Milwaukee County ARES Talkgroups on OASIS ?

[19-685]

There are three (3) talkgroups listed under Milwaukee County Emergency Management identified as Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES).

I am wondering what the intent of these talkgroups are for?
Are they patches to amateur frequencies/repeaters for use in conjunction with ARES only operations?
SKYWARN operations perhaps?
Annual Irish Fest interoperability?

I seem to recall the older analog Milwaukee County system had similar talkgroups assigned.

Just curious as to their usage and if anyone can provide additional insight as to there purpose.

1773	6ed	D	MCARCOM1	Amateur Radio Emergency Services 1	Emergency Ops
1775	6ef	D	MCARCOM2	Amateur Radio Emergency Services 2	Emergency Ops
1777	6f1	D	MCARCOM3	Amateur Radio Emergency Services 3	Emergency Ops

 

[CrabbyMilton]

That's a good question. I would just put them on the scanner anyway. It's better to have them and hear nothing than to not have them when they may be in used during severe weather.

 

[OpSec]

No lie, I heard encryption on COM2 before during an event with public safety. I've never heard anything amateur-related, but I'm not routinely in that area either.

 

[jeepsandradios]

I know of multiple counties on east coast that have a "ARES/RACES" talkgroup. In one county I know they use that channel for drills and other events. No patching to ham just makes it easier to interface with amateurs and emo. In one area those radios work much better than the local ham stuff so doing events like runs and bike rides its used.