What Is ARES and How to Get Involved Locally
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is a volunteer network of trained ham radio operators organized under the ARRL. These operators step in when natural disasters or infrastructure failures knock out traditional communications. ARES provides critical links between emergency services, hospitals, shelters, and families. If you’re a prepper, emergency responder, or amateur radio enthusiast, joining ARES is one of the most practical and impactful ways to serve your community.
📡 What Does ARES Do?
ARES volunteers are the boots-on-the-ground communicators when phones go silent and the internet fails. Members train to provide communications support for:
- Local and regional emergency operations centers (EOCs)
- Hospitals, Red Cross shelters, and fire departments
- Community events like marathons or parades (for experience)
- Drills and real-time disaster events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and winter storms
ARES works closely with agencies like FEMA, the National Weather Service, and county emergency managers to keep information flowing during a crisis.
🧭 Lee County ARES – Real-World Impact
Lee County ARES is a great example of how local ARES groups operate effectively. Based in Central Texas, this group regularly trains with partners like Williamson County ARES and the Lee County Office of Emergency Management.
During their recent Winter Field Day activation, Lee County ARES set up a complete field station at Fireman’s Park. Using trailers, portable antennas, digital interfaces, and a repeater installed atop a 400-ft tower, they made over 640 long-distance contacts. More importantly, they passed over 1,200 simulated emergency messages — including ones that helped locate critical medical supplies and assist isolated residents.
Emergency Coordinator Marida Favia del Core Borromeo described ARES as the “connective tissue” between agencies and responders — especially when cellular networks go down. This field day was more than a contest — it was a full-scale test of Lee County’s emergency readiness.
🔗 How to Get Involved with ARES
Here’s how to start your journey with ARES, no matter your experience level:
- Visit LeeCares.org to explore upcoming nets, events, and training opportunities.
- Make sure you’re licensed (Technician or higher). If you’re not yet licensed, follow our Technician Exam Prep Guide.
- Join your local ARES group by attending a meeting or training drill. Most counties, including Lee, meet monthly.
- Complete FEMA ICS-100 and ICS-700 training modules. These are often required to operate in served-agency roles.
- Start checking into weekly ARES nets to stay active and build experience.
ARES is not just about radios — it’s about readiness, service, and teamwork.
📶 Essential Gear for ARES Participation
You don’t need an expensive setup to start with ARES. Here are the basics:
- Baofeng UV-5R or similar dual-band VHF/UHF handheld
- High-gain antenna (J-pole, mag-mount, or roll-up slim jim)
- Bioenno 12V LiFePO4 battery for backup power
- Mobilinkd TNC3 for Winlink or APRS messaging
- Printed copies of your county’s emergency frequencies and ICS forms
Check out our guide to building a basic ham radio go-kit for deployment.
🌐 Staying Active in ARES
Joining is just the beginning. Active participation is what makes you valuable to your ARES group. Here’s how to stay involved:
- Check in to local ARES nets every week
- Participate in quarterly field exercises and state-wide disaster drills
- Train with digital modes like Winlink, FLDigi, and APRS
- Maintain your go-kit and backup power systems
- Serve as net control or shadow a public official during local events
💬 Final Thoughts
ARES is one of the most impactful ways a licensed ham can serve their community. Whether you’re relaying storm warnings, helping hospitals communicate during a power outage, or delivering messages across counties, your skills matter. Lee County ARES continues to lead by example, and there’s a place for you on their team.
Don’t wait until disaster strikes — join Lee County ARES today, start training, and be ready to answer the call when your neighbors need you most.
73 — Daniel (KI5QHC)
