First Things First
We all know the Boy Scout motto: “Be Prepared”.
Let’s modify that a bit for ARES…
Be Prepared for the time “When All Else Fails”and you are needed

Get “Squared Away”
As an ARES Team member, your first priority is the safety and well-being of yourself, your family and your home.
- Without those things taken care of, you are essentially unavailable for any ARES deployment. This is not a good thing.

Okay! You’ve done your personal planning; taken the necessary steps to ensure things are “squared away” on the home front; and, trained your family in what to do.
GOOD!

NEXT…
Are you “Mission Ready”?
Each of the following items is critical to your success as an effective ARES Communicator.
Checklist:
- CORE 4 Training Courses*: IS-100b, 200b, 700a, 800b (current versions shown)
- Familiarization with the CT ARES - Region 2 "Emergency Operations Plan" (EOP)
- Net Training and Message Handling
- Introduction to Emergency Communications (ARRL EC-001)
- Net Control Station experience
- Data Communications (RMS Express and "Classic" Packet Radio)
- Radio Equipment: “Go Box”
- Radio Support Gear: “Go Kit”
- Personal Support System: “Go Bag”

My suggestion is to start at the top, and work your way down the list.
* Don’t worry if you have completed other versions of the CORE 4,
they are ALL GOOD!