Emergency Communications Academy
Standardizing Operational Communications & Interoperability
The Emergency Communications Academy provides a tiered qualification path for communications personnel. This curriculum integrates standard State Defense Force requirements with FEMA National Qualification System (NQS) standards for Communications Technicians (COMT) and Communications Unit Leaders (COML).
Basic Communications Qualification
The Basic Qualification establishes the foundation for radio operation, net control procedures, and operational security. This level is aligned with the NQS Communications Technician (COMT) competency framework.
NQS Communications Technician (COMT) Integration
To align with FEMA National Qualification System (NQS) standards for the COMT position (Type 3/2), Basic candidates must complete the following foundational prerequisites:
- IS-100: Intro to ICS
- IS-200: ICS for Single Resources
- IS-700: NIMS An Introduction
- IS-800: National Response Framework
Additional Coursework & Certifications
- IS-2200: Basic EOC Functions (replaces IS-775)
- GS-130: OPSEC Awareness online course (CDSE)
- IS-951: DHS Radio Interoperability
- Tait Radio Academy: Basic Radio Awareness
- First Aid Certification: Red Cross or equivalent
- CPR Certification: Red Cross or equivalent
Operational Tasks & Proficiency
| Task ID | Requirement Description |
|---|---|
| a | Participate in a Communications Mission |
| b | Demonstrate Net Control Procedures |
| c | Demonstrate Log Procedures |
| d | Send & Receive messages using ICS-213 Message Form |
| e | Logging & Distribution of Messages |
| g | Station Turnover Procedures |
| h | Authentication Procedures |
| i | Phonetic Alphabet Proficiency |
| j | Understanding of Precedence |
| k | Net Call Sign Sheet Familiarization |
| l | Alpha-Numeric Order Proficiency |
| m | Use of Prowords |
| n | Message Format Adherence |
| p | Traffic Procedure |
| q | Open Net Procedure |
Senior Communications Qualification
The Senior Qualification expands into leadership, planning, and the management of communication units. This level integrates the Communications Unit Leader (COML) competencies.
Prerequisites
- Current holder of the Basic Communications Qualification Badge
- FCC Technician Class License (Optional - waives 2 COMEX/Radio Net Exercise requirements)
Communications Unit Leader (COML) Integration
In accordance with NQS standards, Senior candidates must complete the following Advanced COML Type 3/2 prerequisites to support Unit Leader capabilities:
- ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (Classroom)
- G0191: ICS/EOC Interface (Classroom/Instructor-Led)
★ FEMA SRT Qualification: Completion of this Senior Level Badge satisfies all requirements for qualification with the FEMA Supplemental Response Team (SRT) program as a Communications Unit Leader.
Advanced Coursework
- IS-230: Fundamentals of Emergency Management
- IS-242: Effective Communication
- WebEOC / DLAN Training: WebEOC or DisasterLAN (DLAN) 1-Day training & Table Top Exercise
Leadership & Operational Tasks
| Task Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Training Delivery | Successfully complete Radio Equipment training & Demonstrate proficiency in delivering a Radio training course |
| ICS Planning | Plan a COMEX using ICS-205 (Incident Radio Communications Plan) & ICS-217A (Comms Resource Availability Worksheet) |
| Operations | Participate in five (5) 4-hour COMEXs using Radio Equipment |
| Leadership | Participate as a leader in five (5) additional 4-hour Radio Net Exercises beyond Basic requirements |
| Deployment | Deployment on 1 mission in a Communications position & deliver a 30-minute mission brief explaining communications |
Master Communications Qualification
TO BE ANNOUNCED (TBA)
The requirements for the Master Communications Qualification are currently under review.
Please check back for updates.
Academy Staff
A Message from the Commandant: Tactical Communications Readiness
To the future lifelines of our emergency response efforts: In a crisis, communication is not a luxury—it is our most critical asset. It is the backbone that ensures every agency, every responder, and every decision is perfectly aligned. Without your expertise, the mission [...]
SGAUS Launches New FEMA SRT Qualification Webpage
SGAUS is pleased to announce the launch of a new online resource designed to assist members in navigating the FEMA National Qualification System (NQS) requirements for paid Supplemental Response Team (SRT) positions.This new quick-reference guide provides a centralized, easy-to-use interface detailing the official [...]
Opportunity for State Defense Force (SDF) Service Members: Paid Federal Activation
SUBJECT: Opportunity for State Defense Force (SDF) Service Members: Paid Federal Activation through FEMA’s Supplemental Response Team (SRT) Program 1. SITUATION: On June 25, 2025, Lt. Colonel (NY, R) Barry R. Greene, President of the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS), visited [...]