COML Training Now Open for Registration


A COML is the focal point within the Communications Unit. The All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader (COML) course trains emergency responders to serve as radio communications unit leaders during all-hazards emergency operations. COML responsibilities include developing plans to effectively use incident communications equipment and facilities, managing distribution of communications equipment to incident personnel, and coordinating the installation and testing of communications equipment. Since late 2008, the Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) has hosted COML courses across the nation.

Description

This service offering is designed for all State/Territory, tribal, regional, and local emergency response professionals and for support personnel with a communications background. It is designed to familiarize these professionals with the role and responsibilities of a COML under the NIMS ICS. OEC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Management Institute have integrated the COML curriculum to jointly offer a standardized COML course.

This course provides DHS-approved and NIMS-compliant instruction to ensure that every State/Territory has trained personnel capable of coordinating on-scene emergency communications during a multi-jurisdictional response or planned event. OEC/ICTAP instructors are approved by DHS and have had extensive experience both as emergency responders and as COMLs. The course is presented with facilitated lecture, hands-on activities, and extensive interactive discussions. Instructors work through the discussions and activities to explain in detail the processes used to achieve communication operability, interoperability, and how to incorporate additional communications solutions.

This course is three days long and is limited to 30 students.

Class Prerequisites

All-Hazards COML candidates must have the following prerequisites to attend the course:

  • A public safety communications background with exposure to field operations; this experience should be validated by the authority who supervised the applicant.
  • Basic knowledge of local communications and communications systems; frequencies and spectrum; technologies; local topography; system site locations including knowledge of state, regional, and local communication plans; and communications and resource contacts.
  • A letter of support from the attendees’ manager to be submitted with the General Admissions Application.
  • Completion of the following training courses:
    • IS-100.b, Introduction to the ICS, ICS-100
    • IS-200.b, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Incidents
    • ICS-300, Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
    • IS-700.a, National Incident Management System (NIMS), an Introduction
    • IS-800.b, National Response Framework (NRF), an Introduction
    • In addition, ICS-400, Advanced ICS, Command and General Staff-Complex Incidents, is recommended.

Course Dates and Location

This is a three (3) day course and is being offered 19-21 August, 2014 in the Sacramento area. There is no charge for training, and student materials will be provided by the Department of Homeland Security/Office of Emergency Communications (DHS/OEC). (It is suggested students bring a USB flash drive if possible.) Travel costs will be the responsibility of the individual State or local agency. Homeland Security Grant funds may be used to offset these costs.

The training will be held at the CA Emergency Medical Services Authority Department Operations Center/Conference and Training Room. Address and directions will be sent with enrollment confirmation.

Registration

Attendees should have supervisory and personnel management skills and knowledge of local communications and communications systems. Additionally they must possess knowledge of the local topography, system site locations, and knowledge of the local, regional, and State Communications Plan/ contacts.

Obtain a FEMA Student Identification (SID) number if you do not already have one from the Center for Domestic Preparedness.

Submit the General Admissions Application with letter of support and copies of Certificate of Achievement for IS/ICS prerequisite courses to Benita.Beaushaw@napco.org.

Copies of the applicants’ documentation of prerequisites verifying the students have met the prerequisites and are eligible to participate in the course must be submitted and reviewed at least ten (10) days prior to the course date.

Registration will not be complete until all documentation has been received. Admittance is limited to 30, and a wait list will be established. Applicants will be notified via the contact information provided once prerequisites have been verified.

Download the class information sheet here!