The Role of the Communications Unit Leader Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project

What is the Communications Unit Leader’s Job The Communications Unit Leader is a resource manager for assets that support the entire mission team. Mission Radio Operators and other technicians to get the equipment running and keep it running Radios, Computers, Phones, and other communications tools Mobile communications platforms like portable repeaters for the aircraft or ground vehicles or even deployable ground vehicles that can be setup to talk to multiple resources

What is required? To adequately do this job successfully the individual assigned to this duty position must at least be able to: Setup Comm. Equipment at the Mission Base Conduct Communications Planning Prepare an Emergency Communications Plan Handle an Overdue Radio Check-In

Setup Communications Equipment at Mission Base Choose an area conducive to good operations Assemble and install equipment Check all equipment to be sure it is functioning properly Check for adequate standby power Adequately ground all equipment

Setting up equipment may be as simple as a mobile radio with a magnetic mount antenna to multiple radios with portable antennas, repeaters, computers, etc.

Communications Planning The Communications Unit Leader is responsible for making inputs into the overall Incident Action Plan ICS 205 Personnel Requirements Equipment other than radios

Prepare an Emergency Communications Plan Incorporates existing plans for the appropriate locality Select appropriate frequencies Contingency planning Contact lists

Handle an Overdue Radio Check-In To adequately maintain control of operational resources the operations section often requires communications support to track resources in the field. When a resource is overdue, the Communications Unit Leader will need to take actions to re-establish communications or notify the command structure of a potential problem.

Handle an Overdue Radio Check-In Continued Communications Unit Leaders must be able to successfully: Determine that a resource (ground or air) has missed a radio check-in Use established procedures and plans to attempt to re-establish communications Be familiar with and prepared to implement notification procedures should communications not be re-established

SAFETY Safety is a primary concern in planning and set up. Mark and secure guy wires, cables, power cords, etc. Electric shock prevention Protect against RF “burn” from antennas Plan for any predicted poor weather

QUESTIONS? THINK SAFETY