EMC026 ARES and ACS/RACES 6/6  
To:   Emergency Management Agencies via Amateur Radio
Info: Communications Volunteers in Government Service
Info: Amateurs U.S. (@usa:Information), ACS, CAP, MARS, RACES
By:   Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS), the volunteer
      communications reserve of the State of California 
      Governor's Office of Emergency Services  

EMC026 - ARES and ACS/RACES 6/6  For Release  5/6/96

Continuation of why some ARES units fail and ways to change that;
from an article by Bill Pennington, ARES DEC and Radio Officer. 

"In the end, ARES and ACS/RACES have to work together. There is no
room for jealousy, rivalry or bias. Especially in the leadership
where most of these problems are generated and maintained. There
is only a finite number of Amateurs (10%) willing to do this type
of work. Some respond to the ACS/RACES job descriptions with, "You
have to pay people to do that." They are never seen again. Good.
Other emergency communications volunteers WILL work for both or
either group. They choose a primary and a secondary, with their
leadership's knowledge, and respond accordingly when the incident
occurs inside or outside their jurisdiction." 
End of article by Bill Pennington, WA6SLA

Editors note: ACS unit participants are NOT limited to Amateur
Radio licensees. The ACS is NOT a social club, nor is it limited
to a single interest group. For any individual to be effective
in an ACS they must open themselves to that standard. To those
to whom having 'non-Amateurs' in the unit may be a problem, rest
assured that it enhances the effectiveness of the ACS.

Having participants from various groups in an ACS strengthens the
unit due to the diversity of interests. It is a proven fact that 
active ACS units with non-licensed participants, as well as REACT
registrants and CAP communicators, have found it to be extremely
beneficial; they work well TOGETHER in their unity for the good of
the community.

This series referenced ARES units that fail. It is NOT intended
to take away anything from those ARES units that ARE successful
and have developed their unique relationship in their local area.
 
ACS World Wide WEB URL is http://www.garlic.com/oes
FTP archive:  ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/packet/tcpip/incoming
Both, and our LLBBS, have bulletins from l985 to current issue.
Want help, info? E-mail to crm@oes.ca.gov or seh@oes.ca.gov. 
Ph: 916-262-1600. FAX 916-262-1677. Packet: W6SIG@WA6NWE.CA
Origination Stn: W6WWW@KM6PX.#NOCAL.USA.NA.  BBS 916-262-1657.
EOM EMC026