License Classes
The Greene County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (GCARES) usually holds Amateur Radio license classes each spring and fall, starting the Sunday after Labor Day and the Sunday after the Super Bowl. In addition to GCARES, the courses are supported by the Bellbrook Amateur Radio Club (BARC), the Upper Valley Amateur Radio Club (UVARC), and the Xenia Weather Amateur Radio Network (XWARN). For more information and registration instructions, click here.
Amateur radio is authorized by the FCC and you must register with the FCC and obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN) before getting a license. To visit the FCC website and login or register, click here.
GCARES Training Recommendations
No training is required to become a GCARES member; however, check the Membership page or the Ohio Section ARES page for information about the training required to advance to Level 2 or Level 3 ARES membership. Additional training information on various amateur radio modes for Emergency Communications can be found on the DIstrict 3 website.
FEMA Training
FEMA provides online training that is required for Level 2 and Level 3 ARES membership. This requirement is to ensure that operators are familiar with EMA procedures and organization during a disaster, and can work effectively with local and Federal EMA personnel and first responders. For more information on the FEMA courses, go to the FEMA Course list. To register for the FEMA courses, you will first need to create a Student ID. Instructions are available at the FEMA course site.
Additional rigorous training is required to obtain the FEMA designations of Communications Technician (COMT) and Communications Unit Leader (COML). Requirements are summarized in the Position Task Book for these designations. See the Document Center to obtain the Task Books.
Skywarn
GCARES also recommends Skywarn weather spotter training. The Greene County Emergency Management Agency sponsors National Weather Service Skywarn spotter training every winter/spring. The class usually lasts from 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Watch this site for upcoming classes. For more information about Skywarn training, go to the Spotter Training Schedule.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
GCARES encourages members to complete Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. An attempt is underway to offer a CERT training class in Beavercreek. When plans are finalized, we will announce it here. For more information, click here.
BTFD Auxiliary
GCARES also encourages members to volunteer with the Beavercreek Township Fire Department Auxiliary to provide service for the department and the Beavercreek community. CERT Training is typically done through the BTFD. For more information, click here.
