View Position Qualification

5-509-1328

Name

Communications Unit Leader (NQS)

Status

Published

Version

1.4

Updated

11/28/2018 5:30:02 PM

Original Release

11/20/2017

Last Major Release

11/28/2018

NQS Position

Resource Category

Communications

Primary Core Capability

Operational Communications

Secondary Core Capability

Resource Kind

Personnel

Overall Function

The Communications Unit Leader (COML) designs, orders, manages, and ensures the installation and maintenance of all communications systems

Single resource

In conjunction with a NIMS typed team

NIMS Typed Team

In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit

NIMS Typed Unit

Description Notes

Not Specified

Supporting Core Capabilities
None

Types
Type	Description
Type 1	Same as Type 2, PLUS: 1. Rapidly assesses whether the area of operations comprises multiple geographic areas and whether they use the same communications policies and systems 2. Establishes physical interoperability connections between communications systems over wide areas 3. Establishes a communications plan among command center, staging, base, camp, and other operational sites 4. Establishes capacity of available radio frequencies and channels for incident response by multiple first responder disciplines, multiple jurisdictions, and numerous operational personnel 5. Supervises Communications Unit staff and is accountable for their safety and adherence to Incident Command System (ICS) procedures
Type 2	Same as Type 3, PLUS: 1. Provides rapid assessment of communications options, taking into consideration incident objectives, known status of existing communications systems and infrastructure, pre-positioned plans within the jurisdiction’s Interoperability Communications Plan, and rapidly available options for communications equipment and supplies 2. Reports status and recommendations within ICS procedures 3. Implements voice protocols, policies, and procedures necessary to make use of existing communications systems serving the incident area 4. Establishes logistics for extended use of communications equipment in challenging environments, including exchange and resupply of radios, phones, and computers for multiple shift changes 5. Establishes communications staging area 6. Plans for restoring and augmenting communications services, taking into account backup plans, reliability, and resiliency, based on situational awareness of incident environment
Type 3	The COML: 1. Develops plans for the effective use of incident communications equipment and facilities, including the Incident Radio Communications Plan 2. Oversees installation and testing of communications equipment 3. Supervises the Incident Communications Center Manager and Communications Technicians (COMT) 4. Distributes communications equipment to incident personnel 5. Maintains and repairs communications equipment, including data management infrastructure 6. Plans, organizes staff, manages, and demobilizes the Communications Unit in a safe and effective manner to meet incident needs 7. Coordinates with the incident sections, appropriate communications personnel, and other agencies to assist in accomplishing the overall incident objectives 8. Designs, orders, and ensures the installation and maintenance of all communications systems 9. Maintains accountability of assigned communications equipment 10. Establishes or transitions into a unit under the Logistics Section 11. Configures unit with personnel to support operations

Education

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Not Specified
Type 2	Not Specified
Type 3	Not Specified

Training

Identified equivalent trainings should meet or exceed course learning objectives.

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	Same as Type 3, PLUS: ICS-400: Advanced Incident Command System for Command and General Staff – Complex Incidents
Type 3	Completion of the following: 1. IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 2. IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction 3. IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction 4. IS-200: Incident Command System for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents 5. G0191: ICS/EOC Interface 6. ICS-300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents 7. E/L 0969: Communications Unit Leader, or equivalent

Experience

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2, PLUS: 1. Successful completion of the National Qualification System (NQS) Position Task Book (PTB) for the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Type 1 Communications Unit Leader, or equivalent Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) documentation 2. Experience in managing operational mission-critical first responder communications or communications systems, including accountability for emergency communications policies and procedures 3. Satisfactory performance during an ICS assignment as a chief, director, supervisor, or leader 4. Satisfactory performance as a NIMS Type 2 Communications Unit Leader
Type 2	Same as Type 3, PLUS: 1. Successful completion of the NQS PTB for the NIMS Type 2 Communications Unit Leader, or equivalent AHJ documentation 2. Satisfactory performance as a NIMS Type 3 Communications Unit Leader
Type 3	1. Successful completion of the NQS PTB for the NIMS Type 3 Communications Unit Leader, or equivalent AHJ documentation 2. Satisfactory performance as a COMT 3. Satisfactory performance as an Incident Communications Center Manager

Physical/Medical Fitness

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	Same as Type 3
Type 3	Performs duties under light circumstances characterized by working consecutive 12-hour days under physical and emotional stress for sustained periods

Currency

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Functions in this position during an operational incident, exercise, drill, or simulation at least once every three years
Type 2	Same as Type 3
Type 3	Functions in this position during an operational incident, exercise, drill, or simulation at least once every five years

Professional and Technical Licenses and Certifications

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	Same as Type 3
Type 3	Federal Communications Commission (FCC): General Radiotelephone Operator License (PG)

Composition and Ordering Specifications
Specification
Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as security, lodging, transportation, and meals, prior to deployment
This position typically works 12 hours per shift, is self-sustainable for 72 hours, and is deployable for up to 14 days
Requestor may specify any additional qualifications necessary based on incident complexity and needs

958

Notes

References
Reference
FEMA, National Qualification System (NQS) Position Task Book for Communications Unit Leader, latest edition adopted
FEMA, NIMS 509: Communications Technician
FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017
FEMA, NIMS Guideline for the NQS, November 2017
FEMA, National Response Framework, June 2016

Version	Publish Date	Document Type
Published Versions
1.4	11/28/2018 5:30:02 PM	PDF
1.3	11/28/2018 5:28:43 PM	PDF
1.2	9/28/2018 5:17:45 PM	PDF
1.1	4/16/2018 10:54:30 AM	PDF
1.0	11/20/2017 12:04:30 PM	PDF