Did you ARES members are already eligible to take advantage of training opportunities provided by the Minnesota Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management? The Minnesota Volunteers Active in Disaster (MNVOAD) are recognized by HSEM, and we're a part of it too.

As we strengthen our relationships with HSEM, you'll be able to create an account with HSEM and register for classes all over the state through their website. HSEM tracks your training online, and if you are daring enough you can go for Emergency Management certification.

Training, especially that of the Incident Command System (ICS) will grow in importance with Minnesota ARES. If we expect HSEM, county Emergency Managers, and nongovernmental organizations like the American Red Cross to let us through their door, they will expect us to come to the door ready to work for them.

Many of the core ICS classes are offered online, and you'll be able to visit this site in the future to link to them, to link to the HSEM training page, to link to the ARRL ARECC courses, and to learn more about homegrown training opportunities.

ICS/EMCOMM Training & Links:

• ARRL Emergency Communications Course (EC-001) :  A basic course to raise awareness and provide additional knowledge and tools for any emergency communications volunteer. This course has 23 lesson units, is expected to take approximately 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. Senior hams are encouraged to participate!

• ARRL Emergency Communications Course (EC-002): A new Advanced Emergency Communications course is in development to replace the former Level 2 (EC-002) and Level 3 (EC-003) Emergency Communications courses. Expected release is 4th quarter 2009.

• IS-100 - Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100: A basic course to raise awareness and provide additional knowledge and tools for any emergency communications volunteer. This course has 23 lesson units, is expected to take approximately 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. Senior hams are encouraged to participate!  (ONLINE)
• IS-200 - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents: ICS 200 is designed to enable personnel to operate efficiently during an incident or event within the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS-200 provides training on and resources for personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within the ICS. (ONLINE)

• IC-700.a - NIMS An Introduction : This course introduces and overviews the National Incident Management System (NIMS).  NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents. (ONLINE)
• Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) Training: Here you will find training and educational opportunities for Homeland Security and Emergency Management professionals, their staffs, allied organizations and individuals working together in emergencies and disasters to save lives and protect the property of the citizens of Minnesota. Training opportunities include ICS-300 and ICS-400, which can only be taught in a classroom setting. Various opportunities are offered around the state free of charge.

• (Optional) CPR/AED and First Aid Training:  The American Red Cross offers many classes in CPR/AED and First Aid training. Look up your local Red Cross chapter and see what classes they offer.
• (Optional) Annual SKYWARN Training: Your National Weather Service Office offers free SKYWARN training each spring. Check your local NWS office for details.