The following training curriculum has been established as part of the Probation Program and the Field Training Program for Operations Team members. All Operations Team candidates are required to successfully complete each course as prescribed in the Probation and Field Training Program Policy. Courses typically range from 1.5 hours to 10 hours in length, but may exceed 16 hours depending on the level of complexity in a given course. Courses are taught by qualified instructors from either the McLean County EMA or from other agencies. This training list is not all-inclusive - rather it only addresses training required in the Probation and Field Training Programs. Other, more specialized training also occurs during Thursday staff meetings.

Probation Program Training Curriculum
Individuals serving on the Operations Team begin their service as a Probationary Officer. The purpose of the Probation Program is to 1) develop proficiency in specific functional activities and practices; 2) form a strong working relationship with other status team members; and 3) demonstrate commitment to the Agency and support of its goals.

• Agency Overview (required before taking any other course)
  Covers the history and evolution of Emergency Management in McLean County, the Agency’s command and organizational structure, membership requirements, membership status classifications, services overview, high-level incident activation procedures, and online sources for collaboration and communication. Prerequisites: None
• Operations Security (OPSEC) Indoctrination
  Operations Security (OPSEC) addresses protecting sensitive but unclassified information that can serve as indicators about the McLean County Emergency Management Agency's missions, operations, and capabilities. OPSEC identifies Critical Information (CI) and assigns a classification to it based on a number of factors. The indoctrination familiarizes staff members with information handling protocols and classification levels. Prerequisite: Agency Overview
  
• National Incident Management System Compliance - Single Resource Level
  Note: Due to the independent nature of these courses, Probationary Officers are expected to complete these courses outside regular Agency training times.
  • IS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System
    This course introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Prerequisites: None
  • IS-200, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
    IS-200 is designed to enable personnel to operate efficiently during an incident or event within the Incident Command System (ICS). IS-200 provides training on and resources for personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within the ICS. Prerequisites: IS-100
  • IS-700 Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
    This course introduces NIMS and takes approximately three hours to complete. It explains the purpose, principles, key components and benefits of NIMS. The course also contains "Planning Activity" screens giving you an opportunity to complete some planning tasks during this course. The planning activity screens are printable so that you can use them after you complete the course. Prerequisites: None
  • IS-800.B Introduction to the National Response Framework (NRF)
    The course introduces participants to the concepts and principles of the National Response Framework. It covers the purpose of the National Response Framework, the response doctrine established by the National Response Framework, the roles and responsibilities of entities as specified in the National Response Framework, the actions that support national response, the response organizations used for multi-agency coordination, and how planning relates to national preparedness. Prerequisites: None
• First Aid / CPR
  Valid (non-expired) American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid certifications must be maintained in order to gain / continue membership with the Agency. Given the number of individuals within the Agency who seek out higher level medical certifications (such as First Responder or EMT), these certifications are only offered during normal Thursday night training if an appropriate number of students require [re]certification. Probationary Officers are expected to seek out this certification within the community (with the assistance of the Sergeant of Training and Safety) should they not seek a higher level of medical certification. Prerequisites: None
• McLean County Geography and Navigation
  This course requires that Probationary Officers successfully pass an exam that tests knowledge of McLean County roadways and municipality locations, EMA Zone designators, and navigational skills using a Gazetteer and road atlas. The exam requires a passing score of at least 85% and may be taken up to three times before a Probationary Officer is disqualified from membership with the Agency. Prerequisite: Agency Overview
• Basic Communications - Classroom
  This classroom course covers basic two-way radio concepts, radio etiquette, net- operations, agency-specific communication information, technology-specific topics, and frequency management at small and large incidents. A review of interoperability in the state of Illinois is also conducted. Prerequisite: Agency Overview
