EMCOMM

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EMCOMM is a Program under Comms and Data that is operated as a partnership between Comms and Data and Central Command to provide professional and amateur emergency communication radio services in coordination with the CERT program, RRT, and IMOS, and to serve as an auxiliary to IMOS units.  Additionally, to coordinate professional and amateur radio resources among non-IMOS units capable of being used in emergencies.  The program is comprised of members who are specific to EMCOMM whose primary purpose is emergency communications, but also has a framework for members that are cross trained with the CERT program called EMCOMM CERT who can jointly provide emergency communications in addition to CERT response.

Training Schedule

​​Central Aid Agency EMCOMM currently trains every month with other C.A.A. Emergency Response units in Sector 2.  Training meetings occur on the 2nd Friday of the month from 1900-2200 at Sector 2 HQ in Junction City (located behind the First Christian  Church, 1250 Nyssa Street).  The Sector 2 Meeting calendar can be found here.  Meetings start at 1930 for new and Non-Rated EMCOMM personnel.

Membership Details

• To join, members must submit a membership application.  Our EMCOMM program is open to any member of the community and is not directly related to our faith mission.

• Membership cost: $55.00 (Covers 2 basic EMCOMM Red T-shirts, Nametapes, and EMCOMM Badge;  this is REQUIRED for all new members).  This fee can be paid online here.

 

• All other EMCOMM Equipment is issued and must be returned upon leaving the program.

 

• Members must complete EMCOMM Basic Training, and ICS 100, 200, 700 within 3 months of completing EMCOMM Basic Training.  Members must become ham radio certified to at least the Technician level within 6 months of joining the program (if not already certified).

 

• All members must submit to and pass a criminal background check.

 

• The program is structured, and there are opportunities for leadership and advancement within the program.

 

• Members earn points through attendance, and must earn enough points yearly to remain active.

ARRL EMCOMM Courses

The Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) has put together several web based training classes for EMCOMM related topics.  Many of which are required for C.A.A. EMCOMM leadership and instructor roles.

ARRL EMCOMM Course Page

ARRL EMCOMM Course Catalog

EMCOMM Program Rank and Structure

EMCOMM CERT Program Rank and Structure

EMCOMM Program Manager / Assistant EMCOMM Program Manager
The EMCOMM Program Manager can be the Program Manager or Deputy Program Manager for the EMCOMM CERT program, but if separately designated is typically a dedicated IMOS or EMCOMM Commissioned Officer appointed or approved by the Director of Communications and Data in coordination with Central Command.  Their responsibilities include appointing Program Coordinators, defining and managing EMCOMM policy and procedures, as well as representing the program to command staff and the Board of Directors.
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800, ARRL EC-016
• Upper level leadership experience in Emergency Response
• EMCOMM Leadership Training (or equivalent)

• Can deploy

EPM

AEPM

EMCOMM CERT Program Manager / Assistant EMCOMM CERT Program Manager
The EMCOMM CERT Program Manager can also be the Program Manager for either the EMCOMM, CERT, or RRT Programs, but if separately designated is typically a dedicated Commissioned Officer appointed or approved by the Branch Director of Emergency Response in coordination with the EMCOMM Program Manager.  Their responsibilities include appointing Program Coordinators, defining and managing EMCOMM CERT policy and procedures, as well as representing the program to command staff and the Board of Directors.
​

Minimum Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to Technician level or above
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Attend and pass Basic Disaster Academy / CERT training.
• Complete and maintain any required training / annual qualifications related to their Responder Level.
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800
• Upper level leadership experience in Emergency Response
• CERT Program Manager Course (or equivalent)
• Can deploy

ECPM#

AECPM#

EMCOMM Program Coordinator / Assistant EMCOMM Program Coordinator
EMCOMM Program Coordinators are typically ranking Rated personnel or an EMCOMM member appointed by Communications and Data or EMCOMM chain of command.  Among their responsibilities include management and administration of EMCOMM units in a designated geographical area, as well as appointing leaders and representing the program.  Program Coordinators additionally may deploy alongside the EMCOMM units they manage to lead and coordinate response operations.
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800, ARRL EC-016
• C.A.A. EMCOMM Leadership Training
• Appointment to the position

