AFPAM 10-219 V3 chapter 2

CE UCC Overview

• CE UCC (Civil Engineer Unit Control Center) is the BCE's (Base Civil Engineer) conduit for unit personnel, crucial during incidents (accidents, attacks, natural disasters).
• Relays information, provides engineering expertise to EOC/IC (Emergency Operations Center/Incident Commander), and leverages unit resources for incident response and mitigation.
• Key supervisors coordinate, monitor, direct CE recovery (notifications, accountability, damage assessment, repair, related activities).

UCC Activation

• Unit commanders activate UCCs, but EOC Director determines which remain active.
• CE UCC's responsibilities are similar to EOC's, but at a lower level of command, focusing on CE recovery actions like installation damage assessment, decontamination, repair, and CRP (Contingency Response Plan) tasks.
• Activation involves staffing, facilities, and communications.

UCC Staffing

• Most engineering functions are controlled/coordinated by the CE UCC, despite EOC determining strategies.

• Managed by CE chief of operations, primarily staffed by operations management personnel (AFS 3E6X1) and senior supervisors from operations flight (e.g., electrical, water, fuels, pavements, construction, structural).

• FES (Fire and Emergency Services), EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), potentially other representatives may be included.

• Typical staff size: 7-11 personnel.

• Operations Managers (key to UCC operations/C2):

  • Personnel recall/accounting; identification of UCC team members/alternates
  • Gather/maintain documents (directions, maps, equipment, asset listings, base plans, checklists)
  • Establish/maintain events log
  • Post status boards; coordinate info between control centers
  • Monitor/report on specialized skills/equipment availability
  • Manage alternate UCC

• Engineering Specialists (AFS 3E5X1): Assist Prime BEEF supervisors in directing & controlling recovery. May include civilian personnel (with workaround plans/considerations).

UCC Facilities

• Advantageous to locate CE UCC near CE shops for easier communication (if phones/radios limited).
• Backup power source essential during power outages.
• Alternate/backup UCC facility crucial for immediate occupancy (especially for wartime/disasters, with location outside potential hazard zones).
• Facility configuration, layout, equipment, supplies usually prearranged by base/unit plans.

UCC Communications

• Crucial for information flow in response to changing situations/strategies.

• Communications require reliability, simplicity, clarity, and understanding.

• Multiple methods used (landlines, cell phones, radios, pagers, faxes, computers, runners).

• Operations managers should conduct monthly operational checks on primary/alternate comms devices (verify key contact numbers, computer software, network access).

• Communications Security:

  • Personnel must practice OPSEC (Operations Security) and COMSEC (Communications Security).
  • Use SIPRNet (SECRET Internet Protocol Router Network) and specified measures for sensitive information. Shred sensitive paperwork. Establish/use call signs, duress codes, authentication codes, passwords (as necessary).

• Telephones: Specify available connections, list numbers for positions. Identify cellular numbers/assignments. Use STE(Secure Telephone Equipment) for classified information relays. Consult security manager on clearance requirements.

• Radio Assets: Maintain strict control. Only manage directly controlled devices. FES, EOD, R&EM Flights manage their respective radio systems. Inventory, recall, assign radios to teams; keep batteries charged (critical!)

• Radio Discipline: Proper call signs, good enunciation, brevity to avoid network overload.

• Radio Dead Zones: Identify dead zones, annotate on maps, advise new users on minimization techniques (relay messages, change locations).

• Alternative Communications: Cell phones, computers, fax machines, mobile data devices, runners (depending on distance).

UCC Operation and Management

• Collects/reports damage input, directs recovery activities, operates CE communications network for around-the-clock operations (directed by BCE/CE commander and EOC).
• Disseminates threat/emergency action information, incident cordons/evacuations, protective measures, and other info to all elements.

Maintaining Essential Data and Documentation

• Contingency Plans/Checklists: Operations managers should review unit checklists, operations/support/base plans (semi-annually). Ensure currency and completeness for consistent info. Important for quick responses.
• Log of Events/Activities: Establish permanent logs (electronic/manual) with info fields (see example). Provide regularly to alternate UCC.
  • Log significant events, notifications, incident support, unit posture changes, response capabilities, correspondences, facility/equipment/personnel changes.
  • Maintain data/documents pertinent to recovery.
• Status Charts: Post easily viewable charts for monitoring critical personnel, equipment, facilities, vehicles, response teams, damage/repair status, supplies, resources, staging areas, unit posture (see examples).
• Installation Maps/Drawings: Crucial for coordinating response, infrastructure damage, and hazards. Include areas of unit responsibility, UXOs, contaminated areas, damage areas, structures, utility layout, resources/repair teams, routes. Update and annotate as needed (monthly).

Gather and Disseminate Information

• Essential function to facilitate common picture, enhancing contingency response. All CE personnel contribute.
• Collect/reports info on personnel, threats, protective measures, unit alerts, incidents, damage, response/recovery plans, mitigation, specialized skills/equipment, emergency actions.

Personnel Accountability

• Crucial during incidents, to assess response capability. Personnel may be on leave, TDY, casualties, or unable to report.
• Employ various methods for accuracy (recall rosters with reporting instructions, strength reporting at assembly points, key personnel rosters, team assignments).
• Procedures vary by installation, require adherence.
• Recall roster is essential for timely contacting personnel.

Direct, Coordinate, Monitor

• With BCE/CE commander guidance, supervisors coordinate/monitor/direct unit resources for emergency response & tasks (fire fighting, UXO, contamination, damage assessments, repairs, shelter management).
• Work with other elements (EM, EOD, FES, ECC).

Team Dispatch and Control

• Dispatch CE teams based on mission needs/threat conditions.
• Teams perform tasks like PAR (Personnel Accountability Report), damage assessment, hazard/spill response, contamination control, ADR (Airfield Damage Repair), engineering, facility/utility repair.
• Engineer officers/superintendents direct repair efforts and provide expertise. Track team progress for timely info to BCE, EOC, IC.

Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Mission Support

• Vital CE function during emergencies.
  • Pre-designated personnel for EOC/UCC to ensure continuity even if key personnel are unavailable.
  • Thorough shift changeover briefings for continuing operation understanding.
  • Disperse and recall equipment/personnel to prevent damage or destruction, especially when threat is imminent. Key to this is time. Consider dispersal locations, transport arrangements, maintaining comms with command centers, protecting dispersed assets, and recalling assets for sustained operations.
  • Prepositioning assets (shelter supplies, ADR equipment, CBRN warning assets, construction materials, staging areas) (for immediate use in emergencies).
• Staging assets (large-scale staging needs preplanning, coordination). Initial staging areas need to meet the basic safety requirements.