RACES is an organization of dedicated licensed amateur radio volunteers who provide radio communications in support of state and local government agencies during times of an emergency/disaster. RACES provides essential communications and warning links to supplement state and local government assets during these emergencies/disasters.

 The Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) is the ARRL's public service arm for providing and supporting emergency communications, where needed, when an emergency/disaster strikes. For purposes within this plan, ARES organizations are identified as primarily providing support for non-government agencies during an emergency or disaster. ARES organizations/operators, during emergencies/disasters may be used if RACES resources are depleted or do not exist. If called upon to support government needs the ARES organization/operators will be considered as operating under RACES and will be registered as an emergency worker in accordance with RCW 38.52 and WAC 118.04.

It should be noted that RACES and ARES licensed operators can hold dual registration in RACES and ARES. Further, it is encouraged by the ARRL that licensed amateur radio operators are registered/certified as both are and those cooperative efforts between RACES and ARES organizations be established and maintained.