COMU COML Communications Unit Leader

Course Description:

This course helps participants establish the essential core competencies required for performing the duties of the Communications Unit Leader (COML) in an all-hazards incident. This course addresses all responsibilities appropriate to a COML operating in a local- or state-level All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT). These responsibilities include the collection, processing, and dissemination as needed to facilitate Operations of Command, General Staff, and Unit Leaders within the confines of a Type 3 AHIMT. The course is an instructor-led training that supports learning through discussion, lecture, and active participation in multiple exercises.

The learner must achieve a minimum passing score of 75% on final knowledge assessments or demonstrate mastery on performance assessments or research assignments to earn the IACET CEU.

Selection Criteria: NIMS ICS Position Specific training shall be completed by personnel who will be required to gain a certificate of training and the credentials to function in an ICS Organization, such as an IMT, as a member of the Command, General Staff or as a Unit Leader. These criteria will be verified on the student enrollment request by endorsement of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) such as the State/Tribal Training Officer or the course manager.

Course Objectives:

• Identify course objectives and position-specific resource materials for the position of COML.
• Describe the function and components of the Logistics Section and the Communications Unit within the context of the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Describe the function and components of the Communications Unit and qualification process for the Communications Unit Leader.
• Identify methods for the application, coordination, and use of interoperable communications.
• Identify methods and standards relating to frequency regulations and use.
• Describe the COML responsibilities in establishing an incident radio communications system.
• Create and publish a properly constructed ICS Form 205 Incident Radio Communications Plan and a Form 217A Communications Resource Availability Worksheet.
• Identify COML responsibilities in establishing an Incident Communications Center (ICC) as well as manage all incident communications needs, personnel, and the ICC.
• Describe requirements of personnel management.
• Describe the COML roles and responsibilities for demobilization/transition from an incident.
• Demonstrate mastery of the key concepts presented in the course.

Prerequisites for Registration:

• Personal experience:
• A public safety background with experience in field operations.
• A technical communications background.
• Awareness of fundamental public safety communications technology.
• Basic knowledge of applicable communications plans.
• An affiliation with a public safety agency that will provide Worker's Compensation insurance coverage to you.

• Must have completed the following online courses from the FEMA EMI website:
• IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
• IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
• IS-700: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
• IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction

• Additional required training:
• ICS-300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents

• Additional recommended (not required) training:
• ICS-400: Advanced Incident Command System for Complex Incidents
• G0191: Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command System Interface

The following documentation must be submitted BEFORE the Registration Deadline, and preferably as soon as possible:

• Copies of certificates or transcript indicating completion of FEMA Independent Study courses IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800.
• Course links: https://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.aspx
• Transcript request form: https://training.fema.gov/student/sssp.aspx

• Copies of certificate indicating completion of ICS-300.
• If you need a new copy of the certificate, you will need to go back to the issuing agency.

• A completed COMU Application.
• Download blank form: https://oklahoma.gov/homeland-security/interoperable-communications/state-qualification-portal.html

Follow instructions carefully and completely. Please note that illegible entries and/or blanks left on any forms will cause them to be returned to you as incomplete and you will remain on the waiting list until corrected and complete documentation is received. If something doesn't apply to you, enter "N/A".

Please note that you cannot sign off on your own paperwork, even if you are an agency head. In that case, have your superior (city manager, mayor, board chair, etc.) sign off.

Please scan your prerequisite documents into a single PDF and email to sean.douglas@okohs.ok.gov prior to the Registration Deadline. Please do not send documentation beyond what is required. Documents sent after the Registration Deadline will not be accepted.

FEMA will not allow us to make exceptions to these prerequisite requirements.

Registration Priorities:

Priority for registration for this course is being given to Oklahoma applicants currently serving in a deployable emergency responder role. Agency affiliated registrants from other roles and/or states may be accepted into the course only after the registration deadline has passed and only if open seats remain after all properly qualified and vetted Oklahoma deployable emergency responder applicants have been seated.

IMPORTANT:

Submission of the registration form places you into a waiting pool until all your prerequisite documentation has been received and verified as complete and correct. Prerequisite documents must be received and vetted prior to the Registration Deadline, however, applicants are asked to submit their documentation as soon as possible. Students will be seated in the course to the maximum course capacity on a first-come, first-serve basis with students best meeting the Registration Priorities, best fitting the Target Audience described, and completely submitting all of their prerequisite documentation.

If this course fills up, any applicants submitting complete registrations will be placed on an ordered substitution list, which will be used to fill seats vacated by previously seated applicants.

All applicants will be advised of their status as it evolves.

If you are not selected to participate in this course offering, your contact information and prerequisite documentation will be retained so that we may notify you of future COML course offerings and speed your registration.

Registration Deadline:

Friday, June 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM CDT

Point-of-Contact for Questions & Prerequisite Documentation:

Sean Douglas
Deputy Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
State Frequency Coordinator
sean.douglas@okohs.ok.gov