From Chris Imlay, ARRL General Counsel:
Greetings, Don.
Let me be very, very clear about this.
We are not going to talk about choice here, or
"rights" or anything else on this issue.
There is no place within ARES for weapons of any type. No one in connection with ARES is to carry a weapon on their person at any time they are participating in any ARES activity whatsoever.
We are not going to discuss this or negotiate this with anyone at any time.
If this is a problem for anyone, then as Dan says they are welcome to withdraw from the ARES program. We do not want anyone participating in ARES while possessing a weapon outside their home or vehicle and if we hear about it the person will be thanked for their services and terminated.
This is an ARRL program and weapons are no part of it whatsoever.
We can't have any liability on this issue. Please tell your field appointees this.
73, Chris W3KD
This policy has the support of all the top management within
ARRL, Central Division leaders, Wisconsin Section Manager, and
Wisconsin ARES senior leadership. In addition, there has been consultation with Wisconsin Emergency Management.