Role – Assistant Emergency Coordinator (AEC)

ARES

ARRL Field Organization

The ARRL Emergency Coordinator (EC) is a key team player in ARES on the local emergency scene. Working with the Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC), the EC prepares for, and engages in management of communications needs in disasters. EC duties include:

  1. Promote and enhance the activities of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) for the benefit of the public as a voluntary, non- commercial communications service.
  2. Manage and coordinate the training, organization and emergency participation of interested amateurs working in support of the communities, agencies or functions designated by the Section Emergency Coordinator/Section Manager.
  3. Establish viable working relationships with federal, state, county, city governmental and private agencies in the ARES jurisdictional area which need the services of ARES in emergencies. Determine what agencies are active in your area, evaluate each of their needs, and which ones you are capable of meeting, and then prioritize these agencies and needs. Discuss your planning with your Section Emergency Coordinator and then with your counterparts in each of the agencies. Ensure they are all aware of your ARES group’s capabilities, and perhaps more importantly, your limitations.
  4. Develop detailed local operational plans with “served” agency officials in your jurisdiction that set forth precisely what each of your expectations are during a disaster operation. Work jointly to establish protocols for mutual trust and respect. All matters involving recruitment and utilization of ARES volunteers are directed by you, in response to the needs assessed by the agency officials. Technical issues involving message format, security of message transmission, Disaster Welfare Inquiry policies, and others, should be reviewed and expounded upon in your detailed local operations plans.
  5. Establish local communications networks run on a regular basis and periodically test those networks by conducting realistic drills.
  6. Establish an emergency traffic plan, with Welfare traffic inclusive, utilizing the National Traffic System as one active component for traffic handling. Establish an operational liaison with local and section nets, particularly for handling Welfare traffic in an emergency situation.
  7. In times of disaster, evaluate the communications needs of the jurisdiction and respond quickly to those needs. The EC will assume authority and responsibility for emergency response and performance by ARES personnel under his jurisdiction.
  8. Work with other non-ARES amateur provider-groups to establish mutual respect and understanding, and a coordination mechanism for the good of the public and Amateur Radio. The goal is to foster an efficient and effective Amateur Radio response overall.
  9. Work for growth in your ARES program, making it a stronger, more valuable resource and hence able to meet more of the agencies’ local needs. There are thousands of new Technicians coming into the amateur service that would make ideal additions to your ARES roster. A stronger ARES means a better ability to serve your communities in times of need and a greater sense of pride for Amateur Radio by both amateurs and the public.
  10. Report regularly to the SEC, as required.
  11. The AEC is expected to be able to step in and assist the EC in any matter regarding the operation of the County.
  12. AEC’s may have specializations or sub duties as defined by the EC.
  13. AEC’s are encouraged to earn certification in the Basic EmComm course offered by the ARRL. This replaces the “Intro to EmComm, EC-001” Course (See ARRL for details)
  14. All Marion County ARES officers are also expected to complete the current version of Incident Command System courses ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700 and ICS-800 offered by the FEMA Emergency Management Institute. All existing ARES members must complete this training before 12/1/2025. All new applicants have one year from the time of application to become part of Marion County ARES to complete this training.

Recruitment of new hams and League members is an integral part of the job of every League appointee. Appointees should take advantage of every opportunity to recruit a new ham or member to foster growth of Field Organization programs, and our abilities to serve the public.

Requirements: Full ARRL membership; FCC Technician class amateur radio license or higher.

Marion County ARES Additions

In addition to the roles and responsibilities listed above, Marion County ARES has outlined the following additional roles associated to all officers.

  • You are responsible for training someone who can fill in for you if you are unable to participate. As our roles develop, it would be wise to encourage someone to learn your tasks so that they can be designated as your potential replacement.
  • Once per quarter, all Marion County ARES members should validate all of their contact information on HamClubOnline.
NB: These positions may require specialized training, which must be completed within a year of appointment.