A better look at Branches and Groups

Org Chart Definitions Branches are used when the number of Divisions or Groups exceeds the span of control and can be either geographical or functional. Divisions* are used to divide an incident geographically. Often alpha. Groups* are used to describe functional areas of operation. Unit: That organization element having functional responsibility for a specific incident planning, logistics, or finance activity. Task Force: A group of resources with common communications and a leader that may be pre-established and sent to an incident, or formed at an incident. Strike Team: Specified combinations of the same kind and type of resources, with common communications and a leader. Single Resources: An individual piece of equipment and its personnel complement, or an established crew or team of individuals with an identified work supervisor, that can be used on an incident. * Divisions and Groups are equals – one does not report to the other

ICS Supervisory Position Titles LevelTitleSupport Incident Command Incident Commander Deputy Command StaffOfficerAssistant General Staff (Section) ChiefDeputy BranchDirectorDeputy Division/GroupSupervisorN/A UnitLeaderManager Strike Team / Task Force LeaderSingle Resource Boss

Prioritize First Priority: Life Saving Second Priority: Incident Stabilization Third Priority: Property Preservation

Common Leadership Responsibilities ENSURES safe work practices. TAKES COMMAND of assigned resources. MOTIVATES with a "can do safely" attitude. DEMONSTRATES INITIATIVE by taking action. COMMUNICATES by giving specific instructions and asking for feedback. SUPERVISES the scene of action. EVALUATES the effectiveness of the plan. UNDERSTANDS and ACCEPTS the need to modify plans or instructions

Management By Objectives Establishing overarching objectives. Developing and issuing assignments, plans, procedures, and protocols. Establishing specific, measurable objectives for various incident management functional activities. Directing efforts to attain them, in support of defined strategic objectives. Documenting results to measure performance and facilitate corrective action.

Effective Briefing Elements Task: What is to be done. Purpose: Why it is to be done. End State: How it should look when done.

Operational/Shift Briefing Agenda Done at the beginning of each operational period (shift) Concisely presents Incident Action Plan for upcoming period to supervisory personnel within Operations Section. Facilitated by the Planning Section Chief and follows a set agenda: –Current Situation and Objectives –Safety Issues and Emergency Procedures –Work Tasks –Facilities and Work Areas –Communications Protocols –Supervisory/Performance Expectations –Process for Acquiring Resources, Supplies, and Equipment –Work Schedules –Questions or Concerns Planning Section Chief reviews the agenda Incident Commander presents or confirms objectives (Planning Section Chief may present objectives) Current Operations Section Chief provides current assessment and accomplishments. On-coming Operations Section Chief covers assignments & staffing of divisions & groups for upcoming shift Safety Officer reviews specific risks to operational resources and the identified safety/mitigation measures. Special Operations Chief briefs on areas such as Air Operations (if activated). Technical Specialists update on conditions affecting response (weather, fire behavior, environment). Specific Section Chief/Unit Leaders present information related to ensuring safe and efficient operations. Incident Commander reiterates his or her operational concerns and directs resources to deploy. Planning Section Chief announces next planning meeting & Operational/Shift Briefing; adjourns