• Can deploy

EPC

AEPC

EMCOMM CERT Program Coordinator / Assistant EMCOMM CERT Program Coordinator
EMCOMM CERT Program Coordinators are typically ranking EMCOMM, IMOS, or RRT Unit Commanders, but can be a separate Rated or civilian EMCOM CERT member appointed by the EMCOMM CERT chain of command.  Among their responsibilities include management and administration of EMCOMM CERT units in a designated geographical area, as well as appointing leaders and representing the program.  Program Coordinators additionally may deploy alongside the EMCOMM CERT units they manage to lead and coordinate response operations.
 
Minimum Requirements:

• ​​Ham Radio Certified to Technician level or above
  
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
  
• Attend and pass Basic Disaster Academy / CERT training.
  
• Complete and maintain any required training / annual qualifications related to their Responder Level.
  
• Passed background check
  
• ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800
  
• C.A.A. CERT Leadership Training
  
• CERT Program Manager Course (or equivalent)
  
• Appointment to the position
  
• Can deploy
  

ECPC#

AECPC#

EMCOMM Instructor
EMCOMM Instructors are IMOS, Rated, or civilian EMCOMM members who have been vetted and approved as EMCOMM Instructors through Training Solutions International.  EMCOMM Instructors are part of the TSI Instructor Cadre and must wear the TSI Instructor uniform and Insignia.  (Insignia is worn on the shoulder of uniforms)
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Vetted and approved as an Instructor through TSI
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800

• Practical experience

EMCOMM CERT Instructor
EMCOMM CERT Instructors are RRT, Rated, or civilian CERT members who have been vetted and approved as CERT Instructors through Training Solutions International.  CERT Instructors are part of the TSI CERT Instructor Cadre and must wear the TSI Instructor uniform and Insignia.  (Insignia is worn on the shoulder of uniforms)
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Vetted and approved as an Instructor through TSI
• CERT Basic Training & EMCOMM Basic Training

(or ARRL EC-001)

• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800

• Passed FEMA Cert TTT course

EMCOMM Commander / Assistant EMCOMM Commander
EMCOMM Commanders are responsible for an EMCOMM Battalion containing 2 or more EMCOMM Companies, as well as overseeing the operations of the EMCOMM program within a specific geographical area.  This includes arranging meetings and training, supervising EMCOMM Captains, and assisting Program Coordinators.
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800, ARRL EC-016
• C.A.A. EMCOMM Leadership Training.

• Can deploy

EC

AEC

EMCOMM CERT Commander / Assistant EMCOMM CERT Commander
EMCOMM CERT Commanders are responsible for a CERT Battalion containing 2 or more CERT Companies, as well as overseeing the operations of the CERT program within a specific geographical area.  This includes arranging meetings and training, supervising CERT Captains, and assisting Program Coordinators.
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to Technician level or above
  
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
  
• Attend and pass Basic Disaster Academy / CERT training.
  
• Complete and maintain any required training / annual qualifications related to their Responder Level.
  
• Passed background check
  
• ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800
  
• C.A.A. CERT Leadership Training.
  
• CERT Program Manager Course (or equivalent)
  
• Can deploy
  

ECC#

AECC#

EMCOMM Captain / Assistant EMCOMM Captain
EMCOMM Captains are responsible for an EMCOMM Company containing 2 or more EMCOMM Crews, and are assigned under an EMCOMM Commander. Captains can temporarily assume Commander positions if Commanders are unavailable.
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800, ARRL EC-016
• C.A.A. EMCOMM Leadership Training

