Emergency Services Checklists Link

Participating in Civil Air Patrol Emergency Services

One of the Civil Air Patrol's missions is to support our communities in times of need. This is the Operations part of CAP's mission statement, the other parts being cadet programs and aerospace education. Operations encompass emergency services, communications, counter drug and homeland security missions. The work performed under Emergency Services includes search and rescue missions, disaster relief, humanitarian services, and Air Force support. To participate in these missions, you must become qualified.

The qualifications are itemized in a task book, one book for each of the categories. Each qualification has three parts, the prerequisites, the tasks, and the missions. These parts are specified on the Specialty Qualification Training Record (SQTR) for each qualification. (See sample attached)

The first step for any qualification is to take the General Emergency Services (GES) test, commonly referred to as the 116 test. The test is 50 questions (two parts of 25 questions each), open book, and to be taken on-line. Download and read CAPR 60-3 CAP Emergency Services Training and Operational Missions. All regulations are available on-line at the National site, and this regulation is also available at your squadron.  The GES test is based on this regulation.

After passing the 116 test, take the Emergency Services Continuing Education exam, commonly referred to as the 117 test. There are three parts to the test, a part for each of the categories of qualifications. Each part is 10 questions and the text the test is based on is provided with the questions.  The 117 test is located at the same location as the 116 test, above.

The second step is taking FEMA Course IS 100 and IS 700. These tests are located on FEMA’s national website under their Emergency Management Institute. It is also recommended, but not mandatory that you also take IS 200 and IS 800.

Before you are able to participate, train and become qualified for CAP Emergency Services you must complete and pass all of the tests above. If you need help, please ask. We are here to assist you.  

The next step is to fulfill the additional prerequisites for the qualification. For example, the UDF team SQTR lists three tasks required for the prerequisites; the ground team SQTR lists eleven tasks. The details of every task are located in the appropriate tasking book. You accomplish these tasks by either covering them in a classroom setting or one-to-one with a qualified member. You basically read the task and be prepared to answer the questions or perform the actions specified at the bottom of the page. When you have completed a task, it is to be signed off on the SQTR. If you have any questions with any items of a SQTR please see your ES Officer.

Taking the GES and completing the prerequisites qualifies you for a Form 101, commonly referred to as a 101 card. This is an ID card that has your vital information on the front and your qualifications listed on the back. You can print your 101 card on e-services. You need the 101 card to participate as a trainee or qualified member on an exercise or mission. If you arrive to an exercise or mission without your 101 card and Form 60 you may be asked to leave.

 

When you have a SQTR completed with the prerequisites, tasks, and two missions, you will be qualified in that specialty. The qualification allows you to participate on actual missions in that specialty. Every SQTR requires two exercises or missions for its completion.

 Many specialties have the same tasks in them. Members interested in Emergency Services are often working on several SQTRs at the same time. The more exercises you attend, the faster you may be qualified in different specialties.

Finally, the most important item of becoming qualified is to provide all the information to your ES Officer. This includes test results, copies of your SQTRs along the way, and copies of any other related materials, like Basic First Aid cards or Radio Operator cards. Your ES Officer will verify that your record is appropriately updated and can guide you in your endeavors in Emergency Services.

And above all else - have fun in Emergency Services!