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Maryland Department of Emergency Management

Auxiliary Communications Service Activated for Presidential Inauguration

Auxiliary Communications Service Activated for Presidential Inauguration

Aux Comms Radio Operator (RADO) Douglas P. Lindsey monitors WebEOC for updates on the Inaugural event. Douglas is sitting down in front of a computer with a pen in his hand writing information. The picture is taken from behind him.

Aux Comms Radio Operator (RADO) Douglas P. Lindsey monitors WebEOC for updates on the Inaugural event.

The Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) was activated during the Presidential Inauguration January 20, 2017. This program established voice and digital links with Prince George’s, Montgomery and Anne Arundel Counties.

The ACS is an operational concept involving Federal Communications Commission-licensed amateur radio operators under the auspices of the Maryland Joint Operations Center (MJOC).  Located within the MJOC, the ACS is the modern evolution of the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES).  ACS allows interoperability among multiple communications resources.

Many ACS personnel hold Federal Emergency Management Agency certifications.  Some operators are also authorized to operate Military Auxiliary Radio Systems stations, as well as participate directly in SHARES operations.  Operators bring years of valuable operating and technical expertise, and add to the capability of MEMA to gather localized information.

The ACS concept clearly demonstrated a comprehensive ability to provide both communications flexibility and proficiency, while using minimal MEMA resources in conjunction with a volunteer staff.  Their ability to collect and disseminate targeted information, without disrupting or distracting other responders and communicators, makes ACS a force multiplier for emergency management in Maryland.