This entire list should be reviewed. Training requirements change yearly.LCARES heartily encourages training and regular participation in drills and events to maintain emergency communications (and other) skills. LCARES does not, in any way, deny participation in events purely on the basis of training. A lack of certain training, however, may strongly affect the choice of assignments you may be given, as our served agencies do have minimum requirements for access to their facilities (possibly including criminal background checks). Also, training does not guarantee a particular assignment — every event is different, and needs must be met. It’s even possible that your assignment does not include any radio work!
The Iowa Section has set forth guidelines for different ARES membership “levels.” They (and their requirements) are:
| Level | Requirements | Notes |
| Basic | No training required | Unless LCARES leadership is notified otherwise, we presume you are at this level. |
| Associate | IS-100 IS-700 ARRL Emergency Comm Level I or equivalent. | The ARRL changed the EmComm training structure in the intervening years. I do not have a clarification on this yet. |
| ECs and AECs | IS-100 IS-200 IS-700 ARRL Emergency Comm Level I and II or equivalent. | EC is an official appointment from the ARRL, so lack of the correct training can (and probably will) keep you from being appointed to the position. AEC is NOT a formal ARRL appointment; selection is entirely at the discretion of the EC. |
| DECs and ADECs | IS-100 IS-200 IS-700 IS-800 ARRL Emergency Comm Level I, II and III or equivalent. | DEC and ADEC are both official ARRL appointments so far as training is concerned. |
| SEC and ASEC | IS-100 IS-200 IS-700 IS-800 ICS-300 ICS-400 ARRL Emergency Comm Level I, II and III or equivalent. | Also consider EC-016 |
LCARES believes that all learning is good learning (albeit sometimes unpleasant). You are encouraged to take ALL the courses listed above, regardless of your role. EMAs often require the ICS courses just to get access to facilities or sites, for example.
Other training not listed but recommended includes CPR (probably the most selfless thing you will ever learn, as you will never be able to use it on yourself!), first aid, and CERT (check with Linn EMA for training dates).
The ARRL courses typically have a fee, but the FEMA courses are nearly all free and available online. (There are a few that are “classroom only.”)