NIMS Command & Management 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the Planning Section during an incident?
- Coordinating tactical resource deployment
- Collecting, evaluating, and displaying incident information to support the IAP (Correct answer)
- Managing financial obligations and cost tracking
- Providing personnel, equipment, and supplies
Correct answer: Collecting, evaluating, and displaying incident information to support the IAP
The Planning Section collects and analyzes incident data, maintains resource status, and prepares the IAP and other planning products.
Question 2: The Finance/Administration Section is activated when:
- The incident spans multiple operational periods
- There is a specific need to monitor incident costs or administer contracts (Correct answer)
- An Area Command is established above the ICS
- Federal resources are deployed to the incident
Correct answer: There is a specific need to monitor incident costs or administer contracts
Finance/Administration is established when there are significant financial, reimbursement, or administrative requirements beyond normal agency capacity.
Question 3: Under ICS, 'branches' are used primarily to:
- Separate functional responsibilities from geographic responsibilities
- Reduce span of control when the number of divisions or groups exceeds manageable limits (Correct answer)
- Coordinate between Unified Command partners
- Manage resources during demobilization
Correct answer: Reduce span of control when the number of divisions or groups exceeds manageable limits
Branches are established when the number of divisions or groups exceeds the Operations Section Chief's span of control.
Question 4: Which concept requires that all incident facilities, resources, and communications use common terminology and identifiers?
- Comprehensive Resource Management
- Integrated Communications
- Common Terminology (Correct answer)
- Establishment and Transfer of Command
Correct answer: Common Terminology
Common Terminology ensures that all personnel use the same names for facilities, resources, and positions to prevent confusion.
Question 5: A 'strike team' in ICS is defined as:
- Any combination of single resources assembled for a specific mission
- A set number of resources of the same kind and type with common communications and a leader (Correct answer)
- Resources grouped by function regardless of type
- A tactical unit assigned to a specific geographic division
Correct answer: A set number of resources of the same kind and type with common communications and a leader
A Strike Team consists of a specified number of same-type resources with common communications and a designated leader.
Question 6: In ICS, 'demobilization' planning should begin:
- Only when the incident is nearly contained
- As early as possible in the incident, often during the first operational period (Correct answer)
- After the Finance Section closes all cost accounts
- When the Incident Commander requests federal assistance
Correct answer: As early as possible in the incident, often during the first operational period
Early demobilization planning ensures that resources are released in an orderly and cost-effective manner as soon as they are no longer needed.
Question 7: The Safety Officer's primary responsibility is to:
- Ensure responders receive adequate rest and rehabilitation
- Develop and recommend measures to ensure personnel safety and stop unsafe acts (Correct answer)
- Inspect all equipment before it is deployed
- Coordinate medical support with the Logistics Section
Correct answer: Develop and recommend measures to ensure personnel safety and stop unsafe acts
The Safety Officer monitors conditions and develops safety measures, with authority to stop any unsafe operation immediately.
NIMS Command & Management 4
What is the primary purpose of the Planning Section during an incident?