Hi Everybody!
Up until this point, CT ARES has had a suggested “Training Path” in place for you. However, now that CT ARES has hit “the Big Time” via the recommendations of the Governor’s Twin Storm Panel Report, I am expecting that the "suggestion" will soon change and become a “requirement” for ARES TEAM members to maintain an active “Certified” deployable status in ARES.

In the March QST in the mail, and there is a full page+ article on “Training and Certifications for ARES Operators” in it.

This article makes a most important statement in the second paragraph concerning ARES and your participation in an event.

Specifically, that if you don’t have the necessary credentials by having completed the 4 free, on-line, FEMA Independent Study (IS) courses, you will not be allowed to participate.

Our operations must comply with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). We operate under the Incident Command System (ICS) when activated.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now requires all volunteers, including Amateur Radio operators to be certificated in at least IS 100, IS 200, IS 700 and IS 800 course material - "The Core 4"

For non-governmental employees and others without access to classroom instruction, these courses are available as on-line independent-study courses that are free of charge.

THOSE AMATEUR OPERATORS WHO MAY BE DEPLOYED TO EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTERS (EOCs), COMMAND POSTS, PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWER POINTS (911 CENTERS) OR OTHER POINTS WHERE INTERFACE WITH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AT ANY LEVEL IS ANTICIPATED, ARE EXPECTED TO COMPLETE IS 100, IS 200, IS 700, and IS 800 - "The Core 4".

Several Amateur Radio operators have voiced public complaints regarding having to take this training.

This document serves to make clear the policy of CT ARES-Region 2.

This is not intended to be an affront to any individual or group. It is, however, intended to bring our overall organization into compliance with DHS requirements.

No one is compelled to take these courses.

Region 2 ARES operators who complete the requirements will be listed as "Certified" in our internal records.

However, any registered Region 2 ARES volunteer who has not completed the required training will be listed in our internal records as "Non-Certified", and will not be deployed to any site during any activation or drill after 12/31/2012.

Any Region 2 ARES operator who "self-deploys" and is not on the registered lists as "Certified" will not participate in activities where certification is required (all activities).

WHY?
Two events have changed the training world: 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. During recovery efforts for these two events, we learned that the various agencies and volunteer organizations did not work well together. This training was developed to remedy this situation.

- The agencies we service require this training.
- It's easy. It takes less than 1/2 a day.
- Federally mandated way for federal, state, and local groups, and also for volunteer groups to communicate with each other.
- It gives us credibility.
* First, we know how to talk to the government officials.
* Second, the fact that we have been trained and know the language gives us credibility when we enter a site.
- Emergency entities that receive federal money to pay for equipment must be ICS compliant.

WHO?
- All CT ARES Appointees and Officials at the EC level or above.
- Any Region 2 ARES member participating with any of the served organizations in exercises or real emergencies.


The "Core 4" On-line FEMA Independent Study [IS] courses are FREE.

IS 100: Introduction to Incident Command System
IS 200: Incident Command System for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS 700: National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction
IS 800: National Response Framework, An Introduction

NOTES:
Each course will take you 2 - 3 hrs. to accomplish.

Sign up and take these Independent Study (IS) Courses at:
training.fema.gov/IS/NIMS.asp

When you are finished, be sure to PRINT THE CERTIFICATE, and HOLD ONTO IT.

Also, make a PDF file to keep on hand for future proof of completion (more on this later).