How to get on a IST as a Trainee

[riversideff]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking to get some information on how to get out as a Trainee as a Plans, Tech Info or Communication Technician. Have all or most of my class but need to get my task books signed off but need to get out as a trainee. I work for a Municipal Fire Dept in the RRU and I currently work on a USAR Team as a Plans, Technical Information Specialist and Communication Technician. If anyone can get me in touch or send me in the right direction so I can contribute to a IMT or fill in when the state is tapped out.

Thanks,

Chris

[caffpm]

IST? Assuming you mean IMT? Here’s the short version

Contact your agency CICCS rep (usu a chief officer at a smaller agency, larger agancies have a designee) and ask them to certify your task books and get you into ROSS,. Then go available as a trainee. Team slots are usually an application process during the off season.

Get out as a single increment overhead and start building a network of contacts, see who you like and want to work with then apply to those teams for the position(s) you want.

[Captmack]

An IST is an Incident Support Team. They are an extension of a USAR Task Force and kind of act as a "Technical Specialist" or Liaison to the IMT on the specific technical abilities, needs, etc for a USAR Task Force. They typically only carry the Command & General Staff positions. I do not know the process of getting involved with an IST but I would suggest you talk with the Task Force Leader for you team and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

[ajohansson]

the deadline to get on the revamped cal fire IMTs for 2013 is toward the end of the month. I dont remember the exact date. PM me and I can get you the details.

[caffpm]

ah...thank u

[mdub]

How bout' this question...
Left the FS as a highly qualified IHC foreman. Went than agency that chooses not to support these qualifications because there's no "brass" on the collar. How does one circumvent the system to apply for an IMT without "new" agency sponsorship?

[ajohansson]

How bout' this question...
Left the FS as a highly qualified IHC foreman. Went than agency that chooses not to support these qualifications because there's no "brass" on the collar. How does one circumvent the system to apply for an IMT without "new" agency sponsorship?

Your agency is going to have to support you. for cal fire they sign a contract. i think the feds the same. You need to find the right person at your agency to push that brass doesnt equal qualifications. Thats the whole basis of ICS! Also look at the new CA CICCS position guide as its more friendly to LG. If its any consolation im a FF rank in small Lg dept and on a CF team as a SITL trainee. It can be done. Pm for help if you want