Deployable Status

Deployable Status

1. Official State ARES Badge / Level II Requirements

To be a fully deployable asset across the state of Georgia, you must fulfill the foundational National Incident Management System (NIMS) criteria and the ARRL Standardized Training Task Book. This includes:

  • FEMA Independent Study Courses: You must complete and hold certificates for the core four courses required by the Department of Homeland Security for emergency volunteers:

    • IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System

    • IS-200.c: Basic ICS for Initial Response

    • IS-700.b: Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS)

    • IS-800.d: National Response Framework

  • Background Check: Because official State ARES badges control access to active emergency site locations, you must pass a personal background check.

  • Basic EmComm Course: Completion of either the Georgia ARES Basic Communications Course or the ARRL EC-001 (Introduction to Emergency Communication) course.

2. Gwinnett County Specific Deployable Status

Local county jurisdictions often issue their own ID cards recognized directly by county emergency management and local first responders. To achieve verified DEPLOYABLE status in Gwinnett, you must complete:

  • Core FEMA Training: Completion of IS-100 and IS-700.

  • Skills Assessment: You must complete and pass either:

    • The Gwinnett County Basic Skills Test (an exam evaluating fundamental radio operations, traffic handling, and local protocols).

    • OR the ARRL EC-001 course.

  • Point of Contact: Once finished, confirmation of these tests and certificates are routed directly through the Training AEC (Kevin Ball, W4KIB) via training@gwinnettares.org to finalize your county ID card.

3. Beyond ARES: Georgia AUXCOMM (State Mission)

For operators looking to elevate their credentials past local county deployment to support the State Operations Center (SOC) or official state-level Communications Units, Georgia offers an advanced Auxiliary Communicator (AUXC) status:

  • Requires attending the official intensive 2-day DHS/CISA AUXCOMM classroom training (sponsored by GEMA/HS).

  • Requires the completion and official sign-off of a comprehensive National Qualification System Position Task Book (PTB)