Minimum requirements.

Level I: 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 initial training is conducted by the local ARES group to meet their needs and those of their 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 instruction on how participants are to conduct themselves while serving in the field or otherwise activated. Participants may elect to remain at this level, or any level, based upon the extent of their desired ARES involvement. A mentor is recommended to assist in achieving the next level.

Level II: To qualify for this level, participants shall have completed the following courses:

• ARRL’s EC-001 Introduction to Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (a no-cost program).
• IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
• IS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
• IS 700: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
• IS-800: National Response Framework, an Introduction

Participants are also encouraged to take advantage of training opportunities available through partners to enhance their knowledge and skill set.

Level III: This level of training prepares ARES participants to take on leadership positions such as EC, ADEC, DEC, ASEC, and SEC, and other designated positions in the ARES program. Participants are required to complete:

  • ARRL’s EC-016, Emergency Communications for Management, when available.
  • IS-120: An Interdiction to Exercises
  • IS-230: Fundamentals of Emergency Management
  • IS-240: Leadership and Influence
  • IS-241: Decision Making and Problem Solving
  • IS-242: Effective Communication
  • IS-244: Developing and Managing Volunteers
  • IS-288: the Role of Voluntary Organizations in Emergency Management

Equipment

  • You will keep your equipment in good working order (No loose or exposed wiring.)
  • Have a radio capable of 25 watts or more.

Encouraged Courses

IS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents

IS-400: Advanced ICS

AuxComm: Contact the EC for more information.

FEMA courses
https://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.aspx?all=true

ARRL Courses

https://www.arrl.org/online-course-catalog#