Question T1A10
From subelement T1 - T1A
What is the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)?
Why is this correct?
All three descriptions are correct aspects of RACES. Option A describes RACES using amateur frequencies for emergency/civil defense communications. Option B emphasizes it uses amateur stations for these purposes. Option C highlights that RACES operators must be certified by and enrolled in civil defense organizations. Together, these capture RACES' key characteristics: it's an FCC Part 97 service that leverages amateur radio infrastructure and operators for government-coordinated emergency communications during national emergencies.
Memory tip
When exam questions offer 'All these choices are correct,' each option typically describes a different valid aspect of the same concept. Read each choice as a piece of the complete picture rather than competing definitions.
Learn more
RACES operates under strict governmental authority during declared emergencies, unlike volunteer organizations like ARES. RACES stations can only communicate with other RACES stations, government stations, or specifically authorized amateur stations during activation. This controlled approach ensures coordinated civil defense communications that integrate seamlessly with official emergency management structures. The certification requirement creates a trained cadre of amateur operators ready to support government emergency response when traditional communication systems fail or become overloaded.
Think about it
Why do you think RACES requires operators to be both FCC-licensed amateurs AND certified by civil defense organizations, while ARES only requires an amateur license?