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The
Amateur Radio Regulations, Part 97, Subpart E, sect; 97.407, were
created by the FCC to describe RACES operations in detail. Although no
longer issued or renewable, RACES station licenses were issued in the
past by the FCC to government agencies for RACES operations. The
agencies may continue to conduct RACES operations without these
licenses, using primary or club call signs.RACES and other reserve
emergency communications functions, provides a pool of emergency
communications personnel that can be called upon in time of need.
VA.RACES groups across the state prepare themselves for the inevitable
day when they will be called upon. When a local, county, or state
government agency activates its unit, that unit will use its
communications resources to meet whatever need that agency
has.Traditional.RACES operations involve emergency message handling on
Amateur Radio Service frequencies. These operations typically involve
messages between critical locations such as hospitals, emergency
services, emergency shelters, and any other locations where
communication is needed. These communications are handled in any mode
available, with 2 meters FM being the most prevalent. During time of
war, when the President exercises his War Emergency Powers, RACES might
become the only communications allowed via amateur radio, using
specific amateur frequencies set aside for wartime RACES use.
Activating under the FCC's restrictive RACES Rules is not always
necessary when using Amateur Radio Service frequencies for emergency
communications. For example, communicators may need to communicate with
other radio amateurs who are not government-certified to operate in a
RACES net. Personnel also might become involved in non-amateur
public-safety or other government communications, Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) staffing, and emergency equipment repair.Whatever need
arises, trained RACES personnel are ready and prepared to help, via
RACES or other means. RACES groups develop and maintain their
communications ability by training throughout the year with special
exercises and public-service events. When that fateful day occurs,
RACES will be there to meet the challenge.
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