Training Roadmap

Full certification tables for all three tiers across LFHI's six training areas.

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Overview

This is the full certification and course reference for all three tiers across LFHI’s six training areas. The Foundation explains the principles, training areas, and chapter framework. This document has the specific certifications, courses, time requirements, costs, and prior qualification criteria for every level.

Chapters use this roadmap to guide individual member progression from baseline competence through instructor certification.

Tier 1: Foundation (3-6 months)

Baseline competence across all six areas. The starting point for someone with no prior training. The certifications and courses listed below are examples of what this level looks like. They are run by established organizations, available to the public, and give you a measurable starting point.

  • Medical: Stop the Bleed (60-90 minutes, free), AHA CPR/AED/BLS (3-5 hours), CERT basic training (20-22 hours over 7-10 weeks, free), NOLS Wilderness First Aid (2 days). Prior qualification: EMT, Wilderness First Aid, Combat Lifesaver, CERT, or any clinical license (RN, PA, MD).
  • Communications: FCC Technician license (35-question exam), FEMA ICS courses (IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800: approximately 12 hours total, free online), NWS Skywarn storm spotter training (2 hours, free). Prior qualification: any FCC amateur license, military comms MOS, or ARES/RACES membership.
  • Marksmanship: Project Appleseed weekend clinic, NRA Basic Rifle or Basic Pistol course, SIG Sauer Academy Handgun 101 (8 hours, includes loaner firearm), or CMP Small Arms Firing School. Prior qualification: military rifle/pistol qualification, completion of a course from a recognized school, or active competition in USPSA, IDPA, or PRS.
  • Physical Readiness: GORUCK Light (2-3 hours, 10-20 lbs ruck), Orienteering USA local event, NASAR SARTECH III entry-level search and rescue certification (16 hours). Practical baseline: bodyweight fitness (push-ups, pull-ups, plank, sit-ups), a timed 2-mile run, and a 4-6 mile ruck at 20-25 pounds. Prior qualification: current military fitness test pass, law enforcement PT pass, GORUCK Challenge completion, or SAR certification.
  • Homesteading: Cooperative Extension gardening and food preservation workshops, community beekeeping courses, Game of Logging Level 1 chainsaw safety (8 hours). Prior qualification: Master Gardener, Permaculture Design Certificate, agricultural degree, or active farming experience.
  • Technical Independence: CompTIA Tech+ certification, EFF Surveillance Self-Defense guides (free), NABCEP PV Associate entry-level solar credential, or EPA 608 Universal refrigerant certification. Prior qualification: CompTIA A+/Network+/Security+, any trade license (electrician, plumber, mechanic), engineering degree, IT certification, or military technical MOS.
  • Civic: Attend at least one local government meeting and identify one issue affecting your community. Prior qualification: law degree (JD), paralegal certification, pastoral or seminary degree, teaching license, public policy degree, or professional experience in public advocacy or community organizing.

Tier 2: Practitioner (12-24 months)

Intermediate certifications and demonstrated ability in field conditions. The courses below represent the level of competence expected. The time estimate assumes you started at Tier 1 with no prior experience.

  • Medical: NOLS Wilderness First Responder (80 hours over 9-10 days), NAEMT TECC (16 hours), NAEMT PHTLS (16 hours), or NREMT EMT-B certification (120-200 hours). For austere environments: Austere Emergency Care BLS track (40 hours) or SOARescue Extended Austere Provider (5 days + 24-hour culmination exercise). Prior qualification: EMT-B or higher, Paramedic, 68W, Navy Corpsman (FMF), TCCC Combat Medic, or any active clinical license.
  • Communications: FCC General or Extra license, ARRL EC-001 Introduction to Emergency Communications (approximately 24 hours classroom or 45 hours online over 9 weeks), ARRL EC-016 Public Service and Emergency Communications Management (30 hours), AUXCOMM auxiliary communications course through CISA (20 hours over 2 days), FEMA ICS-300 intermediate ICS (21 hours, instructor-led), regular participation in Winlink digital exercises. Prior qualification: General or Extra license with active HF experience, 18E, 25-series MOS, or CCNA/Network+ with amateur radio license.
  • Marksmanship: Appleseed Rifleman qualification (210/250 on the AQT), Gunsite Academy 250 Defensive Pistol (5 days) or Thunder Ranch Defensive Handgun (3 days), FBI pistol qualification (80% or better), or a precision rifle course from CR2 Shooting Solutions, Sniper’s Hide, or Modern Day Sniper. Active participation in USPSA, IDPA, or PRS Regional competition provides measurable benchmarks. Prior qualification: military marksmanship instructor qualification, USPSA B-class or higher, IDPA Sharpshooter or higher, or PRS classification.
  • Physical Readiness: GORUCK Tough (10-12 hours, 20-30 lbs ruck), 12-mile ruck march (35 lbs in under 3 hours), NASAR SARTECH II field searcher certification (47 hours). Prior qualification: current military fitness test pass, SOF selection completion, wildland firefighter Red Card, GORUCK Tough completion, or SAR certification.
  • Homesteading: Master Gardener certification (40-60 hours), Master Food Preserver certification, Permaculture Design Certificate (72+ hours), state Master Beekeeper certified level, or Master Naturalist program (40-60 hours + volunteer service). Prior qualification: Master Gardener with 3+ years active growing, agricultural degree with active practice, or 3+ years operating a market garden or small farm.
  • Technical Independence: CompTIA Security+, NABCEP PV Installation Professional board certification, LFCS or RHCSA Linux system administration, journeyman trade license (electrician, plumber, mechanic), or AWS Certified Welder. Prior qualification: CISSP, master electrician, PE (Professional Engineer), CWI (Certified Welding Inspector), licensed general contractor, or military technical MOS (18C, 12P, or equivalent).
  • Leadership: Lead a chapter training session and mentor a Tier 1 member. Prior qualification: military NCO or officer experience, teaching or professorship, pastoral ministry, or professional management experience.
  • Civic: File a public records request, present testimony at a public meeting, and contribute to a chapter community report. Prior qualification: JD or paralegal certification, legislative or government staff experience, or professional nonprofit/advocacy work.

Tier 3: Cadre (2+ years)

The standard at this level is not what you know, but who you have taught. Cadre hold instructor certifications in their area of focus and actively train Tier 1 and Tier 2 members. The certifications below qualify you to teach.

Prior Experience

People show up with different backgrounds. A combat medic does not start at Tier 1 Medical. A General-class ham does not need to earn a Technician license. A journeyman electrician does not need to prove basic wiring. If you hold a relevant certification, military qualification, professional license, or degree, that counts. Chapters assess incoming members based on what they can already do and place them accordingly.

Each tier listing above includes prior qualification criteria for every training area.