Fundamentals Review for Command and General Staff

UNIT TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

• Given a scenario and review materials, apply key NIMS doctrine concepts (NIMS Management Characteristics, Unified Command, Incident Command System structure and functional area responsibilities, IAP Preparation and the Operational Period Planning Cycle, and incident complexity) to the management of a complex incident or event.

UNIT ENABLING OBJECTIVES

• Describe types of agency(ies) policies, guidelines, and agreements that influence management of incident or event activities.

• Describe issues that influence incident complexity, complex incidents, and Incident Complex and the tools available to analyze complexity.

• Describe the process for transfer of command.

• Describe the primary guidelines and responsibilities of the Command and General Staff positions.

• List the major steps in the Incident Action Planning Process.

• Describe the purposes and responsibilities of Agency Representatives or technical specialists, reporting relationships, and how they can be used effectively within the incident organization.

• Define the advantages of Unified Command and list the kinds of situations that may call for a Unified Command organization.

• Describe how Unified Command functions

Your group is part of a group preparing to manage a 4th of July celebration that includes the following:

• July 3rd - July 5th: The Fire Department’s annual 3-day carnival will begin each day at 10:00 a.m., and end each evening with a concert and fireworks. In conjunction with the carnival, the 4-H Club is sponsoring a craft fair and livestock show.

•  July 4th: A parade honoring a returning war hero is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m., ending in a noon rally. The rally will include speeches from your U.S. Senator, the Governor, and Department of Defense officials. Press reports have indicated that the Senator is about to announce her intent to run for President in the fall primaries.

The carnival and rally will be held on the County Fairgrounds. The mile-long parade route begins at the County Courthouse. The county is in the middle of a heat wave that is forecasted to continue. Large crowds are projected. National media outlets are beginning to arrive. The FBI has issued a general advisory warning of possible terrorism directed at disrupting holiday celebrations.

ALL Group Assigned Questions:

What are the three most likely factors/scenarios that might cause the incident to increase in complexity?

 Select one of the above “what-if” factors/scenarios. Now assume that this factor/scenario has occurred and that a transfer of command is needed. What are the five important steps for effectively assuming command of an incident?

Additional Group Questions:

Group 1

• How might the role of Command be defined in this scenario? Should it be limited to public safety and security only, or should it also include management of all activities associated with the 3-day event? What are the issues associated with each choice?

•  What are the primary responsibilities of the Safety Officer for this event?

•  What are the primary responsibilities of the Liaison Officer for this event? What Agency Representatives may be present? What are the roles of the Agency Representatives?

•  What are the primary responsibilities of the Public Information Officer for this event?

Group 2

•  What are the primary responsibilities of the Operations Section Chief for this event?

•  What tactical resources are likely to be needed to manage this event?

•  How will span of control be managed? Will Branches, Divisions, and/or Groups be added?

•  What is a possible organizational structure for the Operations Section? (Draw a chart.)

Group 3

• What are the primary responsibilities of the Planning Section Chief for this event? What are the greatest challenges facing the Planning Section? What types of Technical Specialists may be included in the Planning Section?

•  What are the primary responsibilities of the Logistics Section Chief for this event? What are the greatest challenges facing the Logistics Section?

•  What are the primary responsibilities of the Finance/Administration Section Chief for this event? What are the greatest challenges facing the Finance/Administration Section?

Group 4

• Who is responsible for the Incident Action Planning Process?

•  What types of policies, guidelines, or agreements must be considered in managing this event?

•  How long will the first operational period be?

•  What are the initial objectives for the event’s first operational period? (Write SMART objectives!)

•  Once the formal Incident Action Planning Process begins, what are the major steps/meetings conducted?

•  What ICS forms will be completed? What are the purposes of each form?