Training

Training is critical to the mission of Delaware County ARES-RACES. Like other emergency personnel and first responders, experience gained through training and drilling results in positive outcomes for communications volunteers. ARES-RACES units are dedicated to training and devote much effort to learning necessary skills and protocols.

As new technologies, techniques and protocols in communication emerge, ARES-RACES personnel must stay one step ahead to provide the high level of professionalism expected by the agencies they serve.

Training Images

ARRL ARES Training

Level 1

ARES TRAINING LEVEL Level 1
This is the primary level for those who choose a non-leadership role as well as those new to Amateur Radio or emergency communications. This introductory training is conducted by the local ARES group to meet its needs and those of its served agency or partners. This training could be formal or informal and would introduce the ARES participant to the fundamentals of emergency communications and provide instructions on how participants are to conduct themselves while serving in the field or otherwise activated. Participants are encouraged to complete Level 1 and advance to level 2 as soon as practical.
Education
ICS‐100.c‐ Intro to Incident Command System¹ (O)
ICS‐700.b Introduction to National Incident Mgt. System¹ (O)
SKYWARN - Spotter Basic Training (Biennially) (O)
ARRL EC-001 Introduction to Emergency Communications (O)
Participation
Obtain Task Book (R)
Join an ARES group (R)
Proficiency/Skill
Obtain Technician class or higher Amateur Radio License (R)

Level 2

ARES TRAINING LEVEL Level 2
This training level builds upon what has been learned in Level 1, and participants in Level 2 may elect to remain at this level based upon the extent of their desired ARES involvement. Much of this training is conducted by the local ARES group to meet its needs and those of their served agency or partners and provides a better understanding of emergency communications. Participants in Level 2 may wish to continue with Level 3 and the potential for leadership roles.
Education
ICS‐100.c ‐ Intro to Incident Command System² (R)
ICS‐200.c - ICS for Single Resource² (R)
ICS‐700.b - Introduction to National Incident Mgt. System² (R)
ICS‐800.c - National Response Framework² (R)
ARRL EC‐001 Intro to Emergency Communications (R)
SKYWARN Spotter Basic Training (Biennially) (O)
Participation
Net Participation (Once per Quarter) (R)
Public Service Event Participation (O)
Simulated Emergency Test or Exercise Participation (Annually) (O)
Serve as Net Control (O)
Proficiency/Skill
Program tone into HT (R)
Program frequency & offset into radio (R)
Write and send an ICS‐213 message (R)
Operate VHF Digital messaging station (O)
Operate unit specific Digital VHF or HF station (O)
Build a simple dipole antenna³ (E)
Build Powerpole adapter cable³ (E)
Solder PL259 connector to coax³ (E)
Assemble a 24-hour Deployment Kit⁴ (E)

Level 3

ARES TRAINING LEVEL Level 3
Level 3 prepares the participant to take on ARES Team leadership roles in his/her ARES group or section.
Education
IS-120.c - An Introduction to Exercises² (R)
IS-230.d - Fundamentals of Emergency Management ² (R)
IS-235.c - Emergency Planning ² (R)
IS‐240.b ‐ Leadership & Influence ² (R)
IS-241.b - Decision Making & Problem Solving ² (R)
IS-242.b - Effective Communications ² (R)
IS-244.b - Developing & Managing Volunteers ² (R)
IS-288.a - Role of Voluntary organizations in Emergency Mgt ² (R)
IS-2200 - Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions ² (R)
ARRL EC-016 Public Service & Emergency Communications Mgt ² (R)
SKYWARN Advanced Training Class (Biennially) (O)
PR‐101 -Public Information Officer Training (EC‐015) (O)
AUXCOM Course (O)
ICS-300 - Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents (O)
ICS-400 - Advanced Incident Command System (O)
Participation
Net Participation (Once per Quarter) (R)
Public Service Event Participation (Annually) (R)
Simulated Emergency Test or Exercise Participation (Bi‐Annually) (R)
Serve as Net Control (R)
Leadership
Present a training session (R)
Hold/held a leadership position in a group (R)
Hold a General Class License or higher (O)
Participate in PIO activities (PR‐101 Qualifies) (R)
EC-001 Course Instructor/Mentor (O)
Proficiency/Skill
Proficient in using ICS forms (R)
Operate VHF Digital messaging station in Peer‐to‐peer mode (R)
Operate HF Digital Mode Messaging Station (R)
Program Tone into HT (R)
Program frequency & offset into radio (R)
Demonstrate cross band repeat on Mobile Radio (UHF-VHF) (O)

Legend

R = Required, O = Optional, E = Encouraged

Comments

¹Sets initial baseline requirements. Will be insufficient for deployment at an incident.

²These should be considered as meeting the minimum requirements for deployment at an Incident. Local EMA authorities may require additional training.

³ Skills that are especially useful to know and everyone is encouraged to learn.

⁴ The contents of a 24-hour Kit will be specified in either a separate document or as an Annex to this document.