Maryland Search and Rescue
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Training Levels
When you first join, you are classified as a Boot, basically because you have to start from the ground up. You can hold a few elected and appointed positions, and take part in all meetings, trainings, fundraisers, etc... The only thing in the program that you cannot do as a Boot is be called for actual searches. Boots will acquire minimum equipment needed for search and rescue work, attend a series of regular training meetings, and participate in training weekends.

Having completed this initial training, members are then eligible to go on a Search and Rescue mission, they have earned the status of CQ, or Call-Out Qualified. What this means is that you know the basics of our organization and you have completed a training checklist that includes having the necessary gear and equipment, knowledge of radio procedures, and basic search and survival skills. This also allows you to hold higher elected and appointed positions.

The next training phase is for Field Team Member (FTM). This is given to those who show a mastery of skills and pass both a practical and written test. As FTM you can run for the highest youth positions such as President.

The final level of training for ground teams is Field Team Leader (FTL) which, among other things, means you will be responsible for an entire search team. Members can train earlier for this level but must be at least 18 years old to hold this certification.

Main Training Levels Estimated time it takes to earn status Search
Boot Status when new member No
Call out Qualified 3+ months Can be on SAR team
Field Team Member 1-2 years Can be on SAR team
Field Team Leader 3 years + (must be over 18) Leads SAR teams 
Skills Required to Become Call-Out Qualified
1.  Participate in trainings covering: 
	a. the role of the CQ
	b. ASRC / MSAR policies and procedures
	c. personal equipment and its safe and proper use
	d. short-term survival
	e. search tactics
	f. personal safety
	g. the process of MSAR call out procedures

2.  Participate in at least two MSAR training weekends

3.  Completing a MSAR 24-hour pack check

4.  Function as an effective search team member on an uncomplicated search task

5.  Building and spending a night in both a debris shelter and a tarp shelter

6.  Build a fire

7.  Tie the following knots:
	a. Figure 8
	b. Figure 8 follow through
	c. Figure 8 on a bight
	d. Taut-line hitch
	e. Water knot
	f. Water knot follow through

8.  Demonstrate the ability to:
	a. use the hand held radio
	b. use the phonetic alphabet
	c. use proper radio protocol

9.  Maintain and be able to demonstrate an appropriate level of fitness

10.  Possess properly labeled standard uniform: 
	ASRC: blue shirt, dark blue six-pocket pants and yellow ASRC t-shirt 
	MSAR: gray MSAR t-shirt; General: hiking boots.

11.  Consistently demonstrate professional, safe, and cooperative behavior

12.  Complete verbal “Interview” with training team

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Last modified: August, 2007