Organization of
Amateur Radio in ICS
Amateur Radio Communications Teams
By: Brian Cook KI4HLW
www.emcommforum.org
Incident Command System
A standardized on-scene emergency management
concept specifically designed to allow its users to
adopt an integrated organizational structure
equal to the complexity and demands of single
or multiple incidents, without being hindered by
jurisdictional boundaries.
Incident Command System
It provides essential management using these aspects:
 common terminology
 modular organization
 integrated communications
 a unified command structure
 consolidated action plans
 manageable span-of-control
 predesigned incident facilities
 comprehensive resource management
Incident Command System
It does all of this by organizing any emergency
response effort into four basic functions:
1. planning/intelligence
2. operations
3. logistics
4. finance/administration
EMCOMM

Short for EMergency COMMunication

Typically used to refer to Amateur Radio groups
such as ARES® but actually includes any and all
Emergency Communications including:
Computer Networks
 Satellite Communications (Voice and Data)
 Other Radio Services (GMRS, FRS, CB)

Communications fall under Logistics
Under ICS, Logistics is responsible for filling
emergency requests for Communications
services and equipment. This includes mutual
aid requests for ACS volunteers.
ICS uses Resources

Resources are a group of a predetermined size
with a predetermined capability.

With ICS, logistics managers use a standardized,
four character, mnemonic nomenclature system
to order all resources. It may be a fire
suppression strike team, a task force, a medical
unit, or a communications unit.
How Amateur Radio Fits
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ARCT Resource Typing was developed in 2003.
Introduced in QST in December 2003.
Now in ARECC Level 3.
Active TYPE I ARCTS being formed by the WRRL.
And a growing number of ARES® and other
EMCOMM units.
Has been cleared by NIMS Resource Center
The ARCT

The ARCT is the resource title for Amateur Radio
Resources. It stands for “Amateur Radio
Communications Team” though some states use the
term “Auxiliary” in place of “Amateur”.

ARCTs may be pre-existing units, but more than likely
they will be assembled from existing registered
EMCOMM operators at the time of the incident.
ARCT Types

ICS resources use Types to refer to the specific
size and capability of a resource.

The lower the number the larger the resource.

There are 4 proposed types of ARCT resources.
ARCT Type 4
Mobile/Portable Field Additional Support
Unit
 1 Individual licensed ARO with vehicle.
 Technician class or higher.
 VHF FM (minimum) equipped.
 May be assigned to a specific agency or to
supplement/relieve an existing ARCT.
Rarely (if ever) ordered singularly.
ARCT Type 3
Mobile/Portable Field Units
 2 licensed and registered AROs with one or two
vehicles.
 Technician class or higher (At least 1 General or
higher if available.)
 VHF FM (minimum) equipped, HF
mobile/portable desired .
 May be assigned to a specific agency or to
supplement/relieve an existing multi-agency
ARCT.
ARCT Type 2
Field/Base Station
 Short range (VHF/UHF) and long range (HF)
voice and digital communications.
 Is not dependant upon any outside power
source or infrastructure.
 4 licensed AROs (2 at least General class) with
one or two vehicles.
 May be assigned to a specific agency, or at a
staging area, CP, EOC, etc. for multiple agency
service.
ARCT Type 1
Full Field Station and 4 Mobile/Portable Units
 Complete amateur radio emergency/auxiliary
communications team for single or multiple agency
communications.
 Short range (VHF/UHF), long range (HF) voice and
digital communications. Is not dependant upon any
outside power source or infrastructure.
 12 (or more) persons including one supervisor and one
assistant supervisor. Consists of one ARCT Type 2
unit, and four Type 4 units.
ARCT Advantages

Clearly defined capabilities allow Commanders
to quickly and easily call up the exact capabilities
they need.
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Standardized system allows better organization
in mutual assistance or multi jurisdictional
situations.
EMCOMM Leadership under ICS
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There is a current trend to define EMCOMM
group leadership as to follow the ICS system.
All positions/responsibilities are pretty much
the same as in current systems, many titles are
the same also.
One person can hold more then one position as
needed by group size.
Makes sure the responsible person for every
aspect of the group is clearly defined.
ICS Organization Level
In ICS the Amateur Radio group would most
likely be at the Unit level.
ICS Leadership Titles
At the Unit level the EC would be a Leader.
The individual in charge of a single Resource is
called a Boss.
ICS modeled Leadership Titles
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Emergency Coordinator
Assistant Emergency Coordinator
Planning and Training Coordinator
Operations Coordinator (Nets, etc.)
Logistics Coordinator (supplies, equipment (e.g.generators, batteries, transportation, etc.)
Records and Reports Coordinator
Same responsibilities fit anywhere on the ICS organization
For more info visit the WRRL website
http://wrrl.org/arct_program/