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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

14. QUESTIONS?
THINK SAFETY