ARES Training
Start by submitting an ARES Registration Form if you have not already done so.
ARES training is divided into 3 levels as outlined below and is tracked with an ARES Task Book.
To be a member of Dorchester County ARES you will need to complete Level 1.
To be deployable in an emergency situation you will need to complete Level 2.
Level 1 – Basic
Introductory training for all participants.
Required
- Obtain Task Book
- Join an ARES group
- Obtain Technician class or higher Amateur Radio License
- IS-100.c- Intro to Incident Command System
- IS-700.b Introduction to National Incident Mgt. System
- ARRL Basic EmComm Course
Optional
- SKYWARN – Spotter Basic Training (Biennially)
Level 2 – Intermediate (Operational/Deployment Ready)
Builds on Level 1. Includes ARRL Introduction to Emergency Communications (or equivalent online courses: Basic, Intermediate). Minimum for deployment in many incidents.
Required
- IS-100.c- Intro to Incident Command System
- IS-200.c – Basic ICS for Initial Response
- IS-700.b Introduction to National Incident Mgt. System
- IS-800.d – National Response Framework
- ARRL Intermediate EmComm Course
- Net Participation (once per quarter minimum)
- Program Tone in HT
- Program Frequency and Offset in Radio
- Write and Send an ICS-213 Message
Optional
- SKYWARN – Spotter Basic Training (Biennially)
- Public Service Event Participation
- Simulated Emergency Test or Exercise Participation (Annually)
- Serve as Net Control
- Operate VHF Digital messaging station
- Operate unit specific Digital VHF or HF station
Encouraged
- Build a simple dipole antenna
- Build Powerpole® adapter cable
- Solder PL259 connector to coax
- Assemble a 24-hour Deployment Kit
Level 3 – Advanced (Leadership)
Prepares for roles like Emergency Coordinator. Includes advanced FEMA ICS courses and leadership training.
Required
- IS-120.c – An Introduction to Exercises
- IS-230.e- Fundamentals of Emergency Management
- IS-235.c – Emergency Planning
- IS-240.c – Leadership & Influence
- IS-241.c – Decision Making & Problem Solving
- IS-242.c – Effective Communications
- IS-244.b – Developing & Managing Volunteers
- IS-288.a – Role of Voluntary organizations in Emergency Mgt
- IS-2200 – Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions
- ARRL EC-016 Public Service & Emergency Communications Mgt
- Net Participation (once per quarter minimum)
- Public Service Event Participation (Annually)
- Simulated Emergency Test or Exercise Participation (Bi-Annually)
- Serve as Net Control
- Present a training session
- Hold/held a leadership position in a group
- Participate in PIO activities (PR-101 Public Relations for Radio Amateurs qualifies)
- Proficient in using ICS forms
- Operate VHF Digital messaging station in Peer-to-peer mode
- Operate HF Digital Mode Messaging Station
- Program Tone into HT
- Program frequency & offset into radio
Optional
- SKYWARN Advanced Training Class (Biennially)
- PR-101 – Public Information Officer Training (EC-015)
- AUXCOM Course
- ICS-300 – Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents *
- ICS -400 – Advanced Incident Command System *
- EC-001 Course Instructor/Mentor
- Demonstrate cross band repeat on Mobile Radio (UHF→VHF)