PARTICIPATION AND PLACEMENT
REGISTERED AUXILIARY COMMUNICATION SERVICE INDIVIDUAL
Participation in the AUXCOMM program for a registered individual is as an AUXCOMM Communicator (AUXC), Technical Specialist (THSP), or other ICS position as defined. They can be assigned to communication related tasks as supported by their training and experience. The FEMA online courses, IS 100, IS 200, IS 700, and IS 800 are a requirement of DHS and FEMA for an understanding of the Incident Command System (ICS) and should be completed within thirty days of registration.
Newly registered ACS individuals may participate in any AUXCOMM activity that is not under an emergency EOC Activation or AUXCOMM Activation order. Examples where registered individuals may participate are meetings, exercises, and training sessions.
Only those individuals that have successfully completed the minimum ICS training (IS 100, IS 700), with certificates on file, and have completed, or have been granted credit for, the appropriate introductory emergency communication course work, may participate in events and incidents under an EOC Activation or AUXCOMM Activation Order, and then only if teamed with a competent mentor.
The AUXCOMM model is an inclusive program for the utilization of any communication related asset. An individual does not have to hold an amateur radio license to participate at a level of responsibility in the program.
Given the technical nature of Auxiliary Communication Service requirements, and for appropriate placement of licensed individuals based on knowledge and skills, there are three levels of licensed operator classifications.
- MANAGEMENT LEVEL OPERATOR. Strong technical background, Additional FEMA IS and Emergency Management courses, knowledge of the county operations and experience with EOC operations. Able to work well with volunteers and county personnel. This would be the level of the Auxiliary Communication Leader (ACL) and RACES Radio Officer (RO), the senior Deputy ACL’s and assistant RO’s, with a minimum of a General Class license, Extra Class preferred.
- EOC/MCU OPERATOR level. EOC/MCU certification. Good technical knowledge. Additional FEMA IS and Emergency Management courses. This level would be for individuals being developed as Deputy ACL’s and Assistant RO’s. Could be assigned as Shift Supervisors in long duration mobilizations. Minimum of a General Class license, Extra Class preferred.
- FIELD OPERATOR level. Minimum, a Technician Class license, the four basic ICS courses, and basic disaster/emergency communication training. The experienced operator, at this level, would have more in depth theory and emergency operation detail, additional ICS training, and additional FEMA IS courses. An upgrade to a General Class license is encouraged.
- AUXILIARY PERSONNEL, (non-licensed) registered, and with the required ICS courses, may be assigned in accordance with their skills and experience. These individuals would usually be THSP’s.
For newly registered licensed operators and non-licensed individuals at an entry level, Registration form filled out, submitted and accepted, there would be an application evaluation and initial orientation. This is a Trainee level. The individual is cordially encouraged to attend meetings, training sessions and exercises not under an Activation Order. These individuals are not deployable in emergency activations/mobilizations. They can operate in training exercises, and with the minimum ICS training maybe teamed with a competent mentor in public service events. The trainee level provides the opportunity to bring a new ham in, and get them involved immediately in training and exercises.
Non-licensed individuals with relevant skills will be placed, as appropriate, for their training and experience. Participation in emergency activations will be on a case by case basis.
Licensed operators with acceptable and equivalent qualifications and experience, as decided by Management Team action, could be placed at an appropriate level for the individual.