1. What does the future hold?
AuxComm and ARES(R):
What does the future hold?

2. What’s the crystal ball say? Here’s what you can do.
Topics
Purpose of ARES®
What is AuxComm
Current issues
What’s the crystal ball say?
Here’s what you can do.

3. Process Drivers
Opportunity for Amateur Radio Operators to be used as Auxiliary Communicators
Bridge existing gaps that limit use of Amateur Radio Operators
Ensure consistent training and is trackable

4. ARES® Purpose
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. 
We support a served agency, community group or other entity.
We rely on totally on volunteers and their equipment.

5. The Past Severe weather Hurricanes Tornadoes Disasters 9-11 response
Earthquakes
Floods
Community Events
Marathons
Bicycle rides

6. Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico Brought several issues into focus
Current Impacts
Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico
Brought several issues into focus
Who can respond and is ready
Is their training complete
Do they have a base knowledge

7. Current Impacts ARES Strategic Plan Sets forth training requirements
Sets up a progression of responsibility
Updates the obligations of field appointments
Still under BOD review
Overall a good move and added some professionalism
But, ARRL became an entity
Dictation of training should be by the served agency
Did not allow for grandfathering
ICS 300 and 400 required
7 Professional Development classes

8. Current impacts ARES Connect
Internet Application to identify those ARES Amateur Radio Operators with specific skills
Ensures that training is Up-To-Date
Accounts for volunteer time and activities
Calendar function for scheduling nets, activities

9. Current impacts AuxComm (Auxiliary Communications)
Supported by ARES in Illinois
AuxComm is not in widespread use
AuxComm activity is part of the ICS
Removes the ARES/RACES questions
Direct connection to the served agency
Agency knows the qualifications of those that respond

10. What is AuxComm?
 “AUXCOMM” is an umbrella term and acronym for “auxiliary communications.” It was developed by DHS/OEC in 2009 with the assistance of amateur radio subject matter experts. 
The concept behind the acronym was to educate as many amateur radio entities to work and train with public safety personnel, understand the value of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) concept and the role of the communications unit leader (COML).
AUXCOMM, although not an official national ICS position as of yet, is most often identified as a Technical Specialist (THSP) in the Communications Unit of the NIMS ICS structure. 
Some States, Counties, and municipalities have adopted the term

13. Intro to AuxComm
Will be held at the ILEAS training facility on February 2-3
Train the Trainer on February 2
Students will come on February 3
High interest in the class
Even more interest in the full 20 hr AuxComm Course
Course content addresses:
The functions and duties of the Auxiliary Communicators
How the AuxComm personnel works within the ICS structure
Potential best Practices

14. What’s the Crystal Ball say?
ARES will still be needed as the ARRL Field Organization
Community events will still need support
As AuxComm becomes generally accepted, interest will continue to grow
EMA letter per Joe Galvin, SWIC, was sent to EMA directors summer of 2018 encouraging them to consider AuxComm group

15. Support your local ARES/AuxComm group Attend meetings/nets
Here is what you can do…
Support your local ARES/AuxComm group
Attend meetings/nets
Align yourself with an entity
Drill/exercise when ever you can with who ever you can.

16. Questions ?