• Can deploy

ECA

AECA

EMCOMM CERT Captain / Assistant EMCOMM CERT Captain
EMCOMM CERT Captains are responsible for a CERT Company containing 2 or more CERT Crews, and are assigned under a CERT Commander. Captains can temporarily assume Commander positions if Commanders are unavailable.
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to Technician level or above
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Attend and pass Basic Disaster Academy / CERT training.
• Complete and maintain any required training / annual qualifications related to their Responder Level.
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 300, 700, 800
• C.A.A. CERT Leadership Training
• Can deploy

ECCA#

AECCA#

EMCOMM Crew Leader / Assistant EMCOMM Crew Leader
EMCOMM Crew Leaders are responsible for an EMCOMM Crew containing 2 or more EMCOMM Squads, and are assigned under an EMCOMM Captain. Crew Leaders can temporarily assume Captain positions if Captains are unavailable.
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
• C.A.A. EMCOMM Leadership Training

• Can deploy

ECL

AECL

EMCOMM CERT Crew Leader / Assistant EMCOMM CERT Crew Leader
EMCOMM CERT Crew Leaders are responsible for a CERT Crew containing 2 or more CERT Squads, and are assigned under a CERT Captain. Crew Leaders can temporarily assume Captain positions if Captains are unavailable.
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to Technician level or above
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Attend and pass Basic Disaster Academy / CERT training.
• Complete and maintain any required training / annual qualifications related to their Responder Level.
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
• C.A.A. CERT Leadership Training
• Can deploy

ECCL#

AECCL#

EMCOMM Squad Leader / Assistant EMCOMM Squad Leader
EMCOMM Squad Leaders are responsible for an EMCOMM Squad consisting of 2 or more EMCOMM Teams, and are assigned under an EMCOMM Crew Leader. Squad Leaders can temporarily assume Crew Leader positions if Crew Leaders are unavailable.
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
• C.A.A. EMCOMM Leadership Training

• Can deploy

ESL

AESL

EMCOMM CERT Squad Leader / Assistant EMCOMM CERT Squad Leader
EMCOMM CERT Squad Leaders are responsible for a CERT Squad consisting of 2 or more CERT Teams, and are assigned under a CERT Crew Leader. Squad Leaders can temporarily assume Crew Leader positions if Crew Leaders are unavailable.
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to Technician level or above
  
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
  
• Attend and pass Basic Disaster Academy / CERT training.
  
• Complete and maintain any required training / annual qualifications related to their Responder Level.
  
• Passed background check
  
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
  
• C.A.A. CERT Leadership Training
  
• Can deploy
  

ECSL#

AECSL#

EMCOMM Team Leader / Assistant EMCOMM Team Leader
EMCOMM Team Leaders are responsible for an EMCOMM Team consisting of 2 EMCOMM’s, Assistant Team Leader, and Team Leader; and are assigned under an EMCOMM Squad Leader.  Additionally, Team Leaders can temporarily assume Squad Leader positions if Squad Leaders are unavailable.
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
• C.A.A. EMCOMM Leadership Training

• Can deploy

ETL

AETL

EMCOMM CERT Team Leader / Assistant EMCOMM CERT Team Leader
EMCOMM CERT Team Leaders are responsible for a CERT Team consisting of 2 CERTs, Assistant Team Leader, and Team Leader; and are assigned under a Squad Leader.  Additionally, Team Leaders can temporarily assume Squad Leader positions if Squad Leaders are unavailable.
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to Technician level or above
  
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
  
• Attend and pass Basic Disaster Academy / CERT training.
  
• Complete and maintain any required training / annual qualifications related to their Responder Level.
  
• Passed background check
  
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
  
• C.A.A. CERT Leadership Training
  
• Can deploy
  

ECTL#

AECTL#

EMCOMM 5
EMCOMM 5’s are the most advanced non-leadership EMCOMM level and are next in line for leadership positions when they become available. EMCOMM 5’s have the basic level of training, but are further advanced EMCOMM certified.
 
Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to the Extra Class Level
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800, G0191, ARRL EC-016

• Can deploy

EMC5

EMCOMM CERT 5
EMCOMM CERT 5’s are the most advanced non-leadership CERT level and are next in line for leadership positions when they become available. CERT 5’s have completed BDA/CERT and ham radio training as well as standard Search and Rescue training.  They are able to be deployed to urban and wilderness environments equally.

Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to Technician level or above
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Attend and pass Basic Disaster Academy / CERT training.
• Complete all training required for Responder 5.
• Complete Search And Rescue skills sign-off booklet for Responder 5.
• Pass Basic Search and Rescue written exam with score of at least 80%.
• Complete ICS 100, 200, and 700.
• Maintain CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
• Maintain annual physical ability at Level 3D – Arduous Pack Test.​
• Passed background check

• Can deploy 

ECER5

EMCOMM 4
EMCOMM 4’s have the basic level of training, but are additionally advanced ICS certified.
 
Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to the Extra Class Level
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800, G0191

• Can deploy

EMC4

EMCOMM CERT 4
EMCOMM CERT 4’s have completed BDA/CERT and ham radio training as well as standard Search and Rescue training.  They are able to be deployed to urban and wilderness environments equally.

Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to Technician level or above
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Attend and pass Basic Disaster Academy / CERT training.
• Complete all training required for Responder 4.
• Complete Search And Rescue skills sign-off booklet for Responder 4.
• Pass Basic Search and Rescue written exam with score of at least 80%.
  
• Complete ICS 100, 200, and 700.
  
• Maintain CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
  
• Maintain annual physical ability at Level 2D – Moderate Field Test.
  
• Passed background check
  
• Can deploy

ECER4

EMCOMM 3
EMCOMM 3’s have the basic level of training, but are additionally advanced Ham Radio certified.
 
Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to the Extra Class level
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800

• Can deploy

EMC3

EMCOMM CERT 3
EMCOMM CERT 3’s have completed BDA/CERT and ham radio training as well as basic Search and Rescue training.  They are able to be deployed to urban and rural environments.

Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to Technician level or above
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Attend and pass Basic Disaster Academy / CERT training.
• Complete all training required for Responder 3.
• Complete Search And Rescue skills sign-off booklet for Responder 3.
• Pass Basic Search and Rescue written exam with score of at least 80%.
• Complete ICS 100, 200, and 700.
• Maintain CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
• Maintain annual physical ability at Level 2D – Moderate Field Test.
• Passed background check

• Can deploy 

ECER3

EMCOMM 2
EMCOMM 2’s have the basic level of training, but are additionally further ham radio certified and ICS certified.
 
Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to General Class level
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Passed background check

• Can deploy

EMC2

EMCOMM CERT 2
EMCOMM CERT 2’s have completed BDA/CERT and ham radio training as well as some basic Search and Rescue training.  They are able to be deployed, primarily to urban environments.

Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to Technician level or above
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Attend and pass Basic Disaster Academy / CERT training.
• Complete all training required for Responder 2.
• Complete Search And Rescue skills sign-off booklet for Responder 2.
• Pass Basic Search and Rescue written exam with score of at least 80%.
• Complete ICS 100, 200, and 700.
  
• Maintain CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
  
• Maintain annual physical ability at Level 1D – Light Walk Test.
  
• Passed background check
  
• Can deploy

ECER2

EMCOMM 1
EMCOMM 1’s are the basic level EMCOMM that is able to deploy.
 
Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to Technician level
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Passed background check
• ICS 100, 200, 700

• Can deploy

EMC1

EMCOMM CERT 1
EMCOMM CERT 1’s have completed the minimum BDA/CERT and ham radio training and are able to be deployed, primarily to urban environments.

Requirements:

• Ham Radio Certified to Technician level or above
• EMCOMM Basic Training (or ARRL EC-001)
• Attend and pass Basic Disaster Academy / CERT training.
• Complete ICS 100, 200, and 700.
• Maintain CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
• Maintain annual physical ability at Level 1D – Light Walk Test.
• Passed background check

• Can deploy

ECER1

EMCOMM 0
EMCOMM 0’s are those that have not completed Basic EMCOMM training or are currently going through it; and/or have not completed the basic ICS 100, 200, and 700 courses; and/or have not completed the application and background check process.
 
