Lesson 7 Overview

The Transfer of Command lesson introduces you to transfer of command briefings and procedures.

Lesson Objectives

At the end of this lesson you should be able to:

  • Describe the process of transfer of command.
  • List the briefing elements involved in transfer of command.
Checkmark next to Course Overview, checkmark next to Incident Command and Unified Command, checkmark next to Delegation of Authority and Management by Objectives, checkmark next to Functional Areas and Positions, checkmark next to Incident Briefings and Meetings, checkmark next to Organizational Flexibility, arrow next to Transfer of Command, bullet next to Application Activity, bullet next to Course Summary.
Transfer of Command
Transfer of command is the process of moving the responsibility for incident command from one Incident Commander to another.
When Command Is Transferred

Transfer of command may take place for many reasons, including when:

  • A jurisdiction or agency is legally required to take command
  • Change of command is necessary for effectiveness or efficiency
  • Incident complexity changes
  • There is a need to relieve personnel on incidents of extended duration
  • Personal emergencies arise (e.g., Incident Commander has a family emergency)
  • The Agency Administrator or Jurisdictional Executive directs a change in command
A More Qualified Person Arrives

The arrival of a more qualified person does NOT necessarily mean a change in incident command.

The more qualified individual may:

  • Assume command according to agency guidelines
  • Maintain command as it is and monitor command activity and effectiveness
  • Request a more qualified Incident Commander from the agency with a higher level of jurisdictional responsibility
Transfer of Command Procedures

One of the main features of ICS is a procedure to transfer command with minimal disruption to the incident. This procedure may be used any time personnel in supervisory positions change.

Whenever possible, transfer of command should:

  • Take place face-to-face
  • Include a complete briefing that captures essential information for continuing safe and effective operations

The effective time and date of the transfer of command should be communicated to all personnel involved in the incident.

Transfer of Command Briefing Elements

A transfer of command briefing should always take place. The briefing should include:

  • Situation status
  • Incident objectives and priorities
  • Current organization
  • Resource assignments
  • Resources ordered and en route
  • Incident facilities
  • Incident communications plan
  • Incident prognosis, concerns, and other issues
  • Introduction of Command and General Staff members
ICS Form 201, Incident Briefing Form

Agency policies and incident-specific issues may alter the transfer of command process. In all cases, the information shared must be documented and saved for easy retrieval during and after the incident.

The initial Incident Commander can use the ICS Form 201 to document actions and situational information.

For more complex transfer of command situations, every aspect of the incident must be documented and included in the transfer of command briefing.

Lesson Completion

You have completed the Transfer of Command lesson. You should now be able to:

  • Describe the process of transfer of command.
  • List the briefing elements involved in transfer of command.

The next lesson will be an activity that provides practice in applying the concepts discussed in this course.

Checkmark next to Course Overview, checkmark next to Incident Command and Unified Command, checkmark next to Delegation of Authority and Management by Objectives, checkmark next to Functional Areas and Positions, checkmark next to Incident Briefings and Meetings, checkmark next to Organizational Flexibility, checkmark next to Transfer of Command, bullet next to Application Activity, bullet next to Course Summary.