Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. "The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) was established under the Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations, as part of the amateur radio service. The mission of RACES is to establish and maintain the leadership and organizational infrastructure necessary to provide amateur radio communications in support of emergency management entities throughout the United States and its territories. RACES is employed during a variety of emergency/disaster situations where normal governmental communications systems have sustained damage or when additional communications are required or desired. Situations that RACES can be used include: natural disasters, technological disasters, civil disorder, nuclear/chemical incidents, acts of terrorism or enemy attack. Through its courses and programs, USRACES.org serves as the national focal point for the development and delivery of emergency communications training and publications to enhance the Emergency Support Function 2 - Communications capabilities of federal, state, and local governments, volunteer organizations, and the public and private sectors to minimize the impact of disasters on the American public". (USRACES, About RACES, 2007)