Part of DHS National Emergency Communications
Clatsop County Auxiliary Communications Service (AuxComm or AUXCOMM) is part of a national network of communications organizations under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
During crises or natural disasters, phones, computers and other major communications may no longer operate or may become so congested that service slows or even fails. Because amateur radio communications can work independently of these major systems, they continue to play the integral and reliable part in emergency communications they have played for over a century.
DHS’ Auxiliary Communications Field Operations Guide (AUXFOG) defines AuxComm as “an all-inclusive term used to describe the many organizations and personnel that provide various types of communications support to emergency management, public safety, and other government agencies."
The Office of Emergency Communications under DHS further states:
“Once the national Office of Emergency Communications was established under DHS in 2007, states gradually began combining their various groups of amateur radio emergency operators under an AuxComm umbrella for greater interoperability,” i.e. better communication “among jurisdictions, disciplines, frequency bands, and levels of government as needed and as authorized….
“Auxiliary Communications (AuxComm) covers a broad range of systems that could potentially be used during an incident to include: High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF), satellite communications (SATCOM), microwave, Wi-Fi, digital, video, photos, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and other modes….
“Today, nearly all the States and territories have incorporated some level of participation by amateur radio auxiliary communication operators into their Tactical Interoperable Communications Plans and Statewide Communication Interoperability Plans; this allows them to quickly integrate the operators into response efforts, which can strengthen communications and operations during incidents of any scale.”
AUXCOMM is not a standard ICS position but is made up of amateur radio operators that provide auxiliary support to emergency management.
The AUXFOG manual adds:
“AuxComm services are typically voluntary, and are commonly provided by amateur radio communicators, but may also include other volunteer organizations which have established relationships with the government organizations they support. AuxComm services include emergency, backup, or supplemental communications support to government or non-government agencies during unexpected emergencies, planned events, or training exercises.
AUXCOMM personnel are commonly utilized in Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) [and] are often used in catastrophic events when communications infrastructure has failed or has been compromised.”
Clatsop AuxComm
Clatsop County’s Emergency Operations Center was one of the first in the Pacific Northwest to combine ARES, RACES, MARS, CERT, other area communications, and independent licensed amateurs under an AuxComm umbrella.
AuxComm personnel become involved in public safety or other government communications, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staffing, and emergency equipment repair.
Our AuxComm members are all volunteers, who develop and maintain their abilities through trainings, special exercises and public service events.
Our AuxComm website is unique for our region in providing comprehensive, up-to-date local and global emergency information as well as preparation and training information.
Our AuxComm members' goal is to be informed, trained and serving on scene during any real or potential emergency or disaster in our area.
Invitation to Join
Clatsop County AuxComm welcomes licensed amateur radio operators with a variety of skills from field operations to message handling, emergency equipment repair and many more. If you would like to join us, get application information HERE or contact our Communications Unit Leader (COML), Mike Brumfield.