AUXCOMM in Michigan
And Genesee County

“One of AUXCOMM’s goals is to remove the novice aspect of volunteer emergency communicators and increase the professionalism of operators so they can be utilized more in the field.”

–The NCEP Spotlight

AUXCOMM is…

Auxiliary Communications (AUXCOMM) is an all-inclusive term used to describe the many organizations that provide various types of communications support to emergency management, public safety, and other government agencies or describes the services themselves.

It is an umbrella program for preparing volunteers to serve as Auxiliary Communicators (AUXC) within an incident command structure (ICS).

The Role of AUXCOMM

The model of AUXCOMM is designed to provide auxiliary support to existing systems, emergency management programs, and public safety agencies.

AUXC Skillset

The AUXC brings the following skills and mindset:

  • Willingness and desire to serve local emergency managers (EMs) in a variety of communications-based roles or tasks.
  • Willingness to work with Communication Unit Leaders (COML) in an ICS environment.
  • Willingness to learn public safety communications systems e.g.,
    700/800MHz/Michigan’s Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS).
  • Michigan Critical Incident Management System (MI CIMS) end user in good standing.

What is AUXCOMM? Genesee County, Michigan

Presented by Tim Crane, WM8A. Former GCARES Training Officer

AUXC Training

The AUXC trainee begins their journey with the endorsement of their local emergency manager, public safety answering point (PSAP) director, or public safety leader.

They must complete the following training:

  • Basic NIMS/ICS prerequisites (IS-100, 200, 700, and 800).
  • 20-hour AUXC position-specific training course.
  • If they are seeking state recognition, they will also complete MI CIMS user training.

AUXC Recognition

The AUXC trainees are encouraged to complete a position task book (PTB). The PTB tasks are completed under the evaluation of a COML or state-recognized AUXC. The final signature of the EM indicates that the person has fulfilled the requirements and is recognized in their county as an AUXC.

If they so choose, an AUXC can apply for state recognition. State-recognized AUXCs are registered in a database as available for deployment elsewhere in the state, and potentially to other states under a mutual aid assistance compact.