How is ARES different from AUXCOMM?

Typically, ham radio operators involved in AUXCOMM are also engaged in their local ARES organization. AUXCOMM operators will generally obtain additional training and certifications beyond ARES PTB level-3 to be able to support their State Operations Center (SOC), or to be deployed as a part of a Communications Unit for an official event. ARES members will be needed at the local level to provide support to their local served agencies, and will communicate with AUXCOMM operators at the SOC. In short, AUXCOMM will be involved in state wide missions while ARES tends to focus on local missions. The two organizations will work together to provide communications assistance that supports community needs when called upon.

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Some common terms:

EC - Emergency Coordinator

SEC - Section Emergency Coordinator

SM - Section Manager

EM - Emergency Manager

REM - Region Emergency Manager

EOC - Emergency Operations Center

DEC - District Emergency Coordinator

EMD - Emergency Management Division

ARES - Amateur Radio Emergency Service

RACES - Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service

NGO - Non-Government Organization

VOAD - Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters