GSARA Activity Description

The WAWG GSAR Academy training involves preliminary task training, followed by field exercises. Field exercises will be conducted in any weather, at any time, during the Academy. Scenarios will develop your skills as a Ground Team/UDF member in as many field situations as you might encounter in your SAR career.

Many field exercises will be lengthy (several kilometers), testing the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired during the Academy. They will involve a wide variety of terrain and elevations, climbing, descending, subject evacuations, simulated/actual first aid treatment and several navigational opportunities during day and night scenarios. Each student will handle the DF equipment and operate communications in the field as well.

In this light, participants must be physically and mentally prepared to endure strenuous activity during the Academy. Cadets should be in the Category 1 physical fitness level. 
Additionally, participants may be exposed to natural hazards, such as:

• Bees and other stinging insects – if allergic – bring TWO (2) EpiPens

• Native plants (nettles) and thorny plants (devil’s club, blackberries, etc.)

• Extreme heat

• Extreme terrain

• Rain and Cold

PLEASE advise the GSARA staff of concerns that may be a factor during the registration process.
The Academy website has a packing list page. Your equipment check will take place on arrival day. Your transportation is not to leave until you have successfully passed your equipment check! This check fulfills the CAP 24 and 72 hour equipment requirements and addresses Academy specific needs.  Any shortcomings will be assessed by the Academy Director before you are cleared to participate.

The GSAR Academy has three courses:  Basic, Advanced and Staff Training.  The Basic course is designed to produce a Ground Team Member 3 (GTM 3) qualification.  The Advanced course is designed to produce GTM 2 and 1 qualified members.  Staff Training provides training required to become GSAR Academy staff member. 

The GSAR staff is capable of instructing through Ground Branch Director if participants are eligible for that training. 

The Academy staff are pleased to bring this training to you, combining many years of SAR experience and the desire to continue to train top-notch Ground SAR volunteers in the Civil Air Patrol!

Bryan Watson, Lt Col, CAP
Director, WAWG GSAR Academy
gsara@wawg.cap.gov

Course Descriptions

(See Participant Requirements here)

Basic Course - $250

1. Instruction on all Ground Team Member (GTM) 3 tasks IAW SQTRs & WAC 118-04 Core Requirement courses (Helicopter Safety & Crime Scene Awareness)

   1. ✔ Sign offs for successfully passed evaluations

2. Instruction and evaluation on all Pennsylvania Wing Ranger 3rd Class rating requirements

3. Leadership & Extensive team building exercises

Advanced Course - $250

1. Students will train and be evaluated through the GTM1 level further enhancing skills in rescue techniques, land search theory, air to ground coordination, advanced navigation skills including latitude and longitude, casualty evacuation, advanced survival skills, UDF and SAR team training.

2. Students will also learn the leadership skills necessary to build ground teams in their home units.

3. Instruction and evaluation available on all Pennsylvania Wing Ranger 2nd and 1st Class rating

4. Students will practice their newly honed skills during several search simulations and may spend up to four days away from base camp on a field training exercise.

5. The field training will include extensive hiking with full 72-hour gear.

Staff Training Course - $250

1. This course is designed for those trainees unable to attend the weekend staff training events that occur for several months prior to the 8-day summer Academy.  Those from out of the commutable area (ex. Out of state) can take advantage of this program to serve in 2027 as a Team Leader.

2. Students will train and be evaluated through the GTM1 level further enhancing skills in rescue techniques, land search theory, air to ground coordination, advanced navigation skills including latitude and longitude, casualty evacuation, advanced survival skills, UDF and SAR team training.

3. Students learn the leadership skills necessary to lead and train students at GSAR Academy events.

4. Instruction and evaluation available on all Pennsylvania Wing Ranger 2nd and 1st Class rating.

5. Students will practice their newly honed leadership skills during several search simulations and may spend up to four days away from base camp on a field training exercise.

6. The field training will include extensive hiking with full 72-hour gear.