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