This system was developed at the national level to create a catalog of resource typing definitions providing emergency managers with the information they need to request and receive the resources they need during an incident, emergency or disaster.

Of the eight groups representing key functional disciplines in the resource typing system, amateur radio communications most likely fits in the Emergency Management Resources group. It is unlikely that Amateur Radio will become a "Tier 1" resource, but with our encouragement it can become a viable, typed local or "Tier 2" deployable resource meeting NIMS resource requirements.

Public Service Event amateur radio coordinators and Ecom group leaders will also find this works for event, incident and mutual aid staffing and provides training in resource ordering and assignments.

The NIMS Resourse Management course IS-703 is excellent for those in leadership positions.

The Public Service, RACES, & ARES© Communications Resource Functions Equipment Guide - (Current Version - PDF)

A change from "Communications Resource Types" to "Communication Resource Functions" or CRF was initiated recently to better align with NIMS. This is due to the fact that NIMS calssifications use Type to describe a measure of minimum capability to perform that function (with a Type I implying a higher capability than a Type II). This change is in the naming and does not affect the communicator function descriptions and equipment lists for each. This aids in putting together Typed Response Individuals and Teams.

• The CRF Guide is a great resource tool for any Public Service event or Ecom mutual aid incident in staffing and assignments of amateur radio communicators. Download Guide - PDF

• A PDF Check List to determine your CRF can be downloaded here.

• A concise Communications Resource Function ordering guide can be viewed and downloaded here . This would be used by those needing amateur radio resources to determine the CRF's to order.

• Below are two power point presentations on Resource Typing for Amateur Radio. The first goes into detail about the Functions and the second discusses resource ordering. Both are pdf's.
  • Resource Typing for Amateur Radio Communicators
  • Resource Typing with emphasis on resource ordering.

RACES/ARES© Resource Teams - NIMS Format

• Urban Tactical - (Download PDF) This proposal is in the NIMS format and defines an amateur radio communications VHF/UHF Tactical Team as Type I, II, III or IV. The team types defined in this document represent the most common amateur radio communications solutions needed in an urban tactical communications situation. The NIMS Resource Typing document allows for teams as well as personnel types. There are other documents defining amateur radio communications in a Teams format.

• Strategic - (Download PDF) A version in NIMS format for HF and Digital HF Typed Teams. These teams are in the Type I to IV format and is in the very early stages of being defined. (Input Welcome)

Credentialling the Radio Amateur Communicator is probably the next most important task. This will prove to be a daunting task. Comments and suggestions on this effort is welcomed and appreciated.

The development of Public Service Communicator Resource Types began as a way to associate radio amateurs volunteering for public service events to communications functions based on equipment the amateur possessed. In the early days (1996) we used the term "Modes" rather than "Types." The guide has currently been enhanced with details for digital equipment and their types (thanks to N5OOM). The basic equipment types used here match up with the Dallas RACES/ARES groups use of the Staging Area intake card affectionally referred to as the "BLMRS" card (developed by AA5QX). For Collin County ARES it's the "T" card. There are reports of other amateur radio groups around the United States using this guide.

Garland RACES/ARES Informaton - 8/15/2006