| - Chain of Command is the line of authority that flows down through the organizational structure.
- Unity of Command means that each individual will be assigned and report to only one supervisor.
- Unity of Command is different from Unified Command; Unified Command is established when no one jurisdiction, agency, or organization has primary authority, therefore there is no one clear Incident Commander. These multiple agencies work together to communicate and make command decisions.
- Communication during an incident may be formal or informal
- Formal communications must be used for work assignments, resource requests, and progress reports.
- Informal communication is used to exchange incident or event information only.
- All levels of leadership on an incident should understand and practice the leadership principles, have a commitment to duty, and take actions that prioritize the safety of personnel.
- Clear communication is the responsibility of all responders in order to accomplish incident objectives. Incident Management Assessments may be conducted by leadership after an incident to help personnel process what happened and why.
- ICS utilizes a Modular Organization so that the organization can expand and contract as an incident grows and shrinks. This modular organization helps maintain an effective span of control.
- Manageable span of control with Modular Organization is accomplished by organizing resources into Teams, Divisions, Groups, Branches, or Sections. Leadership in each organizational level holds a unique title.
- The flexibility allowed for in ICS does is not override the importance of Common Terminology. Common Terminology must be used to maintain clear communication, whether formal or informal.
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