ICS Readiness · Chapter 5 · Review · Readiness track
Single Resources, Divisions, Groups, Branches
Referencing the content of incident command, NIMS, and National Response Framework readiness
Organizational depth matches geography and function; span of control keeps supervision effective.
Learning objectives (3)
Differentiate division and group — Division is geographic; group is functional.
Apply span of control — Supervisors manage about 3 to 7 subordinates.
Use resource designators — Standard identifiers aid tracking and ordering.
Chapter outline
- Engage: too many resources for one supervisor
- Single resources and crews
- Divisions and groups
- Branches and directors
- Resource identifiers
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Vocabulary · 16
division
Organizational level responsible for operations in a geographic area.
group
Organizational level responsible for a functional area.
branch
Organizational level between division/group and operations chief.
task force
Mixed resources with common communications reporting to one leader.
strike team
Same kind and type resources with common communications.
single resource
Individual or single piece of equipment.
crew
Teams of personnel with shared supervision.
Operations Section Chief
Oversees tactical execution.
supervisor
Individual responsible for assigned resources.
resource identifier
Code linking resource to incident and home unit.
geographic assignment
Work defined by map area.
functional assignment
Work defined by activity type.
organizational level
Depth in ICS chart (branch, division, etc.).
overhead team
Leaders and staff not in direct tactical line.
tactical resource
Resource performing hands-on work.
expansion of organization
Adding positions as incident grows.
Sequences · 1
- Single Resources, Divisions, Groups, Branches — Put these ICS readiness steps in a logical order.