The Tennessee Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is a voluntary, noncommercial communication organization that focuses on providing emergency communications to federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as non-government organizations.
Amateur radio operators (“hams”) have been involved with public service emergency communications since 1913. As stated in the ARRL Public Service Communications Manual:
“As time progressed, the need for and value of organization became evident, resulting in the establishment of organized trunk lines and net systems; later the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the National Traffic System (NTS) were formed to complete the organization.”
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is comprised of licensed radio amateur operators who volunteer equipment and expertise for public-service communications when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur is eligible for membership in ARES, regardless of ARRL or other organizational memberships. Training may be required or desired for full participation; please inquire at the county level for details.