THURSTON COUNTY ARES MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS  EFFECTIVE 01 JANUARY 2010

To become a member of the Thurston County ARES, we have the applicants complete some of the initial 'ground work' at learning who we work for and their requirements for our participation.  This reduces the overall training period for the unit as new members are aware of their responsibilities upon becoming a member and what is expected of them when called upon to help our Host/Served agencies.

1. There is a three-stage application process consisting of one part completing forms.  These include the:

A. ARRL ARES Application.  This will get the applicant registered with the ARRL as a participating ARES member.

B. Thurston County ARES Application.  This supplements the ARRL application in providing the Unit Leader with additional information so the new member can be used in areas best suited for their abilities and needs of the Host/Served agencies ARES supports.

C. Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue Background Check: All members get a basic background check before being approved to work at SAR missions and other operations where the Host/Served agencies require this type of check.

D. Washington State Emergency Workers card.  Thurston County ARES supports numerous Host/Served agencies that require that the unit members have a Washington State Emergency Workers Identification card to work during any of their operations or missions.  This card is issued by the Thurston County Department of Emergency Management after the initial background check is completed as listed in number 3 above.

2. The second process is waiting for the background check that may take up to 6 weeks. During that period, applicant is highly encouraged to complete the initial training requirements of all members that include:

A. Basic Communications Skills Training

B. Basic Incident Command System Training (ICS)

C. ARES Operational and Administrative Training

D. Additional ARRL General Communications Training

E. Basic personal equipment setup. (Required PRIOR to any deployment during a mission.)

F. Miscellaneous Training.  To be posted by the Unit Leader for specific operations.

3. Upon the return of the background check, completion of the basic training requirements and issuance of the Emergency Workers card, the Applicant will have an in-depth interview with the Unit Leader on additional training, operational requirements and their role in mission participation as an ARES member.

If you desire to become a member, please download the packet and follow the instructions.