Ham Radio Emergency Communications Are in TROUBLE… Here's Why

BEST OF HAMSHACKTV (REUPLOAD) Is amateur radio losing its place in emergency communications? For decades, ham radio operators have volunteered their time, equipment, and expertise to help communities when disaster strikes. But some troubling changes are raising questions about the future of that mission. In this HamShackTV BEST OF episode, we're revisiting a serious discussion about ARES, RACES, emergency management, volunteer participation, and the challenges facing amateur radio's public service organizations. Following Vermont's decision to discontinue its statewide RACES program and concerns surrounding emergency communications training and credentialing, it's worth asking: **Are we strengthening amateur radio emergency communications — or making it harder for volunteers to serve?** 📡 **IN THIS VIDEO:** ✅ Vermont's decision to sunset its RACES program ✅ The challenges facing ARES and RACES volunteers ✅ Volunteer participation and recruitment ✅ ARRL's 2025 ARES Plan ✅ Training and credentialing requirements ✅ Communication between emergency managers and amateur radio organizations ✅ Why SKYWARN remains an important example of amateur radio public service ✅ What needs to change to protect amateur radio's future role This isn't an attack on emergency management, the ARRL, or the volunteers who dedicate their time to serving others. It's a conversation about making sure amateur radio remains relevant, capable, and welcome when our communities need help. **ABOUT THIS EPISODE** Originally published January 2, 2026, this previously recorded episode is part of our HamShackTV BEST OF series. It reflects the developments and perspectives available at the time of recording. Vermont ended its statewide RACES program effective November 1, 2025, while directing interested volunteers toward additional emergency communications opportunities through the Medical Reserve Corps. 📚 **SOURCES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:** Vermont Emergency Management — RACES: https://vem.vermont.gov/programs/races ARRL — ARES: https://www.arrl.org/ares ARRL — ARES Plan: https://www.arrl.org/ares-plan Original HamShackTV video: https://youtu.be/OZKSf8V9z-s 💬 **YOUR TURN:** Are you currently involved in ARES, RACES, SKYWARN, or another emergency communications organization? Have you seen volunteer participation increasing or declining in your area? **Is amateur radio becoming less relevant to emergency management, or are we failing to adapt to changing needs?** Share your experience in the comments! ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📡 **WELCOME TO HAMSHACKTV** Live, Learn, Transmit. Welcome to the Shack. Join us LIVE every Thursday at 8 PM Eastern for amateur radio discussions, demonstrations, interviews, and more! 🌐 https://hamshacktv.com Some links may be affiliate links. HamShackTV may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. #HamRadio #EmergencyCommunications #ARES 🎙 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL & JOIN THE COMMUNITY! GET THE BEST IN MOBILE RADIO MOUNTS: https://www.lidoradio.com/?sca_ref=10673105.CO7opX2nTeqclAj 🛒 Shop My Amazon Link https://geni.us/HSTVAmazon 📻 Get Your Ham Radio License the Easy Way Ham Radio Prep makes it simple — save 10% with code HamShackTV https://HamRadioPrep.com 🌍 Join World Radio League Track QSOs like a pro — 10% off Paid Memberships with HAMSHACKTV https://app.worldradioleague.com/?via=josh ABR Industries (COAX AND CONNECTORS) https://abrind.com/?sld=hamshacktv Use coupon code hamshacktv10 at checkout for 10% off 👉 Buy your SEEED T1000 here: https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Card-Tracker-T1000-E-for-Meshtastic-p-5913.html 🔌 Digirig Interface Your all-in-one digital rig solution — plug in and get on the air fast: https://digirig.net/p/8/ 🧢 Official HamShackTV Merch From shirts to mugs — support the shack in style: https://hamshacktv.printify.me/ 📡 BetterSafeRadio Gear Save 7% on solid gear for the prepared ham — use code AA4WX7 https://bettersaferadio.com/pro/aa4wx 🌐 Explore Meshtastic Get started with off-grid comms — click here: https://tinyurl.com/yfuanv2e 🛍️ Visit the All-New HamShackTV Amazon Store My curated picks in one place: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamshacktv Let’s keep HamShackTV going strong — here’s how you can be a part of it: 💬 Chat with Us on Discord Join the conversation with fellow hams: https://discord.gg/BcqkVCZdZ9 📘 Follow on Facebook Daily posts, updates, and behind-the-scenes: https://facebook.com/HamShackTV 🌐 Visit the website for videos, merch & more: https://HAMSHACKTV.COM ⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack! Songs that may be used in my videos: Newsmark - 615 Music The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.