Williamson County Texas ARES is dedicated to training its members the skills needed to assist in Emergency Communications during the time of disasters. To participate in WC-ARES activations that are several levels of training that will determine your level of participation during any activation.
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.c course material. WC-ARES members will be expected to understand and operate under National Incident Management System (NIMS) during activation. Without this training, you may be excluded from participating or gaining access to emergency sites during activation. A copy of the Williamson County Texas ARES STANDARDIZED TRAINING PLAN can be downloaded here. A copy of the WC-ARE Task Book Overview can be downloaded here.
Below are the trainings levels:
Please note that the WC-ARES Task book- Operators Rating is First. EOC Operations is Last. Other Ratings have no order.
- Operators Rating- All Members
- Trailer Rating
- Net Control Rating
- Technician Rating- Most can be done at 2nd Saturday training
- Advanced/ Away Team/EOC Operations- All other ratings must be obtained before this.
It is each individual members responsibility to maintain and keep the Task Book up to date.