JIBC Incident Command System Principles 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In ICS, what is the maximum recommended span of control for a supervisor?
- 3 to 7 subordinates (Correct answer)
- 5 to 10 subordinates
- 2 to 5 subordinates
- 8 to 12 subordinates
Correct answer: 3 to 7 subordinates
ICS recommends a span of control between 3 and 7, with 5 considered optimal to maintain effective supervision.
Question 2: Which ICS principle ensures that every individual reports to only one supervisor?
- Unity of Command (Correct answer)
- Chain of Command
- Span of Control
- Unified Command
Correct answer: Unity of Command
Unity of Command means each person within the ICS organization reports to only one designated supervisor.
Question 3: Under ICS, who is responsible for overall management of an incident?
- Incident Commander (Correct answer)
- Operations Section Chief
- Safety Officer
- Agency Administrator
Correct answer: Incident Commander
The Incident Commander (IC) holds overall responsibility for managing the incident and all ICS functions.
Question 4: What does the term 'Transfer of Command' refer to in ICS?
- The process of moving incident command responsibility from one IC to another (Correct answer)
- Relocating the Incident Command Post
- Handing off a tactical assignment between divisions
- Transitioning from Unified Command to single command
Correct answer: The process of moving incident command responsibility from one IC to another
Transfer of Command is the formal process by which one Incident Commander passes responsibility to a successor.
Question 5: In ICS, the Operations Section is responsible for:
- Directing all tactical field operations (Correct answer)
- Providing logistical support to the incident
- Managing financial tracking and documentation
- Planning future incident strategy
Correct answer: Directing all tactical field operations
The Operations Section Chief directs all tactical actions taken to achieve the incident objectives.
Question 6: What is the purpose of an Incident Action Plan (IAP)?
- To communicate incident objectives, strategies, and tactics for an operational period (Correct answer)
- To document all costs incurred during the incident
- To assign personnel to ICS positions permanently
- To establish legal authority for responders
Correct answer: To communicate incident objectives, strategies, and tactics for an operational period
The IAP provides all supervisory personnel with direction for actions to be taken during a specific operational period.
Question 7: Which ICS position is responsible for scene safety and has the authority to stop unsafe operations?
- Safety Officer (Correct answer)
- Operations Section Chief
- Incident Commander
- Division Supervisor
Correct answer: Safety Officer
The Safety Officer monitors incident operations for hazards and has emergency authority to stop or prevent unsafe acts.
JIBC Incident Command System Principles 2
In ICS, what is the maximum recommended span of control for a supervisor?