1. Mission Staff Assistant MSA
Introducing the Mission Specialty Qualifications Requirements, developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project 1998
Updated by Civil Air Patrol NHQ in 2008.
Updated by TX-442 MSA Volunteers in December 2018.

2. Reasons for Update
The Mission Base Staff Tasks lists have not been updated or at least published since 2005.
The Web Mission Information Reporting System (WMIRS), a major tool for the MSA, was developed after those tasks lists which are still in use for MSA training.
A WMIRS document was last published in 2011 and is of little value to the working MSA

3. Reasons for Update (cont.)
Some Knowledge of WMIRS is a prerequisite to starting qualification training for MSA.
This update introduces the need for WMIRS and new training material developed in the last 10 years. Also introduces the concept of a Mission Base Home for the MSA under the Planning Section & Resources Unit. The Resources Unit Leader was documented in R60-3 in 2012, no SQTR yet.

4. Missions Qualificatios
Three areas of qualification (partial lists)
Ground and Urban Direction Finding Teams
Ground Team Leader
Ground Team Member
Urban DF Team
Aircrews
Mission Pilot
Mission Observer
Mission Scanner
Airborne Photographer
CAP personnel participating in ES operations primarily fall into three categories: Ground & Urban DF Teams, Aircrews, and Mission Base Staff. Ground teams are often used on disaster relief operations when air operations are precluded due to weather. (15) Ground teams should not be dispatched with less than four individuals. (31)
CAP mission managers and flight crews should refer to CAPR 60-1 for flight time and duty limitations. (25) CAP observers/scanners may not use night vision devices. (26) At least ten hours of aircrew rest is mandatory before going on another mission. (48)
All personnel qualified in emergency services specialties should have a record of this kept in their Emergency Services Specialty Qualification Record, the CAPF 114. (28) Not every position is required for every mission, but these are the areas that you can train to support our efforts in.
Also,if any of you have any specialty skills that you are bringing to the table early on like training in Critical Incident Stress Management, Collapse Rescue, or other useful areas let your unit ES staff know so that they can pursue getting that technical specialty added on to your 101 card as well and get you listed as a resource in that area. It takes several personnel to make every mission happen, and the requirements vary depending on the type and depth of the mission. Each of these specialties has requirements for training and qualification as they have specific job requirements. These are outlined in our emergency services regulations.
Mission Base Personnel MSA, etc.

5. Mission Base Staff
The primary mission base staff in two slides Developed for the Incident Command System ICS

6. Command Staff
The Incident Commander position is staffed at all times. (71) The Command Staff includes Safety, Information, Chaplain, and Liaison Officers. (97)
The Safety Officer position is responsible for monitoring and assessing safety hazards or unsafe situations and for developing measures for ensuring personnel safety. (70)
The media are focusing their attention on the hotel staff. Rumors have begun that the outbreak of illness is really Legionnaires’ Disease. The Incident Commander should immediately establish an Information function. (86) The Information Officer is responsible for interfacing with the press and disseminating public information. (95)
In a fire, several victims have been extracted, others are probably dead. The Incident Commander requests local clergy, mental health personnel, and American Red Cross be called in, and to check in with the Liaison Officer. (94) The Incident Commander has requested that the American Red Cross open several shelters in the area. The American Red Cross commander would communicate with the Liaison Officer. (64) In addition, a staging area and casualty collection point should be established. (92)

