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

ICS Readiness · Chapter 8

NIMS Command and Coordination Structures

B3 — NIMS (IS-700)

Why this chapter matters

Command and coordination span field ICS, local EOCs, and policy-level MAC Groups.

Learning objectives (3)

  1. Contrast ICS and EOC — ICS manages tactical field response; EOC supports coordination and resource prioritization.
  2. Describe MAC Group — Policy officials provide strategic direction to ICs and EOCs.
  3. Explain multiagency coordination — Processes to align objectives across jurisdictions.

Chapter outline

  1. Engage: EOC and ICP confusion
  2. ICS vs EOC
  3. MAC Group role
  4. Area command
  5. Multiagency coordination

Vocabulary (16)

Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Facility where coordination and support to field occurs.
Multiagency Coordination (MAC) Group
Policy group setting priorities among jurisdictions.
area command
Oversees multiple incidents in a geographic area.
unified command
Shared IC structure for multi-jurisdictional incidents.
coordination
Synchronizing activities without direct command of another agency's resources.
command
Directing resources within authority.
support
Providing resources or capabilities to another agency.
jurisdictional agency
Organization with legal authority in an area.
assisting agency
Provides resources or support under another's authority.
cooperating agency
Coordinates on scene with IC via liaison.
tactical level
On-scene operations under ICS.
coordination level
EOC or MAC processes aligning agencies.
policy level
Officials setting incident priorities and policy.
Incident Command System
Field-level organizational structure.
mutual aid
Voluntary sharing of resources between jurisdictions.
interoperability
Ability to work together using standard procedures.

Sequence practice (1 puzzles on Quiz Me)

NIMS Command and Coordination Structures

Put these ICS readiness steps in a logical order.

  1. Area command
  2. MAC Group role
  3. ICS vs EOC
  4. Multiagency coordination
  5. Engage: EOC and ICP confusion

Quick fire sample (15 of 28 on Quiz Me)

An EOC primarily:
  1. Coordinates support and resources
  2. Runs every tactical crew directly
  3. Replaces all ICS always
  4. Only handles media
ICS is typically established:
  1. At the incident scene
  2. Only in Washington DC
  3. Only in hospitals exclusively
  4. Never
MAC Group members are:
  1. Policy officials
  2. Only entry firefighters only always
  3. Only interns
  4. Only vendors
Area command is used when:
  1. Managing multiple incidents in an area
  2. One room briefing only
  3. No incidents
  4. Only exercises banned
Coordination differs from command because:
  1. It does not direct another agency's resources
  2. It always replaces IC
  3. It eliminates ICS
  4. It removes objectives
Unified command shares:
  1. Objectives and strategies
  2. Only radio frequencies only always
  3. Only meals
  4. Nothing
Assisting agency resources are under:
  1. IC or agency designee authority as ordered
  2. MAC only always
  3. Media
  4. Courts only
Cooperating agencies use:
  1. Liaison to IC
  2. No contact
  3. Only secret channels
  4. Only finance
Interoperability requires:
  1. Standard procedures and terminology
  2. Unique incompatible systems only
  3. No training
  4. No NIMS
Policy level sets:
  1. Priorities and resource allocation guidance
  2. Every hose line placement always
  3. Only individual PPE sizes
  4. Only menus
Tactical level executes:
  1. Operations to meet objectives
  2. National legislation
  3. Only audits
  4. Only HR hiring nationally
Mutual aid agreements help:
  1. Share resources across jurisdictions
  2. Eliminate ICS
  3. Remove NRF
  4. Avoid documentation
Facility where coordination and support to field occurs.
  1. policy level
  2. Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
  3. area command
  4. support
Policy group setting priorities among jurisdictions.
  1. cooperating agency
  2. command
  3. Multiagency Coordination (MAC) Group
  4. coordination level
Oversees multiple incidents in a geographic area.
  1. area command
  2. coordination level
  3. tactical level
  4. Multiagency Coordination (MAC) Group

Full scored drills are on Quiz Me at /courses/ics-readiness/chapters/08/print/. Answers are not marked on this sheet.