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Communications Unit Leader*

COML decorative banner: photos depicting COML position. COML Position Description: The Communications Unit Leader (COML), under the direction of the Service Branch Director or Logistics Section Chief, is responsible for developing plans for the effective use of incident communications equipment and facilities; installing and testing communications equipment; supervising the Incident Communications Center; distributing communications equipment to incident personnel; and maintaining and repairing communications equipment.

The Communications Unit Leader (COML) is responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining communications equipment on wildland fire incidents. The COML also provides data, telephone, and radio communications support for incident personnel. The COML supervises the Incident Communications Technician (COMT) and the Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM) and reports to the Logistics Section Chief (LSC) or the Service Branch Director (SVBD). The COML works in the Logistics functional area.

USWDS Paragraphs

Logistics Section Chief (LSC3) Service Branch Director (SVBD) Communications Unit Leader (COML) Incident Communications Technician (COMT) Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM) Medical Unit Leader (MEDL) Food Unit Leader (FDUL) Support Branch Director (SUBD) Supply Unit Leader (SPUL) Ordering Manager (ORDM) Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM) Facilities Unit Leader (FACL) Base Camp Manager (BCMG) Ground Support Unit Leader (GSUL) Equipment Manager (EQPM) Security Manager (SECM) Radio Operator (RADO) Logistics Section Chief (LSC2) Logistics Section Chief (LSC1) Logistics Section Chief (LSCC)

The Forest Service and Department of Interior are enabled by Administratively Determined Pay Plans (AD Pay Plans) to hire persons for temporary duration for the following reasons:

  1. To cope with a sudden and unexpected emergency caused by a fire, or extreme fire potential, flood, storm, or any other all-hazard emergency that threatens damage to federally protected property, has the potential to cause loss of life, serious injury, public health risk, or damage to natural or cultural resources unless brought under immediate control.
  2. To provide emergency assistance to States under formalized agreements.
  3. To meet mission assignments issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Incident Business Committee (IBC) reviews positions annually and establishes pay rate classifications for each position.

For more information on the AD Pay Plans, visit Incident Business Committee.

Date: Jan 2024

Updated Positions Qualification Requirements as follows:

Deleted from "COML Maintains Currency For These Positions": 

  • Service Branch Director (SVBD)

Date: Apr 2023

Removed: OR Satisfactory performance as an Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM) Added: AND Satisfactory performance as an Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM)

Date: Jan 2023

Added:

Satisfactory performance as an Incident Communications Technician (COMT)
AND Completion and Certification of NWCG Communications Unit Leader (COML) Position Task Book, PMS 311-34

 

OR

Satisfactory performance as an Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM)
AND Completion and Certification of NWCG Communications Unit Leader (COML) Position Task Book, PMS 311-34

Date: Apr 2021

Added: Incident Position Description (IPD) approved.

Date: Oct 1993

Position created.

USWDS Paragraph Bundles

Primary Committee: Incident and Position Standards Committee
Steward: Incident Logistics Subcommittee


Last Modified / Reviewed:

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Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Aviation Committee

The Air Operations Summary (ICS 220 WF) provides the Air Operations Branch with the number, type, location, and specific assignments of helicopters and air resources. The new ICS 220 WF also includes medical extraction capabilities and air resources tracking.

Understanding the capabilities of aviation assets is critical for effective medical and extraction responses. Coordination with the Medical Unit Leader is essential to ensure alignment and consistency between the ICS 220 WF and the Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF). 

References:

Air Operations Summary (ICS 220 WF)

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Incident Command System (ICS) Forms

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Date: April 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), PMS 311-105, are now available. 

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators. 

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

 

References:

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105

NWCG Position Task Book for Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), PMS 311-105

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Helicopter Crewmember

Date: April 28, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22, are now available.

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: April 23, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee

The NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 standardizes processes and procedures for the interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This updated publication provides the aviation community with standards to ensure UAS are used safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of fire management goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

NWCG National Interagency Aviation Committee