local exercises. By organizing and training at the local level, ARES training and practice is often limited to geographically small areas—a town, or section of a town. Without `section level' and even `multi-section level' activities and training, ARES is largely neglecting the communications need in the event of a wide-spread catastrophe.

The ARES challenge is really a man power problem. More people need to be involved. This means more people need to volunteer, and some must volunteer to provide leadership. The scope of ARES's mandate may need to be expanded to include large areas, which the county level local units cannot possibly accommodate.

In my discussions with local ECs, Section Management, and other hams, many questions about expectations come to mind. I believe that most, if not all, hams would rise to the occasion to serve their neighbors by providing communications in the event of a wide-spread catastrophe. I also believe that a large percentage of hams would feel obligated to participate by sharing their time and equipment, should the urgent need arise. The trouble is:

I consider myself to be like Joe Hamm in many ways. In my opinion: 1) yes, when the need is here, my station and skills are available; 2) no, the ARRL's EC1 course is chronically full, Section Level ARES management feels no responsibility and has no mandate or resources for training; 3) yes; I have never passed traffic even though I have listened to and checked into a hundreds of nets, so I have no clue; 4) yes; 5) ARES; 6) possibly; 7) a National Organization structured around Section Level `units' instead of County level `units' with rudimentary training provided.

I am but one voice with an opinion. eHam is a thousand voices with as many opinions. Let's hear them.