Alright, the Wing CC has signed off on my SQTR and I'm now qualified as an IC3. As I have progressed through the different positions to obtain the qualification, I've come to realize that signing off the SQTR requirements is not the end all to becoming "qualified" in any one specific position. I'll be seeking opportunities to partner with more experienced ICs during upcoming exercises and actual missions to gain additional insight into executing the responsibilities.
For now, I'm focused on putting together my personal IC kit. In the back of my car I have an aviator's kit bag with a complete flight suit uniform, survival vest, and individual flight items, and sufficient personal items to permit me to remain at a remote ICP/staging area for a number of days. My second bag is a rolling multi-pocketed backpack that I use to carry a collection of office supplies. Attached to the bag is a cardboard shipping tube, where I carry rolled sectionals and wall charts, each covered with clear acetate. Road maps and my DeLorme covering the state are also stored in the bag. Given the opportunity to swing by my residence, my own laptop and surge protector get thrown in.
What I'm working on now is assembling my reference binder for the position. It starts off with an outdated mission activation form from a previous edition of 60-3. This is the best outline I have found for taking the initial call from AFRCC and capturing all the relevant information. In addition the binder has:
• Individual mission staff checklists for each ICS command and staff position
• Master copies of CAP and ICS forms for duplication at the ICP
• A contact list for potential mutual aid agencies
• Staff section placards in protective plastic sleeves for laying out and designating the ICP functional areas
• CAPRs 60-1, 60-3, and 60-6
What I'm seeking from the members of CAPTalk are any suggestions for:
• Items to be included in my IC kit
• References, checklists, or cheat sheets for inclusion in the reference binder
• Internet websites recommended for bookmarking on my computer (at present I have identified several sites providing access to topographical map products and light and weather data.)
• Recommended IC kit lists established in other wings
With apologies for the length of this entry, I would welcome any and all suggestions.
technically, I believe 60-3 requires that the wing provide mission kits to ICs, but they don't really say what should go in them.
your state probably has some association for the counties that publishes an annual booklet with contact information for county level agencies. If there is such a thing, I would recommend it.
complete wing directory for all units giving contact info for squadron commanders, deputy commanders, and es officers.
RiverAux -- Thanks
-- You correctly cite 60-3. In my wing, the Ops/ES staff section maintains a kit consisting of a number of laptops, cameras, visual projectors, and ICP ID tags that can be transported to the ICP, but not an individual kit intended for use by the IC.
-- A good suggestion, one that I'll follow through with the state emergency management agency
-- Another good tradecraft suggestion -- I keep the wing directory and a roster of group duty officers on my ITouch, so that I have it available when away from my computer.
There are lots of approaches to being an Incident Commander. Here are just a few of the things that have helped me over the years.
Hard copies of all appropriate regulations
Aviation sectionals appropriate to your AOR
Highway maps appropriate for your AOR
State Airport Directory
Printed copies of ICS Forms
Calling roster for CAP resources/Squadrons
Phone Number of the NOC
County Sherriff's Phone Numbers in your AOR
Local Emergency Management Phone Numbers
A status board
http://www.halbrookassociates.com/halbrook_associatescom/2008/10/the-status-boar.html
Call/Fax list for local media outlets
An understanding of area SAR resources, and their capabilities
An understanding of missing person profiles
http://www.halbrookassociates.com/halbrook_associatescom/2008/01/missing-person.html
Air Branch director tools
http://www.halbrookassociates.com/halbrook_associatescom/2007/12/air-branch-dire.html
Aircrew Check lists
http://www.halbrookassociates.com/halbrook_associatescom/2007/12/air-crew-check.html
local recreational system maps
http://www.halbrookassociates.com/halbrook_associatescom/2007/12/ne-iowa-snowmob.html
Wind chill index reference
http://www.halbrookassociates.com/halbrook_associatescom/2007/11/wind-chill-inde.html
Parachute drift table
http://www.halbrookassociates.com/halbrook_associatescom/2007/11/parachute-dir-1.html
Signal distance reference
http://www.halbrookassociates.com/halbrook_associatescom/2007/11/searching-for-v.html
ORM checklists for air and ground teams
http://www.halbrookassociates.com/halbrook_associatescom/2007/11/risk-management.html
Emergency Response International's Search managers reference book
http://www.halbrookassociates.com/halbrook_associatescom/2007/11/search-managers.html
Incident Command Map Symbols
http://www.halbrookassociates.com/halbrook_associatescom/2007/11/map-symbols.html
Missing Person Questionnaire
DOT Emergency Response Guidebook (Orange Haz-Mat book)
John -- Thanks for the list. While I had a number of items covered, I found a good number that will be incorporated into my kit as it evolves over time. I especially appreciate the information related to lost person searches, an aspect in which I have had little personal experience. It was also interesting to find the inclusion of several products that I had developed included on your list. -- Regards -- Jim
what products were you involved in developing??
Here is Kentucky's IC Kit Suggestions http://www.kywgcap.org/Default.aspx?tabid=906
John -- I was the author of the AOBD and aircrew briefing materials. These were prepared at the time I was going through quals for AOBD.
Capt Schlosser -- Thanks for bringing this web-site to my attention.
No problem, I would warn against using the CAPF 103 for sign-ins and try to use the ICS forms as much as possible. They are all there, and it is definitely wing preference, but the rest of the response world uses the ICS forms so they are definitely applicable.