• Basic Communications - Practical
  This course reviews the physical operation of radios and repeaters owned by McLean County Emergency Management. In addition, participants will be given a scenario requiring them to generate a communications plan using an ICS-205, an operating layout for Unit 900, and a radio checkout plan.
  Prerequisites: Agency Overview, Basic Communications, IS-100
• Vehicle Operations and Fleet Maintenance
  This requirement can be met through a formal training course conducted by the Sergeant of Fleet and Facilities / other knowledgeable staff member, or through a series of one-on-one sessions. This requirement covers in-depth operations of all fleet vehicles, including emergency response operations. At the completion, Probationary Officers will be able to perform basic maintenance, troubleshoot technical issues, and operate each vehicle / apparatus. Demonstration of proficiency in these skills is required for each vehicle and support apparatus, and will be certified by a Command Staff member / designee. A Probationary Officer must be certified prior to operating a specific vehicle and / or support apparatus unless cleared by a Command Staff member. Prerequisite: Agency Overview 
  • Class B Non-CDL Learner’s Permit (Optional)
    Driving the Unified Command Post (UCP) requires a Class B Non-CDL Illinois driver’s license or higher. Probationary Officers may obtain a Class B Non-CDL learner’s permit through the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles. If the Probationary Officer already possesses a Class B Non-CDL license or higher from the State of Illinois, a copy of the license must be in the Probationary Officer’s file. Regardless of the currently possessed class of license, Probationary Officers may not drive the Unified Command Post except as part of their permit training requirements.
• EMA 900 Audio / Video / Telecommunications Operations - Practical
  This detail-oriented course teaches Probationary Officers the specifics of operating the audio, video, and telecommunications support systems located in the Unified Command Post. This course specifically reviews the operations of the audio / video console, camera mast, satellite dish, telephone system, cable and antenna system, data network, laptop computers, and various telecommunication hook-up scenarios. Prerequisite: Vehicle Operations and Fleet Maintenance
• Winter Vehicle Operations
  This course teaches Probationary Officers the specifics of operating each of the fleet vehicles in winter weather conditions. Due to the seasonal timing of this course, Probationary Officers may have this course moved to the Field Training Program with the approval of the Sergeant of Training and Safety. This course must be completed at its first available offering in order to retain the rank of Officer. Prerequisite: Vehicle Operations and Fleet Maintenance
• Lighting and Power - Classroom
  This classroom course is designed to provide Probationary Officers with an overview of the lighting and power equipment used by the agency. Specific concepts such as voltage, power capacity, cabling, and wattage will be reviewed. Instruction will be given in the theory of lighting, including how to properly light specific scenes (i.e. ERU activation, dive rescue, Command Post, MCI, wide area, etc.). Prerequisite: Agency Overview
• Lighting and Power - Practical
  Probationary Officers receive hands-on instruction in the operation of various lighting equipment and will then be given a scenario. The objectives of the scenario will be to effectively light a given area or target, load balance generators, and determine power capacity needs for an incident. Course participants will be required to demonstrate aptitude through supervised assessment. Prerequisite: Lighting and Power - Classroom
• Multi-Agency Interaction
  The purpose of this course is to familiarize Probationary Officers with techniques for working with other agencies at an incident. Topics include confidentiality practices, agency command structures (fire, police, EMS), and behavior and etiquette while working with other agencies. Prerequisites: Agency Overview, IS-100, IS-200
• Introduction to Incident Command System Forms
  In order to effectively support an incident that is utilizing the Incident Command System, Probationary Officers must be familiar with the associated forms and paperwork involved with planning, operations, logistics, and administration / finance. This high-level classroom course introduces the concepts of incident command in a classroom setting and examines the process of developing an Incident Action Plan for an operational period. The Planning P and specific ICS forms are also introduced. Prerequisites: Agency Overview, IS-100, IS-200
• Comprehensive Proficiency Examinations
  Proficiency examinations are an ongoing process throughout the probation period.  These examinations may not be conducted during the same session as the topic being trained as the examinations are used to demonstrate knowledge retention over time. The examinations are practical in nature and are conducted by the Sergeant of Training and Safety or his / her designee.

