About ARES

ARES, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, is a program of ARRL, the Amateur Radio Relay League. ARRL has served as a national association for amateur radio operators since 1914.

ARES offers the public and its partner agencies of first responders and public service provider a volunteer group of trained, federally licensed operators in using a wide range of emergency/disaster communications techniques, and who are committed to supporting our partners’ missions in service to the public.

ARES Partners

ARES partner agencies fall into two broad categories: government agencies (federal, state, local, and tribal), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

AUXCOMM: AUXCOMM is a training standard managed by the Emergency Communications Division of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) of the Department of Homeland Security. ARES supports and encourages AUXCOMM training.

ARES volunteers working with government agencies  function in partnership with each served agency in accordance with agreements or Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) at the federal, state, or
local level. ARES volunteers agree to abide by the guidelines of the served agency and ARES guidelines and training.

ARES engagement with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): ARES has had a long history of partnerships with other NGOs and maintains agreements with
many at all levels of response. ARES volunteers assist these organizations in many capacities, including at shelters, aid stations, and operations centers in times of need. Some of these organizations may require additional training or other requirements.

ARES volunteers are encouraged to participate to the level they feel is appropriate for them.