Interested in Learning More About TSAR?
Starting in 2025, TSAR begun a new recruiting process. Each year there will be three recruiting cycles, with each including three steps:
Step 1: Introduction to TSAR (ITT) – This is a No-Obligation virtual meeting where we will explain all about what TSAR is, what we do, and what will be expected of you if you should decide to join. This meeting typically lasts between 1-2 hours and consists of a PowerPoint Presentation and the ability to have all your questions and concerns answered. It will include discussions on meetings, trainings and search response obligations, as well as required gear code of conduct expectations. It is important to be aware, that TSAR is not a social club, nor a hobby, but a First Responder organization certified by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).
Following this meeting you can decide if you would like to join or not. If you are not interested, just let us know and there is nothing more for you to do.
If you decide you want to be a part of the team and can fulfill the obligations outlined in the meeting, you can then download an application and send it in. Applications sent in prior to attending a ITT Meeting will not be accepted until after attendance is confirmed.
Step 2: New Member Orientation (NMO) – Once someone has attended the ITT Meeting and had their application accepted, they must then attend a New Member Orientation (NMO) meeting. This will be scheduled the month following the ITT meeting. This will be a 6-8 hour long class where you will learn all about how TSAR operates as an organization, as well as having accounts set up on all the tools you will be using to communicate with the team. At this meeting you will gain a clearer understanding of how TSAR fits into the larger Virginia Search and Rescue program, and what your training paths and opportunities will be going forward. In particular, you will learn about how we will be communicating with you, and how you are expected to respond in a timely manner, as well as the next step in the process, – achieving Call Out Qualified (COQ) status.
Step 3: COQ Training – The month following your NMO, you will be scheduled to attend a COQ training, which will be conducted at an outdoor location and extend from Friday evening through Sunday morning. This training will expose you to all the basic skills that you will be expected to master as you work towards state certification as a Search Team Member. Training will include such things as search techniques; required knots; land navigation (Map & Compass and GPS); survival skills; radio protocols; crime scene preservation; and many other topics. The training will culminate with a pack check (to make sure you have all the required gear), and a simulated search field exercise where you will be exposed to an actual search, patient evaluation, providing first aid, patient packaging in a stretcher, and carryout of the search subject back to base. Training will be conducted day and night, and in all weather conditions, rain or shine, just as actual searches are.
Upon successfully completing the COQ training you will then be eligible to attend actual searches, when accompanied with other state certified members of TSAR. You will then be eligible to attend the next scheduled Virginia Ground Search Academy (GSAR) sponsored by VDEM to receive your state certification as a Ground Search Team Member.
Recruiting Schedule
Each year, TSAR will conduct three recruiting cycles as follows:
January – ITT
February – NMO
March – COQ
May – ITT
June – NMO
July – COQ
September – ITT
October – NMO
November – COQ
Interested in joining TSAR? We would love to hear from you. Please contact our Recruiting Officer at recruiter@tsar.org and sign up for the next No-Obligation ITT meeting.
If you have already attended an ITT meeting and would like to join, please fill out an application and send it in as instructed.
Click here to download our TSAR Application