Acrophobia

Here at the Integrated Public Safety Commission (IPSC), the word "ACROPHOBIA" has taken on a new meaning.  Sure, for our tower climbers, it still means "fear of heights."  But for the rest of us, it signifies "an irrational fear of an abbreviation formed from the initial letters of other words." Acronyms everywhere. They're. taking. over.

Following are just a few of the acronyms you may encounter in our world:

AUXCOMM…Auxiliary Communications Unit (amateur or “ham” radio)
AAR…After Action Report
CAD/RMS…Computer Aided Dispatch/Records Management System
CASM…Communication Assets Survey & Mapping Tool
COML…Communications Unit Leader
COMLEX…Communications Unit Leader Exercise
COMT…Communications Unit Technician
DPC…District Planning Council
GETS…Government Emergency Telecommunications System
ICS…Incident Command System
ICTAP…Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program
IMAT…Incident Management Assistance Team
IPAWS…Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
IPSBEC…Indiana Public Safety Broadband Executive Committee
MCV…Mobile Command Vehicle
MIRS…Mobile IntelliRepeater Site
MOU…Memoranda of Understanding (or MOA, Memoranda of Agreement)
NAWAS…National Alert and Warning System
NECP…National Emergency Communications Plan
NIFOG…National Interoperability Field Operations Guide
NIMS…National Incident Management System
NPSBN…National Public Safety Broadband Network
OEC…Office of Emergency Communications (Federal Department of Homeland Security)
PSAP…Public Safety Answering Point
RECCWG…Regional Emergency Communications Coordinating Working Group (FEMA)
SCIP…Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan
SIEC…Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee
SLIGP…State and Local Implementation Grant Program (Public Safety Broadband)
SOP…Standard Operating Procedure
SWIC…Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
TERT…Telecommunicator Emergency Response Team
TICP…Tactical Interoperable Communications Plan
TSP…Telecommunications Service Priority
WPS…Wireless Priority Service