← Plan comms

Role hub

COML / Communications Planner

Ordered tools for planning layered communications and ICS documentation for an operational period.

Open incident workspace
COML doctrine

Planning before the net keys up

  • PACE first: Document primary (voice repeater), alternate (simplex), contingency (DMR/Meshtastic), and emergency (HF Winlink) in the PACE planner.
  • ICS-205 drives programming: Build the frequency plan, export CHIRP CSV from ICS-205, and brief field ops before deployment.
  • Resource tracking: Log radios, gateways, and operators in ICS-210, ICS-211, and ICS-217 — close with ICS-221 demob checkout each operational period.
  • Served-agency boundary: RACES and agency activation rules apply — see RACES checklist and get involved.
Planning period checklist

COML op-period opener

  • Read ICS-201/202 for objectives and safety message before assigning frequencies.
  • Complete PACE — four layers named with hardware and operators.
  • Build ICS-205 and export CHIRP CSV for field programming.
  • Publish ICS-210 — COMT/NCS assignments and digital contingency authorized.
  • Track assets in ICS-217; plan demob close-out early.
PACE Comms PlannerWorkflow step 2 ICS-205 PlannerWorkflow step 2 ICS-210 Comms Unit PlanWorkflow step 2 ICS-217 Resource StatusWorkflow step 5 ICS-221 Demob CheckoutWorkflow step 5 ICS-204 Assignment ListWorkflow step 2 ICS-201 Incident BriefingWorkflow step 2 ICS-202 Incident ObjectivesWorkflow step 2 ICS-203 Org ChartWorkflow step 2 ICS-208 Safety PlanWorkflow step 2 ICS-215 Ops WorksheetWorkflow step 2 ICS-206 Medical PlanWorkflow step 2 Frequency Scratch PadWorkflow step 2 Tactical Callsign GenWorkflow step 2 Repeater OffsetWorkflow step 2 Simplex CallingWorkflow step 2 Split / RIT FrequencyWorkflow step 2 ICS-208 Safety Message PlanSafety message & hazards
FAQ

Common questions

What does a COML deliver on an incident?

PACE plan, ICS-205 frequency assignments, ICS-210 comm unit plan, and resource tracking through ICS-217 and ICS-221.

What order should ICS planning forms be completed?

Typically ICS-201 briefing, ICS-202 objectives, PACE, ICS-208 safety, ICS-205 radio plan, then ICS-210 and tactical forms.

How does PACE relate to ICS-205?

PACE documents the four comm layers; ICS-205 assigns specific frequencies and tones to each layer for the operational period.