Founded in 1935 by the American Radio Relay League, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) was established to encourage the development and enhancement of emergency communications in times of disaster. Starting out as the ARRL Emergency Corp the "AEC" was renamed the Amateur Radio Emergency Corps (AREC) in 1951 and then changed again in 1978 to the current name.

ARES is not a part or division of the Federal Communications Commission, but works closely with the FCC to carry out the mandates enforced by the FCC to enhance the amateur radio service as strictly volunteer, non-commercial service for providing emergency communications.

For more information about ARES navigate to the ARRL website for ARES. For information about our local organization, contact the Colbert County Coordinator, Billy Tompkins by email, or phone (256) 383-6011.

ARES membership is open to licensed amateur radio operators with a true desire to serve their community in times of disaster. If you are a licensed operator, click here to download a membership request form in Adobe Acrobat.

Join Us!

The Colbert County ARES group meets every 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00pm at the Colbert County EMA office, 116 W 5th St in Tuscumbia.

For more information contact the ARES Coordinator.