Communications Unit Training Resources

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has developed several documents and videos supporting the Communications Unit (COMU) training courses.

Auxiliary Emergency Communications Overview

An overview of the Auxiliary Communications (AUXCOMM) position including the responsibilities, roles, and functions within the COMU, as well as roles and functions of Auxiliary Emergency Communications (AEC).

• Auxiliary Emergency Communications: The Emergency Communications Center and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Unit 1 (pdf, 1.16MB)
• Auxiliary Emergency Communications: Roles and Responsibilities Unit 2 (pdf, 860.95KB)
• Auxiliary Emergency Communications: Intrastate and Interstate Radio Networks Unit 10 (pdf, 352.29KB)

Communications Unit Leader (COML): A Valuable Resource for Incident Commanders - Brochure (pdf, 379.56KB)

Explains why including a COML in planning meetings, operational meetings, and/or tactical meetings can bring enormous benefit to the overall coordination of operations.

All-Hazards Communications Unit Self-Paced Briefing (pdf, 2.12MB)

This self-paced briefing provides an overview of the COMU and focuses on its relationship to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) structure and the skills and expertise of its personnel. It is intended for general audiences and responders who serve in all NIMS ICS positions.

All-Hazard Communications Technician (COMT) Pre-course Study Guide (pdf, 5.52MB)

All-Hazards Communications Technician (COMT) pre-workshop study materials.

An Overview of the Communications Unit (pdf, 960.91KB)

A self-paced briefing providing an overview of the COMU.

Accessing HSIN for the First Time: Registration Quick Reference Guide (pdf, 423.53KB)

Additional COMU training materials are available on HSIN. If you do not have a HSIN account, please reference the HSIN Nomination Registration Quick Registration Guide to create an account.

Communications Unite Personnel Position Task Book Sign-Off Process Template (pdf, 386.82KB)

Sets the minimum criteria the states have identified as baselines standards for volunteer emergency backup communications training.  Auxiliary Communications (AUXCOMM) is an all-inclusive term used to describe the many organizations and personnel that provide various types of communications support to emergency management, public safety, and other government agencies. This includes, but is not limited to amateur radio, military radio, citizens band radio (CB), etc.

Auxiliary Communicator Position Task Book (pdf, 478.33KB)

AUXC: Both the person (Auxiliary Communicator) and the Incident Command System (ICS) position used to provide auxiliary communications. Trained Auxiliary Communicators (AUXC) are a valuable communications resource tool that can be used by local, county, regional, tribal or state agencies/organizations. Auxiliary Communications (AUXCOMM) is an all-inclusive term used to describe the many organizations that provide various types of communications support to emergency management, public safety, and other government agencies or describes the services themselves. This includes, but is not limited to amateur radio, military radio, citizens band radio (CB), etc. The AUXC PTB are the minimum tasks required to become certified (at a state level) as an auxiliary communicator.