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Incident Communications Technician

COMT Incident Position Description

The Incident Communications Technician (COMT) is responsible for the installation and maintenance of communications equipment on wildland fire incidents. The COMT reports to the Communications Unit Leader (COML) in the Logistics functional area.

Leadership Level 1, Follower (Provide Action)

  • For additional information review Level 1 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at assignment.
  • Check in with the incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.
  • Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent
    from supervisor.
  • Obtain briefing from the previous shift/assignment position, as necessary.

Build the Team

  • Establish a common operating picture with supervisors and assigned resources.
  • Participate in operational briefings as directed.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness.  Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.
  • Ensure incident objectives and performance standards are met.

Perform Incident Communications Technician-Specific Duties

  • Assist Communications Unit Leader in designing communication system to meet incident operational needs.
  • Gather cost information for additional communication equipment needs. Order additional communications vendor services (e.g., telephone, satellite communication, microwave, etc.).
  • Identify locations for equipment to be installed (e.g., repeaters, telephone lines).
  • Represent Communications Unit Leader as needed.
  • Initiate and maintain accurate records of communications equipment.
  • Establish an accountability system for issuing and returning radios and other communications equipment.
  • Transfer geographic locations of communications equipment to local maps.
  • Recover and account for communications equipment.
  • Identify and prioritize incoming information and determine an appropriate response.  
  • Identify and convey any operational restrictions to the Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).
  • Establish installation priorities while adhering to safety standards regarding communications.
  • Determine an appropriate location for communications equipment and coordinate with local communication technician, agency, and/or personnel.
  • Install communication equipment at determined locations.
  • Coordinate the transportation of equipment and personnel.
  • Provide incident personnel with appropriate equipment based on the Incident Radio Communications Plan (ICS 205).
  • Identify types and quantity of communications equipment based on the IAP or other relevant plans.  
  • Ensure personnel can operate assigned equipment.
  • Test components of communications equipment to ensure the incident’s systems are operational.
  • Clone and/or program radios for the incident.
  • Perform an operational test of communications systems throughout duration of the incident.
  • Accomplish minor field repair of incident communication equipment.
  • Place orders for the replacement of incident communication equipment.  
  • Plan for battery replacement of incident communication equipment.
  • Ensure interruptions in system operations are minimized throughout the incident.
  • Provide communications support for data operations and imagery.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information. 
  • Ensure a clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across ICS functional areas and chain of command.
  • Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with the following:
    • Support resources
    • Adjacent resources
    • Supervisor
    • Other ICS functional areas
  • Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Prepare and program radios for assignment. Use plain language and ICS terminology.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
    • Identify Hazards
    • Assess Hazards
    • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions
    • Implement Controls
    • Supervise and Evaluate
  • Utilize Safety Officers to assist with the risk management process and provide input into the safety of operations.
  • Plan for medical emergencies. Ensure assigned resources are prepared to execute the Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF). Ensure familiarity with medical responders, communication procedures, and the transportation plan. Manage the medical emergency based on procedures stated in the IAP, Medical Incident Report, or other relevant guidelines.
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
  • Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.
  • Submit accident/incident reports with pertinent forms (SAFECOM, SAFENET, agency-specific forms) through the established chain of command.

Document

  • Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:

Demobilize

  • Plan for demobilization. Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures are followed.
  • Prepare plan for the demobilization of communication resources in conjunction with Communications Unit Leader or immediate supervisor.
  • Provide a list of total weight, number of pieces, total cubic feet, and final destination of equipment being demobilized.
  • Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest driving standards are followed.
  • Return equipment and supplies to appropriate units. 
  • Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • Upon demobilization, report status to home unit including reassignment or estimated time of arrival (ETA) to home unit.
  • Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, coordinate with operations to prepare demobilization schedule, and communicate with supervisor.
  • During the transfer of command:
    • Ensure continuity of operations.
    • Exchange critical safety information.
    • Communicate transfer of authority through the established chain of command.

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)

Date: October 16, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39 and NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for MEDL includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book, were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Medical Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39

NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal is Now Available

Date: October 9, 2024
Contact: Wildland Fire Learning Portal

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) is back online following a migration to a new learning management system (LMS) application. The WFLP team is actively addressing any issues that may arise as a result of the update, and appreciates your patience as the team works to enhance your experience. NWCG will share information from the WFLP as it is available.

Should you have any issues with accessing or using the WFLP, please use the link below to submit a ticket through the Help Center.

References:

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Wildland Fire Learning Portal Help Center

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases New Equipment Bulletins

Date: September 27, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released three new Equipment Bulletins:

  • ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers.
  • ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories.
  • ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance.

These bulletins remind field going personnel of important issues related to equipment for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers

ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories

ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee is looking for your feedback on Staff Rides

Date: September 20, 2024
Contact: Ashleigh D'Antonio and George Risko, Leadership Committee

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee needs to hear from the field about where the greatest need lies regarding staff rides and their accessibility.

  • Do you have an event you would like to turn into a learning experience?
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References:

Staff Rides: Feedback

Staff Rides