Detailed instructions for enrolling in teletraining sessions are provided on the AWOC Information page in the NWS Learning Center.
Introduction to AWOC
What is AWOC?
The
Advanced Warning Operations Course (AWOC) is a blended learning
course with three tracks designed to provide every NWS Forecaster (Meteorologist
and Hydrologist) training on advanced warning decision making
techniques.
AWOC is a course that addresses the three essential components of warning decision making: science, technology, and human factors. There are three tracks:
- Core Track - Composed of 4 Instructional Components and one introductory video. This
track contains approximately 10 hours of training on issues that impact
warning operations in ways that are generally independent of the
weather threat, including: situational awareness, office strategies,
and data quality.
- Severe Track - Composed of 3 Instructional Components, Forecast Challenge, and a severe
weather WES simulation. This track contains approximately 15 hours of
training that addresses
many topics that are pertinent to issuing severe weather warnings
including conceptual models of convective storms, threat assessment,
and storm interrogation.
- Winter Track - Composed of 8 Instructional Components, including one that is an
introductory video. This track contains approximately 20 hours of
training that addresses a variety of topics that are pertinent to
issuing winter weather warnings, including climatology, precipitation
forcing mechanisms, and forecasting synoptic/mesoscale precipitation
type and amounts.
Course requirements:
- Register with WDTB
- Complete pre-requisites (DLOC required for Severe Track)
- Complete courses on LMS (registration, testing, and surveys)
- Notify WDTB at the address below when certificate is awarded:
Who are the facilitators for AWOC?
The facilitator
is a person at the local office who provides assistance, support and
guidance throughout the course. Facilitators are usually the
SOO, DOH, Training Officer, or other designate in the office.
The Role of the Facilitator
Being a blended learning course, AWOC consists of multiple delivery
methods, including teletraining, web-based training, computer-based
training on CD-ROM, Weather Event Simulator (WES) simulations,
and printed material. AWOC is a fairly complex course in terms
of time commitment and material. As a result, the role of the
facilitator is vital to the success of AWOC students.
The facilitator provides local assistance, support and guidance
to the student. Typical facilitator duties include assigning or modifying development plans, monitoring
student progress throughout the course, and administering WES
simulations.
In 2011, WDTB held two workshop for new AWOC facilitators. These workshops provided training on how to better facilitate this course and other training delivered in your office. View the facilitation workshop information page and agenda to learn more about what was covered and how the reference materials provided there might benefit you.
WDTB-developed blank basemaps: PAH SGF
Questions
The following contact information should address any questions about AWOC:
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A bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce 
