Training
According to Presidential Homeland Security Directive-5, Comanche County ARES 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 have completed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) IS-100.c, IS-200.c, IS-700.b, and IS-800.d course material. These courses are available as online independent-study courses that are free of charge.
Amateur radio is at the core of what we do, but to officially participate with Comanche County, all members must have a common understanding of the Incident Command System (ICS). Within one year, new members will complete the following knowledge-based courses:
- EC-001 by the ARRL.
- IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 by FEMA.
- ARO task list by ARES.
Once these requirements have been met, the Emergency Coordinator will submit your paperwork and background check authorization to Emergency Management for issuance of a Comanche County Volunteer ID card.
If you need to speak to someone, please contact the Emergency Coordinator at N7DOD@arrl.net or (580) 280-1006 for more information.