IMS Chapter J1-2 1 Presented by Zone 3 Training Officers “The people that make it happen” Command Structure: Unit 2

IMS Chapter J1-2 2 Lesson Objectives Upon completion of this lesson the student will be able to: n Understand the basic configuration of command by explaining the difference between strategic level, tactical level, and task level. n Explain the basic command structure of the IMS and how to set one up for a small incident. n Explain what a division is and how they operate within the IMS.

IMS Chapter J1-2 3 Lesson Objectives (Continued) n Explain what a group is and how they operate within the IMS. n Explain the responsibilities of a division and group supervisor.

IMS Chapter J1-2 4 Command Structure (Overview) IMS COMMAND STRUCTURE Incident Commander SafetyPIO Staging Rehab Division 2Ventilation groupDivision 1 E-1E-2E-3E-4E-5E-6L-1L-2

IMS Chapter J1-2 5 Incident Management System n Basic management system for all incidents n Expandable

IMS Chapter J1-2 6 Command Organization n Expand the organization to stay ahead of the deployment of resources.

IMS Chapter J1-2 7 Organizational Size Too many managers and not enough workers The IC should have more people working than commanding.

IMS Chapter J1-2 8 Organizational Size (Continued) Large command organization Small command organization Large-scale and complex incident = = Small-scale and “simple” incident

IMS Chapter J1-2 9 STRATEGIC LEVEL Overall direction of the incident TACTICAL LEVEL Assigns operational objectives TASK LEVEL Specific tasks assigned to companies The Basic Configuration of Command Includes Three Levels

IMS Chapter J Strategy n The development of a broad set of objectives for mitigating the incident n The establishing of tactical objectives, setting of priorities, and allocation of resources

IMS Chapter J Strategic Level Responsibilities n Determine the appropriate strategy. n Establish overall incident objectives. n Set priorities. n Obtain and assign resources. n Predict outcomes and planning. n Assign specific objectives to tactical level units. n Develop an incident action plan.

IMS Chapter J Action Plan Plan that identifies the basic strategical approach to be taken to control the incident n Includes identifying the tactical objectives n Translates those objectives into tasks

IMS Chapter J The Action Plan Includes— n All strategic responsibilities. n All tactical objectives. n All support activities needed during the entire operational period.

IMS Chapter J Action Plan Problem/Solution Matrix PROBLEM STRATEGYTACTICS/TASKRESOURCES V.O.-Visible Occ. Rescue/EvacLadder Rescue How many companies P.O.-Possible Occ. Interior Rescue are needed to accomplish the task? Fire (location) OffensiveFire Streams Defensive(size/location) Transitional (offensive to defensive) (defensive to offensive) Exposure ProtectExtinguish fire or place water on it Smoke VentPPV (location) Vertical Vent Hazardous Condition (type/location) SafetyRIT

IMS Chapter J Tactics Specific operations that must be accomplished to achieve strategic goals n Tactical objectives should be specific and measurable

IMS Chapter J Tactical Level Officers n Branch directors n Division and group supervisors In charge of grouped resources

IMS Chapter J Tactical Level Management n Directs activities toward specific objectives. n Responsible for geographical areas or functions. n Authority to make decisions and assignments. n Achievement of tactical objectives. n Should accomplish strategic goals.

IMS Chapter J Task Level n Company or team level functions that carry out the tactival objectives n The “Nuts and Bolts” Evolutions n Can include individual or team level functions in support roles, e.g., Aides

IMS Chapter J Task Level Management n Activities normally accomplished at the company level. n Achievement of task assignments should accomplish tactical objectives. n Routinely supervised by company officers.

IMS Chapter J Command Structure: Basic n Single engine response Strategy TacticsTasks n Company officer retains all command responsibilities COMMAND E-1

IMS Chapter J Command Structure: Basic (Continued) n The basic structure of a small routine incident. Command Engine-2Engine-3Engine-1 Tasks StrategyTactics

IMS Chapter J Divisions and Groups n A division has a geographical area of responsibility. n A group has a functional operation, which may overlap into different divisions. n As the incident grows, divide companies into divisions and groups.

IMS Chapter J Command Structure, up to Divisions/Groups COMMAND STRUCTURE Incident Commander Division 2Ventilation groupDivision 1 E-1E-2E-3E-4E-5E-6L-1L-2 Tactics Tasks Strategy

IMS Chapter J Division Designators (Continued) n Multistory buildings Division 01 Division 02 Division 5 Division 4 Division 3 Division 2 Division 1 Roof division

IMS Chapter J Division Designators (Continued) n Building designators n Exterior divisions C-CHARLIE D-DAVID A-ADAM B-BOY

IMS Chapter J Division Designators (Continued) Side A-ADAM may not always be the address side. C B A D

IMS Chapter J Division Designators (Continued) Divisions may also be assigned to exterior areas not related to a structure.

