From our RACES history files here's an extract from an e-mail where the writer said:
| "the RACES is ONLY for Amateurs because the word AMATEUR is part of the RACES designator in the FCC regulations". |
From the history records here was the reply from Stan Harter:
| "The FCC regulations purposely do not direct HOW the AUTHORIZED functions are to be run; they only provide authority for a particular service when and if the allocated frequencies are in use. They do not restrict the RACES to Amateurs however much some may wish that to be so.The RACES is an authorized SERVICE, which - if it operates on the amateur frequencies - requires an Amateur Radio Service license. Like other authorized services (law, fire). FCC regulations ONLY apply as a regulation (contrasted to an authorization) when there is operation _on allocated_ frequencies. ONLY THEN does it require an Amateur license, otherwise none is required to be part of that authorized function of local or state government. That may not be the way some people see the situation, but that is the reality - the fact of life. The regulations may not say that in so many words, but that is their overall effect from a legal perspective. The desire to limit the RACES to Amateur licensees is in itself a dilution of the service, and may be the reason that the RACES failed in some places. Non-licensed participants that we are talking about are qualified professionals, often with higher personal standards than many Amateurs. Such as computer operators, electronics technicians, specialists in liaison, administration and public information; all of whom strengthen and enhance the unit. The Amateur licensee is just a piece of paper showing one passed a test which even pre-teens can do. It does not mean the holder is a trained communicator. Some amateurs with many years of licensure are still not trained communicators and are worthless to an emergency communications unit. One has only to listen to the ham bands to find numerous illustrations that the holding of an Amateur license does not make a trained communicator. The license has little significance unless it is coupled with judgment, wisdom, maturity of purpose, interest. To be useful to the RACES as a trained communicator there must be a desire to serve others and a willingness to learn, and become part of a useful system." |
(End of quote)
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