IFSTA Incident Command Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When multiple agencies share incident command responsibilities, the appropriate command structure is:
- Area Command
- Unified Command (Correct answer)
- Single Command
- Branch Command
Correct answer: Unified Command
Unified Command allows agencies with different legal, geographic, and functional authorities to manage an incident together without losing their individual agency authority.
Question 2: In ICS, what is the term for a geographic designation that divides the incident for the purpose of assigning resources?
- Group
- Branch
- Division (Correct answer)
- Sector
Correct answer: Division
A Division is used to divide an incident into geographic areas of operation, typically designated by letters (A, B, C, etc.).
Question 3: Which ICS section is responsible for providing facilities, services, and materials in support of incident operations?
- Planning Section
- Finance/Administration Section
- Operations Section
- Logistics Section (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Logistics Section
The Logistics Section is responsible for providing all service and support needs, including facilities, transportation, supplies, equipment maintenance, fuel, and food.
Question 4: What resource status is assigned to a unit that is available and ready for assignment?
- Staged
- Assigned
- Available (Correct answer)
- Out of Service
Correct answer: Available
Resources with an 'Available' status are on scene or nearby, ready for immediate assignment by the Incident Commander or Operations Section Chief.
Question 5: The ICS principle of 'common terminology' requires that:
- All agencies use the same radio frequencies
- Standard titles and terms are used for all organizational elements (Correct answer)
- Personnel must speak the same language
- Only NIMS-approved equipment is used
Correct answer: Standard titles and terms are used for all organizational elements
Common terminology requires using standard names for organizational elements, positions, facilities, and resources to prevent confusion during multi-agency operations.
Question 6: Which ICS facility is the location where the Incident Commander and command staff direct incident operations?
- Staging Area
- Base Camp
- Incident Command Post (Correct answer)
- Operations Center
Correct answer: Incident Command Post
The Incident Command Post (ICP) is the field location where the Incident Commander and primary command staff oversee incident operations.
Question 7: In ICS, a 'Task Force' differs from a 'Strike Team' because a Task Force:
- Has a larger span of control
- Consists of unlike resources combined to accomplish a specific mission (Correct answer)
- Only operates during wildland incidents
- Is always led by a Section Chief
Correct answer: Consists of unlike resources combined to accomplish a specific mission
A Task Force is a combination of mixed resources with common communications assembled for a specific mission, unlike a Strike Team which uses only same-kind resources.
IFSTA Incident Command Systems 2
When multiple agencies share incident command responsibilities, the appropriate command structure is: