In order to bring amateur radio emergency and auxiliary communication (EMCOMM) resources into compliance with Incident Command System practice and procedures, the follow nomenclatures should be used when amateur radio EMCOMM services are "ordered" during a ICS event. Each "TYPE" team is designed to provide 24/7 coverage, and will be dispatched with its own supervisor who will also serve as the liaison to the incident Communications Coordinator (COMC).

(NOTE: There is never a charge for this service to any agency or person.

It is proposed that this will be included in the NICC Resource Ordering manual and be used by ICS Logistics personnel for all major (including non-fire) events.

ARCT Type 1 - (Full field station and 4 mobile/portable units)

- Complete amateur radio emergency/auxiliary communications team for single or multiple agency communications.

- Capability: Short range (VHF/UHF) and long range (HF) voice and digital communications for tactical, logistics, health/welfare, administrative, and other radio traffic. Is not dependant upon any outside power source or infrastructure.

- 12 persons including one supervisor and one assistant supervisor. Consists of one ARCT (Type 2 or 3) base station; and four Type 4 units (mobile, portable, or "rovers".

ARCT Type 2 - (Field/base station)

- Capability: Short range (VHF/UHF) and long range (HF) voice and digital communications for tactical, logistics, health/welfare, administrative, and other radio traffic. Is not dependant upon any outside power source or infrastructure.

- 4 (or more) licensed and registered AROs with one or two vehicles.

- 2 must be General class (or higher).

- May be assigned to a specific agency, or for AUX/EMCOMM.

at a staging area, CP, EOC, etc. for multiple agency service.

ARCT Type 3 - (Field/base station / no digital)

- Same as ARCT TYPE 2 but without digital capability (VHF packet and/or HF pactor).

ARCT Type 4 (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 5 - (Mobile/portable field additional support unit)

- 1 individual licensed and registered ARO with vehicle.

- Technician class or higher.

- VHF FM (minimum) equipped.

- Rarely (if ever) ordered singly.

- May be assigned to a specific agency or to supplement/relieve

an existing ARCT.

ICS Logistics Officers and/or Communications Unit Leaders should be provided with a current list of persons to notify to activate an ARCT.