EMC085 ACS - ARES Operations  2/2
To:   Emergency Communications Units - Information Bulletin
To:   Emergency Management Agencies via Internet and Radio
By:   Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) of the
      California Governor's Office of Emergency Services  

EMC085 ACS - ARES Operations 2/2        For release 6/23/97

   As shown in bulletin 084, an ACS unit does not kick into a
"RACES-like mode". It's already a function of government with no
need to switch modes to RACES to have a sanction of government,
as is the case with ARES. Recall how the question ended: "After 
that point does the group kick into a RACES-like mode to 'ENJOY'
THE FCC RULE BENEFITS?" (caps for emphasis)

Reply to the part about "enjoy FCC rule benefits".

The compelling "benefits" of RACES operations have historically
been these: 
  
   1. Amateur Radio frequency use after a presidential declaration
      restricts other use. [This hasn't occurred since l941] 
   2. Amateur Radio frequency use during a FCC restriction for a
      particular emergency. [This rarely occurs and then only for
      a few days; a specific frequency, or group; such as a HF
      frequency for an "offshore" emergency.]

Other than these two situations, at any other time an ACS may use 
Amateur frequencies so long as it's FCC licensed operators abide
by the Amateur Radio Service rules.

When appropriate to needs (say either of the above, for example)
it can operate a RACES net. However, RACES may not be the best or
appropriate choice because: 

   (a) government channels may be better suited for a variety of
       reasons. This will vary from government to government.
   (b) Amateur frequencies may be rendered useless by those with 
       other interests and priorities. We've experienced that in
       several cases and had to leave Amateur HF frequencies,
       whether RACES or non-RACES.

   The botttom line is that the ACS is not a condition; it's a
governments emergency management activity and program. The RACES,
on the other hand, can be ONLY a condition, or an on-going program
that is similar to, but not as broad and inclusive as, the ACS.

          ___________  End of related bulletins  ____________
  
No criticism was intended in this series; rather a reminder of our
underlying perspective that has affected how we view the Amateur
Radio licensee's response to the needs of government emergency
communications. The ACS is a major change in that perspective.

ACS Web page: http://acs.oes.ca.gov  (Do NOT add www. before acs)
FTP archive:ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/packet/tcpip/incoming for new
bulletins and ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/races for earlier bulletins
OES ACS staff manager Stan Harter Email: Stanly_Harter@oes.ca.gov
State Chief ACS Officer Cary Mangum, Email Cary_Mangum@oes.ca.gov
or cary_mangum@bbs.macnexus.org
EMC085