The Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have
voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for
communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every
licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or
national organization, is eligible for membership in the ARES. The only
qualification, other than possession of an Amateur Radio license, is a
sincere desire to serve. Because ARES is an amateur service, only
amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of
emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for
membership.
