Hi all! Brand new General here (K1ABC). I've been reading about joining our local ARES group and keep seeing mentions of FEMA ICS training being required. Some sources say it's mandatory, others say it's optional. What's the real story?

I understand the DHS requires all volunteers to complete FEMA IS-100.c, IS-200.c, IS-700.b and IS-800.d courses, and many counties have mandated amateur radio operators participating in emergencies must have completed the FEMA training. But I'm seeing different requirements from different areas.

Also heard about some new ARRL courses replacing the old EC-001? Any guidance would be appreciated from you experienced EmComm folks!

Welcome to the hobby! To join ARES/RACES you must complete 5 online courses in most areas. The FEMA requirements vary by state and county - your local Emergency Coordinator will tell you exactly what's needed for your area. Best to contact your local EC first before diving into all the coursework.

Just completed my FEMA courses last month - they're 100% free and can be taken in your own time online! Start with IS-100 and IS-700, they're the foundation. The courses actually help you understand how emergency response really works. Don't be intimidated, they're pretty straightforward.

The new ARRL courses replace the previous EC-001 and EC-016 programs, and the Basic and Intermediate EmComm courses are available to anyone with a free arrl.org account. I'd recommend taking the new Basic EmComm course first - it gives you a good foundation before tackling the FEMA stuff. Welcome to ARES!