7. General Staff
An Incident Commander would generally activate the general staff positions of Planning, Operations, Logistics, and Finance/Administration. (61) Most incidents will not require the Incident Commander to establish all command and general staff positions. (96)
In an unexplained outbreak of cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, the first Incident Commander (an EMS responder) became aware of 75 people requiring assistance. Completing an initial assessment of the situation, additional resources were needed based on the incident stability and safety to the public and responders. (83)
The Planning Section’s first priority is to assess the situation. (91) A Situation Unit to the Planning Section might be activated to help assess the incident stability. (84) In a situation in which you, as a counselor, were asked to help calm hysterical students whose friends are trapped in a fire, you must check in with the Resources Unit of the Planning Section. (93) If you are a senior member and you and your day-to-day supervisor have been activated to work in the Documentation Unit, after checking in, you would report to the Documentation Unit Commander. (65) Other units are Demobilization and Technical Specialist.
The Logistics Section can be divided into a Service Branch (which includes units of Communications, Medical and Food) and a Support Branch (which includes units of Supply, Facilities, and Ground Support.
The Finance/Administration section is responsible for tracking incident costs. (57). Logistics is responsible for providing facilities, services, and materials for the incident. (58) Units within Finance include Time, Procurement, Cost, and Compensation/Claim.
During an incident, the school administrator is concerned that the school system will not be reimbursed for the costs it incurred while providing shelter space. She is aware that the Governor has declared a state of emergency. As Document Unit Leader, you should suggest she submit an estimate of the costs incurred to the Incident Commander as soon as possible. (68)

8. A Home for the MSA
Prior to CAP Regulation 60-3, ICS introduced the Resources Unit as a unit under the Planning Section Chief. The unit may have four positions:
Resources Unit Leader
Mission Resources Check-in Position
Mission Resources Tracking Position
Mission MSA Coordination Position – MSA HOME
The ICS name is Volunteer Coordination.

9. The MSA Position
The Mission Staff Assistant (MSA) is an entry-level, learning, Mission Base Staff Position.
The typical MSA responsibility is administration. With the first position being Check-in for personnel and equipment in the Resources Unit.
AN SQTR is NEEDED FOR TRAINING:
101 card for MSA, or (Supervised Trainee Status*)
allows participation in a mission.

10. A learning opportunity
The MSA mission position is as ubiquitous as any asset in the CAP inventory. It is the lowest rung on the CAP Mission qualification ladder BUT the MSA is offered an outstanding learning experience allowing a career climb up the CAP ladder to any position in CAP that he or she is determined to obtain.
A mission base wide experience is enabled by learning how to assist each staff area, Hands-On.

11. WMIRS Check-in Screens
The MSA Starting Task
An absolutely necessary Prerequisite: Familiarity
with
WMIRS Check-in Screens
The Check-in Position in the Resources Unit under the Planning Section, is a Beginning Task for an MSA

12. Mission Check-in Position
Process mission personnel and equipment during a mission.
Primary duties:
Setup Check-in Position
Access Mission data
Be familiar with Check-in Checklist
Correctly observe uniforms & credentials
Sign-in and Sign-out all assets
Be familiar with uploading data to WMIRS
Assist in demobilize the work station end of mission.

13. Example of the Alpine Check-in Checklist
The following is a reduced copy of the Check-in Checklist prepared from Regulations and Operations Plans requirements for Check-in.
This typical checklist was prepared by the Resources Unit Leader (Acting) for the Alpine Mt. Flying Clinic.

15. Helpful Knowledge
Knowledge of WMIRS Capabilities General Computer Skills: Excel, PowerPoint, Word Conversant with the ZULU 24hr Clock Location of Regulations and Forms in gocivilairpatrol.com Knowledge of processing SQTRs An inquiring mind

16. CHECK-IN Uses WMIRS
Web Mission Information Reporting System WMIRS is a computer based system “… to assist CAP and Department of Defense (DOD) leaders so they can more effectively review, approve and monitor CAP missions.” WMIRS is the computer system used at CAP Missions for entering missions (Personnel, Aircraft, Vehicles, possibly additionally small non-expendable items, operational and financial data.

17. WMIRS Requires the Internet
Occasional the internet may not be available, but resources must be logged in. Run down a original hardcopy of an ICS 211 and add to your go-bag. This is a hardcopy Resources Check-in. You may need a pen or pencil.
The Resources Unit Leader should give the Check-in crew a heads-up if this will happen.
In a live mission the mission base location may not be fully equipped to our liking.

