Incident Command System Analysis

The Incident Command System (ICS) is composed of seven principals; standardization, functional specificity, manageable span of control, unit integrity, unified command, management by objectives, and comprehensive resource management. (Lindell, Perry, & Prater, 2007, p. 271). The basis of ICS is to promote agency interoperability by establishing framework for terminology, communications, and structure. Additionally, the system clearly defines all the roles each position has, groups individual/agencies of similar disciples together, and establishes a baseline span of control for effective management of personnel. Moreover, the system provides framework for establishing a unified command when an incident involves multiple agencies and/or stakeholders as well as effective method for tracking resources (personnel, equipment, facilities,
NIMS took elements of both the Incident Command System and Incident Management System to create a better system of management, however there are notable differences from the baseline ICS framework. First, NIMS adopted Incident Management System (IMS) element of command and control by Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACS) which enables standup of Emergency Support Fuctions to expedite decision making process by putting agency representative with delegated decision making power under one roof similar to the Unified and Area commands of ICS (Lindell et al., 2007, p. 284). In addition, NIMS introduces standardization for training, exercises, qualification and certification, and the acquisition of resources (Lindell et al., 2007, p. 284). Lastly, NIMS establishes framework for resource management (inventory and standardization of naming) (Lindell et al., 2007, p. 284). Overall, NIMS lays the framework to be able to be effectively prepare for an incident, however the ICS and IMS provide the foundation for effective disaster