Q. Is this a mandatory program within Maine ARES?
A. No, although it is highly recommended that all Districts and
Counties adopt this system for training and certification, it is up to each individual DEC and EC to adopt the program.
Q.
I am an EC. If I do not meet the new training and certification standards will I no longer be an EC?
A. No!
As the program is optional for each individual DEC and EC, if you, as an EC, want to adopt the program for your organization, time
will be given to meet the standards. As with any new program, time will be given to each ARES member and leadership official
to attain the training and certification for their individual level. .
Q. Will I, as an ARES member, be forced to
leave the ARES program if I do not meet the new training and certification standards?
A. No! Again, this is an optional
program within Maine ARES. If your EC adopts the program, reasonable time will be alloted by your EC to meet the standards of
the program. As this is a new program and time must be given for all ARES members and leadership officials to attain a level
of training and certification that fits their position within the Maine ARES structure. No one will be forced out because of
the new program.
Q. What is the purpose of the new program?
A. The program is mainly a management tool
for DECs and ECs to track the formal training of their members. The program sets a standard throughout the state of Maine for
ARES members and leadership officials. It also helps DECs and ECs in getting their plans NIMS compliant. It also has the
benefit of showing our served agencies what formal training is required for doing our job in emergency communications and how we fit
into the NIMS and the ICS structure. As a side benefit, it helps to take away the stigma of being an "amateur" by providing
a structured training program ARES members go through to attain certification in Maine.
Q. Is there a cost to the program
for ARES members?
A. Yes and no. If you take the Introduction to Emergency Communications, the Maine Emergency Communication
Courses, Levels I, II, III and the Maine ARES Leadership Course, IS-100, IS-200, IS-700 and IS-800, they are all free of charge.
If you take the ARRL's EC-001, EC-002 and EC-003, there is a charge. There may be a nominal charge for ICS-300 and ICS-400 depending
on where you take them. For someone going up to the Leadership level, there is no charge for the courses if taken on-line or
downloading the materials.
If you have other questions regarding the program, send an e-mail to
Bryce, K1GAX the Maine Section
Emergency Coordinator.