IMS Chapter J Groups n Groups are responsible for functional assignments such as— Salvage group Search and rescue group Medical group Haz. mat. group

IMS Chapter J Groups (Continued)

IMS Chapter J Groups (Continued) Command SafetyPIO Staging Rehab Division BDivision 1Division A Rescue groupVentilation group

IMS Chapter J Divisions and Groups— Basic Operational Approach n To divide up the incident into smaller management units VS

IMS Chapter J Divisions and Groups (Continued) n Reduces the span of control n Better communication

IMS Chapter J Divisions and Groups (Continued) n Assign division and groups early on, if incident dictates the need. n Assign an Operations Officer when number of divisions and/or groups exceeds span of control.

IMS Chapter J Divisions and Groups (Continued) n Effective divisions or groups allow the IC to concentrate on— Overall strategy Tactical objectives Resource assignment Evaluation of action plan

IMS Chapter J Divisions and Groups (Continued) n Division or group supervisors’ responsibilities include: Tactical deployment of resources Completion of assigned objectives Communicating needs to IC Communicating progress

IMS Chapter J Divisions and Groups (Continued) n Communicate face to face when possible (reduces radio traffic). n Groups coordinate with division supervisors. n Maintain communication with personnel at all times. n Monitor hazards and risks to personnel. n Take action if necessary for safety of personnel.

IMS Chapter J When Do You Assign Divisions or Groups? n If you anticipate going beyond your span of control (3-7).

IMS Chapter J When Do You Assign Divisions or Groups? (Continued) n When it becomes difficult to manage your resources. n Complex operations Large geographical areas Hazardous materials Technical rescues

IMS Chapter J When Do You Assign Divisions or Groups? (Continued) n When companies are operating out of direct control of the IC. n Special hazards needing more direct control.

IMS Chapter J When Do You Assign Divisions or Groups? (Continued) Command will assign each division or group: n A supervisor n A radio designator (Name of division or group) n Tactical objectives n Identity of resources assigned

IMS Chapter J When Do You Assign Divisions or Groups? (Continued) n Command is the only one who assigns divisions and groups until an Operations Section Chief is assigned. n Operations Section Chief will advise the IC when assigning additional divisions and groups.

IMS Chapter J Division and Group Guidelines Command will monitor the number of companies assigned each division or group.

IMS Chapter J Division and Group Guidelines (Continued) Difficulty in managing resources within your division? n Contact IC to split the division or other action. n Remember span of control 3-7. n Subdivide the incident in a manner that makes sense. n Assign divisions to geographical locations. Roof division Division A-ADAM

IMS Chapter J Division and Group Guidelines (Continued) n Assign groups to functional responsibilities. Ventilation group Salvage group n Radio communication should reflect your assignment. “Command, this is roof division” “Command, this is salvage group”

IMS Chapter J Division and Group Guidelines (Continued) n Divisions and groups should be supervised by chief officers if possible, but may be supervised by co. officers. n Safety, Liaison, PIO should not be used in figuring span of control for IC.

IMS Chapter J Division and Group Guidelines (Continued) Divisions can be assigned to monitor areas of concern and report back to the IC.

IMS Chapter J Division and Group Guidelines (Continued) The officer assigned a division or group will— n Proceed to the division/group. n Evaluate and report conditions to the IC. n Direct operations and resources within your assigned area.

IMS Chapter J Division and Group Guidelines (Continued) Division and Group Supervisors must be in a position to directly supervise and monitor operations. n Supervisors must be in full protective equipment if in the hazard area. n Supervisors are responsible for and in control of all assigned functions within their division or group.

IMS Chapter J Responsibilities of Supervisors Division and Group Supervisors will— n Complete objectives assigned. n Account for all assigned personnel. n Ensure that operations are conducted safely. n Monitor work progress. n Redirect activities as necessary.

IMS Chapter J Responsibilities of Supervisors (Continued) n Coordinate activities with adjacent divisions/groups. n Monitor welfare of assigned personnel. n Request additional resources as needed. n Provide command with timely progress reports.

IMS Chapter J Responsibilities of Supervisors (Continued) n Re-allocate resources within the division/group. n Maintain a visible position as much as possible. n Be identifiable (vest). n Keep command informed through regular progress reports.

IMS Chapter J Responsibilities of Supervisors (Continued) Command must be advised immediately of significant changes. n Those involving companies n Inability to complete an objective n Hazardous condition n Accidents n Structural collapse

IMS Chapter J Responsibilities of Supervisors (Continued) Monitor crews and request relief crews as needed for safety of personnel.

IMS Chapter J Responsibilities of Company Officers n Direct operations of their individual crews in performing tasks. n Advise division/group supervisor of progress (face to face if possible). n Request additional resources through your division or group supervisor.

IMS Chapter J Summary We have discussed— n The basic configuration of command by explaining the difference between strategic level, tactical level, and task level. n The basic command structure of the IMS and how to set one up for a small incident. n What a division is and how they operate within the IMS.

IMS Chapter J Summary (continued) n What a group is and how they operate within the IMS. n The responsibilities of a division and group supervisor.