command structure: unit 2

IMS Chapter 2127730J1-2

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Presented by Zone 3 Training Officers

“The people that make it happen”

Command Structure: Unit 2


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Lesson Objectives

Upon completion of this lesson the student will be able to:

Understand the basic configuration of command by explaining the difference between strategic level, tactical level, and task level.

Explain the basic command structure of the IMS and how to set one up for a small incident.

Explain what a division is and how they operate within the IMS.


3

Lesson Objectives (Continued)

Explain what a group is and how they operate within the IMS.

Explain the responsibilities of a division and group supervisor.


4

Command Structure (Overview)

IMS COMMAND STRUCTURE

Incident Commander

SafetyPIO

Staging

Rehab

Division 2 Ventilation groupDivision 1

E-1 E-2 E-3 E-4 E-5 E-6 L-1 L-2


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Incident Management System

Basic management system for all incidents

Expandable


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Command Organization

Expand the organization to stay ahead of the deployment of resources.


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Organizational Size

Too many managers . . . . . . and not enough workers

The IC should have more people working than commanding.


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Organizational Size (Continued)

Large command organization

Small command organization

Large-scale and complex incident =

=Small-scale and “simple” incident


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STRATEGIC LEVELOverall direction of the incident

TACTICAL LEVELAssigns operational objectives

TASK LEVELSpecific tasks assigned to companies

The Basic Configuration of Command Includes Three Levels


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Strategy

The development of a broad set of objectives for mitigating the incident

The establishing of tactical objectives, setting of priorities, and allocation of resources


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Strategic Level Responsibilities

Determine the appropriate strategy.

Establish overall incident objectives.

Set priorities.

Obtain and assign resources.

Predict outcomes and planning.

Assign specific objectives to tactical level units.

Develop an incident action plan.


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Action Plan

Plan that identifies the basic strategical approach tobe taken to control the incident

Includes identifying the tactical objectives

Translates those objectives into tasks


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The Action Plan Includes—

All strategic responsibilities.

All tactical objectives.

All support activities needed during the entire operational period.


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Action Plan

Problem/Solution Matrix

PROBLEM STRATEGY TACTICS/TASK RESOURCES

V.O.-Visible Occ. Rescue/Evac Ladder Rescue How many companies

P.O.-Possible Occ. Interior Rescue are needed to

accomplish the task?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fire (location) Offensive Fire Streams

Defensive(size/location)

Transitional

(offensive to defensive)

(defensive to offensive)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------

Exposure Protect Extinguish fire or place

water on it

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Smoke Vent PPV

(location) Vertical Vent

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hazardous Condition

(type/location)

Safety RIT


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Tactics

Specific operations that must be accomplished toachieve strategic goals

Tactical objectives should be specific and measurable


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Tactical Level Officers

Branch directors

Division and group supervisors• In charge of grouped resources


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Tactical Level Management

Directs activities toward specific objectives.

Responsible for geographical areas or functions.

Authority to make decisions and assignments.

Achievement of tactical objectives.

Should accomplish strategic goals.


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Task Level

Company or team level functions that carry out the tactival objectives

The “Nuts and Bolts” Evolutions

Can include individual or team level functions in support roles, e.g., Aides


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Task Level Management

Activities normally accomplished at the company level.

Achievement of task assignments should accomplish tactical objectives.

Routinely supervised by company officers.


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Command Structure: Basic

Single engine response

Strategy

Tactics Tasks

Company officer retains all command responsibilities

COMMANDE-1


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Command Structure: Basic (Continued)

The basic structure of a small routine incident.

Command

Engine-2 Engine-3Engine-1Tasks

Strategy Tactics


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Divisions and Groups

A division has a geographical area of responsibility.

A group has a functional operation, which may overlap into different divisions.

As the incident grows, divide companies into divisions and groups.


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Command Structure,up to Divisions/Groups

COMMAND STRUCTURE

Incident Commander

Division 2 Ventilation groupDivision 1

E-1 E-2 E-3 E-4 E-5 E-6 L-1 L-2

Tactics

Tasks

Strategy


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Division Designators (Continued)

Multistory buildings

Division 01Division 02

Division 5

Division 4

Division 3

Division 2

Division 1

Roof division


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Building designators

Exterior divisions

C-CHARLIE

D-DAVID

A-ADAM

B-BOY


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Side A-ADAM may not always be the address side.