Field Training Program Training Curriculum
During the Field Training Program, the Officer undertakes a training curriculum of intermediate- and advanced-level classroom and self-study courses meant to further develop the Officer’s proficiency in specific functional activities, as well as expand the Officer’s knowledge of the field of Emergency Management.

• ICS-300, Advanced Incident Command System
  This course provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). The target audience includes all individuals who may assume a supervisory role in expanding incidents. This course expands upon information covered in IS-100 and 200 courses. (Both are pre-requisites for IS-300). The course also allows those identified personnel, including public health personnel, to comply with ICS level 300 training. This is a requirement for those jurisdictions that choose to comply with the National Incident Management System (NIMS), to ensure they continue receiving their federal preparedness funding grants.  Prerequisites: IS-100, IS-200
• Weather Spotter Training
  Due to the seasonal nature of this requirement, it is expected that staff members will actively pursue this set of training courses at their first available offering within McLean County.
  • Basic Weather Spotting
    This course introduces weather spotting practices and reporting techniques. Content for this course is based on the National Weather Service’s basic weather spotting curriculum.
  • Advanced Weather Spotting and RADAR Interpretation
    Members will learn severe weather-specific terminology, visual identification of various types of severe weather, safe spotting techniques, reporting practices, and RADAR interpretation.
    Prerequisite: Basic Weather Spotting
• Federal Emergency Management Agency - Professional Development Series
  The Professional Development Series includes seven Emergency Management Institute independent study courses that provide a well-rounded set of fundamentals for those in the emergency management profession. This certification serves as a foundation for all other certifications in the field of Emergency Management and consists of the courses listed below. These courses are self study and are taken outside of normal Thursday night training. The courses are designed, but not required, to be taken in numeric order.
  • IS-139, Exercise Design
    This course is designed to introduce individuals to the fundamentals of exercise design and to prepare individuals to design and conduct a small functional exercise for their organization. It addresses: the value of conducting exercises, the components of a comprehensive exercise program, the exercise development process and development tasks, organization of the design team, exercise documentation, and the steps in designing an exercise.
  • IS-230, Principles of Emergency Management
    The goal of this course is to introduce you to the fundamentals of emergency management as an integrated system, surveying how the resources and capabilities of all functions at all levels can be networked together in all phases for all hazards.
  • IS-235, Emergency Planning
    This course is designed for emergency management personnel who are involved in developing an effective emergency planning system. This course offers training in the fundamentals of the emergency planning process, including the rationale behind planning. It will develop an individual's capability for effective participation in the all-hazard emergency operations planning process to save lives and protect property threatened by disaster.
  • IS-240, Leadership & Influence
    Being able to lead others - to motivate them to commit their energies and expertise to achieving the shared mission and goals of the emergency management system - is a necessary and vital part of the job for every emergency manager, planner, and responder. This course is designed to improve an individual's leadership and influence skills. It addresses: leadership from within, how to facilitate change, how to build and rebuild trust, using personal influence and political savvy, and fostering an environment for leadership development.
  • IS-241, Decision Making and Problem Solving
    Being able to make decisions and solve problems effectively is a necessary and vital part of the job for every emergency manager, planner, and responder. This course is designed to improve an individual's decision-making skills. It addresses: the decision-making process, decision-making styles, attributes of an effective decision maker, and ethical decision making and problem solving.
  • IS-242, Effective Communication
    Being able to communicate effectively is a necessary and vital part of the job for every emergency manager, planner, and responder. This course is designed to improve your communication skills. It addresses: basic communication skills, how to communicate in an emergency, how to identify community-specific communication issues, using technology as a communication tool, effective oral communication, and how to prepare an oral presentation.
  • IS-244, Developing and Managing Volunteers
    This course is for emergency managers and related professionals working with all types of volunteers and coordinating with voluntary agencies. The course provides procedures and tools for building and working with voluntary organizations. Topics include: benefits and challenges of using volunteers, building a volunteer program, writing job descriptions, developing volunteers through recruitment, placement, training, supervision and evaluation, coordinating with voluntary agencies and community-based organizations, and special issues including spontaneous volunteers, liability, and stress.
• Staging and Traffic Control - Classroom
  This classroom course covers the fundamentals of traffic control when infrastructure is impacted. The concepts behind traffic direction, parking, operating an efficient staging system, access control, and transportation planning are covered during this course.
• Staging and Traffic Control - Practical
  This course will demonstrate the proper techniques in a variety of traffic control situations (multi-lane road, dedicated turn lanes, etc.) as well as review the proper ways to manage vehicle staging at an incident. The participants are placed in a scenario and are required to demonstrate their understanding of these skills. This course may also include observation of an actual event’s operations at a community organization. Prerequisite: Staging and Traffic Control - Classroom
• Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Support - Classroom
  In this course, staff members will learn the support roles unique to a Mass Casualty Incident and their responsibilities. The course will provide an in-depth understanding of the support requirements for such an event, including mandatory documentation, patient tracking, and hospital reporting requirements. Further, the course will detail the role that the Agency is expected to play in such an event, and what specific duties staff members may be asked to fill. Finally, the course will familiarize members with the basic functions of supplies in the MCI trailer, as well as the proper method of deploying an MCI triage site using those supplies. A demonstration of resource deployment will take place.
• Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Support - Practical
  In this practical demonstration, members will be given a scenario involving a Mass Casualty Incident. Without the support or interaction of trainers, staff members will be required to setup an effective MCI triage area to support the scenario given.  Thought must be given to victim location, available transportation points, casualty collection points, and terrain, among other factors. Course participants will be required to demonstrate aptitude through supervised assessment. Prerequisite: Mass Casualty Incident Support – Classroom
• Damage Assessment
  This classroom course teaches staff the fundamentals of assessing damage to private residences, businesses, and public infrastructure. It covers damage classifications, techniques, and forms required by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Due to the seasonal nature of this course, it is expected that members will actively pursue this course during both their Probationary and Field Training Programs.
• Intermediate Level Usage of Incident Command System Forms
  A follow-on to the introduction-level course, this course introduces staff to the specific forms and paperwork involved with planning, operations, logistics, and administration / finance. This is a practical course that introduces the individual forms within the ICS by utilizing simple scenarios.
• McLean County EOP Awareness
  High-level awareness of the McLean County Emergency Operations Plan ensures effective incident management. This course will review the McLean County EOP in such a way that each staff member will be capable of demonstrating high-level awareness of the Agency’s role in a major emergency. This course will also review the county, state, and federal disaster declaration process.
• Winter Weather
  This course covers winter weather practices performed by the Agency. Staff members will learn how to assist motorists, survey and report accidents and abandoned vehicles, transport individuals to shelters, and support other agencies with power, food, and shelter needs. Due to the seasonal nature of this course, it is expected that Officers will actively pursue this course during both their Probationary and Field Training Programs.
• Incident Command Tabletop Exercise
  This course serves as a capstone for all incident command courses. Staff members will demonstrate hands-on competencies in various facets of Incident Command and Unified Command through use of a scenario.
  Prerequisite: Intermediate Level Usage of Incident Command System Forms