Ground Team Requirements?

At my unit, they're starting up a Ground Team program. I asked the Captain to send me the info about the requirements. Before I jump in and start studying, I wanted to make sure I know what info and tests I need (that way I don't study something I didn't have to study).
Here's part of the email:

"The requirements are as follows: C/A1c (Curry), 13 years old, Complete GES and OPSEC training, IS-100 and 700."

I read something that said he means C/Amn instead of C/A1c, am I right about that (because Curry isn't the C/A1c achievement)?

Thankfully, I'm thirteen.  I completed the OPSEC training already.

I study the GES material here: http://www.capmembers.com/emergency_services/operations_support/education_and_training/general-emergency-services-training-materials/ using the PowerPoint Slides and I take the test here: https://tests.capnhq.gov/newtests/test.cfm?grp=dos right? Do I need to look over CAPR 60-3 and CAPR 173-3?

Then for the IS 100 and IS 700. I study for IS 100 here: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/IS100b/SM/ICS100b_StudentManual_Aug2010.pdf, and take the test for it here: https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/examnotice.asp?eid=is100b

For IS 700, I study for it here:http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/IS700a/SM%20files/IS700A_StudentManual.pdf and take the test for it here:https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/examnotice.asp?eid=is700a, right?

Will I be timed for the IS tests?

Sorry for all the questions. I just want to start studying as soon as possible since I've read that the tests are hard.

Yes, you have to be a c/Amn minimum (Achievement 1 even though it says Phase I).  Yes, you look at the slides, read 60-3 and 173-3 before taking the test.  In fact, print out a copy of each and have it in hand when you take the test.  The IS-700 is the same.  Print the material out and find the answer in the book before marking it on the test.  There is no timer on any of those tests.  The tests are not hard.  You do need to take 100, 200, and 700.  I would suggest that you take the 800 as well.  They basically last forever so getting them done now means you don't have to worry about them later.  Keep the questions coming, that's what we are here for...

Your ES training is going to be more involved than that.

Most of it will consist of being able to pass several tasks to the satisfaction of a SET evaluator in that particular ES specialty.

However, like you point out, all ES require Curry or Level 1, the General ES test which is CAPT 116, and I suggest that you do have a copy of 60-3 and 173-3.

You will need ICUT if you did not take ACUT by November 2012.

I took the IS classes some time ago, I think they are timed but the tests are not. And you can take them anytime you want, even retake them if the first you do not pass. There is a time in between before retakes of I think a month.

In addition to CAPT 116 you also need CAPT 117 Part 1, the same link you had for CAPT 116 will take you to CAPT 117.

Thank you for doing the background search.

Edited-

Darn, Duke sneaked by while I was typing my answer!

Duke recommends taking IS 200 and IS 800. IS 200 and IS 800 are not required at this time for Ground Teams 3, 2, or 1, but required for other ES specialties, however. I am pretty sure that if you do take them, they will help your overall understanding of ICS. And I seem to remember that IS 700 is a requirement for IS 200. IS 200 is required for Ground Team Leader, which also requires you to be over 18 years.

Flyer

The minimum age for a cadet to participate in ES is 12 (as in you must be a member).

I want to thank everyone for explaining things to me. I really appreciate it. 

Duke Dillio - I certainly will keep up the questions. 

I was looking at the FEMA manuals, and I wanted to take Duke's advice about printing it out. But I realized that with as many pages as there are to the manual, that it would use up a lot of ink. Does anyone know where I can purchase it already printed out? I searched eBay and Amazon, and the closest I got was on Amazon, but it had ICS 100a instead of ICS 100b. Thank you!

It's not going to cost you any less to buy it then to print it.

And printing is unnecessary, it's an open-book test.  Just open it with a .PDF reader and save yourself the expense.

Whatever you do, do NOT print it out. I used 3/4 of a new ream of paper printing one of those things out. And most of an ink cartridge. Just do as they say and open it and refer to it when needed.

Where is 157? I'm in 065 but not very active at the moment due to work and financial constraints.

     I've decided not to print it out because my parents just spent about $60 on an ink cartridge. I think I will just refer back to it on the computer.

     Are the ICS tests open book? I successfully completed the CAP 116 test. 

     My squadron is located in Newton County. Rockdale sits in between Newton and DeKalb, so our squadrons are not too far away.

     I can understand about financial constraints, as we are learning how to be more frugal because of the not-so-great economy and my dad's job loss. 

     I've decided not to print it out because my parents just spent about $60 on an ink cartridge. I think I will just refer back to it on the computer.

Might I suggest...



Yes, the ICS tests are open book.

Thank you for the suggestion! I've told my parents about it. 

I have a suggestion if you don't want to print the material.

When you start the FEMA course, each one has a link to a "transcript." Click on that. Highlight everything that comes up in the pop-up window, and copy/paste it into a Microsoft Word document. You can then save the document on your computer, and have digital access to the "book" any time you need it- at no cost and no wasted paper.

The minimum age for a cadet to participate in ES is 12 (as in you must be a member).

Do you think that perhaps he was looking at this page when he stated that you had to be thirteen? http://www.ncsas.com/gsar/

And, I'm just curious. Do we ever get the opportunity to work with canines?

I was looking on that page that I just posted a link to. (http://www.ncsas.com/gsar/) I saw that I'm supposed to study IS 100.a, but I've been studying IS 100.b. Does this mean that I've been studying the completely wrong thing, or is it an updated version and that CAP page just hasn't been updated?

Besides the IS courses and the CAP 116 test, are there any other extra/optional courses you would recommend me taking so I don't have to do it later?

The minimum age for a cadet to participate in ES is 12 (as in you must be a member).

Do you think that perhaps he was looking at this page when he stated that you had to be thirteen? http://www.ncsas.com/gsar/

That's NESA, which is an NCSA and not required to participate in ES.

Your best, most expedient, and appropriate answers to these questions will come from your unit's Emergency Services Officer.

The minimum age for a cadet to participate in ES is 12 (as in you must be a member).

Do you think that perhaps he was looking at this page when he stated that you had to be thirteen? http://www.ncsas.com/gsar/

And, I'm just curious. Do we ever get the opportunity to work with canines?

I've heard of it happening several times, but never had the opportunity to personally.  Now if I really wanted to, I could have made a long drive, but it wasn't important for me.

The local squadron has a few police officers as members, who have said they could probably ask a K9 officer to bring a dog out, but we've never pushed the subject.  I would think local police would probably be the best option for making that happen. 

Your enthusiasm is awesome, but I would caution you to take it a step at a time. There are tons of options for FEMA courses and other avenues to study on your own, but it's really better to work through a steady progression. et GES done, then go for UDF or GTM3, and really work to get that part down. As you get some mission (training or real) under your belt, the more advanced stuff will have better context and you'll retain it better.

I would also echo the counsel to work closely with your unit ESO. I love it when new members are excited about doing ES training and will work very hard to help them.

If you happen to be in a unit that doesn't have much of an ES program or ESO, then check up the chain to group or wing.

And, I'm just curious. Do we ever get the opportunity to work with canines?

There is a task to qualify for GTM1 that calls for working with canines, but I think its more familiarity with outside agency teams and how they work as opposed to actually being a SAR dog handler (which would be totally awesome, BTW).

I was looking on that page that I just posted a link to. (http://www.ncsas.com/gsar/) I saw that I'm supposed to study IS 100.a, but I've been studying IS 100.b. Does this mean that I've been studying the completely wrong thing, or is it an updated version and that CAP page just hasn't been updated?

The course has been updated and the CAP page is behind the times. IS 100.b is functionally identical to IS 100.a for our purposes.