ALERT
Air Land Emergency Resource Team
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does ALERT require high school completion before beginning the program?
- What is the required age for acceptance into Basic Training?
- Is ALERT a boot camp for troubled youth?
- What are the physical training standards for acceptance into Basic Training?
- What is the application deadline for acceptance into any given Basic Training unit?
- Can ladies go through the ALERT Program?
- How can I be sure the next Basic Training unit will not “fill up” before I send in my application?
- What will increase the likelihood of acceptance into the ALERT Program?
- What is the duration of the ALERT Program?
- How much does ALERT cost?
- Does ALERT offer any scholarships or financial aid?
- How much does the non-issued gear cost?
- Are some of the items on the packing list available at ALERT?
- What is the daily schedule like during Advanced Training?
- How often will I be able to communicate with my family during Advanced Training?
Q: Does ALERT require high school completion before beginning the program?
A: If you are enrolled in ATI, this is not a requirement, but we encourage you to complete your parent’s goals for your high school training before entering the program. If you are not enrolled in ATI, completion of state high school graduation requirements is a prerequisite.
Q: Is ALERT a boot camp for troubled youth?
A: No. Basic Training equips spiritually-minded men with the disciplines and responsiveness necessary to serve effectively as men of God. It has been used many times by the Lord to drive a young man to the end of himself and to cause him to cry out to the Lord as his only help. ALERT will not solve a man’s problems, but it will bring them to the surface and give him the opportunity to resolve those problems with the Lord. If he does not want to come in the first place, his chances of making it through Basic Training are not good.
Q: What are the physical training standards for acceptance into Basic Training?
A: Running—You will be required to do extensive running during ALERT training. In order to be accepted into ALERT you must be able to run a minimum of 20 continuous minutes without stopping to rest or walk.
Push-ups—You must be able to do 32 two-count push-ups in two minutes without bending your back or resting your body or knees on the ground.
Sit-ups—You must be able to do 42 two-count sit-ups in two minutes without lying on the ground, or grabbing on the legs to sit up.
Flutter-kicks—You must be able to do 40 two-count flutter kicks in two minutes without feet or head touching the ground.
Q: What is the application deadline for acceptance into any given Basic Training unit?
A: There is no set application deadline. We strongly encourage you to have your application mailed at least 2 months prior to the start date of the Basic Training unit you desire to enter.
Q: How can I be sure the next Basic Training unit will not “fill up” before I send in my application?
A: There is no given limit on the number of recruits per Basic Training unit. It may be necessary to place applicants on a waiting list for other reasons.
Q: What will increase the likelihood of acceptance into the ALERT Program?
A: There are only three eligibility requirements: young men must be at least 17 years old, be medically and physically qualified, and either enrolled in ATI or complete high school graduation requirements. You will increase your likelihood of successfully completing Basic Training by doing all you can to prepare yourself physically, strengthening your relationship with your parents/authorities, and memorizing the book of I Peter.
Q: What is the duration of the ALERT Program?
A: Most men will complete the program in a little over one year. The 9 weeks of Basic Training are followed by a 6-8 week furlough, then two 20-week semesters of Advanced Training. The Advanced Training consists of 10 weeks of Emergency Response Training and 30 weeks of training in the specialty chosen. The Paramedic program requires an additional 10 weeks of training.
Q: Does ALERT offer any scholarships or financial aid?
A: Scholarship Funds—Two ALERT Scholarship Funds have been established and funded by faithful donors to assist men in their training: one for men whose parents are in full-time Christian ministry and one for the sons of widows. Scholarships are awarded as funds are available and upon the parents’ written request for assistance. (Requests should be submitted to the attention of the ALERT Scholarship Department.) The scholarship will cover $1,000 of the total fees due for each session for which it is awarded. If additional support is needed, it must be reapplied for in writing prior to the next session. Recipients are eligible for up to $5,000 in scholarship assistance during their training with ALERT.
Service Response Team—Those who choose to enroll under the Service Response Team (SRT) option are committing themselves to the final two phases of ALERT: Emergency Response and Advanced Training. Applicants receive a $2,000 discount for Emergency Response training and then serve in various job assignments at ALERT Headquarters, according to their skill level or the particular needs of ALERT. SRT men may be deployed off-campus for disaster-relief assistance to meet special service project needs. When they have successfully completed the entire SRT program, they will graduate with full honors. If they choose to enter another Advanced Training option after graduation, they will be eligible for a 10% discount on those fees. The SRT option is available to eight men per Emergency Response unit. An agreement stating all requirements and obligations of the plan will be sent at the request of each applicant to be signed by him and his parents. Applicants will be accepted into the SRT program in the order of payment received for Emergency Response.
Q: How much does the non-issued gear cost?
A: There is a Suggested Gear Package on our Web store, which varies in price from $1,200 to $1,500. For the latest prices, visit shopalert.us. Based on a limited survey, the average ALERT man spends about $750 on gear, but this cost will vary based on what specific gear you choose to buy and how successful you are at price shopping and finding items on sale.
Q: Are some of the items on the packing list available at ALERT?
A: We offer a variety of products through our Web store and our on-campus store. Some of these may be purchased ahead of time and held for arrival (i.e., tent, sleeping bag, etc.). Visit shopalert.us to see our selection of items, or call the on-campus store at 903-636-2000.
Q: What is the daily schedule like during Advanced Training?
A: Daily schedule consists of rising at 5:00 a.m. for personal devotions and morning PT, with classes from 8–12 Noon and 1–5 p.m. After supper, men have personal time for study and/or activities. Every night concludes with a unit Wisdom Search and lights out at 10 p.m. (Schedule may vary on weekends).
Q: How often will I be able to communicate with my family during Advanced Training?
A: You may write or e-mail your family (an e-mail account can be set up for you at a minimal monthly cost) as often as you like. Phone calls are permitted to your family, but the number of calls or length of calls may be restricted if excessiveness limits others from using the phone.