Although RACES and ARES are separate entities, the ARRL advocates dual membership and cooperative efforts between both groups whenever possible. In the State of Oregon, the organizations are the same, with the same individuals and leaders appointed by the state and counties and the ARRL Section Manager and Section Emergency Coordinator. This allows the groups to "switch hats" from ARES to RACES and RACES to ARES to meet the requirements of the situation as it develops. For example, during a "non-declared emergency," the group can start operating under ARES, but when an emergency or disaster is officially declared by government emergency management authority, the operation can become RACES with no change in personnel or frequencies.