C

B

A

D


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Divisions may also be assigned to exterior areas not related to a structure.


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Groups

Groups are responsible for functional assignments such as—

• Salvage group

• Search and rescue group

• Medical group

• Haz. mat. group


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Groups (Continued)


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Groups (Continued)

Command

SafetyPIO

Staging

Rehab

Division B Division 1Division A

Rescue group Ventilation group


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Divisions and Groups—Basic Operational Approach

To divide up the incident into smaller management units

VS


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Divisions and Groups (Continued)

Reduces the span of control

Better communication


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Assign division and groups early on, if incident dictates the need.

Assign an Operations Officer when number of divisions and/or groups exceeds span of control.


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Effective divisions or groups allow the IC to concentrate on—

• Overall strategy

• Tactical objectives

• Resource assignment

• Evaluation of action plan


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Division or group supervisors’ responsibilities include:

• Tactical deployment of resources

• Completion of assigned objectives

• Communicating needs to IC

• Communicating progress


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Communicate face to face when possible (reduces radio traffic).

Groups coordinate with division supervisors.

Maintain communication with personnel at all times.

Monitor hazards and risks to personnel.

Take action if necessary for safety of personnel.


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When Do You Assign Divisions or Groups?

If you anticipate going beyond your span of control (3-7).


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When Do You Assign Divisions or Groups? (Continued)

When it becomes difficult to manage your resources.

Complex operations• Large geographical areas• Hazardous materials • Technical rescues


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When companies are operating out of direct control of the IC.

Special hazards needing more direct control.


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Command will assign each division or group:

A supervisor

A radio designator (Name of division or group)

Tactical objectives

Identity of resources assigned


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Command is the only one who assigns divisions and groups until an Operations Section Chief is assigned.

Operations Section Chief will advise the IC when assigning additional divisions and groups.


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Division and Group Guidelines

Command will monitor the number of companies assigned each division or group.


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Division and Group Guidelines (Continued)

Difficulty in managing resources within yourdivision?

Contact IC to split the division or other action.

Remember span of control 3-7.

Subdivide the incident in a manner that makes sense.

Assign divisions to geographical locations.• Roof division• Division A-ADAM


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Assign groups to functional responsibilities.• Ventilation group• Salvage group

Radio communication should reflect your assignment.• “Command, this is roof division”• “Command, this is salvage group”


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Divisions and groups should be supervised by chief officers if possible, but may be supervised by co. officers.

Safety, Liaison, PIO should not be used in figuring span of control for IC.


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Divisions can be assigned to monitor areas of concern and report back to the IC.


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The officer assigned a division or group will—

Proceed to the division/group.

Evaluate and report conditions to the IC.

Direct operations and resources within your assigned area.


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Division and Group Supervisors must be in a position to directly supervise and monitor operations.

Supervisors must be in full protective equipment if in the hazard area.

Supervisors are responsible for and in control of all assigned functions within their division or group.


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Responsibilities of Supervisors

Division and Group Supervisors will—

Complete objectives assigned.

Account for all assigned personnel.

Ensure that operations are conducted safely.

Monitor work progress.

Redirect activities as necessary.


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Responsibilities of Supervisors (Continued)

Coordinate activities with adjacent divisions/groups.

Monitor welfare of assigned personnel.

Request additional resources as needed.

Provide command with timely progress reports.


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Re-allocate resources within the division/group.

Maintain a visible position as much as possible.

Be identifiable (vest).

Keep command informed through regular progress reports.


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Command must be advised immediately ofsignificant changes.

Those involving companies

Inability to complete an objective

Hazardous condition

Accidents

Structural collapse


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Monitor crews and request relief crews as needed for safety of personnel.


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Responsibilities of Company Officers

Direct operations of their individual crews in performing tasks.

Advise division/group supervisor of progress (face to face if possible).

Request additional resources through your division or group supervisor.


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Summary

We have discussed—

The basic configuration of command by explaining the difference between strategic level, tactical level, and task level.

The basic command structure of the IMS and how to set one up for a small incident.

What a division is and how they operate within the IMS.


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Summary (continued)

What a group is and how they operate within the IMS.

The responsibilities of a division and group supervisor.

command structure: unit 2

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