ICS Readiness · Chapter 2 · Review · Readiness track

Command and General Staff

Referencing the content of incident command, NIMS, and National Response Framework readiness

Clear command and staff roles prevent gaps in safety, public information, and interagency liaison while operations stay focused.

Learning objectives (4)

Define Incident Commander — Individual responsible for overall incident management and authority on scene.
Describe Command Staff functions — PIO handles information; Safety monitors hazards; Liaison coordinates with cooperating agencies.
List General Staff sections — Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration.
Explain when to add deputies — Deputies support the IC or section chief when span of control or workload requires.

Chapter outline

Engage: missing Safety or PIO on a growing incident
Incident Commander authority and responsibilities
Command Staff: PIO, Safety, Liaison
General Staff sections and chiefs
Deputy roles and span of control
Adapt: table-top your agency into ICS positions

Printable study sheet Printable flashcards (PDF, 10-up)Read first, then practise the track.

Showing Readiness track material. Switch tracks on the chapter page.

Vocabulary · 16

Incident Commander (IC)
Individual with overall responsibility for incident management.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
Command Staff
PIO, Safety Officer, and Liaison Officer who report directly to the IC.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Advises IC on public information; interfaces with media and stakeholders.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
Safety Officer
Monitors incident operations and advises IC on safety issues.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
Liaison Officer
Primary contact for supporting agencies without direct tactical assignment.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
General Staff
Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration sections.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
Operations Section Chief
Develops tactics and directs operational resources.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
Planning Section Chief
Collects, evaluates, and disseminates information; maintains documentation.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
Logistics Section Chief
Provides facilities, services, and material support.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
Finance/Administration Section Chief
Monitors costs; handles compensation and claims.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
deputy
Qualified person who may assume IC or section chief role and shares workload.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
agency executive
Official with policy authority who may set objectives with IC.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
staging area
Location where resources await assignment.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
single resource
Individual, piece of equipment, or crew with defined capability.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
organizational chart
Visual display of ICS positions filled for the incident.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
accountability
Tracking personnel and resources assigned to the incident.
SourceFEMA IS-100.c, An Introduction to the Incident Command System (FEMA / EMI). Retrieved 2026-05-23: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c

Sequences · 2

Command and General Staff — Put these ICS readiness steps in a logical order.
Learning objectives — Order these chapter objectives from recognition toward coordination and handoff.