1. Our Professional Image
While many ARES units and their members spend much of their time in the field in
sometimes difficult situations, where blue jeans, work boots and maybe protective
clothing are the most appropriate attire, we are normally in an office environment in full
view of many of the top executives from the State of Oregon, from the Governor on
down.
Although we are called "amateurs", we need to be viewed as amateurs in name only. In
every other aspect, we must indeed be thought of as professional in every way.
Professional in how we do our jobs: We need to understand and be able to perform
our tasks flawlessly, with full knowledge of all of our communications tools and systems,
inspiring full confidence in our unit on part of those we serve. We need to make sure
that our communications tasks flow nearly invisibly and seamlessly.
Professional in how we conduct ourselves while on the job: Our interactions with
OEM staff, other State of Oregon staff, and anyone else with whom we come in contact
must leave them with the impression that we're as professional at our job and as much
a part of the team as the rest of the people that occupy the EOC.
It's important that we fully understand our role, act professionally within that role, and
limit ourselves to only that role.
Professional In our Appearance: The EOC will be occupied by people such as the
Governor, the heads of agencies, members of the Military Department and the State
Police, FEMA officials etc
For some of these high ranking officials, their only direct impression of us will be how
we look as we pass through the EOC . We want that impression to be very positive.
What we don't want is a "who in the world is THAT" impression.
We want them to know that we're the Amateur Radio unit. If we're doing our job
smoothly, we will probably otherwise be invisible to all but those with whom we directly
interact.
ARES Uniform Standard: Emergency services organizations are uniform oriented.
Uniforms make it every easy to know at a glance that individuals are part of an
organization, and that they are filling some official role in the operation. They make it
easy to identify the role that each person plays in the operation and make it instantly
obvious that that person has an official reason to be where they are.
ARRL has adopted a standard for ARES uniforms, which is discussed in more detail.
Role, and which will be followed by our ARES unit.

2. OEM Duty Uniform: As ARES members, we don't need a full uniform, but we do need
to be easily identified. Once a member has finished the initial training and basic
certification and has become a full member of the group, they will be provided with a red
vest with the OEM insignia embroidered on it. These are to be worn when on duty in
the EOC.
Each full member will also be provided with a name badge of standardized design paid
for by the unit. These are to be worn on the right upper part of the vest. Nothing else
should be attached to this vest, unless specifically designated by OEM or the unit. This
is a uniform, not a hobby vest.
Within the EOC, hats are NOT appropriate.
Your OEM ID should be worn at all times.
OEM Standard of Dress: When on duty within the EOC, we encourage a "business
casual" standard of attire. The basic guideline is to consider the impression you will
make in a business environment with what you choose to wear. Comfort is important,
but so is a reasonable degree of style and cleanliness.
• For men, Dockers or khakis style full-length pants are recommended. Shorts are
NOT appropriate. Blue jeans are acceptable if they are in very good condition.
• Collared shirts, either button-up or golf style are recommended. We encourage a
plain color or muted pattern. Picture, words etc are not appropriate.
• Casual business style shoes are recommended. We discourage athletic shoes
unless they are very clean and stylish, and not visually distracting.
• For women, the equivalent in business casual women's clothing
Deployment: If you are deployed outside the OEM EOC, to a COOP site, with the
trailer, with the drop boxes or even as part of an ARESMAT (Mutual Assistance Team)
effort, then a different uniform standard and standard of dress applies.
First of all, safety and visibility become a consideration, and this is where the ARRL
ARES standard appearance comes into play.
Secondly, different environmental issues than would be encountered inside the OEM
come into play, requiring a different style of clothing.
Deployment Uniform: The ARRL standards state:
ARES members, while activated, deployed, in community service activities or otherwise
on duty shall wear over their normal apparel, at minimum, a florescent green ANSI
Class 2 reflective, 100% polyester vest.

3. You can read the rest of the standard at http://www.arrl.org/feb-2010-contact. Please
take a few minutes and review this article.
In adherence of this policy, the unit will provide to each fully qualified, active member a
personalized vest meeting these standards. These are to be worn in accordance with
the policy stated above. Name badges should be worn on the right side. No other
insignia or wording should be used on the vest, unless authorized by OEM or the Unit.
The vests can be used in just about any situation. In the summer, they are light enough
to still be comfortable. In inclement weather, they may be worn over coats or raingear
as necessary. Vests are ordered one size larger than you normally wear to
accommodate all situations.
Optionally, ARRL approves other types of clothing - shirts, jackets etc in lieu of the vest
as long as they meet the same ANSII class 2 standards for color and reflectivity. These
may be purchased at your own discretion, but they must meet the same standards
decoration and wording.
As in the OEM, your ID card should be worn at all times while on duty.
Hats are optional, but must meet the ARRL guidelines, ANSI green with ONLY the
ARES logo on the front. Call signs may be embroidered on the back of the hat if you
wish. These may be purchased through the ARRL, for about $15 or if you want one with
your call embroidered on the back through www.hamthreads.com. For about $22 each.
Deployment Standard of Dress: A deployed assignment presents a much greater
variety of possible environments that we encounter within the EOC. Therefore,
situationally appropriate clothing is recommended, providing the right level of protection
and utility to meet the needs of your assignment.
We still, however, want to present a professional image in our appearance, even in the
field, and each member should use their own good judgment as to what is appropriate.
In Conclusion: It's taken many years to get ARES accepted by the State of Oregon at
the level at which we're now integrated. It's incumbent upon us to be, do and look
professional in everything we do as a part of OEM.