Goal
The goal of the 32-week Advanced Training is to equip each man with vocational skills in an area he can use to support his future ministry endeavors, while increasing his emergency response capabilities. In many of the Advanced Training options, the 32 weeks of training (34 weeks for Paramedic, plus ten weeks of EMT-Basic if not already certified) can contribute to a young man’s pursuit of national certification in his chosen field; however, the emphasis remains on “service to others,” as the men remain on stand-by for possible disaster-relief or service deployments. Both skills and character are essential ingredients for preparing a man to minister to the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of those he is called to serve.
The semester schedule of Advanced Training allows each man to seek and follow the Lord’s will in his specific calling. Graduation from ALERT requires completion of Basic Training (9 weeks), Emergency Response Training (10 weeks), and 32 weeks of Advanced Training, which may be completed within one field of study or in three sessions in various training fields. Whether preparing for a home business or developing diverse skills for future ministry, Advanced Training provides the flexibility to follow a desired course of instruction.
Advanced Training Options
Note: Not all training options are available each session; please contact the Training Officer for specific scheduling.
Major courses include Aircraft Maintenance, Aquatics, Auto Mechanics, Aviation, Basic Training Leadership and Support, Emergency Medicine, Emergency Services Operations, Law Enforcement, Leadership and Business Management, and Property and Facility Care. Read on to find out more.
Aircraft Maintenance—General (10–32 weeks)*
Apprenticeship in the procedures, practices, materials, tools, and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering airframes and powerplants. Students may elect to remain beyond their graduation for an additional 96 weeks to complete the full course of practical training required for federal certification as an A&P Mechanic. (Please note that these additional weeks exclude furloughs, deployments, and other absences from training. A week implies 40 hours of work at the hangar or on related assignments.)
Aquatics (11 weeks)
An intense program in aquatic rescue and recovery. The foundation of the training is the Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Special Response Diver courses from the Emergency Response phase. Advanced diving courses include Tactical Diver, Drysuit Diving, Enriched Air Nitrox Diving, and Rescue Diving. All SCUBA classes include nationally recognized certification by the National Association of SCUBA Educators (NASE) or the National Academy of Police Diving (NAPD). Other aspects of aquatic rescue covered include Lifeguarding (with certification through the American Red Cross) and Swift Water Rescue.
Auto Mechanics (10–32 weeks)*
Hands-on work in the auto shop for those with either prior auto mechanic skills or those men who wish to learn basic maintenance on vehicles. There is no formal training/classroom structure and project assignments are at the discretion of the auto shop manager. Individual abilities determine type of work assigned. When feasible and/or time allows, men will work side-by-side with a skilled mechanic.
Aviation (10–32 weeks)*
Flight and ground instruction leading to a private pilot’s license and instrument rating. Training covers all required aspects of knowledge, skill, and experience. Cross-country flights with an experienced instructor offer a special opportunity to gain valuable, real-life experience in dealing with weather and traffic controllers. Additional instruction is available past graduation for Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor, and Instrument Instructor. Actual flight hour costs are in addition to room and board and tuition. Please discuss projected flight costs with aviation instructors.
Basic Training Leadership and Support (11–12 weeks)
Participating as either a squad leader or logistics assistant for future Basics. Includes some classroom training. Men who are in ERT who chose this as their next option will be excused from final weeks of ERT requirements to join leadership training classes in preparation for Basic.
Emergency Medicine
EMT-Basic (11 weeks)—Instruction in emergency care, with practical experience gained at a local hospital’s emergency department and ambulance service. The EMT-Basic course is prerequisite to the EMT-Paramedic course and is offered during the second 10-week session of each semester. Students may apply for state and/or national certification as an EMT-Basic, upon completion.
EMT-Paramedic (34 weeks)—Didactic, practical, and clinical instruction in advanced professional emergency care. This course is offered once every year, during the summer session. Students may test and apply for state and/or national certification as an EMT-Paramedic, upon completion of the course.
Emergency Services Operations (21 weeks)
A program specializing in emergency services operations. Elements include 480-hour fire academy, high-angle rescue, urban search-and-rescue, water rescue, trench rescue, and confined-space rescue.
Law Enforcement (21 weeks)
Instruction given in accordance with national, state, and local law enforcement standards. Good background for those planning a career in criminal justice. The Police Academy is not state-certified or accredited, but it is taught by professionals in their specific fields. Minimum entry age is 19.
Leadership and Business Management (10–11 weeks)
A class consists of learning principles of leadership, basic principles in business, and service projects. Guest speakers, dynamic lectures and studies via videos. Practical instruction and support roles are facilitated via deployment and unit trips.
Property and Facility Care Level I (10–32 weeks)*
The Property and Facility Care Level I (PC1) is a training option available to men in need of financial assistance. PC1 members go through Basic Training, like all other ALERT applicants. Upon successful completion of Basic Training, applicants receive a substantial discount for their Emergency Response Training in exchange for 32 weeks of on-campus service for their Advanced Training option. Contact the ALERT Training Officer for more information.
Property and Facility Care Level II (10–32 weeks)*
A mentoring program for men to work directly with facility officers learning skills in HVAC, appliance repair and general maintenance, and trouble-shooting. Room and board only. Contact the ALERT Training Officer for more information.
*Men who select the marked courses are permitted to take courses in either 10-, 21- or 32-week increments. Only those men who take the full 32 weeks will receive ALERT certification in the selected training option at graduation.
