The latest statement from the ARRL clarified their policy:ShootDontTalk wrote:Im not sure where the issue is at this moment, but there was a statement from someone at ARRL that they didn't want legal gun owners carrying at any ARES events. I don't have anything to do with ARES, so I don't know what the latest is. Might be worth it to find out for sure.
“Anyone seeking permission to carry weapons during an ARES deployment is to be advised that the ARRL cannot give such permission. Neither does the ARRL prohibit legal weapons, but the ARRL accepts no responsibility or liability for injury or damages to anyone as the result of possession of a weapon by an ARES volunteer. The responsibility or liability for injury or damages to anyone as a result of an individual’s possession of a weapon remains with the individual. ARES volunteers must obey all federal, state, and local laws while on deployment. When supporting a served agency, ARES volunteers must also adhere to the policies of the served agency.
“The ARRL does not expect volunteers to participate in a dangerous activity or to place themselves in what they perceive to be a dangerous or unsafe environment. Volunteers should avoid or cease participating in any ARRL activity or deployment under circumstances which make them uncomfortable.”
It gets complicated with, "When supporting a served agency, ARES volunteers must also adhere to the policies of the served agency," because in really bad situations, if it's a FEMA-supporting event, you can be sure firearms will be banned.
I think there's a lot of situational nuances as well. If I was in a comm shack, I wouldn't want somebody carelessly trumping around with a rifle. I don't think any of this matters if you're concealed carrying anyway.
), so I don't get much time to goof around right now. I definitely need to find a local Elmer who knows how to help me make the most of my 710 system.