Join Socorro SAR

We rely solely on volunteers from the community and we are always looking for individuals who are up to the challenges and rewards that SAR has to offer. If you have the courage to make a difference, come join our team! Becoming fully trained in our program may take many months, but prospective team members are instantly included in all our team-sponsored training events and activities. It doesn’t take long to learn what you need to know to start making a difference in your community.

Meetings

Regular team meetings are held every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month during the NMT regular semesters at 7 pm. Meeting locations vary by semester or event, so please get in touch with us to get the most recent information. Regular meetings are open to all, no experience or commitment is required.

Contact
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Membership Requirements

To become a callout member of SSAR, a member must:

  • Pass an individual equipment check. See the “pack list” below for details.
  • Attend a classroom training session, held every semester.
  • Attend an overnight training session, held every semester.
  • Actively attend meetings and trainings.

To remain a callout member of SSAR, a member must:

  • Attend at least one overnight training per year.
  • Complete ICS 100 and 200 within one year of joining.
  • Become Field Certified with the NMDPS within one year on joining.
  • Actively attend meetings and trainings.

Pack List

SSAR members must be willing, capable, and prepared to survive in the field at temperatures over 100°F, down to 0°F, and in inclement weather. Below is a list of gear required by both SSAR and the NMDPS for search and rescue personnel. We do want to make volunteering with the team as accessible as possible. Please contact us if you are experiencing financial barriers to acquiring pack list items and we will provide assistance if possible.

Items marked with an asterisk (*) are required for NMSAR field certification; others are requirements of Socorro SAR. Please note that for safety reasons, jeans, shorts, and sneakers are NOT permitted for search and rescue missions.

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  • Backpack*
    • Internal or external framed backpack, large enough to hold all gear
  • Knife*
  • Food for 24 hours*
  • Eye protection*
  • Water*
    • 2 quarts minimum
  • Fire-starting Materials*
    • This includes but is not limited to matches, lighters, and Magnesium Strikers
      • Matches should be strike anywhere in a waterproof container
      • Lighters should be butane
      • Two different sources are recommended
  • Orienteering Compass*
    • Must have 2-degree accuracy or better
    • No transit or lensatic compasses without approval of team leadership
  • Whistle*
  • Watch
  • Signal Mirror*
    • Military-style sighting mirror (mesh in sighting aperture)
  • Headlamp with Extra Batteries*
    • LED is best
    • Extra-bulb if non-LED
  • Extra light source with extra batteries
  • Personal First-Aid Kit*
  • Space Blanket*
  • Pen or Pencil*
  • Felt-tipped pen with waterproof Ink (i.e. Sharpie)
  • Shelter materials (bivy or light tent or tarp, etc.)
  • Large garbage bag
  • Toilet paper
    • In a waterproof bag
    • Trowel or small collapsible shovel recommended, but not required
  • Personal Equipment
    • Required personal equipment not on this list, including medications, toiletries, etc.

Note: Although cotton and cotton-blend clothing may be included in a summertime pack, each Candidate for NMSAR Field Certification must also have non-cotton/cotton-blend clothing layers (inner, middle, and outer layers).

  • Sturdy Hiking boots *
    • Must have ankle support
  • Sturdy Work Gloves *
    • Leather or leather palmed
  • Head Cover *
    • Wide brimmed for warm weather
    • Wool or Synthetic for cold weather
  • Gloves and/or Mittens *
    • Wool or Synthetic
  • Socks *
    • Hiking Weight Wool
    • 2 pairs
  • Inner Wicking Layer*
    • non-cotton long underwear
    • Top and Bottom
  • Middle Insulating Layer*
    • non-cotton
    • For Warmth
    • Top and Bottom
    • Suggested fabrics include polar fleece, wool, expedition-weight polypropylene underwear
  • Outer Layer*
    • Wind and Water Protection
    • Jacket with hood and pants

These items are not required to pass the gear check, but are good to have in case of an extended search.

  • Sleeping Bag
    • +20°F or lower
  • Insulated Sleeping Pad
    • Solid foam is best, but not required
  • Tent or Bivy
  • Waterproof Ground Cloth

SSAR maintains a cache of the following items to be used on missions. Items required for field certification (*) can be lent to team members as needed.

  • Vehicle for mission and training transport
    • Operated by NMT and drivable by all NMT affiliates with valid certification
  • Biodegradable marking tape
  • 20 ft of 1″ tubular webbing*
  • Compasses
  • Radios
  • GPS Units
  • Stokes Litter and wheel
  • Multi-person medical kits
  • Team-branded uniform hi-vis shirts
    • Available for free to all new members once they pass the callout requirements
    • Long sleeve, 100% polyester, unisex and women’s cuts available
  • Team-branded uniform hi-vis jackets
    • Available for loan to all new members once they pass the callout requirements
    • Men’s and women’s cuts available
  • Other team-branded uniform apparel
    • Off-duty shirts, polos, gaiters, beanies
    • Available for free to members who support the team outside of missions

Questions?

If you are curious in learning more about our membership requirements, meetings, pack list, or would like to join SSAR, please contact us!