Minnesota

Amateur Radio Emergency Services

Mutual Assistance Team

(ARESMAT)

What is Amateur Radio Emergency Services Mutual Assistance Team (ARESMAT)?

In a disaster such as a flood or tornado, ARES® resources may become quickly overwhelmed, especially if the event and associated operations are going to be prolonged. In these situations, communications assistance may be needed from other Districts or even other Sections.

The State of Minnesota has embraced the ARESMAT concept, and has designed this program to provide up to seven teams, each containing up to 25 highly motivated, technically skilled, and well equipped radio operators to the respond directly to assist the DEC or County EC in the affected area, or to neighboring sections, upon mutual aid request. Each team shall be split into 5 crews, each containing 5 personnel. Each crew shall have one Crew Leader and four Radio Operators.

Management of the ARESMAT Teams shall be the responsibility of the ASEC - ARESMAT who is appointed by the SEC. The ASEC in charge of ARESMAT will manage up to seven individual teams on a day-to-day basis, and up to two teams that are deployed in the same area. This individual will also coordinate the use of out-state ARESMAT resources.