There is just no getting around the FEMA mini-courses necessary for an agency to be NIMS-compliant.

For ARES to be allowed to serve these agencies, its operators must be NIMS-compliant, and that means they must take and pass the courses listed below. Federal grant monies to agencies hinge on agencies being "with the program."

You will find that there is a wealth of incredible and fascinating information in many FEMA courses that is worth pursuing on its own merits. Check out the catalog of courses that can be taken and enjoyed! They are exceptionally well done. I've taken many of them now, and frankly, they are simply fun to do. There is a goldmine of information and courses that make for perfect "continuing education" for ARES members! “

IS-100.b Introduction to the Incident Command System, describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). emilms.fema.gov/IS100b/index.htm

IS-200.b ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents is designed to enable personnel to operate efficiently during an incident or event within the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS-200 provides training on and resources for personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within the ICS. emilms.fema.gov/IS200b/index.htm

IS-700.a Introduction to the National Incident Management System. NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents. emilms.fema.gov/IS700aNEW/index.htm

IS-800.b National Response Framework, An Introduction. The course introduces participants to the concepts and principles of the National Response Framework. emilms.fema.gov/IS800B/index.htm

* Adapted from “The FEMA Independent Study Courses” by Rick Palm W1ICE:
www.arrl.org/FandES/field/ares-el/?issue=2014-03-19

Ladies and Gentlemen:
In the game of Poker you need an Ante chip to play the hand.
Likewise, In ARES, the “CORE 4” Certification is your Ante chip to play with the "Big Boys" (e.g. Emergency Management personnel, First Responders, et al..).

WHY?
If we want to play with CT DEMHS and CT Municipalities, then we have to play by “Their Rules”.
- Certification in the 4 FEMA courses (IS 100.b, 200.b, 700.a, 800.b) is your passport for being deployable.

GOOD NEWS
You can either take this FREE training On-Line,
- or in a classroom setting (infrequently offered).

BOTTOM LINE
Oue hands are tied:
- If you do not have these certifications, then you should not expect to be deployed.

However, if you want to be of real use in ARES, then it is time to get serious about being an ARES volunteer and GO “CORE 4”... NOW.

As Larry The Cable Guy would say: “Get-R-Done!”