Lesson 6: Organizational Flexibility

NIMS requires organizational standardization use of Common Terminology; however, ICS is still flexible due to its Modular Organization. Functions and positions within the organizational structure are activated and filled based on the needs and demand of an incident. The ICS organizational structure will expand and contract with the incident. Personnel may hold multiple titles within an incident’s organizational structure, but the titles must keep consistent with NIMS titles. Titles may not be shortened or combined. Proper Resource Management is essential to maintaining an accurate and up-to-date picture of resource utilization and needs. Incidents are typed based on size and complexity. Incident types move from Type 5 as the least complex to Type 1 as the most complex.