Compliance with federal mandates like this have become By-Law ammenments. We want to stay qualified for those bucks and to be able to prove we are serious about it. We are both.
For my department on a Non Command level position (firefighter) we are required to have IS 100, 200, 700, and 800. To be able to apply for federal grants your department MUST be up to snuff on these requirements or your grant request is worthless and gets 0 consideration. Federal mandates are created for a reason.
Command level officers. A truck engineer who is nothing more than an equipment and truck inspector (no command function) is not required to take the extra classes. I think it is wise to take them anyway being they are free and will be there already completed if a change in rank occurs.
My department requires you too take the NIMS- 100, 200,700,800. within a time frame. My fire deaprtment wats you to know that stuff inside and out. thats why we just got a grant for 13 million dollors to be used for some new trucks and additions to two of are stations. and a new cascade system. possible for a another firehouse. if you can show that your department has the training, the feds give you all kinds of money for new equipment. we also order 75 sets of new bunker gear.
Firefighters - 700, 100, and 200
Senior Firefighters and Apparatus Operators - Full NIMS/ICS that exceeds the objectives for the 700/100/200 classes.
Lieutenants - the above, plus 300 and Incident Safety Officer
Captains, Chiefs, and Emergency Management - the above, plus 400 and Unified Command