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A breakdown of different emergency communication programs:

• ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service)

  Purpose: ARES is a program of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) that utilizes licensed amateur radio operators to provide emergency communication support during disasters and emergencies.
  Structure: ARES is organized at local, regional, and national levels, with local ARES groups often led by a designated Emergency Coordinator.
  Training: Members receive training in emergency communication protocols, equipment operation, and disaster response.
  Activation: ARES is activated by local emergency management agencies or organizations needing communication support.

• EMCOMM (Emergency Communications)

  Purpose: EMCOMM refers to the broader field of emergency communications, encompassing various organizations and methods used to provide communication during emergencies.
  Scope: EMCOMM includes amateur radio operators, public safety agencies, and other communication professionals who work together to ensure effective communication during disasters.
  Training and Standards: EMCOMM training often includes courses on incident command systems, radio operation, and emergency management principles.

• CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)

  Purpose: CERT is a program designed to educate and train community members in basic emergency response skills, including fire safety, search and rescue, and medical operations.
  Structure: CERT teams are typically organized at the community level and work under the guidance of local emergency management agencies.
  Focus: While CERT teams may use communication tools, their primary focus is on physical response and support during emergencies, rather than solely on communication.
  Training: CERT training includes hands-on exercises and classroom instruction, often culminating in a certification.

• RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service)

  Purpose: RACES is a program established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that allows amateur radio operators to provide emergency communication support specifically for government agencies.
  Regulation: RACES is regulated under FCC rules and is distinct from ARES in that it operates under the authority of local or state government agencies.
  Activation: RACES can be activated during declared emergencies, and operators must comply with specific FCC regulations regarding their operation.
  Training: RACES members often receive training similar to ARES but with a focus on compliance with government protocols.

• AUXCOMM (Auxiliary Communications)

  Purpose: AUXCOMM is a program that focuses on integrating amateur radio operators and other volunteer communicators into the emergency management framework.
  Integration: AUXCOMM emphasizes the importance of interoperability and coordination with public safety agencies and emergency management.
  Training: AUXCOMM training includes courses on the National Incident Management System (NIMS), communication protocols, and how to work effectively with emergency management agencies. Mostly working with FEMA.
  Scope: AUXCOMM can include a variety of communication methods beyond amateur radio, such as GMRS, MURS, and other licensed communication services.

Summary of Differences

Key differences between the programs:

• Focus: ARES and RACES are primarily focused on amateur radio communication, while CERT is focused on community response skills. EMCOMM encompasses all emergency communication efforts, and AUXCOMM emphasizes integration with public safety.
• Regulation: RACES is regulated by the FCC, while ARES operates under the ARRL. CERT is typically managed by Local Emergency Management and not FEMA.
• Training: Each program has its own training requirements and focus areas, with ARES and RACES focusing more on communication, while CERT focuses on broader emergency response skills.

Training Requirements

Each program has specific training steps:

• ARES: Requires a Technician Class license, emergency comm. training, and ICS recommended.
• AUXCOMM: Requires a Technician Class license and AUXCOMM-specific training.
• EMCOMM: Requires a Technician Class license, EMCOMM training, and ICS courses.
• CERT: Requires completion of the CERT training program, including practical exercises.
• RACES: Requires a Technician Class license and RACES-specific training.

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