ACS Training Incentive Program
This program is designed to establish standards of competence and professionalism among volunteer ACS communicators. The goal of the program is to ensure that participants are qualified to and confident in providing service to agencies during emergency operations. The training program includes three levels of skills and experience. All ACS training subjects must have the approval of the Radio Officer.
Level One
Level One is the entry requirements volunteers have to complete to become qualified as Radio Operators in the Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS). Level One training requires:
- IS-100: Introduction to Incident Command System
- IS-700: National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction
- Introduction to the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS)
- ACS Mission, Structure and Organization
- ACS Alert and Mobilization Procedures
ACS hosts a face to face training on the first Saturday November. At the training, you will complete the Disaster Service Worker form and be sworn in. Please contact your Unit Leader to sign up or for more information. This face to face training covers all requirements except IS-100 and IS-700. IS-100 and IS-700 are offered online for free through the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Independent Study Program, links below. Please email your application and certificates to the Chief Radio Officer prior to November for validation.
Level Two
Level Two training is for ACS volunteers who have completed at least 6 of the following:
- Checked into radio nets
- Attended local meetings
- Completed optional/suggested training events
And been through at least one activation, exercise or public service event.
Level Two requires completion of:
- Level One
- Formal Message Handling
- Net Control Operation
- EOC Orientation
- IS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
- IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction
A message handling and net control operations class is offered on the first Saturday of August. EOC Orientations are offered quarterly through Sonoma County Fire and Emergency Services, Emergency Management Division. Contact your Unit Leader to learn how to sign up for the EOC Orientations. IS-200 and IS-800 are offered online for free through the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Independent Study Program, links below. Please email a copy of your certificate to your Unit Leader for your personnel file.
Level Three
Level Three is offered to ACS members who server or have a desire to serve in a leadership role. Level Three requires:
- Completion of Level Two
- Working with Agencies
- Volunteer Management
- Public Safety Communications Systems
If you are interested in Level Three, use your chain of command to work with the Operations Assistant Radio Officer. Below are some online courses through the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Independent Study Program that will assist in accomplishing Level Three requirements: