Join Our Team

Make a Difference in Your Community

Alexandria ARES welcomes volunteer amateur radio communicators who want to serve their community by providing emergency communications support. Whether you’re an experienced communicator or just getting licensed, there’s a place for you on our team.

Basic Requirements

✓ FCC Amateur Radio License
Any class license (Technician, General, or Extra). Don’t have one yet? We can help you get licensed through our training programs.

✓ Connection to Alexandria City
Live, work, or have loved ones in Alexandria City. We welcome anyone with ties to our community.

✓ Willingness to Train
Participate in weekly nets, training exercises, and continuing education to maintain readiness.

✓ Commitment to Service
Respond when called upon (based on your availability) and support community events and emergency operations.

How to Join

Step 1: Make Contact

Send an email to ares@listserv.alexares.org introducing yourself and expressing your interest in joining the team.

Step 2: Attend a Net

Join our weekly Thursday evening net on 147.315 MHz (PL 107.2) at 8:00 PM to check in and meet the team.

Step 3: Start Training

Begin participating in training activities, Field Day exercises, and ARES certification courses to build your skills.

Step 4: Get Certified

Complete ARRL ARES certification (optional but encouraged) and any additional training relevant to your role.

What to Expect

Time Commitment: Weekly nets take about 30-60 minutes. Training exercises and Field Day events are typically scheduled on weekends. Emergency activations happen as needed, and you respond based on your availability.

Equipment Needed: At minimum, a VHF/UHF handheld or mobile radio capable of operating on the 2-meter band (146 MHz). We can provide guidance on equipment selection and help you get started with appropriate gear for your budget.

Cost: There is no membership fee for Alexandria ARES. You’ll need to maintain your FCC amateur radio license (currently no fee) and provide your own basic radio equipment.

Training & Development

We provide comprehensive training to help you develop emergency communications skills:

Initial Training

• Net procedures and radio etiquette
• Message handling and traffic procedures
• NIMS/ICS fundamentals
• Local repeater systems and frequencies
• Equipment setup and field operations

Continuing Education

• ARRL ARES certification courses
• CISA emergency communications training (COM-L, COM-T, RADO)
• Technical workshops on antennas, power systems, and digital modes
• Field exercises including Field Day and Winter Field Day
• Partner organization training opportunities

Hands-On Experience

• Weekly practice nets every Thursday evening
• Simulated emergency exercises
• Community event support (parades, marathons, public service events)
• Equipment demonstrations and setup practice

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to be a member of Alexandria Radio Club or Mount Vernon ARC?
A: No. While many ARES members are also club members, club affiliation is not required. We welcome all licensed amateur radio communicators.

Q: What if I can’t respond to every activation?
A: We understand everyone has work and family commitments. You respond when you’re available. Having a larger roster means we can maintain coverage even when individual members aren’t available.

Q: I’m new to amateur radio. Is that okay?
A: Absolutely! We welcome new communicators and provide mentoring and training. Everyone starts somewhere, and we’re here to help you develop your skills.

Q: How often are emergency activations?
A: Emergency activations are relatively infrequent - perhaps a few times per year for actual emergencies. We participate in more frequent planned events and exercises to maintain readiness.