18. MSA Assist Other Mission Staff Positions
Qualified MSA’s or an MSA Supervised Trainee (*) status may be needed to perform functions with other specialty areas (mission staff positions):
Mission Safety Officer
Public Information Officer
Planning Section Chief
Logistics Chief
Operations Section Chief
Incident Commander

19. Specific Assistance to Mission Base Staff
MSA may be asked to assist in:
Conducting basic safety/hazard inspections
Assisting the Public Information Officer
Answering Staff questions using WMIRS data.
Assisting setting up and maintaining status boards
Locating personnel for next ops period
Developing forms for the Incident Action Plan
Compiling mission data and documents
Maintaining logs and information

20. Examples of Hands-on Assistance
Assisting the Mission Safety Officer (MSO)

21. Safety is everyone's Job
Check for Safety/RM forms to be in WMIRS and TXWG Mishaps Reporting Roster to be properly posted, assist in preparation.
Risk Management (RM), is used to eliminate or mitigate hazards to mission assets.
Report any hazards or unsafe practices to the safety officer.
Wherever you are, look for hazards - use common sense
If imminent danger, take immediate action.

22. Mishap Investigations
If no MSO at the mission base:
Start w/Mission Mishap Reporting Roster:
txwgf
Contact the IC or a Staff Supervisor:
IC or unit commander immediately notifies the wing commander and wing safety officer.
If serious injury or death is involved, National HQ personnel are notified.

23. Vehicle Inspections Perform a vehicle safety inspection.
Normally the duty of the MSO
Daily Vehicle Inspection Report
If necessary, update and maintain a vehicle operations (usage) log for the finance/admin section. See CAPF 73

24. Another Mission Base Position to Assist
Assisting the Public Information Officer

25. Assisting the PIO
Assisting the PIO who may be absent when a visitor arrives, is a very important and occasionally delicate task.
Family members of a person involved in a
search and rescue mission require special
care and after getting them out of the main
stream of the mission base, send a member to
locate a staff supervisor, preferably the PIO or
Incident commander

26. More PIO
No Information is released without permission from the IC or PIO.
Direct reporters, family and bystanders to the IC, if no PIO. Better to send a member to find the IC.
Media folks may be assertive, ask them to wait for the IC or PIO. You may find yourself on TV saying too much.
Never guess or speculate. Always follow-up.
“I don’t know” or “You need to ask the PIO” – Not “I am not allowed to tell you.”

27. Maintain Logs for any position that asks
Local, CAP and ICS Forms/Logs:
All units at mission base are to keep a log.
This task is a natural for the MSA as the principles are usually too busy to keep a running a log.
WMIRS makes it easy by providing an online log.
ICS 214 is available if a WMIRS screen is not.
All New MSAs should practice maintaining a position log wherever they work, use a ICS214.

28. More on Logs
The MRO (Comm.) has a special log. The MRO will instruct you on how to complete their paper log, and their WMIRS online log.
The next slide provides a copy of the ICS 214 which can be used by a mission base MSA with a pen or pencil and be uploaded into WMIRS at the end of the day. The general log should contain significant events, certainly opening and closing of the positions in the Unit.

29. General Purpose ICS 214 Form

30. Resources Tracking Position
Resources Tracking is a Task position similar to the Check-in position under the Resources Unit.
It is a position to be staffed by an MSA.

31. Resource Tracking cont.
Determine the status and availability of resources for a mission.
Identify and locate resources:
The IC and PSC are interested.
Verify resources:
Make sure resources are onsite.
If not onsite, where are they?
Where will they be at night fall?
Eyes-on inventory may be needed

32. Resource Tracking (cont)
Track deployed resources:
Use an equipment sign-out log to control non-expendable assets.
Non-expendable assets must be inspected and returned to their proper locations at end of mission.
Document significant expendables used.
Make sure any equipment borrowed from another agency is returned (in the same or better condition as it was when you borrowed it).

33. MSA Coordination Position
This is Mission Base Home for the MSA. It is a Position in the Resources Unit.
GOALS
Provide a point of contact between a qualified MSA available at a mission and the Mission Base Staff positions that need assistance.
Provide a point for MSAs of all experience to find guidance and support from SET qualified MSAs
A place for members that have checked in with only a GES and need supervision and guidance.

