INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM ICS STUDY
GUIDE
Command - --The Incident Commander (IC) leads the command function and is
ultimately responsible for managing all aspects of the response.
Operations - --The operations section is responsible for carrying out the
Incident Action Plan (IAP). The Operations Section Chief directs the actual
response events "on the ground," requests needed resources, and reports to
the IC.
Planning - --The Planning Chief is responsible for collecting information relevant
to the emergency and then disseminating that information as needed. Planning
staff also prepares the IAP.
Logistics - --Logistics refers to sourcing and delivering equipment, supplies,
facilities, and other resources as needed by the incident response.
Finance and Administrative - --This section is responsible for keeping track of all
financial and administrative aspects of the response. Even in an emergency,
responders must be paid, resources purchased, and costs tracked to prevent
waste, theft, or corruption.
Modular Organization - --Modular organization provides for only those
elements of the organization required to meet the current objectives to be
activated. All organizational elements can be arranged in various ways under
ICS primary functions.
Organizational Unity - --To provide for organizational unity, called Unified
Command (UC) in the ICS, every individual within the organization has a
