Auxcomm / ARES / RACES
Amateur radio operators and auxiliary communicators who keep emergency communications alive when commercial infrastructure fails.
What is Auxcomm?
Auxiliary Communications (Auxcomm) is the broad term for volunteer communicators — primarily licensed amateur radio operators — who provide backup communications for government and emergency management agencies during disasters and planned events.
When cell towers go down, internet fails, and commercial radio is overwhelmed, Auxcomm operators fill the gap. They operate under the authority of the served agency and integrate directly into the ICS communications structure.
The three programs
ARES — Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Sponsored by American Radio Relay League (ARRL)
ARES is the ARRL's emergency communications program. Local ARES groups train and coordinate with emergency management agencies, hospitals, Red Cross chapters, and other served agencies. Membership requires a valid FCC amateur radio license.
- Organized by ARRL sections and local groups
- Serves hospitals, EOCs, Red Cross, and government agencies
- Requires FCC amateur radio license
- Trains to ICS and NIMS standards
RACES — Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
Sponsored by FCC / FEMA
RACES is an FCC-authorized service that allows amateur radio operators to provide communications for civil defense purposes during emergencies. Unlike ARES, RACES operators are enrolled by a civil defense organization and operate under its authority. RACES can operate during declared emergencies even when other amateur operations are restricted.
- FCC Part 97 authorized service
- Enrolled by civil defense / emergency management agencies
- Can operate during declared emergencies
- Complements ARES — many operators hold dual membership
FEMA Auxcomm Program
Sponsored by FEMA
FEMA's Auxiliary Communications program provides guidance, training, and coordination for all auxiliary communicators supporting emergency management. FEMA has developed standardized training curricula and works with state and local emergency managers to integrate Auxcomm into their communications plans.
- FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700 training required
- Integrates with NIMS/ICS communications structure
- State Auxcomm coordinators in every state
- Supports all-hazards communications planning
Getting involved
Get your amateur radio license
The FCC Technician class license is the entry point. Study guides and practice exams are free at HamStudy.org. Most people pass in a few weeks of study.
Find your local ARES group
Use the ARRL's section and local group finder to locate the ARES group in your county or region. Attend a meeting and introduce yourself to the Emergency Coordinator (EC).
Complete ICS training
Most served agencies require ICS-100, ICS-200, and IS-700 at minimum. These free FEMA courses are available at training.fema.gov.
Enroll with your local emergency manager
Contact your county or city emergency management office to enroll in RACES and get credentialed. This is what allows you to operate during declared emergencies.
Key resources
ARRL ARES Program
Official ARES program page with section finder and training resources
FEMA Auxcomm
FEMA's auxiliary communications guidance and training
FCC Part 97 — RACES Rules
FCC regulations governing amateur radio and RACES operations
HamStudy.org
Free amateur radio license study guides and practice exams
FEMA IS Courses
Free ICS, NIMS, and emergency management training