Message 22950 in NEWS.USA
From: N3MEL
Date: Sat, 23 May 26 14:18:00 Z
Newsgroups: NEWS.USA
Subject: ARES/RACES Challenges For 2026
Message-ID: <17714_N3MEL>
Path: N2MH4|N3MEL
R:260523/1419Z 31588@N2MH4.#SENC.NC.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.24
R:260523/1418Z 17714@N3MEL.#EPA.PA.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.25
The ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is facing several
prominent challenges, including an aging volunteer base, outdated
training, and friction with state agencies transitioning to modern
systems. Leadership has openly acknowledged that the program requires
systemic modernization.
1. "ARES is Broken" & Membership Attrition
ARRL leadership has openly admitted that the organization has heard from
across the country that "ARES is broken". A major issue is the aging
demographic of volunteers, with many long-time operators aging out and a
lack of new recruits stepping in.
2. State-Level Reorganization and RACES Elimination
As local and state governments modernize their emergency networks,
traditional auxiliary communication networks are being phased out in
some jurisdictions. For example, the Vermont state office of emergency
management completely eliminated its Radio Amateur Civil Emergency
Service (RACES) program to streamline their communications.
3. Friction Over Authority and Rigid Training
There is growing friction within local chapters. Complaints frequently
center on poor leadership, excessive bureaucracy in the ARRL taskbook
training requirements, and some volunteers overstepping their bounds by
trying to act like law enforcement. Additionally, volunteers attempting
to deploy modern data modes (like WinLink) in emergency drills have
sometimes faced equipment and network configuration failures.
4. Competition from Emerging Commercial Tech
Amateur emergency communicators are facing direct competition from
rapidly advancing satellite communications. Direct-to-cell satellite
technology and Starlink deployments have rapidly overtaken traditional
ham radio setups for reliable, plug-and-play disaster response.
5. ARRL Initiatives to "Future-Proof"
In response to these systemic flaws, the ARRL has launched ongoing
initiatives intended to "future-proof" ARES. These include continuous
updates to the ARES Taskbook for NIMS/ICS compliance and dedicated
feature columns in QST magazine to address modern digital and satellite
operations like Starlink.
!Data Above Provide By Google!
Does ARES/RACES needs a campaign to counter some of these "IS ARES DEAD"
YouTube Video's. Do we need to show that ARES/RACES is changing to
better meet the changing needs of our Served Agencies, recruitment &
training?
THE TIME FOR CHANGE IS NOW!
--
--
73 de Glenn N3MEL
(TPRFN) The Packet Radio RF Forwarding Network
Website:
http://tprfn.net
http://depn.net
"Keep The Packets Moving"
Never Forget 9/11 (343)
Message Sent Via N3MEL BBS Using Thunderbird.
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