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

ICS Readiness · Chapter 6

Incident Action Plan and Operational Periods

B2 — ICS operations (IS-200)

Why this chapter matters

The IAP turns objectives into assigned work for each operational period; the Planning P structures the cycle.

Learning objectives (3)

  1. List IAP components — Objectives, command emphasis, weather, safety, assignments, communications, medical plan as needed.
  2. Explain Planning P — Cycle from incident notification through operational periods.
  3. Conduct operational period briefings — Ensure resources understand assignments and safety.

Chapter outline

  1. Engage: tactics without written objectives
  2. IAP components
  3. Operational period rhythm
  4. Planning P overview
  5. ICS forms awareness

Vocabulary (16)

Incident Action Plan (IAP)
Documents objectives, strategies, tactics, and assignments.
Planning P
Graphic of the planning cycle for developing the IAP.
ICS Form 201
Incident Briefing form used early in an incident.
ICS Form 202
Incident Objectives form.
ICS Form 204
Assignment List.
ICS Form 205
Incident Radio Communications Plan.
ICS Form 206
Medical Plan.
ICS Form 215
Operational Planning Worksheet.
operational period briefing
Meeting covering plan for upcoming period.
situation status
Current picture of incident progress.
resource status
Availability and assignment of resources.
work assignment
Specific tasks for a resource or unit.
safety analysis
Identification of hazards and mitigations.
communications plan
Radio and contact information for the period.
medical plan
Emergency medical arrangements for incident personnel.
planning meeting
Develops IAP content with command staff input.

Sequence practice (1 puzzles on Quiz Me)

Incident Action Plan and Operational Periods

Put these ICS readiness steps in a logical order.

  1. Engage: tactics without written objectives
  2. IAP components
  3. Operational period rhythm
  4. ICS forms awareness
  5. Planning P overview

Quick fire sample (15 of 28 on Quiz Me)

The IAP is prepared for:
  1. Each operational period as needed
  2. Only once per decade
  3. Only federal use
  4. Never in ICS
ICS 202 captures:
  1. Incident objectives
  2. Only meals
  3. Only aircraft paint
  4. Only pensions
ICS 204 is:
  1. Assignment List
  2. Medical Plan
  3. Only press release
  4. Only ESF map
Planning P shows:
  1. Planning cycle steps
  2. Only finance audit
  3. Only hiring
  4. Only retirement
Operational period briefing ensures:
  1. Resources understand assignments
  2. No safety discussion
  3. No communications
  4. No objectives
ICS 205 is:
  1. Communications Plan
  2. Objectives only
  3. Demobilization only
  4. Cost plan only
ICS 206 addresses:
  1. Medical Plan for personnel
  2. Only weather
  3. Only strategy only text
  4. Only MAC Group
ICS 201 is used:
  1. Early briefing and initial plan
  2. Only after demobilization
  3. Only at NRF only
  4. Never
215 worksheet supports:
  1. Operational planning
  2. Only laundry
  3. Only legal testimony
  4. Only archives
Safety analysis belongs in:
  1. IAP development
  2. Ignored always
  3. Only media
  4. Only finance
Situation status feeds:
  1. Planning and command decisions
  2. Nothing
  3. Only tourism
  4. Only sports
Planning meeting includes:
  1. Command and General Staff input
  2. Only public
  3. Only contractors uninvited
  4. No one
Documents objectives, strategies, tactics, and assignments.
  1. ICS Form 202
  2. resource status
  3. Incident Action Plan (IAP)
  4. safety analysis
Graphic of the planning cycle for developing the IAP.
  1. work assignment
  2. Planning P
  3. ICS Form 206
  4. resource status
Incident Briefing form used early in an incident.
  1. ICS Form 201
  2. work assignment
  3. Planning P
  4. resource status

Full scored drills are on Quiz Me at /courses/ics-readiness/chapters/06/print/. Answers are not marked on this sheet.