ICS300 - Leadership Functions in International Crisis Management Structures

Overarching Goal: Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to demonstrate the duties, responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective mid-level supervisor within an expanding incident, and be fully prepared to function in a Command or General Staff position.

Knowledge Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the NIMS Framework: Explain how the Incident Command System (ICS) fits into the broader National Incident Management System (NIMS) Command & Coordination component for managing expanding incidents.

• Explain Supervisory Roles: Describe the roles and responsibilities of all positions within the Command and General Staff (Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Admin).

• Master the Planning Process: Articulate all steps of the operational planning cycle (the "Planning P") and understand its importance in developing a cohesive response for each operational period.

• Understand Unified Command: Explain the principles and practices of a Unified Command, including how it is established, the reporting relationships within it, and how it functions in a multi-agency or multi-jurisdictional incident.

• Analyze Resource Management: Describe the process for identifying resource requirements, ordering and acquiring resources, managing them effectively at the incident, and demobilizing them in an orderly fashion.

• Explain Demobilization and Closeout: Articulate the key considerations and procedures for incident demobilization, transfer of command, and eventual closeout.

Practical Skill Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Establish Incident Command: Participate in a simulated exercise to properly establish an Incident Command Post and staff Command and General Staff positions for an expanding incident.

• Develop Incident Objectives: Given a scenario, work within a team to develop clear, measurable, and attainable strategic objectives for an upcoming operational period.

• Create an Incident Action Plan (IAP): Lead or participate in the development of a complete, formal IAP using standard ICS forms (including ICS 215 and 215A) that translates strategic objectives into tactical assignments.

• Conduct an Operational Period Briefing: Utilize a completed IAP to effectively conduct a briefing for incoming supervisors and operational resources.

• Manage Resources: Demonstrate the process of ordering, tracking, and managing resources for a simulated incident.

• Function in a Supervisory Role: Actively participate in scenario-based tabletop exercises, effectively performing the duties of an assigned Command or General Staff role to manage a simulated expanding incident.