Gone are the days of "just showing up" and expecting to automatically be given an assignment... just because you have an FCC License.

There is a very simple reason that we keep stressing Knowledge and Skill development here in CT ARES.
- We want to help YOU to Qualify for Deployment.[/b]


KNOWLEDGE - KNOWLEDGE - KNOWLEDGE - (Courses)

“CORE 4” Certification
(Currently: FEMA IS 100.b, 200.b, 700.a, 800.b)

ARRL Courses
- Basic Emergency Communications, EC-001
(previously: ARECC Level I and Level II)

- Advanced Emergency Communications, EC-016
(previously: ARECC Level III)

SKYWARN
- Basic Skywarn Spotter Training


SKILLS - SKILLS - SKILLS
- Net Operations
- Net Control Station Experience
- NTS Radiogram
- FEMA General Message Form (ICS 213)
- Classic Packet Radio
- RMS Express (Winlink 2000)
- ARES / SKYWARN procedures
- Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS)


A "What If" Scenario
What if CT ARES needed to field a group of 20 - 30 ARES Team Members from Connecticut to help support vital communications needs in an impacted area?
- Would you have the qualifications to deploy?

Example
Here is an actual initial screening questionnaire that is given, by another state ARES organization, to prospective ARES volunteers to complete PRIOR to deployment.

Look over this questionnaire, and see where you stand.

NOTE: Don't Worry...
While DSTAR, Fusion C4FM, NBEMS or FLdigi may be used in other states, they are NOT standards for communications in CT ARES.

QUESTIONNAIRE
With which of the following are you familiar?
Check all that apply
• APRS
• NBEMS
• FLdigi
• DSTAR
• Fusion C4FM
• Winlink 2000
• I am not familiar with any of these

Which of the following have you completed?
Check all that apply
• ICS 100
• ICS 200
• ICS 700
• ICS 800
• ARRL Basic Emergency Communication Course (EC-001)
• ARRL Advanced Emergency Communication Course (EC-016)
• I have not done any of these


BOTTOM LINE
Like it or not, today’s world has changed significantly from the days of yore.
To be deployable, we all need to meet baseline Knowledge requirements and Skill expectations in order to be effective, efficient, and useful when the need arises.