Raven Response Group is a small, tight-knit group of volunteers. While some of our members are located throughout the country, most are based in North Texas.

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Don't have any experience in Search and Rescue?

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No problem. Our leadership team will help you get started and find a place where your skills and interests can contribute.

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What role(s) can you play in Search and Rescue?

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The answer is a lot or as little as you like.

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Incident Command

Technical Search And Rescue     

K9 Handler

K9 Flanker 

 Mounted Search And Rescue  

Tracking and Sign Cutting  

General Team Support                         

Public Safety Diver                     

Ground Search                           

Wilderness Search                     

Lost Person Behavior                 

Drone/Underwater Drone

Boat Operator          

Communications                        

Crew Leader

Medical Support 

Fundraising

Training decoy (play hide and seek)

And so much more!

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How much time do I need to commit?

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As much as you can. Members are required to attend at least 50% of team meet-ups, which are held at least monthly, and are generally known at least 30 days in advance. Callouts are often short notice, so participation is encouraged but optional based on work, family, and other commitments.

Most members live close enough to get together regularly to work on skills, learn new ones, and sometimes just enjoy a little social time. Our trainings are fun and focused, and we spend a lot of time working together as a team.

K9 handlers train more frequently and often separately from general team trainings. Handlers typically spend up to two years training themselves and conditioning their assigned K9 partners before becoming eligible for deployment.

Most Ground Search and Rescue members can attend regular monthly trainings and complete the majority of their basic training during the first year. Some Basic Search and Rescue responder training is completed online at home.

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What are the requirements to join?

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Members must be 18 years of age or older. Youth members may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but must be at least 16 and have permission from a parent or guardian. Youth members are not permitted to deploy to a callout, regardless of their qualifications.

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All prospective members must pass a criminal background check. Criminal history may disqualify an applicant from membership, and members may be subject to random yearly background checks.

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Members must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident of the United States.

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Previous Search and Rescue experience is not required. New members must complete at least the Basic Level team taskbook within their first two years of membership before becoming eligible for deployment. Credit may be given for documented previous training and experience.

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What does it cost to join?

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Unlike many volunteer teams, Raven Response Group does not charge a membership fee.

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Members are responsible for purchasing their own uniform and most of the personal equipment needed for their position. The team does have a limited supply of extra gear and some members may have equipment available to loan while a new member gets started.

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Basic uniform requirements include:

Dark gray T-shirt or tactical pullover
Royal blue overshirt or jacket for thick brush
Khaki hiking or BDU-style pants
Black or brown hiking or tactical boots
Appropriate head and sun protection
Rain gear and other weather-appropriate clothing
Camouflage is not permitted.

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Equipment needs vary by position and may include a backpack, K9 or equine equipment, and other specialty gear. Members are encouraged to use equipment they find comfortable and practical rather than purchasing everything at once.

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Want to join but don't think you can commit the time or cost to get involved?

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For many of our volunteers, the time and expense involved in getting Search and Rescue ready can seem daunting at first. You don't have to make that commitment just to get involved.

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Come out to a training when you can, volunteer to “get lost” for a search exercise, help with fundraising or organizing team events, or simply spend some time getting to know the team.

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There are plenty of ways to support Raven while deciding whether Search and Rescue is right for you.

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Want to come to a team training but don't know what to expect?

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Come join us. We regularly need volunteers to serve as “lost” subjects during training exercises. Depending on the training, you may be asked to hide for a K9 team, participate in a ground search exercise, or simply observe and get to know how the team works.

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No Search and Rescue experience is needed to volunteer at a training.

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Contact us if you'd like to attend an upcoming training or be added to our training notification list.

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How do I join?

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​To request to join the team, please send an email to our main office at RavenResponseGroup@gmail.com.  Please include an introduction to yourself or a brief Bio, a resume including any previous experience in Search and Rescue and let us know the best way to contact you.  

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All applications for membership shall be considered based on qualifications and or experience alone. No special considerations shall be given for race, sex, or age; though you must be 18 years of age to join.  For anyone wanting to join with no experience in Search And Rescue; you will be required to complete team training within 2 years and will not be permitted to deploy on missions until training is complete and you have received your final sign off. All positions are Volunteer positions with no compensation; monetary or otherwise. The team is supported by donations to the Compass Foundation (a 501(c)3) but relies on volunteer hours from members. 

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