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    The events of 9-11 seem like they are ancient history, or at least fading quickly.   Our society seems to be united in the opinion that something like that attack will occur again.  That being said, the public is divided on being prepared for some kind of terrorist attack.  Our job as emergency communicators is to maintain a constant state of readiness.

    This site provides not only information about  our  organization and suggests ways that will help our members and others in staying prepared. It also  provide information on how to become a member of the Washington County ACES group.

    The Auxiliary Communications Emergency Service is a group of volunteer radio operators who have volunteered to assist agencies when called upon, in the time of an emergency.  We encourage all amateurs to enroll with ACES which will provides support to both RACES and ARES as called upon and appropriate. 

    The ACES leadership is required to certify that each operator is registered and properly trained in emergency communications.  We know that most radio operators want to be of assistance in an emergency, but some operators feel a little uncertain as to their ability to represent the hobby well. It is also important to know who is volunteering so that we can best utilize their particular skills.To help alleviate that concern, we provide training opportunities in meetings as well as on the air.

    In addition the Washington County Department of Emergency Services requires that we issue a photo ID to each registered member. Eligibility to obtain an ID is determined by your completing an application and submitting it to the ACES Officers. Upon approval your name and other data will be added to the official ARES and RACES Rosters, which is appended to the RACES Plan.  Since the Department of Emergency Services has many responsibilities, you will be notified how to make an appointment to get your ID.  Occasionally, a period of time could be made available for RACES members to get their ID. In addition pictures can be taken by special arrangement.

Since the amateur radio component of the leadership team in Washington county feels that it is important that all ACES members should be able to respond to any communications emergency, it was decided that membership in the ACES organization would make an opeartor eiligible to assist both ARES and RACES. This meant that we did not have to consider if an amateur could handle a message from one group or another. This simplifies the task of making assignments greatly

In order to be on the ACES roster, an amateur must register his/her willingness to participate and maintain their training level.  The application gathers "roster" information as well as operating capabilities.  After registration it is the amateur's responsibility to demonstrate their level of preparedness in terms of participating in  directed nets, the ability to handle messages and the ability to operate using emergency power to some degee.

Message handling and net procedures are demonstrated on the various local nets.  RACES - ARES members are also encouraged to participate in the various special events, such as parades, races and other such activities.

It is also important that all members of the ACES team practice the skill of keeping a log of messages (formal or informal) that are either sent to them or received from their station. In a "real time" situation, many messages will be informal in nature. In such cases it is important to have the skill to track these messages - who originated it - to whom was it sent - who received it to whom was it delivered.

You can see that It is important we not assume that simply getting involved in talking on the radio once in a while, and participation in activities such as contests or special activities will keep you fully prepared for involvement in emergency response. It takes training and participating in drills as well as other nets, to keep us prepared.

So, how do you register?  

How can an operator demonstrate their proficiency?

Is there an on-line source of some good information? Yes, click here. The new location will provide a number of choices that you can make to get the specific information that your are seeking. For a Sample log click here.

Then what? -

Now, if all of that is completed to your satisfaction, relax, enjoy your family, play radio (including checking in on one of the nets) and rest assured that your are prepared.  Enjoy life!  Keep on your toes!

* "ARES" and "Amateur Radio Emergency Service" are registered servicemarks of the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated and are used by permission.

ACES is the name of the Washington County EmComm group serving RACES and ARES in Maryland.

Questions or problems regarding this web site should be directed to kd3jk@myactv.net.  Copyright © 2007 [Auxiliary Communications Emergency Service, Washington County Maryland. All rights reserved.
Last modified: Monday May 19, 2008.