Preparing for the FEMA final exam can be a daunting task, but understanding the Incident Command System (ICS) is crucial to success. The ICS is a standardized approach to managing incidents and provides a clear organizational structure that enables effective and efficient response. Within the ICS are different section performing various unique functions.
So, if you are studying got the FEMA final exam one of the common questions you will likely encounter is: “Which section organizes, assigns, and supervises tactical response resources.”
So, in this article, we will help answer the question and also take it a step further by helping you see why the answer is so. Keep reading!
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Which Section Organizes, Assigns, and Supervises Tactical Response?
Like we said earlier, this is not a strange question. In fact, it is one of the most common questions in the archive of FEMA. And when the question, “Which Section organizes, assigns, and supervises tactical response” comes up, the typical options that usually followers are:
From these options, the right answer is (a) Operations. Let’s explain why Operations is the correct answer.
Explanation:
In the Incident Command System (ICS) used by FEMA, the Operations Section is responsible for organizing, assigning, and supervising tactical response activities. This includes the deployment of resources to manage the incident and to execute the tactics developed by the Planning Section.
The Operations Section also coordinates with other sections, such as Logistics and Finance/Administration, to ensure that resources are available and that personnel are properly supported during the incident response.
On the other hand, the Planning Section is responsible for developing the Incident Action Plan (IAP) that outlines the overall objectives and strategies for the incident response. And the Logistics Section manages resources such as personnel, equipment, and supplies.
The Finance/Administration Section is the one in charge of tracking and documenting incident-related costs and providing financial and administrative support for the incident response.
While all of these sections are essential to effective incident response, it is the Operations Section that takes the lead in tactical response activities. Now, let’s take a closer look at the Operations Section to learn a few more things.
Who Heads the Operation Section of ICS?
The person who heads the Operations Section in the Incident Command System (ICS) is the Operations Section Chief. This personnel is the one responsible for overseeing and coordinating all tactical operations related to the incident.
They work closely with other section chiefs, such as Planning, Logistics, etc., to ensure that resources are deployed effectively and that all aspects of the response are integrated and coordinated. The Operations Section Chief also communicates with other stakeholders outside of the ICS structure, such as partner agencies and elected officials, to provide updates and coordinate response efforts.
The Operations Section Chief may delegate responsibilities to other positions within the Operations Section, such as Branch Directors or Strike Team Leaders, depending on the complexity and scale of the incident.
What Qualifies Someone to Be an Operations Section Chief?
The qualifications for an Operations Section Chief in the Incident Command System (ICS) may vary depending on the jurisdiction or organization, but there are generally some common requirements and preferred qualifications.
At a minimum, an Operations Section Chief should have completed the ICS 100, 200, and 300 courses, which provide a foundational understanding of the ICS and its components.
In addition, they should have experience in incident management and the specific type of incident they will be managing as an Operations Section Chief. This experience can come from working in emergency management, public safety, or another related field.
Again, they should have experience in a leadership or supervisory role, with the ability to effectively communicate, delegate tasks, and manage personnel.
More Questions to Expect
Apart from “which section organizes, assigns, and supervises tactical response,” let’s show you some other questions you are likely going to meet in your exam. It is the final exam, and you can’t afford to leave any end loosed. We will mention some more common question and also give their answers too.
#1: Which ICS function is responsible for documentation of mutual aid agreements?
- a) Incident Command
- b) Operations
- c) Finance/Administration
- d) Planning
The correct answer to this question is c. Finance/Administration.
The Finance/Administration Section is responsible for documentation of mutual aid agreements. Mutual aid agreements are agreements between neighboring jurisdictions or organizations to provide assistance to each other in times of emergency. These agreements can be critical in managing incidents that exceed the capabilities of a single jurisdiction or organization.
The Finance/Administration Section tracks and documents all incident-related costs, manages contracts and agreements, and provides financial and administrative support for the incident response. This includes documenting mutual aid agreements and ensuring that the appropriate resources and personnel are deployed as needed.
#2: The Incident Command System (ICS) can be used to manage any type of incident, including planned events.
- a) True
- b) False
The answer is a) True.
The Incident Command System (ICS) is a flexible and scalable framework that can be used to manage any type of incident, including planned events such as concerts, sporting events, and festivals.
In fact, the use of ICS in planned events has become increasingly common in recent years, as it provides a standardized approach to managing events that involve multiple agencies and stakeholders. This versatility is one of the key strengths of the ICS, making it a valuable tool for any organization or jurisdiction involved in incident management.
#3: Which one of the following activities is not an example of incident coordination?
- a) Establishing priorities among incidents.
- b) Synchronizing public information messages.
- c) Directing, ordering, or controlling.
- d) Resolving critical resource issues.
The answer is c. Directing, ordering, or controlling.
Incident coordination is the process of managing the various elements of an incident response to ensure an effective and efficient overall response. It involves a range of activities, such as establishing priorities, allocating resources, managing communications, and resolving critical issues.
The activities listed in options A, B, and D are all examples of incident coordination. Option C, however, is not an example of incident coordination. Directing, ordering, or controlling can be part of incident management, but it is not necessarily part of the coordination process.
#4: Which NIMS component includes the Incident Command System (ICS)?
- a) Resource Management
- b) Command and Coordination
- c) Joint Information System
- d) Communications and Information Management
The correct answer is b. Command and Coordination.
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a comprehensive framework that provides a standardized approach to incident management. NIMS is based on a set of core principles, best practices, and procedures for managing incidents of all sizes and complexities.
One of the key components of NIMS is the Command and Coordination component, which includes the Incident Command System (ICS). The ICS is a standardized organizational structure that provides a scalable and flexible approach to incident management
Final Note On Which Section Organizes, Assigns, and Supervises Tactical Response
Now, we believe you know the right answer to the question, “Which section organizes, assigns, and supervises tactical response.” Yes, it is the Operations Section of the Incident Command System (ICS).
That is the section responsible for organizing, assigning, and supervising tactical response during an incident. And the Operations Section Chief is the head of the section. We have looked into who the Operations Section Chief is and their roles too.
We have also consider a few more questions you might meet in your exam. By now, we think you have what it takes to sit for your FEMA final exam and pass it. Good luck!
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