34. Personal Duty Tips
Be professional and helpful and supportive in attitude.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help from your supervisor.
Be careful, there can be many hazards around a mission base (wires, antennas, vehicles, half empty coffee cups).
Watch your health. Don’t get so involved in duties you forget hydration, eating, rest, etc.
Remember to take into account of your duty time that it may involve a long drive home.
Don’t try to do something you haven’t been trained to do.
Consider the Flight Line to require supervisor permission.

35. Start Learning
Official MSA Training cannot start until a Specialty Qualification Training Record (SQTR) is started for the member in eServices. This is required of all Operational Specialties.
The active worksheet should be printed and carried with you when in a training environment. This will allow you to demonstrate your proficiency in a task and receive approval from a member who is a qualified MSA Skills Evaluator/Trainer, (SET). You will input the data on eServices and submit. A copy will go to the SET for approval.

36. And Keep Learning
For MSA training to officially be documented and approved by a qualified SET, your Unit Commander must add his/her signature to allow you to train. There are two signatures required. One to approve the prerequisites and the second to allow advanced training.
After the second CC signature the member will receive a Supervised Trainee Status (*) on their 101 card. This is helpful at mission Check-in.

37. SQTR Worksheet

38. MSA SQTR Tasks These are tasks currently on the MSA SQTR
Approval must be obtained from a SET
P-2006 Demonstrate knowledge of the MSA responsibilities.
P-2002 Demonstrate the ability to escort dignitaries and visitors.
P-2003 Demonstrate the ability to process incoming resources for use on the mission.
P-2005 Demonstrate collection and updating of incident status information.
L-0001 – Basic Communications procedures for ES OPS.
P Demonstrate ability to keep a log.

39. Important Regulations
Take a look at the Green ones first
CAPM 39-1: CAP Uniform Manual
CAPR 70-1: CAP Flight Management
CAPR 60-3: CAP ES Training & Operational Mission
CAPR 62-1: CAP Safety Responsibilities & Procedures
CAPR 62-2: Mishap Reporting and Investigation
CAPR 100-3: CAP Communications
CAPR 900-3: Firearms- Assistance to Law Enforcement Agencies
CAPR 60-3 will “Soon” become a CAPR 70-X –Watch for it.

40. WMIRS Self Training
If you are a CAP member and have a CAPID you will be able to access WMIRS.
Grab an MSA or an experienced CAP member and learn how to access WMIRS. Look around, try not to change any data. There is an eService development site where you can practice checking-in personnel and other assets.
You will receive instructor-lead hands-on training for the Check-in position.

41. WMIRS Data Security
WMIRS is a secure computer system. By secure we mean a password is needed to access the WMIRS system.
When the data is viewed by those that have access and remains on the computer that is not a problem. The problem comes when a print is made of a page of WMIRS data. Should it be marked in some way such as FOUO.

42. More Security A TIP for Beginners:
CONSIDER ALL DATA on WMIRS as being “SENSITIVE”. Do not talk about it to folks not in CAP and don’t make a print of anything on WMIRS without consulting a Staff Supervisor.
This is not about the Government classified system of Confidential and up. We are mostly dealing with data that is not Classified in that sense but is SENSITIVE and should be considered – For Official Use Only. More down the road.

43. You are on your way to MSA
When you have reviewed these slides and believe you have a basic understanding of the MSA position, contact an MSA with the Skill Evaluation Training (SET) Qualification. You will need your squadron commander approval of prerequisites before the P-2006 is approved.
If your understanding is sufficient, you will be approved for Task P Then with another CC signature on the SQTR you will be ready for advanced training.
Your 101 will now show “Supervised Trainee Status.”

44. THINK: RISK AWARENESS LEADING TO IMPROVED SAFETY
QUESTIONS?
THINK: RISK AWARENESS
LEADING TO IMPROVED SAFETY