So I have GTM 1 and I was wondering if I'm qualified to attend the Advanced Course. The website says that equivalent training is accepted in place of the basic course. Also, if I am able to attend will I be lacking necessary information that was taught at the basic course? I attended the NJWG GSAR school for two years straight I just want to be on par with everyone else with the information taught there.
C/MSgt Russell Hart
NER-NJ-059
I attended the Hawk Basic Course this summer. My advice to you is this: You stated you have GT1. That's great, and a lot of the training and tasks you've completed are on the Ranger "SQTR" tasks. There are quite a bit more tasks added for Ranger, though, especially for 2 & 1. Go to the link below, scroll down and open up the SQTRs for each rating. Be aware! Even though you've completed GT3, 2, & 1, you must still work through all the tasks for getting the Ranger ratings. Having GT quals means you'll be able to work through the Ranger ratings faster because you have that knowlege, which is very helpful.
If you want Ranger ratings, you'll have to work hard for them. It's stressful, but you have to stick with it. Pester the staff for signatures. You're there to be trained, learn, and get the tab. This attitude will get you those higher Ranger ratings.
If you go to the basic course, come physically prepared. If you go to the advanced course, come more physically prepared. Advanced is what I reccomend for you.
Another tip: It's not about what to pack; it's about what not to pack. Bring as much as you think you need, because when you get there, you'll be able to stow your gear. But practice packing and carrying your 72 hour pack! It's not fun carring 30lbs of gear for three days. Your pack should contain only what you need to survive for that time. It should also have a padded waist strap; believe me, it helps.
Waterproof e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. - ziplocks are AWEsome. Bring bug spray, but you probably won't use it a lot. Spray around your ankles, just trust me.
You're doing the right thing - keep doing research and asking questions. And get in good shape, that'll help on the Mountain.
I had a great time at Hawk this year and learned a lot! Even though I went through the basic course, starting with GT3, I earned GT2 and Ranger 2nd Class. You could get 1st at the Advanced Course. It's up to you and how hard you're willing to work.
Have fun and I'll look for you next year!
~Olcott
#1, Delterrr Squadron, Hawk Mountain Ranger School 2013
388th CS, AZWG, SWR, CAP
Quote from: Chirpoff on August 12, 2013, 10:59:57 AM
I attended the Hawk Basic Course this summer. My advice to you is this: You stated you have GT1. That's great, and a lot of the training and tasks you've completed are on the Ranger "SQTR" tasks. There are quite a bit more tasks added for Ranger, though, especially for 2 & 1. Go to the link below, scroll down and open up the SQTRs for each rating. Be aware! Even though you've completed GT3, 2, & 1, you must still work through all the tasks for getting the Ranger ratings. Having GT quals means you'll be able to work through the Ranger ratings faster because you have that knowlege, which is very helpful.
If you want Ranger ratings, you'll have to work hard for them. It's stressful, but you have to stick with it. Pester the staff for signatures. You're there to be trained, learn, and get the tab. This attitude will get you those higher Ranger ratings.
If you go to the basic course, come physically prepared. If you go to the advanced course, come more physically prepared. Advanced is what I reccomend for you.
Another tip: It's not about what to pack; it's about what not to pack. Bring as much as you think you need, because when you get there, you'll be able to stow your gear. But practice packing and carrying your 72 hour pack! It's not fun carring 30lbs of gear for three days. Your pack should contain only what you need to survive for that time. It should also have a padded waist strap; believe me, it helps.
Waterproof e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. - ziplocks are AWEsome. Bring bug spray, but you probably won't use it a lot. Spray around your ankles, just trust me.
You're doing the right thing - keep doing research and asking questions. And get in good shape, that'll help on the Mountain.
I had a great time at Hawk this year and learned a lot! Even though I went through the basic course, starting with GT3, I earned GT2 and Ranger 2nd Class. You could get 1st at the Advanced Course. It's up to you and how hard you're willing to work.
Have fun and I'll look for you next year!
~Olcott
#1, Delterrr Squadron, Hawk Mountain Ranger School 2013
388th CS, AZWG, SWR, CAP
Thanks for the info. But what link are you referring to?
v/r
C/MSgt Russell Hart
NER-NJ-059
Here is the link for the Halk Mountain Ranger School Web-sight. The PDF files are at the bottom. They have all the sqtr that you need.
http://www.pawg.cap.gov/hawk_mountain (http://www.pawg.cap.gov/hawk_mountain)
If the link does not work just google Halk Mountain ranger school
If you are from NJWG you may want to come to some of the training weekends prior to summer school. Look on the HMRS
website under "upcoming events" . Navigation weekend is coming up in september, first aid and radio weekend is in november, a ES weekend in December, winter school in febuary and several of the staff training weekends have ES anf Ranger training available for those that are trying to finish up or start a new skill set.
Or if you come from a sqdn that has a ground team you can always set up a weekend to train there with your own group and the staff will make the facility available for your sqdn/group.