Of course, there is no substitute for experience. Formal training and experience in the field go hand in hand to make for a
well rounded emergency communicator, leader or manager. Formal training gives ARES members an insight into emergency communications
techniques, where we fit into emergency communications in the modern world Field experience gives ARES members a chance
to put those priciples learned in formal training to work.
It is the function of all ARES leaders and managers to provide training
to their ARES members and to help them gain field experience. It is the function of ARES members to participate in ARES activities
to gain field experience.
Some areas where ARES members can gain field experience are:
Regular meetings
Regularly scheduled
nets
Drills and exercises (internal and external (by our served agencies))
Installation and maintenance of ARES equipment
Passing
of formal traffic (on traffic nets)
Public Service Events (the closest thing we get to an actual emergency without actually having
one)
Skywarn Weather Spotter Activities
The Real Thing (an actual disaster)
