Training Levels

ARES DC has several training levels for its members modeled after the ARRL ARES Individual Task Book. Some roles and activities will have a minimum level based on training requirements. For instance, some government-sponsored activities will require volunteers to demonstrate knowledge by completing certain FEMA ICS courses, which correlate to ARES Level 2 or 3.

Level 1

Participation

  • Join ARES DC!

Skills Proficiency

  • FCC Amateur Radio License (any class)

Level 2

All requirements for Level 1 plus the following:

Training Courses

  • FEMA Courses
    • IS-100.c – Introduction to the Incident Command System
    • IS-200.c – Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
    • IS-700.b – An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
    • IS-800.d – National Response Framework
  • ARRL Courses
    • EC-001 – Introduction to Emergency Communication

Participation

  • Net Participation (Once per quarter)

Skills Proficiency

  • Program tone into handheld radio
  • Program frequency and offset into handheld radio
  • Write and send an ICS-213 message

Level 3

All requirements for Levels 1 and 2 plus the following:

Training Courses

  • FEMA Courses
    • IS-120.c – An Introduction to Exercises
    • IS-230.d – Fundamentals of Emergency Management
    • IS-235.c – Emergency Planning
    • IS-240.b – Leadership & Influence
    • IS-241.b – Decision Making & Problem Solving
    • IS-242.b – Effective Communications
    • IS-244.b – Developing & Managing Volunteers
    • IS-288.a – Role of Voluntary organizations in Emergency Mgmt.
    • IS-2200 – Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions
  • ARRL Courses
    • EC-016 – Public Service & Emergency Communications

Participation

  • Net Participation (Once per quarter)
  • Public Service Event Participation (Annually)
  • Simulated Emergency Test or Exercise Participation (Bi-Annually)
  • Serve as Net Control

Skills Proficiency

  • Proficient in using ICS forms
  • Operate VHF Digital messaging station in peer-to-peer mode
  • Operate HF Digital Mode Messaging Station