Requirements:

• Cannot deploy

EMC0

EMCOMM CERT 0
EMCOMM CERT 0’s are those that have not completed the Basic CERT training or are currently going through it; and/or have not completed the basic ham radio training or ICS 100, 200, and 700 courses; and/or have not completed the application and background check process.
 
Requirements:

• Cannot deploy

ECER0

EMCOMM Program Structure Details

• CERT Leadership badges display a number with the rank.  The number designates the responder training level of the wearer.
  

​​

• EMCOMM personnel are required to wear their EMCOMM uniform T-shirts and insignia for all official events and deployments.  Field gear may be required in some instances.

• EMCOMM members must pay an initial apparel fee to cover the cost of their EMCOMM T-shirt and EMCOMM insignia.  All other equipment beyond that is issued and must be returned upon leaving the program.  EMCOMM members have the option of purchasing their equipment if they wish to keep it upon leaving the program.

• EMCOMM ranks, insignia, and credentials are only assigned to personnel that are full members of the C.A.A. EMCOMM program.

• EMCOMM CERT Support is a category of EMCOMM CERT membership for people that want to participate in the EMCOMM and CERT programs, but do not want to serve in a front-line capacity.   EMCOMM CERT Support personnel provide logistics, outreach, and other functions that support front-line operations.  They still have to meet the same training requirements and qualifications as front-line EMCOMM CERT personnel, but when deployed only fulfill support roles.

• C.A.A. Teen EMCOMM follows the same basic structure as regular C.A.A. EMCOMM, utilizing the same requirements for each rank level, and with each rank level serving a similar function within Teen EMCOMM.  Teen EMCOMM does differ from regular EMCOMM in a couple of ways however:  The word “Teen” is added to all Teen EMCOMM ranks and the highest attainable rank is Teen EMCOMM Captain; and the C.A.A. Teen EMCOMM logo replaces the regular C.A.A. EMCOMM logo on all rank badges, patches, and program insignia.  Teen EMCOMM is the EMCOMM equivalent of the Cadet Program and is regulated by the Cadet Program in regards to policies and practices.  Teen EMCOMM is open to any teen between the ages of 14 and 19; however mature 13 year olds may also be admitted.  Teen EMCOMM members have the option of transitioning to a regular EMCOMM at the age of 18, or may continue until they age out on their 20th birthday.  Teens that transition to a regular EMCOMM assume an EMCOMM rank equivalent to their level of training and experience.

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Active EMCOMM Units

EMCOMM Team 1

EMCM-Team 1 is an EMCOMM unit based in Sector 2.  The unit is part of Emergency Response Force 1 in Sector 2.  The unit is comprised of rated and non-rated volunteer EMCOMM personnel who are tasked with providing emergency communications services in support of C.A.A. emergency response operations.

Uniforms of EMCOMM

Because EMCOMM has diverse personnel, they wear a range of uniforms.  Rated personnel assigned to EMCOMM wear the same uniforms and have the same hygiene and appearance requirements as IMOS.  Non-Rated EMCOM CERT personnel wear the same uniforms and have the same hygiene and appearance requirements as the CERT program.  Non-Rated EMCOMM personnel that are just part of EMCOMM primarily wear Red T-shirts with regular street clothes as their uniform; but when in full uniform they wear tops in Khaki over their Red T-shirts, Khaki pants, and Coyote or Tan boots (Variant of Color Type 2).  Unless they are assigned to an Emergency Response Force unit, in which case they wear the same Navy Blue responder uniforms as the other ERF personnel.  Uniforms commonly worn by EMCOMM include:

EMCOMM Service Uniform Class B

EMCOMM Service Uniform Class C

Administrative Uniform with Red Polo and Tan Pants Class C

EMCOMM Service Uniform Class D (Standard uniform for most EMCOMM activities)
​
EMCOMM units consisting of Non-Rated personnel usually require Type 5 or greater hygiene and appearance requirements.

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